The Essex Map

We're Back!

There has been some staff re-structuring behind the scenes here at The Essex Map, so we've been a little quiet lately. However, we're now back and better than ever - ready to hit our goal of 1000 followers by the end of 2024!

Soon, we will re-introduce the Essex Map team so you can see who's who and get to know us better. In the meantime, let us know below what you would like to see on our social media pages in the upcoming weeks.

As always, if you have any questions, get in touch on [email protected] and we will be happy to help!

Mental Elf Fun Run 2024 - Mind in West Essex Sunday 1st December 2024 N.B. Ensure you complete the medical registration before the event. The link is in your email confirmation. Online sales end Friday 22nd November. There will be limited tickets available at the event.

reclaimarttribe | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Creating safe and inclusive spaces for adults to be creative

World Su***de Prevention Day 2024

The theme for World Su***de Prevention Day 2024 is "Changing the Narrative on Su***de", with the aim to "Start the Conversation".

This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent su***des. Changing the narrative on su***de is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

If you need support or would like to find a service or organisation to talk to, look at the Emotional and Mental Health category on the Essex Map.

Alternatively, if you are aware of a service or organisation that could help others in need, make sure they are listed on the Essex Map.

If you need to talk today, call Samaritans on 116 123 or text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

Free training for all - it could save someone's life.
***dePrevention ***dePreventionDay

This World Su***de Prevention Day, remember you don’t have to go through tough times alone. These helplines are always ready to listen, whether you need support or want to help someone else. Please save and share ❤️

📢 FEATURED FRIDAY 📢

New to the Essex Map this week is Maybury Open Door.

Maybury Open Door is an adult drop-in centre in Harlow, based at Harefield & Harvey Centre. They run three drop-in days – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 11 am and 3.30 pm.

The same kinds of things happen in both venues: games, arts and crafts, quizzes, chat, pastimes, guest visitors, teas coffees and lunches… and most of all, making friends in a safe space.

Maybury is a place where people feel they belong. People of all types, all abilities, anyone. They enjoy activities with others or in a small group. There is plenty to do, but there is no pressure.

For more information about Maybury Open Door, head to their page on the Essex Map or go over to https://mrct.org.uk/maybury-open-door/.

📢 FEATURED FRIDAY 📢

New to the Essex Map is the Active Essex Foundation.

The Active Essex Foundation is a registered charity that has been set up to increase the use of physical activity and sport to engage and support the most inactive communities and tackle the inequalities that exist across Essex.

If you would like to find out more about the Active Essex Foundation, head over to their page on the Essex Map:
https://www.essexmap.co.uk/places/active-essex-foundation

Or go to their website:
https://www.activeessexfoundation.org/

If you would like to see your organisation or service featured on our socials, add them onto the Essex Map or update your listing and drop us an email to let us know!

The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust are running virtual workshops with voluntary and community sector workers to help shape and develop their 10-year strategy.

There are two dates in August and two in October. Both of the August dates will have the same content, the two October dates will share updated analysis.

To sign up for any of the workshops, follow the link below:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO45Z71PkO--pMj0salsMCwcpUMERGOVlDWEUzTEVUMjlVVjNJMFNER0FKUi4u

We have a nice little part time job available that can be done remotely (with occasional travel to locations around Essex). Working with the Essex Alliance on their Essex Map.

For more details and full job description please visit our vacancies page.

📢 FEATURED FRIDAY 📢

New to the Essex Map is the Essex Home Help Service.

The Home Help Service has been designed to help you live independently at home. There are times where the general housework duties can become more difficult and we understand how important it is to have your home clean and tidy. All of our Home Helps are fully insured, trained and hold an enhanced DBS (police check). We cover the county of Essex with the exception of Mersea Island and Uttlesford District.

Our Home Helps whether they are providing sitting/companionship, shopping or domestic services, will always show their clients Dignity and Respect at all times.

Our “No Walk Away Promise” gives peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

If you would like more information on the Essex Home Help Service, head over to their listing on The Essex Map, or check out their social media/website.

Our popular online antenatal exercise classes are continuing on Thursday 25th July. Join us for a 6-week block of sessions for just £5!!
Run by our experienced trainer, Sally, classes are adapted to suit all stages of pregnancy and all fitness levels. So even if you've never exercised before, why not give it a go - you might surprise yourself!
To book your spot, visit our website: https://parents1st.org.uk/activity/fit-for-mums-antenatal-fitness-sessions

WE ARE HIRING! 📣

We are looking for a Project Officer, who will work across all teams to deliver a variety of engagement activities and projects, and work closely with staff, ambassadors, and stakeholders.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, find out more here: https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/get-involved/

[📸: Dark blue background with 'neon' CV towards the top. Below is text which reads "We are hiring!", followed by "Project Officer".]

Family Support Adviser – Join Our Valued Team at Families InFocus (Essex)
Are you passionate about making a difference every day? Do you thrive on contributing to positive change for those in need? Do you have resilience and adaptability? Do you value being part of a team? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
About Us: Families InFocus (FiF) is a well-known and respected charity that supports families with children and young people, aged 0-25 who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Our vision is to create a more inclusive society in Essex, where every child and young person with SEND can realise their full potential.
What are we looking for: We’re seeking someone who has prior knowledge of the SEND system, either as a parent/carer or as a professional from education/ health/social care or the third sector; who understands the whole SEND landscape (or specific elements),and is an ordinary person from any walk of life and background with an extraordinary passion for making a positive difference to our SEND families.
Every day you will get the opportunity to support families, helping them understand where they are on the SEND journey and guiding them towards the next steps:
• Empowering them and giving them the information and tools to be the best carer they can be
• Amplifying the voices of SEND children and young people regardless of their background.
Every week you will be part of a supportive team that pools expertise and knowledge to make a positive difference, even in challenging circumstances. You will use this collective knowledge to better engage with schools and other professionals, improving outcomes for our families.
Ultimately you will be part of a charity that is a force for good; working as part of a team that does not accept the status quo but will represent the needs and challenges of Essex SEND families to all that need to hear it.
To get this level of collaboration and team work you will need to be based at our Chelmsford office. Travel around the county is required and therefore your own transport is essential.
Summary of Package:
Salary - £29,770 to £30,296 annual Salary
Length of Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, minimum of 21 hours. Family Support Advisers will be required to work flexibly.
Place of work: From our office in Chelmsford. Own transport is essential.
Annual Leave: 24 days entitlement plus 8 paid public holidays. Increasing to 27 days entitlement after 5 years service.
Pension: After completion of 3 months' satisfactory service, eligible staff are automatically enrolled into our workplace pension scheme. Current employer contributions are 8% of basic salary, rising to 10% of salary after 18 months.
Probationary period: Confirmation of employment is subject to successful completion of a probationary period of 3 months.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
To apply, please email [email protected] for an application form and a copy of the job description.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 4th August, however we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date.

Good Beginnings Course | Essex Local Offer A face to face course for parents and carers of children aged 5 or under, who have autism or social communication needs How it can help This course covers: understanding autism communication play sensory processing behaviour is communication eating, sleeping and toileting managing anxiety Age Parent...

Essex SEND - Information, Advice and Support Service Essex SEND provides free, confidential & impartial information, advice & support about Special Educational Needs & Disability for children & young people (0-25), parents & carers.

Kids eat FREE (or for less), this Summer!

July is Disability Pride Month.

It's a chance for people with disabilities to come together and celebrate being themselves, no matter their differences.

It's also a chance to raise awareness of the challenges they still face every day to be treated equally.

If you, or someone you know, needs support during Disability Pride Month, please look for organisations, services and resources available to you on The Essex Map.

We have added a new category to The Essex Map.

Following on from Men's Mental Health month in June, we felt it was important to add a category to the Essex Map dedicated to Men's Wellness Resources.

If you have any services or organisations that would be beneficial as a Men's Wellness Resource, add them to the Map!

This week is Learning Disability Week in the UK.

This year's theme is "Do you see me?" which is all about being seen, heard and valued.

Learning Disability Week is about challenging the barriers people with a learning disability face and celebrating the things people with a learning disability bring to society.

If you or a loved one require support with a learning disability, head over to www.essexmap.co.uk to see what support is available in your area.

*Image and information from Mencap*

📢 FEATURED FRIDAY 📢

Reclaim Art Tribe is a community art group with a focus on wellbeing. We aim to create a safe and inclusive space for adults to be creative, for free. Our sessions are held monthly on the first Friday of every month, 1pm – 3pm at One Colchester Community Hub.

Each session will have a theme or will be exploring an art concept or medium. These sessions welcome everyone of differing art abilities. Adelaide, who hosts the sessions, will be on hand to support and guide you throughout.

You are always welcome to bring in your own art supplies if you prefer, however all materials will be provided. If you feel unsure about engaging in the session’s theme, there are mindful colouring books available.

Tea and coffee will be available throughout.

This session is open to all adults (18+). Reclaim Art Tribe sessions are LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse and mental health inclusive – every adult is welcome here.

Tickets are not required. However, if you would like to have a ticket for peace of mind, you can get them through Eventbrite here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/reclaim-art-tribe-84098798393

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we will do our best to help you.

If you would like to be featured in future 'Featured Friday' posts, please add your listing to the Essex Map, or update your existing listing and let us know!

🌟𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒- 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 ‘𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 🌟

🗺️𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌 2024 𝒊𝒔 '𝑷𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒑'.

Essex Carers Network supports the annual Carers Week campaign. However every week is carers week for our families caring for a family member with a learning disability, and this week is no different.

We support family carers throughout the whole year. 🥰

💷𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 £𝟐𝟎 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫.

(𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞)

If you are not already signed up as a family carer, use the link to sign up:
https://www.essexcarersnetwork.co.uk/family-carer-membership/

These are the dates I have seen for school uniform sale dates. If anyone works in any other stores and knows when the date is please let me know and I will update this.

Also please keep an eye out at your kids school as some run swap shops or have 2nd hand sales. Also check fb marketplace and local groups as well. Also if you work in retail you may be eligible for a grant from Grocery Aid or if you are on a low income you may be entitled to a grant from your local authority xx Lorna xx