The livewell campaign is designed to engage communities, families and individuals with the aim of providing information about all that is on offer in Essex to improve health and wellbeing.
Email: livewell@braintree.gov.uk
Website: www.livewellcampaign.co.uk
Our team of friendly Live Well Link Well Workers work in partnership with GP surgeries across Mid Essex. They will give you time, and can help you to access appropriate support within the local community.
Tel: 0300 303 9988 (Monday to Friday 8am - 7pm)
Email: livewell.linkwell@nhs.net
Tel: 01245 975777
Email: info@abbertonruraltraining.org
Abberton Rural Training - providing free practical rural skills training alongside free accessible mental health counselling, mentoring and advocacy support to help improve mental health, life skills and opportunities.
We have courses across the County and can provide transport to/from our locations. We provide horticulture (gardening), land based studies, woodlands, countryside & environment, construction, carpentry, textiles and rural crafts courses. We work with all ages - from children in our holiday clubs, to adults with our eldest participant currently 83! Specific courses also available for veterans, domestic abuse victims, NEETS and SEN including day services.
Contact us for a discussion about your interests and requirements
COURSES FOR 16 + YEAR OLD
Tel: 07826 067801
Email: info@achingarms.co.uk
Aching Arms is a national charity based in Brentwood that provides comfort and support for bereaved families after the loss of their baby during pregnancy, at birth or soon after. We work directly with midwives and nurses at over 170 hospitals nationwide, who, on our behalf, offer an Aching Arms Bear to parents in their care. We also donate comfort bears to other organisations who support families after baby loss at any stage of pregnancy and send them to families who contact us themselves via our website.
The bear provides a sensitive conduit for health professionals to support and discuss the emotional and well-being needs of parents, particularly in the turbulent days following their baby’s death.
Each Aching Arms bear is given as a gift from one bereaved family to another, to let the parents know that they are not alone, and each beautiful bear wears a personalised, handwritten label with the name of the baby in whose memory the bear was dedicated. The label also signposts parents to our website, where they will find support and information.
Our support is not limited to the giving of our comfort bears, we have several ways in which we help parents and families, including:
SUPPORTING ARMS SERVICE
Run by bereaved parents, our Supporting Arms service offers parents the opportunity to talk to someone who has an understanding of what they’re going through. Families can access support by telephone, text or email on 07464 508994 or support@achingarms.co.uk
SUPPORTING ARMS FOR DADS
We host a monthly online group specifically for Dads to share and discuss their particular experiences. Please see our website for full details.
VIRTUAL CARE SERVICE
Our Virtual Care service gives parents the chance to book a video support call with our Bereavement Care Manager. Booking is available on the link on our website.
BE TOGETHER PROGRAMME
The Be Together Programme is a range of community events that bring bereaved parents, siblings and families together. Please see our website for full details.
SUPPORT FOR 16+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 0345 603 7635
Email: lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk
ACL Essex is the largest provider of adult education in the county. Our aim is to provide learners with as many ways to flourish as possible, to be there in communities across Essex, to make a difference to residents and businesses, so they can make a difference for themselves and to the places that they live in.
SUPPORT FOR 19+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 01376 330 694
Email: info@braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk
Helping local people in food poverty through our partnering agencies.
SUPPORT FOR 18 PLUS
Tel: 01376 326 302
Email: officemanager@braintreemencap.org.uk or leisure@braintreemencap.org.uk
Caring and supporting people with a learning disability, their families and carers in the Braintree District which includes Witham, Halstead and surrounding villages.
We offer a wide range of leisure and educational classes for adults with a learning disability. Our Gateway Club runs every Thursday and is a social gathering of around 100 people, with a different activity every week.
SUPPORT FOR 18 PLUS WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY AND THEIR FAMILIES
Tel: 07494 467 698
Email: trinawh@btinternet.com
The group provide an informal afternoon of arts, crafts and chat with help and support and lots of laughter. They are also very active to campaign and to stop stigma associated with mental illness.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
Tel: no number
Email: contact@braveparents.co.uk
Brave Parents is a registered charity created to provide self care opportunities to parents who have children with complex medical needs*.
We recognise that many of these parents forget to care for themselves. They work so hard to keep their child well that their own needs always come second.
However, over time this can have an affect on the mental health of the caregivers and whole family unit.
We create opportunities for Parent Carers to have some well needed ‘you’ time to support their mental health and well-being.
From pamper ‘… for you’ and Hospital Boxes to in person events and local meets, we hope to encourage self care and highlight that it is essential, especially through hard times.
*’Complex medical needs’ refers to children who have been diagnosed by a medical professional, with an illness, disability or sensory impairment (sight and/or hearing impairment) that requires substantial daily support from a Parent Carer.
Brave Parents - Registered Charity No. 1204544
SUPPORT FOR All AGES OF PARENT CARERS 18 PLUS
Tel: 01206 769 795
Email: info@caraessex.org.uk
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.
CARA works with adults, young people and children of all genders from across mid and north Essex. We work from our head office in Colchester and from outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Tel: 0300 303 1555
Email: hello@carersfirst.org.uk
Carers FIRST has been commissioned by Essex County Council to deliver carer support across Essex to unpaid carers ages 18 plus and we have a Carer Support Advisor specifically for the Brentwood area.
At Carers FIRST, we understand that caring can be hard, but believe getting the right help ahouldn't be. We work directly with and for unpaid carers to provide personalised information, advice and support; making it easier for them to continue living their lives to the fullest. We currently run online carer wellbeing groups and activities, but look forward gettting back to ccommunity based events too.
One carer's recent comment "The fact that I am listened to helps boost my confidence - Carer's FIRST has given me a voice for which i am grateful".
SUPPORT FOR 18 PLUS YEAR OLDS
Tel: 01245 284890
Email: admin@chelmsfordcounselling.org.uk
People come to Chelmsford Couselling Foundation (CCF) for many reasons - for example as a result of depression, anxiety, loneliness; difficulty in facing life's circumstances or relationship difficulties.
For some, memories about the past, painful events in the present, or worries about the future, may mean that they cannot enjoy life, or live it in the way they would wish.
CCF provides Psychodynamic Counselling, which can help you to understand how past experiences and current behaviour may be linked.
It allows space to explore thoughts and feelings about yourself as an individual and in relationships with others, with someone trained to listen in a non-directive way.
CCF'S counseliing service i an organisation member of the British Association for Couselling and Psychotherapy.
SUPPORT FOR 18 PLUS YEAR OLDS
Tel: 01245 457 308
Email: circle@farleighhospice.org
Circle adult bereavement support is a community service that any adult (18+) can access who has experienced the bereavement of someone significant.
We offer a range of support including: counselling, 1to1 support, telephone support, information and advice and a variety of group activities.
You can refer yourself or with the help of a professional e.g. GP.
We are based at Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford but also cover the Braintree and Maldon districts.
Our services are free of charge.
SUPPORT FOR 18 PLUS
Tel: 0808 278 7877
Email: info@citizensadvicesouthessex.org
We’re here to help!
Our service is free, confidential and open to everyone in the community. We can help with many issues, including:
• Benefits
• Debt problems
• Employment
• Housing
• Family and relationship issues
• Neighbourhood disputes
• Education and healthcare
• Consumer rights
We will give you the facts and possible outcomes. That way you can make the decision that’s right for you. If needed, we can also offer practical support such as help with form filling, writing letters or negotiating with third parties. Sometimes we might direct you to a different organisation that is better placed to help.
We’re here for everyone.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Tel: Braintree 01376 550 507
Email: information@community360.org.uk
Community360 (C360) is an independent charity formed in 1968. We are committed to a vision to build “thriving local communities”. Our Mission is: “To inspire and enable local community action to improve quality of life”. We aim to do this in line with our core values and provide a range of community projects in the Braintree district such as:
• Braintree Volunteer Centre www.volunteeressex.org
• Braintree Time Bank https://www.community360.org.uk/get-involved/time-bank/
• Community Development and organisational support
• Community Weight Management Services
• Social groups
Through the Volunteer Centre and Time Bank we support a range of not-for-profit organisations with volunteers and currently advertise over two hundred roles in the Braintree District. We also recruit volunteers to support our own projects, such as providing community IT (i-Tea) sessions, monthly Finding your Feet Walks and Braintree Slipper Exchange, to name but a few.
If you would like any more information or support with finding voluntary placements then please feel free to get in contact.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Tel: 0330 3337 444
Email: forms@essexcompass.org.uk
Domestic abuse support
COMPASS are here to make sure you get the right support at the right time and this single point of access is designed to increase accessibility to domestic abuse services already provided in Essex by Safe Steps, Changing Pathways and The Next Chapter with whom we work in partnership.
If you are experiencing, or at risk of domestic abuse and need information advice and guidance please contact us.
You will speak with a trained practitioner who will complete an assessment and ensure contact is made with the most appropriate service.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999
SUPPORT FOR 16+ YEARS OLD
*Please note Safe Steps, Changing Pathways and The Next Chapter Support is available for 5+ years old*
Tel: 01376 529 985
Email: office@crossroadsbraintreechelmsford.co.uk
Crossroads Braintree and Chelmsford provides the following services for family carers in Mid-Essex.
Respite Sitting Service
Befriending Service
Respite Day Care for older people
We provide emotional, practical support, advice and guidance.
SUPPORT FOR AGES 65 PLUS
Tel: 01376 316126 (Option 1)
Email: essex.arc@phoenixfutures.org.uk
We provide support, advice and information around alcohol use.
If you are finding that alcohol is causing problems in your life, we can help.
Whether you want to reduce the amount you drink, or how often you drink, or abstain completely, we provide a range of support that is designed around your personal needs and aspirations.
We know it’s not easy to address problems with alcohol but our experienced team will guide you through the support on offer. We use tried and tested methods to help you to work towards your personal goals.
You can benefit from support on a one to one basis, including counselling and group support, where you can share experiences with other people with similar experiences.
We also support family or friends affected by a loved one’s drinking.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 01245 353855
Email: office@essexrespite.org.uk
We provide clients and their carers with support at home and in the community. Encouraging clients to develop life skills, engage in social activities and build their self esteem and confidence, allowing carers time to pursue their own interests or simply time to relax.
Our support is person centered, setting achievable goals with the person we support, working in partnership with local agencies to achieve the best outcomes.
We support clients with the following needs: mental health (depression & anxiety), dementia, social isolation, neurodiversity, brain injury and stroke survivors.
Essex Respite & Care Association (ERCA) provides support covering the following activities:
Prompt with self-care tasks.
Support to achieve personal goals.
Support to have your voice heard.
Company and conversations.
Stimulation of memory.
Sitting service.
Support with housework and laundry.
Meal planning and preparation.
Shopping.
Attending appointments.
Prescription collection.
Visits to restaurants and cafes.
Attending plays, cinema, concerts, social activities.
Walking, yoga, swimming and cycling.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 0808 178 1694
Email: essex@victimsupport.org.uk
Is an independent charity offering free and confidential support to people affected by crime.
To access support, you are welcome to self refer.
You do not need to have reported the crime tp the police and it doesn't matter when the crime took place.
SUPPORT FOR 4+ YEAR OLDS
Tel: 0300 303 9988
Email: provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net
We provide Essex residents (excluding Southend-On-Sea and Thurrock) with access to health checks; stop smoking services; weight management courses; and emotional health and wellbeing support. All of our services are free.
SUPPORT FOR 16+ YEAR OLDS
Tel: 01245 353 575
Email: helpline@familiesinfocusessex.org.uk
We are an independent, parent-led charity, providing specialist and person-centred support to families who have a child or young person with any special educational need or disability (SEND). We can offer:
- Information and advice, and a helpline;
- One to one support including assistance with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) applications;
- Independent parental support on all educational issues includes assessments, education health care plans and exclusions;
- Support through group activities including a Saturday Activity Club.
We give parents and their children a voice, and help families to navigate the system and access exactly what they are entitled to. We work alongside families, to empower and give confidence.
“I honestly believe the support and guidance you provide is invaluable. I can’t thank you enough. I felt so supported and understood. When I couldn’t turn to others I could to Families InFocus.”
Our service is free to access, and anyone from Essex who has a child or young person with any SEND can get in touch.
SUPPORT FOR 0 - 25 YEARS OLD
Tel: 01376 346 535
Email: firststopcentre@btconnect.com
First Stop is a charity helping those who are in need in the Braintree area and surrounding communities.
The aim is to help those who have/or are disadvantaged by: a history of poor mental health, carers, ex-offenders, homelessness, learning needs, senior citizens, single parents, socially isolated, substance misuse, those unemployed (whether on benefits or not) or anyone in hardship needing help.
The help they can get is by accessing:
Affordable Counselling, 1:1 appointments
Our Community Fridge (accessing good nutritional food and helping prevent food waste)
CV Construction
Education classes: Confidence courses (a choice of 4), Learn my Way (IT), Digital Confidence- using tablets and other devices (including internet safety), arts & crafts and basic skills, including budgeting and maths- all in a professional but informal way
Accessing impartial Information, Advice & Guidance- to a range of services
Safe c/o address
And any other help that may be needed. Our expertise is that as a long established organisation, we can refer on to a range of services to meet an individual's needs.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 01376 316126 option 2
Email: fim.enquiries@futuresinmind.org.uk
Futures in Mind is an inclusive service to reduce isolation for individuals in recovery with substance/alcohol misuse and/or mental health.
An opportunity to access a range of groups/activities or have a befriender, reduce your isolation, build up peer support, make new friends, build up your confidence and self-esteem, make positive changes to your life.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 01245 847 410
Email: info@home-startessex.org.uk
Home-Start Essex aims to give children the best possible start in life by supporting parents and caregivers to feel less isolated, to build their confidence in themselves and their parenting and to find ways to manage the challenges they face. We build trusting, helpful relationships with families and deliver a range of flexible support to meet their individual needs, including volunteer-led home visiting, family groups, wellbeing services, school-readiness, and behaviour support programmes.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WITH AT LEAST ONE CHILD AGED UNDER 8
Tel: 01245 348 707
Email: admin@kidsinspire.org.uk
Kids Inspire support young people across Essex who are at an educational, social and/or economic disadvantage resulting from trauma or emerging mental health issues. For example they may have experienced sexual or domestic abuse, seperation anxiety or significant loss.
SUPPORT FOR 4 - 18 YEARS OLD
Tel: 0203 398 9048
Email: essex@kooth.com
Kooth.com is commissioned to provide an online wellbeing platform which along with text based counselling also includes helpful articles, forums, activity centre, daily journal and messaging. We provide British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy accredited services and Kooth is available to young people aged 11-18 in Essex.
The service provides a free and non-judgemental place for children and young people to connect with others and know they are not alone. They have instant access to self-help materials, fully moderated discussion forums and tools such as online journals and goal trackers. They can also contribute written pieces of work reflecting their own experiences, as well as accessing drop-in or booked text-based counselling sessions with professional counsellors.
These are online services that offer anonymised support via online counsellors, available 365 days a year, 12pm -10pm on weekdays and 6pm-10pm on weekends.
SUPPORT FOR 11 to 18 YESR OLDS
Tel: 01206 764 600
Email: enquiries@mnessexmind.org
Mid and North East Essex Mind believe no one should face a mental health problem alone. We provide mental health services for children and adults across the area including counselling, peer support, practical support and a dedicated young people's service. To find out more about the services available in your area please call us or visit the website for more information.
SUPPORT FOR 5+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 01206 500 585
Email: info@thenextchapter.org.uk
We provide free and confidential services to support people who are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced domestic abuse.
We are passionate about ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live their life free from domestic abuse
Our staff and volunteers are trained to provide support at the highest possible standard, informed by the trauma the individual has experienced and led by their needs. We provide immediate support and advice to promote safety and reduction in risk of harm and longer term support to promote emotional recovery and practical support wherever it is needed to enable planning for a safer future.
Community Support
We support people who are experiencing domestic abuse and don't feel able to or need to leave their home. We are able to work with individuals in a community setting and can provide access to the same emotional and practical advice and support to promote safety and recovery for a safe and happy future. We currently are able to offer services to individuals living in the local authority areas of Colchester, Tendring, Braintree, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford.
Refuge Accommodation
Our purpose-built accommodation provides a temporary home for up to 12 women and children who have reached crisis point. The flatlets are modern and well equipped. Each new resident receives a practical “starter pack” when she arrives. A key worker will support her and her family right from the beginning of their journey. When she leaves, we support her to begin her life’s next chapter.
Domestic abuse is rarely a single issue and many residents arrive needing specialist support to deal with substance misuse (drugs and alcohol). In our residential house, with nine flatlets, we provide professional, specialist support focused on the identified needs of women who are battling with this type of addiction to help them with their recovery journey.
Children & Young Persons Service
Children and young people are affected by domestic abuse too. Our Children’s and Young People’s Team include Pre-school Practitioners, Creative Therapist and Children’s Support Workers. We can provide a range of services including emotional support for children and young people, parenting support, family work, pre-school education, school holiday activities. We also undertake some work in the community in partnership with local schools and other agencies.
Raising awareness of domestic abuse is a very important part of our work. In primary and secondary schools as well as in higher education, we talk to young people about healthy relationships and how to recognise the signs of abuse.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Tel: 07580 982 462
Email: epunft.open.arts@nhs.net
Open Arts is a community arts and mental health programme run as one of the charities managed within the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Charity Fund.
Our aims are to promote confidence, skills, self-esteem and positive mental health. Open to Essex residents aged 16+ with mental ill health, those that would like to manage their wellbeing through creativity and to carers who would like to engage with the wider community through the creative arts within a group setting.
Our courses offer an opportunity to learn new creative skills and techniques within a safe and supportive environment. No experience is necessary.
SUPPORT FOR 16+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 0800 288 8883
Email: efsco-ordinator@peabody.org.uk
A support service for vulnerable adults. Offering assistance with accessing housing needs, maximising income, managing debt/ budgeting advice, social isolation, court and eviction notices.
SUPPORT FOR 16+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 01277 230831
Email: ypcs@renew.org.uk
Looking for counselling? We’ve been working in the local communities of Essex and East London for over a century. We’re experts in providing a safe space, amplifying voices and supporting people to grow and develop.
Recognised as a centre of excellence by those in the sector, Renew’s services are delivered by a team of dedicated counsellors with a wealth of experience.
We offer low-cost, and sometimes funded, professional counselling to the community and surrounding areas and strive to offer a service that rivals an expensive private practice, but at an affordable price. Many of the people we see would not be able to afford counselling without our service.
We provide counselling for:
• Children
• Young people
• Adults
• Schools
• Couples
• Eating Disorders
• Clergy
We are proud to be accredited by the BACP and abide by their code of ethics.
Contact us to learn more about counselling at Renew and to book an initial assessment.
Training with Renew
As well as our counselling offer, we’re proud to be known as a centre for excellence for counselling training and supervision. We offer high-quality, professional training at a range of levels. Whether you’re just starting out in your counselling journey, looking for extra support in a caring profession or brushing up on your skills and knowledge, we have a course for you. We’re proud to partner with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to deliver a number of our courses. Head to our website or contact our team to find out more.
Whether you’re coming to Renew for counselling, to study on one of our courses or for supervision, our offer is all about empowering you. We’re passionate about giving you a safe space to do the work and a voice to make yourself heard, but ultimately our goal is to enable you to build on your own strengths as you grow and develop.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Tel: 07534 414146
Email: info@replenishuk.com
Replenish provides one to one befriending support and pastoral care to those in the community struggling with mental health problems and addictions.
We also have a social programme which includes art workshops, knit and knatter and local outings
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 0300 790 0559
Email: essexadvocacy@rethink.org
Rethink all age advocacy service provides statutory and non-statutory advocacy for the community in Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock).
We provide services to all impairment groups for all ages for specific issues. Our staff are paid and volunteers.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Tel: 01376 346 487
Email: braintree@salvationarmy.org.uk
Called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland exists to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Tel: CALL FREE on 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
When life is difficult, you Samaritans are here– day or night, 365 days a year. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re here to listen so you don’t have to face it alone.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 01277 211 300
Email: info@snapcharity.org
To inform, encourage and support parents, so they can grow in strength and knowledge and become better equipped to give the best possible help to their children.
SUPPORT FOR UP TO 25 YEARS OLD
Tel: 01255 429778
Email: info@summitservices.org.uk
SUMMIT's mission is to improve people's live by empowering them to take back control, restore their self-belief, self-reliance, and self-worth.
We manage, provide and facilitate a range of services and work in partnership with other organisations, serving the learning-disabled community and adults with mental illness.
We have been serving the disabled community since 1976, providing a voice for the marginalised.
We are an Essex wide service: covering Tendring, Braintree, Maldon, Colchester, Chelmsford, Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford.
The AB4D PROJECT
Email: ab4d@summitservices.org.uk
AB4D (Ability B4 Disability) is an Essex wide service delivered by SUMMIT and BATIAS in partnership with Essex County Council (ECC) for people with Learning Disabilities or Autism.
The aim of the service is to provide a flexible platform where people can be empowered to have a voice in their local community, discuss issues that are important to them and work together to find solutions.
AB4D works with anyone with a lived experience of learning disability or autism to gather their views, to collaborate and influence positive change.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 0800 500 300 6
Email: tcp@thechangeportfolio.org
The core aim of the Change Project is to promote personal wellbeing through enabling people to have healthy relationships in families, between individuals, and in the community.
SUPPORT FOR 3+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 01702 213134
Email: admin-support@trustlinks.org
Trust Links is your local mental health, wellbeing and environmental charity. We work across Essex to support people experiencing mental health difficulties, families, and other community members with main bases in Southend, Castle Point, Rochford, Basildon and Braintree. We’re committed to building stronger communities and transforming lives.
Supporting the environment through sustainable living is at the core of our work.
If in the boroughs of Basildon and Braintree, you can access our Growing Together Therapeutic gardening project and amazing volunteering opportunities with Greening Basildon and Environmental Activities Volunteering.
Our other sites in Essex offer Growing Together therapeutic gardening, recovery courses, groups and peer support with REACH, and youth and family projects.
Visit our website for full details about our projects.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Tel: 0808 178 1694
Email: essex@victimsupport.org.uk
Is an independent charity offering free and confidential support to people affected by crime.
To access support you are welcome to self refer.
You do not need to have reported the crime to the police and it doesn't matter when the crime took place.
SUPPORT FOR 4+ YEARS OLD
Tel: 020 3780 5870 or 07823413252
Email: choose appropriate email on website
Become a Family Mentor!
Do you have an interest in helping people & supporting your local community of Southend-On-Sea? Do you think you can spare some time in your week to support a family as a volunteer?
Volunteering Matters, the Family Mentors project in Southend, recruits and trains their volunteers to help support families. (Volunteers from outside of the Southend area would have to travel to to Southend where our project is based)
Our Volunteers act as trusted mentors, providing consistent emotional and practical support to families in their homes every week. Volunteers tailor their support to the unique needs of each family, building on strengths, and promoting resilience.
We do not require you to have previous experience, as we feel our volunteers can make use of their life experiences and relevant skills to support our families, as well as the training provided.
This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to increase their experience in mentoring and may wish to have a career in Social Work, support work or counselling.
This opportunity fits around your availability – you will need to commit to 1 – 2 hours per week for 6 – 12 months. Usually a year’s support is required.
Some of our volunteers can also offer telephone support for the family, if this is preferred by the volunteer, and the family being supported.
Aim of project……..
Helping families to be independent
Assisting with practical activities e.g. Budgeting, Parenting, Routine Building
Build a relationship of trust and mutual respect through the tasks they do and through regular contact with the family
Support families and help them to be aware of and make contact with useful, local resources
What Volunteering Matters will give you……
Training which will include: Safeguarding, Building Self Esteem & more
Further on-going relevant training opportunities
Reimbursement of travel and any other agreed “out of pocket” expenses
On-going staff member support
What you will get from the role….
A huge amount of satisfaction
Helping to support the local community
Being part of a community
Training and experience
Job reference from us (after you have volunteered for us for 1 year)
Role requirements:
Aged over 18 years old
Able and willing to commit to visit/speak with the family once every week, for a minimum of 6 months
Willing to provide references and complete a DBS (criminal record) check, paid for by Volunteering Matters
Have an interest in helping people, both parents and children
Commitment
This opportunity fits around your availability - you only need to commit to between 1 – 2 hours per week for 6 - 12 months. Usually a year's support is required. Please note: Due to current safeguarding procedures, volunteer support will only be over the telephone although some support is returning to face to face.
SUPPORT FOR ALL FAMILIES
Tel: 01245 457 416
Email: yoyoproject@farleighhospice.org
The Yo-Yo Project is a community service open to any child or young person aged 4 to 18 who is either, facing the loss of someone significant or bereaved.
We offer a range of support including: information and advice, 1to1 support, counselling, art therapy and group activities for children, young people and their families.
We are based at Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford but also cover the Braintree and Maldon districts.
Our services are free of charge.
SUPPORT FOR 4 - 18 YEARS OLD
Tel : 0300 1233073
Email : info@wildernessfoundation.org.uk
Through the Wilderness Foundation education and therapy programmes we help young people and adults reconnect to society and themselves through outdoor facilitation adventures, therapy and mentoring. Our programmes highlight the positive impact of wild nature on personal and social wellbeing, whilst developing stewardship for nature and wild places alongside volunteering opportunities.
SUPPORT FOR 5+ YEARS OLD