Author: Richard Corby

Mind in West Essex and WECAN are looking for a Digital Inclusion Facilitator

WECAN – West Essex Community Action Network is the lead provider of digital inclusion work in West Essex. Together with project partners we are working to ensure that everyone can access the help and support that is available online

WECAN – West Essex Community Action Network is the lead provider of digital inclusion work in West Essex. Together with project partners we are working to ensure that everyone can access the help and support that is available online. We do this by providing refreshed IT equipment, data, access and skills development to enable vulnerable members of our community to get online and participate.

Mind in West Essex are hosting a Digital Inclusion Facilitator as part of this initiative, with a focus of working with people who have experience of mental ill health.

Base – Office Base – TBC – travel throughout West Essex essential

Hours – 22.5 hours per week

Salary – £12.73 per hour, this a fixed term contract for 5 months (with the hope of an extension)

Please see the attached job description here

To apply for this position please visit https://www.mindinwestessex.org.uk/vacancies and complete the form by the closing date of Thursday 10th November 2022 

Shortlisting – 11th November

Interview date – 17th November 2022 via zoom 

The Zero Carbon Communities Grant is a new funding scheme to support community groups in Uttlesford to take action on climate change.

Non-profit groups or organisations, including any town or parish council within the district, can apply for funding for new projects that are focussed on carbon emission reduction, community engagement in climate change, or ecological enhancement in the community

Non-profit groups or organisations, including any town or parish council within the district, can apply for funding for new projects that are focussed on carbon emission reduction, community engagement in climate change, or ecological enhancement in the community

Community projects might include:

• Community buildings – for example, energy conservation or efficiency measures

• Sustainable transport – for example, community cycle parking or electric vehicle charging points

• Nature and biodiversity projects – this could include community allotment projects, or the restoration, creation or enhancement of a community nature area

• Other projects – such as waste reduction projects, or community initiatives that promote sustainable lifestyle choices

Grants of between £1,000 and £35,000 are available.

Find out more and how to apply here: https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/zero-carbon-communities-grant

Interested town and parish councils and community groups that want to find out more about the fund and how they can apply are very welcome to join our webinar on 15 November, starting at 7.30pm.

To register, email climatechange@uttlesford.gov.uk to receive the Microsoft Teams joining link.

FREE Suicide Awareness Workshops

Mind in West Essex have a FREE workshop consisting of two 2 hour sessions

Mind in West Essex have a FREE workshop consisting of two 2 hour sessions

These cover:

  • Suicidal feelings
  • Risk factors
  • Why suicide?
  • Myths
  • How to help

On completion of the 2 workshops you will receive continued online follow up support sessions:

  • Informal (a chance to offload)
  • Formal 1:1 support

To book on to one of the courses, please click below:

https://www.suicideawareness.org.uk/book-a-course

Elsenham Parish Council are proud to announce that the long awaited upgrade to the playground at the recreation ground is happening very soon!

The whole park is getting a revamp, including new flooring connecting all pieces of equipment throughout, meaning you will no longer have to go onto grass/mud. There is also new equipment being installed, as well as retaining some of the existing equipment.

Unfortunately due to safety reasons, the playground will be closed throughout the refurbishment. Works at scheduled to start on Monday 7th November, with a provisional date for it to re-open on 21st December.

The whole park is getting a revamp, including new flooring connecting all pieces of equipment throughout, meaning you will no longer have to go onto grass/mud. There is also new equipment being installed, as well as retaining some of the existing equipment.

If your children need their playground fix, please use Isabell Drive in the meantime.

UDC is asking you what their spending priorities should be in 2023/24

Have your say and let Uttlesford District Council know what action they should prioritise in the year ahead

Have your say and let Uttlesford District Council know what action they should prioritise in the year ahead

There are three parts to this budget consultation:

• Tell us which of the Corporate Plan priorities are important or not so important (www.uttlesford.gov.uk/corporate-plan),

• Does Uttlesford District Council provide good value for money?

• Which of our services should we spend more on and which less?

The consultation runs until Monday, 31 October.

Have your say at: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/budget-consultation-2023-24

GriefLine… Because you’re missing them even more today.

It doesn’t matter if your loss was recently or in the past, trained bereavement volunteers are ready to listen

It doesn’t matter if your loss was recently or in the past, trained bereavement volunteers are ready to listen

St. Clare Hospice volunteer will give you a non-judgemental space to talk about how you are feeling and offer emotional support.

If you want to talk, the team are ready to listen.

📞01279 945089 – 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri

https://griefline.co.uk/

Please share this post to help us reach more people who just need someone to talk to today.

Understanding Dementia Better

Dementia Adventure’s online Understanding Dementia Better sessions are completely free for family carers

Dementia Adventure’s online Understanding Dementia Better sessions are completely free for family carers

The next session is on Tues, 1st Nov at 10.30am.

After attending:

97% have an increased understanding of how to support someone with dementia.

95% have more knowledge of the information and support available.

92% have a more positive understanding of dementia.

80% feel better equipped to cope with their situation.

7 out of 10 carers feel less isolated.

Book your free ticket today: http://ow.ly/uIj750L6Vml

ECC launches new £100k fund for warm and welcoming spaces this winter

Essex County Council are urging organisations across Essex to apply for their new Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund

Essex County Council are urging organisations across Essex to apply for their new Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund

Launched today, the £100,000 fund offers grants of up to £1,000 so organisations can create new spaces or activities, or extend their existing services.

The fund is open to charities, clubs or associations, community interest companies and town and parish councils.

Grants can be used for things like equipment to run new activities, venue or catering costs, operational costs including utilities, and staff or volunteer expenditure.

Cllr Louise McKinlay, ECC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance, said: “We know people across the country are struggling at the moment and helping tackle the cost of living crisis is a key priority for Essex County Council.

“Our new Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund will provide funding to organisations, so they can better support those in need in their communities.

“This might be by opening up somewhere warm for people to go this winter or offering activities for them to enjoy inside a safe and welcoming space.

“We hope this fund will provide support for those most in need, but also bring communities closer together and help people feel connected with others in their area. I would urge groups across Essex to apply.”

The fund will be administered by the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) on their behalf.

Find out more or apply to the Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund at the EALC website – https://ealc.gov.uk/winter-warmth-and-welcome-spaces-fund/

Wellbeing Over 40 for World Menopause Day

SWTC is delighted to be hosting an event to raise awareness and promote a positive message around the menopause. A relaxed evening to include information and discussion on nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental wellbeing presented by guest speaker, Professor Joyce Harper.

An evening of discussion in Saffron Walden on Tuesday 18th October 2022

An informal talk from Professor Joyce Harper, professor of Women’s Health at University College London, who will be joined by a selection of local wellbeing practitioners.

When: Tuesday 18th October 2022 starting at 6.30 p.m.

Where: The Garden Room, Saffron Walden, CB10 1EH

Price: £5 each. Includes glass of bubbles on arrival

Tickets can be purchased from Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

For further details of this special event please visit: https://saffronwalden.gov.uk/news/swtc-menopause-awareness-evening/

Volunteer Opportunity: St Clare Hospice Shop Saffron Walden

St Clare in Saffron Walden now need extra help in their busy shop. Can you volunteer on a regular basis?

The St. Clare Hospice Shop in Saffron Walden is one of the town’s best-kept secrets, offering an eclectic mix of clothing, homeware and some furniture

The shop is known locally for stocking unusual jewellery, watches and other trinkets, and is a treasure-trove of goodies, all sold in support of the hospice.

St Clare in Saffron Walden now need extra help in their busy shop. If you are able to volunteer either for a few hours or a day or two a week, please contact UCAN Volunteer Coordinator Susan Dennison on 01799 510525 for further details, or email volunteer@ucan.org.uk with details of your availability and we will be in touch.

Please contact UCAN in the first instance, as we are helping to fill these volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for your interest.