Mid and North East Essex Mind is bringing a series of free mental health training sessions to Braintree, Halstead, Witham, and surrounding villages over the next eight months.
These community-based courses are designed to help individuals strengthen their mental wellbeing, but the charity is also encouraging businesses and community groups to get in touch to arrange bespoke sessions. This could be particularly valuable for employers supporting staff, local organisations, or anyone looking to improve wellbeing in their community.
A Toolkit for Better Mental Health
The sessions form part of the pioneering Mental Health Toolkit, developed by Mid and North East Essex Mind to help people understand their emotions and strengthen resilience.
Natalie Britt, Mental Health Education Lead, explains:
“We all feel different from one day to the next. Our mental wellbeing can be affected by so many things – whether we’ve had enough sleep, eaten well, or are experiencing pressures from work, relationships, or stress.
Through the ‘Mental Health Continuum’, we help people become more aware of their own feelings, understand others, and learn practical ways to manage emotions. We’ve already seen great results, and we’re excited to reach more people in the Braintree area.”
The training has been fully funded by Braintree District Council through the HM Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund, making it free for all participants.
Mental Health Toolkit – The Essentials
In-person sessions across Braintree District:
11th September – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree
16th September – Team Kinetix, Witham
9th October – Queens Hall, Halstead
23rd October – The Plaza, Great Notley, Braintree
11th November – Team Kinetix, Witham
27th November – I-construct, Braintree
6th January – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree
20th January – The Plaza, Great Notley, Braintree
29th January – Team Kinetix, Witham
5th February – Queens Hall, Halstead
24th February – Online session
10th March – Online session
12th March – Braintree Town Hall, Braintree
Sleep Well, Work Well & Keeping Calm
Workshops run 9.30am–11am (Sleep Well, Work Well) followed by 11.30am–12.30pm (Keeping Calm):
Are you a young mum or birthing person in Essex under the age of 25—or do you work with someone who is? We want to hear from you.
We’re running a short, anonymous survey to better understand the needs, experiences, and challenges faced by young mums and birthing people aged 16–25. The feedback gathered will help shape future peer support services, making sure they are relevant, meaningful, and designed around what matters most to you.
It only takes a couple of minutes to complete, and every response will make a real difference.
Why it matters
Becoming a parent at a young age can be both exciting and challenging. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help ensure that services in Essex provide the right kind of support, at the right time.
How you can help
If you work with or know young mums and birthing people in Essex, we’d be so grateful if you could share the survey link—or the flyer—through your networks, during appointments, or on social media.
Together, we can make sure young parents across Essex feel supported and understood.
When: Second Monday of every month, 12:30pm – 2:30pm Where: CVST, Imperial House, 22 Rosemary Road, Clacton, CO15 1NZ Cost: £3 per person for refreshments Contact: 01255 425692
The Sight Friendship Group is a welcoming social gathering for blind and visually impaired individuals, as well as their relatives and carers.
Meeting once a month, the group offers a relaxed and friendly space to enjoy a cuppa, share stories, and make connections — and yes, sometimes there’s even cake!
This monthly meet-up is a wonderful opportunity to:
Build friendships and share experiences
Connect with others who understand the challenges of sight loss
Enjoy a warm and supportive community atmosphere
The group is supported by Kinder Essex, Grassroots, Essex Sight, and CVST – Bringing Unity to Our Community.
Everyone is welcome — so if you or someone you know would enjoy an afternoon of good company, conversation, and refreshments, come along!
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Mind in West Essex are looking for more befriending volunteers in Uttlesford. If you live in the district and can spare 1 hour a week to support someone in your community, get involved today!
Befriending makes a real difference to the lives of people who may otherwise be lonely or isolated. And it can be a rewarding and valuable experience for yourself.
You’ll regularly chat with someone in the community by phone or in person. We’ll give you training and ongoing support to help you in the role.
Date: Friday, 29th August Time: 11:00 AM Meeting Point: Outside Chelmsford Library
Join us for a fun and engaging community walk through the heart of Chelmsford as part of the Buzz in the City initiative. This 10km walk will take you on a journey to discover the beautiful Farleigh Hospice Bee Sculptures scattered across the city.
Whether you’re a keen walker, a lover of the outdoors, or simply looking for a way to connect with others in the community, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore, chat, and enjoy Chelmsford’s vibrant atmosphere.
What You Need to Know
Distance: 10km
Theme: Finding the Farleigh Hospice Bee Sculptures
Weather: Please dress appropriately for the day’s conditions
Refreshments: Bring your own snacks and drinks
This event is brought to you with the support of Kinder Essex. Let’s get moving, connect with nature, and celebrate the buzz in our city!
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Kinder Essex, in partnership with Danbury Parish Council, is delighted to bring Hug in a Shrug to Danbury Leisure Centre – a warm and welcoming space for craft, conversation, and community kindness.
Join Kelly in the Dawson Cafe Bar for a relaxing session of creativity and connection. Whether you knit, crochet, sew, or enjoy any other craft, you’re welcome to bring your own project or join in with community kindness activities that support local people.
Event Details:
Where: Danbury Leisure Centre, Dawson Field, Main Road, Danbury, CM3 4NQ (Free parking available)
When:
First Wednesday of every month: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Third Monday of every month: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
There’s no need to book – simply come along with your craft materials. Refreshments are available for purchase from the lounge bar café.
Why join Hug in a Shrug?
Meet friendly, like-minded people from the local area
Share your skills or learn new ones
Take part in kindness projects making a real difference in the community
Looking for a fun, friendly, and active way to start your Friday mornings? Join the Walk, Talk, and Coffee group in Hockley and Hawkwell!
Every Friday at 9:30 AM, members meet at 1st Hawkwell Scout Hall, White Hart Lane, SS5 4DF for a refreshing walk in and around the scenic Hockley area. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, keep active, and meet new people.
The walks are relaxed and social, with plenty of chances to chat along the way. Afterward, you can unwind over a comforting cup of tea or coffee – the perfect way to end the week and begin the weekend.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, connect with your community, or simply enjoy nature, this welcoming group is open to everyone.
Details:
When: Every Friday, 9:30 AM
Where: 1st Hawkwell Scout Hall, White Hart Lane, SS5 4DF
Contact: Corrina O’Donnell, Kinder Essex Rochford Coach
Looking for a friendly way to connect with others, enjoy nature, and get some gentle exercise?
Mind in West Essex invites you to join our Walk & Talk sessions held every Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the beautiful Waltham Abbey Gardens.
This weekly community event offers the perfect opportunity to take a gentle stroll among the stunning gardens while engaging in friendly conversation with others. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, enjoy fresh air, or simply take a mindful break from your week, Walk & Talk is here for you.
On Saturday, 13th September, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., CISCA House will open its doors for a special Services Open Day at Long Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0JA (adjacent to Paddocks Primary Care Centre).
This free community event is designed to connect older residents and their families with a variety of local services offering advice, information, and support. Visitors can drop in at any time—no booking required—and speak directly with organisations that can help with everything from staying safe at home to recognising scams.
Representatives from several key services will be present, including:
Hearing Help Essex
Oath Healthcare
Kinder Essex
Carers Choices
Castle Point Active
Rocialle Healthcare (formerly Ward Mobility)
And more, including local community and financial advice services.
Whether you have an elderly family member, a friend in need, or simply want to learn about available resources, this is the perfect opportunity to get informed in a friendly, welcoming environment.
And don’t forget—the CISCA House café will be open during the event, so you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you browse and chat.
Everyone is welcome—come along and discover the support available in your community!
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
The Robin Cancer Trust is calling on Essex to pull on their walking shoes (and maybe some pants over their clothes!) for a fantastic day out – all in the name of raising awareness for testicular and ovarian cancer.
On Sunday 21st September, walkers will set off from Clacton Pier and stroll the scenic 7-mile route along the promenade to Walton Pier. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly event where you can walk at your own pace, enjoy the sea views, and even bring your four-legged friends along.
For those feeling extra energetic, there’s an optional return route – making it a 14-mile challenge.
Why “Pants to Cancer”?
The Robin Cancer Trust’s cheeky twist on the walk encourages participants to wear pants over their clothes, shouting “Pants to Cancer!” along the way. It’s a light-hearted way to spark conversations about serious cancers that often go undiscussed.
Event details:
Date: Sunday 21st September 2025
Start: Clacton Pier
Finish: Walton Pier (or return walk back to Clacton)
Distance: 7 miles (14 miles optional return)
Entry: £10 per person
Includes: Finisher’s medal for all participants
Dogs: Welcome!
Funds raised will help the Robin Cancer Trust continue its life-saving awareness campaigns and community outreach.
