A fund set up by Essex County Council is offering grants to local charities and community groups to help support their work.
Essex Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation, has already channelled £1.4 million into local communities and is calling for new applications.
This year, voluntary organisations in Essex (not Southend and Thurrock) can apply for funding of between £500 to £7,500 towards their core operating costs, projects or capital items.
The Fund can support activities that help unpaid carers, improve the environment or engage people with the environment, provide a community resource or those that help young people to explore culture and heritage.
Cllr Eddie Johnson, Chairman of Essex County Council, said, “Essex has a diverse range of voluntary and community organisations that do so much to improve the lives of local people and make their communities a better place to live.
“The impact that their work has is immeasurable and I am so pleased that the grants we award annually help to further their work.”
Among the charitable activities that have received funding in previous years are a virtual classroom for people with learning disabilities, a horticultural project for people with mental health issues and support for young carers.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: ““The decision-making panel has a particular interest this year in supporting smaller voluntary organisations, projects that are working in deprived communities or organisations that are led by members of the community.
“There is a short application form on our website, but our friendly grants team are on hand to help on 01245 356018 if you have any questions.”
The deadline to submit an application is 5pm on Friday 4 March 2022. To apply, click here.
Uttlesford Foodbank Advocacy and Campaigns Officer
Uttlesford Foodbank is committed to working with the Trussell Trust to develop an influencing strategy to help end the need for foodbanks and we are looking for someone who is equally committed to advocate for ending poverty and food insecurity.
This new part-time position will be home based (20 hours a week) with local travel and occasional further UK travel. The position will be for an initial one-year period, subject to extension up to three years.
You will be responsible for developing and delivering the Uttlesford Foodbank Campaign for Change strategy alongside our volunteer campaigning team.
Reporting to the Foodbank Project Coordinator and supported by the Trussell Trust’s Organising and Local Mobilisation (OLM) team.
Responsibilities
To develop and implement the local Campaign for Change strategy.
To explore and understand local factors that are bringing people to need the foodbank’s support.
Identify and address the local drivers of poverty with the appropriate organisations and encourage the establishment of a district poverty and food insecurity alliance group.
Provide guidance for the volunteer campaign team, developing the campaign skills and capacity of the volunteer team.
To ensure Uttlesford Foodbank social media reflects the messages from the Uttlesford Foodbank local campaign for change strategy.
To work with the OLM team and engage with the training and support on offer.
To support clients to share and tell their stories which can be used to support the campaign for change.
To establish a database of members of the community who are interested in being involved with local campaign activities.
To manage expenditure of the campaigns budget liaising with the Uttlesford Foodbank Coordinator.
Personal Specification
We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative and committed individual who has experience of campaigning and advocacy work as well as managing and working with volunteers. Your attention to detail will enable you to see projects through to completion whilst focusing on the overall vision. You will be able to work independently and communicate your ideas clearly to the wider team. Ability to develop networks and good relationships within our community. Good IT skills across MS Office and an understanding of social media are essential.
To apply for this position, please email [email protected] the following:
a CV(maximum two pages)
a Covering Letter telling us about your experience and how this relates to the personal specification (maximum two pages)
Please submit your application no later than Friday 11th February. We reserve the right to close early or extend this date depending on the number of applicants.
Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date for applications.
Uttlesford Foodbank is committed to achieve greater diversity and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability.
Applications are open all year, with quarterly funding rounds for eligible charities. Funding is available for fresh ideas looking to secure up to £50,000. Plus, our Knowledge Library, Facebook Group and volunteer opportunities are available to all.
Submissions for round 1 close at 23.59 on 1 February When applying, you’ll see our new eligibility requirements – check these closely to make sure your idea meets the new criteria.
Submissions will be reviewed for eligibility. You can use this time to look through the support and resources on offer to help you prepare and make the most of your campaign.
All Crowdfunder pages go live on 1 March. Causes can share projects with their networks of supporters to raise public donations.
Location: St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, Essex, CM17 9JX
Salary: £21,901 – £25,399 per annum FTE (depending on experience).
Hours: Part time, 22.5 hours per week
Overview of role
St Clare Hospice is a charity that provides specialist palliative care to patients and families in West Essex and the East Hertfordshire borders. Since 2017 the organisation has had an external focus and seeks to engage with and support local people wherever it can.
We are seeking a new member of staff who is experienced in supporting people, working with individuals and community groups and has operated in a service delivery environment. You will be an integral part of the community engagement and involvement team in delivering innovative projects and creating opportunities for local people in our catchment area.
Our Namaste Care Dementia Project has only been operating for a around a year, but has already seen high levels of engagement and has been well received, you will join us at a point where we can consolidate the work to date and establish the project the next phase of the project that seeks to positively influence the lives of people living with dementia, their carer and colleagues working in this field.
Please read the job description (link below) for further details.
If you would you like to help to develop Hospice services then we would like to hear from you.
In return for your commitment we offer a full induction into your role, a competitive salary and benefits package, company sick pay scheme and contributory pension scheme.
For an informal discussion, please contact: Sally Muylders, Community Engagement Manager, on 07398714405 or email [email protected]
How to apply
You need to complete a St Clare Hospice Application Form and submit with a cover letter stating why you feel you are suitable for this role (in particular, explaining how you fulfil the requirements set out in the Person Specification).
Please note: Your CV will not be accepted by itself and the application form must be fully completed.
If you are unable to download the documents or print the application form and would like to receive an application pack, or if you require any assistance regarding the application process, please telephone the HR Team, on 01279 773744.
Please state clearly which vacancy you are applying for.
St Clare Hospice is an Equal Opportunities employer.
Employment offers may be subject to receipt of satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
A note to agencies
We understand that agencies do search for opportunities to work with organisations such as ourselves. However, we request that you do not contact us in relation to the vacancies advertised above. We respond to enquiries from individuals seeking employment directly.
Colchester’s strategic partnership, One Colchester launched its 2021-22 Winter Resilience campaign to help those in need stay safe, warm, well and connected this winter.
Thanks to partnership working, funding and community spirit, this project continues to provide advice and support through the One Colchester initiative delivering roadshows in the community and distributing winter packs to those affected by the cold weather, including families on low incomes, people living with long-term health conditions or at risk of social isolation,
A Winter Resilience Steering Group, chaired by Community360, who co-delivers the project, brings together representatives from the public and voluntary sector to facilitate more action over the coming months.
Tracy Rudling, Chief Executive Officer of Community360 said: “We are delighted to be working once again with key partners who provide much needed help and support when things get tough during the winter months. This also includes funding local projects and conducting outreach across the borough. We are still facing challenging levels of inequalities across North-East Essex as a result of the pandemic. That’s why it is crucial that we continue working together with partners to support our communities.”
She added: “We also have the welcome addition of our new Community Hub in Long Wyre Street which has recently opened its’ doors. A huge asset to the town as well as an important focal point for our communities this winter. The COVID-19 lockdown forced the Hub to pause its usual activities and we had to adapt to support our communities in new ways. It is fantastic our wonderful staff can once again welcome the people of Colchester, a welcoming space and access point for a wide range of activities, programs, services, social and wellbeing activities.”
The Winter Packs, a crucial part of the campaign will include a guide to local support services ranging from Colchester Borough Council’s Emergency Heater Scheme to social groups, and contain practical items, such as clothing, basic refreshments, a torch, blanket and flask and will be distributed to those identified as being in need by partnership members. In addition, this year the packs will provide help and support to encourage people to stay safe but to try and maintain some form of physical activity and to maintain a healthy mind. A dedicated supply of packs will be held at the Hub and will also be held at Colchester Hospital for staff to distribute to patients who would benefit from the packs when they are discharged.
Pam Donnelly, Colchester Borough Council’s Strategic Director of Customer and Relationships, said: “Winter is always a tough time, but for the second year running the pandemic will make the colder months even more challenging for many in our communities.
“Colchester has a fantastic community spirit – exemplified by this campaign and the excellent partnership working that will make a significant difference by providing much-needed help for some of our most isolated and vulnerable residents.”
This winter has also seen the creation of six neighbourhoods, Colchester South, Central and North and Tendring West, East and South all of which will have a Live Well Neighbourhood Team which is able to support individuals and communities with whole population, urgent care, ongoing care and high needs in a joined-up way. The aim of the neighbourhood’s team is to break down barriers and to work more closely together to focus on the improved health outcomes for local people.
Emma Strivens is Associate Director for North East Essex Mental Health and Senior Reporting Officer for the Neighbourhood Model (North East Essex Alliance) she said:
“We are delighted to announce that the first neighbourhood, Colchester Central has been launched which sees a collaboration between the local voluntary sector, communities, leaders, boroughs and health and social care.
The opening of the One Colchester Hub comes at a crucial time to this project, with a Community Connector working from the premises. Community360 is an important part of the Neighbourhood Leadership Team and will be on hand to support this new and exciting way of working.”
Cllr Beverly Oxford, Colchester Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “With winter approaching it is important residents keep warm and look after themselves. Our ongoing partnership work and funding continues to support this excellent winter resilience project, offering free support for our residents to stay well and warm this winter.”
Pam Green, Chief Operating Officer at the North East Essex CCG said:
“Keeping the residents of Colchester and the surrounding areas warm and safe during the winter is essential to avoid people becoming unnecessarily unwell. C360 are essential partners with the NHS and this is just one of the amazing projects we do together. Connecting with people in their own homes and communities is so much more than just the winter packs that C360 can provide when they see the need. Brilliant work and thank you to all the volunteers and staff that make this happen.”
The Winter Resilience project has been funded by North East Essex Alliance and supported by donations in kind from the COOP and Waitrose. More sponsors are expected to be announced shortly.
Our new £1 million fund set up to support Essex’s art and culture sector has opened for applications today (Tuesday 4th January). The Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund will offer artists and cultural organisations grants from £2,500 to £30,000 to deliver projects.
It will support projects across the creative sectors and is open to individual artists, co-operatives, community groups, charities, community interest companies, social enterprises, private and public organisations.
Graham Butland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Devolution, the Arts Heritage and Culture, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the response from the artistic and cultural community since we first announced the launch of this new fund, as demonstrated by the sheer number of expressions of interest we have received.
“The Arts and Cultural Fund is open to all and will support the diverse and vibrant communities we have in the county, from grassroots community groups to large organisations. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to apply as a thriving creative sector is part of a strong economy and one which will rejuvenate our high streets.”
Applications can be made until Monday 28th February with the successful grant submissions being announced at the end of March.
The Community Investment Fund is managed and delivered by the Community Investment Board, made up of local residents volunteering their time to make investments enabling Southend residents to improve their lives. The fund is hosted by Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS). The board are keen to hear from not-for-profit groups or individuals with ideas that will achieve our vision and mission from Jan 2022 onwards. The board are seeking proposals looking for up to £10,000 per year in early 2022. The funding is targeted at organisations with a lower income (approx. £100,000 or less). This initial funding is being offered as a trial to establish the best way for the Community Investment Fund to operate in the future. The board then planning for larger investments from spring 2022 onwards, all from a total pot of £1.5m from Southend Borough Council.
The Community Investment Board’s vision is of a sustainable Southend where residents engage in their wider communities, are empowered to realise and reach their full potential. In a city they are proud of, feel safe in and can enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives.
Their mission is to utilise the strengths and assets of Southend locally by motivating residents to create sustainable and resilient communities that will;
Improve health and wellbeing; mental health; and the perception and attitudes towards Southend.
Reduce isolation and loneliness, homelessness; poverty; addiction; antisocial behaviour and violent crime.
Enable community-led action to improve and allow community ownership of physical spaces & local events.
Enhance a thriving economy, by raising aspirations and building skills.
Influence positive change within organisations to improve and develop their activities.
Invest for future sustainability in the work of the Community Investment Board.
The board are interested in ideas seeking up to £10,000, per year (i.e. 2022, 2023 and 2024), for use until September 2024 from those based and/or working in Southend that;
Will deliver their vision and mission and Southend Borough Council’s 2050 themes and outcomes.
That deliver direct benefits to the most marginalised communities in Southend facing the challenges within our vision and mission and tailored to them.
Ideas that minimise the need to access statutory services and dependency on them.
Activities that provide support outside of usual working hours and are more accessible.
Are from small organisations, most likely with an income of around or less than £100k per year seeking core or project costs from Jan 2022 to Sept 2024 over weeks, months or years. If you apply for funding for a short time you are welcome to request more if you need it in the future.
Proposals where those who will benefit from the activities are directly involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of the plans.
Board member Paula Morgan said, ‘Our board of 9 members only came together in September this year formally for the first time. Since then we have been exploring the various strengths and opportunities in our city – we are all local residents and excited to have this chance to invest in and inspire change across our own communities using our lived experiences.’
Throughout 2022 it is envisaged that the board will meet monthly, to consider proposals. If you have feedback or questions, want to find out more or talk through your idea and how to approach this, please contact our Community Investment Fund Coordinator, Gemma Cartwright using [email protected], 01702 356008 . To apply and find out more visit the guidance here.
Construction is forever evolving. It is important that we too evolve as people. Let’s start by engaging with the new faces of construction.
About this event
Calling all contractors, employers, schools and parents! This is your chance to discover Essex Youthbuild and to find out about the work we do with young people in the community; filling the skill gaps in construction. Take this opportunity to find out how you can be a part of improving our young people’s development, and building the future generation of construction workers. You will discover the different ways that we work to ensure that our young people are work ready; being conscientious, focused and skilled. If we don’t start investing in our young people today, we will be the generation who failed to pass on the necessary knowledge and skills to those who follow.
Join us at our centre on the 31st January 2022 to find out more. Refreshments will be available. No charge, just come along!
ESSEX YOUTHBUILD IS A CHELMSFORD-BASED CHARITY OFFERING CONSTRUCTION AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS TRAINING TO YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 11-19 FROM ALL OVER ESSEX.
Mind in West Essex have new free courses on their online academy. These new courses include Intro to Mental Health and Intro to Stress. There are many more free and paid for courses on the academy website for you to experience.
If you have an online course you would like hosted on the academy you can contact the online training team here.