A pioneering digital service that gives instant access to more than 250 health and wellbeing services across West Essex. Free to use, Frontline is for everyone - the public, professionals, community and voluntary groups.
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: ContactUs@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Website: www.livewellcampaign.co.uk
Tel: 01279 870297
Email: enquiries@accuro.org.uk
Accuro is a small, vibrant, charity rooted in the values of respect, integrity, empathy and compassion.
Our vision is to eliminate the social isolation of people with disabilities within their local communities by enhancing their confidence to cross bridges into a wider world.
Our mission is:
To provide fun, inclusive, services that support and build the confidence and life skills of children, young people and adults with a disability in the West Essex community.
To create safe and secure environments that ensure the Clubs and Shortbreaks we offer enable a true sense of belonging that assist everyone we support to contribute and thrive.
To provide respite to families and carers.
SUPPORT FOR
8-19 YEARS OLD - CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S CLUBS.
19+ YEARS OLD - ADULT CLUBS
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
Mental Health Wellbeing and Recovery Programme.
Please contact the above for additional details.
SUPPORT FOR 19+ 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. 1204544Brave Parents is a registered charity created to provide self care opportunities to parents who have children with complex medical needs*.
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES OF PARENT CARERS 18 PLUS
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 aged 18+ and we have a Carer Support Adviser specifically for the Brentwood area.
At Carers FIRST, we understand that caring can be hard, but believe getting the right help shouldn’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 to getting back to community based events too.
One carer’s recent comment “The fact that I am listened to helps boost my confidence – Carers FIRST has given me a voice for which I am grateful”.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ 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: 0808 278 7855
Email: Fill out contact form on website
We offer free, impartial, confidential advice on a wide range of subjects and issues that help you find a way forward to live life well.
The advice we offer is accredited under the Advice Quality Standard, which means we are a service you can rely on and trust to help you solve the big and the small issues that affect your day to day life.
We know how hard it can be to take the first step and ask for advice and support. Our advisers are trained to the highest standards and have the knowledge and skills to help you.
We are here to listen and to help you find a way through your problems.
Take the first step by visiting our website.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ YEARS OLD
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 316 126
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: 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+ 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+ YEAR OLDS
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+ YEARS OLD
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.
Tel: 01245 353 575
helpline@familiesinfocusessex.org.uk
SUPPORT FOR 0 - 25 YEARS OLD
Tel: 0300 102 9808
email: info@eppingforest.foodbank.org.uk
We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. We provide emergency food parcels to people who live in or near the Epping Forest District who have been referred to us by frontline care professionals.
support for 18 + years old
Tel: 01376 316126 option 2
Email: fim.enquiries@futuresinmind.org.uk
Futures in Mind offers inclusive support for people in recovery with substance/alcohol misuse and mental ill health.
We offer opportunities for you to develop skills, meet like minded people, build confidence, gain qualifications and make further positive changes to improve your quality of 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 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 YEAR OLDS
Tel: 0800 7555173
Email: talking@mindinwestessex.org.uk
Mind in West Essex supports people affected by mental ill health, predominantly across West Essex to make positive changes in their lives and to improve their emotional resilience.
We also aim to normalise the conversation around mental health and in doing so reduce the stigma that can be a barrier to people accessing the support that could help them to improve their quality of life.
We provide a range of services in order to help us deliver on these aims, these include: counselling as part of the NHS psychological therapies service; a private counselling service; Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training; emotional resilience training; peer support; befriending to reduce isolation; bereavement work and community support.
In addition to the above client facing services we also run Crisis Alternative Services including Sanctuary, Night Owls and Daylight Workers.
SUPPORT FOR 5 to 17 years (counselling services & Children and Young People MHST). ADULTS 18+
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: 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: 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: 0208 508 6743
Email: spark@worthunlimited.co.uk
Spark is a charity that provides counselling and mentoring services for young people in the Epping Forest and surrounding areas. We also run mental wellbeing workshops in schools, as well as parenting/nurture courses in the community. We believe in building relationships, coming alongside a young person and their family, and inspiring a sense of hope together.
SUPPORT FOR 11 - 23 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: 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: 0333 015 2966
Email: fill out contact form on website
We all experience times when we feel like we can’t cope, sometimes this can start to affect our everyday lives and prevent us from doing the things we normally do.
VitaMinds can help. VitaMinds is a FREE and confidential service working in partnership with the NHS TALKING THERAPIES. We offer a range of psychological therapies to those aged 16 and over who are registered with a GP in West Essex.
SUPPORT FOR 16+ YEAR OLDS
Tel: 01992 910 701
Email: admin@vaef.org.uk
Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF), operational since 1993 is an independent Charity, our mission is to work with the people of Epping Forest District to empower, support and develop voluntary and community activity.
As an umbrella organisation we develop new initiatives to meet community needs and promote cooperation between the voluntary and statutory sectors.
We offer a range of practical support, including advice on funding, help with running a voluntary organisation and provide a comprehensive Volunteer Service to help local people access volunteering opportunities.
We also run a diverse range of community projects for isolated residents in Epping Forest, these include:
Benefits Advice, Befriending, Community Response Hub, Handyman for EFDC Council tenants and homeowners, Volunteer Centre, Gardening, Digital Learning Sessions, Ace Activities supported day activity sessions for people with learning disabilities.
SUPPORT FOR 18+ 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 : 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
Tel: 01279 414 090
Email: admin@yctsupport.com
YCT provides FREE counselling and other therapeutic services to children and young people aged 5-25. 1-2-1 counselling gives young people space to talk to someone and be listened to in an accepting and non-judgemental way.
Counselling can be used to work through problems and find ways forward with issues such as anxiety, low mood, self-harm, family issues, friendship issues, bullying, anger problems or bereavement.
We also offer group work, with both structured time-limited groups such as Managing Anxiety and weekly drop-in sessions such as Creative Space. We also offer a parenting programme called Circle of Security, this is open to parents living in West Essex and is an attachment-based course providing excellent support to improve communication, behaviour and attachment.
We are based in Harlow but accept referrals from across West Essex and provide sessions across locations.
SUPPORT FOR 5 - 25 YEARS OLD