Category: Community

Jacks of Dunmow supports UCAN’s winter warmth campaign

Jack’s has been part of the fabric of Dunmow since 1952, and business owner Darren Cox and his wife Jude are very much part of the local community.   UCAN was delighted to be supported by the store once again this winter, receiving a donation of assorted sizes of men’s and women’s base layer garments that can be distributed to residents struggling with the cold at this time of year

Jack’s has been part of the fabric of Dunmow since 1952, and business owner Darren Cox and his wife Jude are very much part of the local community.   UCAN was delighted to be supported by the store once again this winter, receiving a donation of assorted sizes of men’s and women’s base layer garments that can be distributed to residents struggling with the cold at this time of year

Each winter UCAN distributes clothing, blankets, bedding and appliances to people in need, to help them to stay warm and well through the colder months of the year.   We are grateful to Darren and Jude for helping the community once again, and the clothing they have been providing over the past two years has been incredibly useful in our work.

You can find out more about Jack’s and their range of clothing and outdoor items by visiting their website https://www.jacks1952.co.uk/jacks-dunmow or why not call in to 19-21 High Street, Dunmow between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Saturday.

If you or someone you know would benefit from our support this winter, please call the UCAN Community Response Hub on 03333 408218 or email connect@ucan.org.uk and one of the team will be in touch to help.

The UCAN Mobile Hub will be at Tesco Great Dunmow on Wednesday 10th January 2024 between 11am and 2pm.

Our team will be on hand to give practical help and advice about staying warm and well this winter, and there are some great free giveaways – so do come and see us!

Our team will be on hand to give practical help and advice about staying warm and well this winter, and there are some great free giveaways – so do come and see us!
Tesco Great Dunmow
Stortford Road
Great Dunmow
CM6 1SF
Everyone welcome!

Tender Opportunity: Training for people working in the Third Sector

Harlow Council (on behalf of the three West Essex Councils) is seeking to commission a suitably qualified and experienced training provider to deliver a series of training for people working in the Third Sector located in the West Essex area

Harlow Council (on behalf of the three West Essex Councils) is seeking to commission a suitably qualified and experienced training provider to deliver a series of training for people working in the Third Sector located in the West Essex area

The aim of the commission is to provide a programme of training and support that improve the knowledge, skills and competencies of the people who work and volunteer in the Third Sector locally which will as a result building the capacity of the Third Sector and support the sector to become more sustainable.

This commission is to be funded from the Councils’ UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) and is to be delivered between April 24 and February 25.

Interested parties should go to www.mytenders.org to obtain details of the tender.

They will need to register as a Supplier which is free of charge and will only take a couple of minutes.

In case of any difficulty, they should contact the MyTenders Helpdesk on 0800 222 9006

The deadline for this tender is 15th December 2023.

What does UCAN do? UCAN strengthens communities

You asked for it, and we listened!

The delivery programme of workshops, activities and socials at the Jubilee Hub Saffron Walden will continue to grow and evolve, as the needs of our community change. This is our offer for the next few months. We have created a schedule for everyone – and focused on additionality – providing more, and not just the same as is already on offer elsewhere in the area.

Collaboration is key – and working with Saffron Walden Town Council (who negotiated the lease and manage the building) and Enterprise East (who bring expertise on inclusion, diversity and training) creates a powerful and strong partnership with the experience and passion to deliver for our #community.

What does UCAN do? We use our insight, experience and our partnerships to create better opportunities and happier lives for people in #Uttlesford.

UCAN strengthens communities.

What does UCAN do?

This week we were thrilled to hand over to the people of Barnston a beautiful new community #garden and shelter that we created for ECVYS – Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services in memory of Sharon Sellens

This week we were thrilled to hand over to the people of Barnston a beautiful new community #garden and shelter that we created for ECVYS – Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services in memory of Sharon Sellens

This wonderful new community asset increases opportunities for young people in Barnston to spend time together in a safe environment where they can be themselves, and know they are wanted and have somewhere to belong.

Thank you to the funders, volunteers and sponsors who made this dream a reality. This includes UDC Youth Fund, The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and Anglia Land Drainage.

What does UCAN do? UCAN builds communities.

UCAN responds to the crisis in Sudan

The voluntary sector has played a vital role in repatriation of British citizens, meeting their immediate needs for shelter, food and medical attention. Working with colleagues from UDC we are now finding housing for the hundreds of people who were evacuated, while continuing to support them on a daily basis.

Last week we were contacted by DLUHC and asked if we could help with the evacuation of British citizens from Sudan

Twenty-four hours later we had established a Humanitarian Aid Centre (HAC) operating twenty hours a day, manned by UCAN staff and volunteers, supported by the British Red Cross. We were later joined by St. John’s Ambulance and Re:Act.

The HAC provided a welcome point for the hundreds of evacuees arriving at our International Border in Stansted. Once processed by Border Force, our team on the ground welcomed the British and Sudanese citizens, triaging their immediate needs and transporting them to the HAC where food, clothing, shelter and supplies were immediately available to the men, women and children. Emotional support was provided by the Red Cross – with many of the evacuees having experienced a traumatic journey to safety. Once assessed, travellers were supported with hotel accommodation and transport, onward travel to destinations across the UK where they had family, friends or homes, and we acted as a point of liaison with local authorities across England who were going to receive an influx of people who would need emergency accommodation.

The voluntary sector has played a vital role in repatriation of British citizens and their families. Working with colleagues from UDC we are now finding housing for the hundreds of people who were evacuated, while continuing to support them on a daily basis.

We also want to acknowledge everyone who supported us and looked after us on the ground, from the airport, to the hotels, bus drivers, cab drivers, retailers and everyone in between. Huge gratitude to the Emergency team from ECC who fought for what we needed, when we needed it.

We are one community working together for good.

Thank you.

Jubilee Hub Saffron Walden – now open!

The Jubilee Hub is a community centre with a focus on family, children and young people and community. The partnership brings together the experience, insight and expertise of the three community focused organisations to deliver a programme of inclusive activities.

Our new joint venture with Enterprise East and Saffron Walden Town Council, the Jubilee Hub in Saffron Walden is a place to connect, share, learn and grow. Be part of our community.

The Jubilee Hub is a community centre with a focus on family, children and young people and community. The partnership brings together the experience, insight and expertise of the three community focused organisations to deliver a programme of inclusive activities. We launched our initial schedule on Monday 17th April 2023, which will run for the next three months while we conduct a more in-depth consultation with the community. These initial activities are the ones requested by residents at our pop-up sessions in the build-up to our soft launch.

Monday morning – Meet Up Monday – 10 am to 12 pm from Monday 17th April 2023

The Jubilee Hub is open each Monday morning as part of the national “Meet Up Mondays” campaign to promote inclusion and reduce loneliness and isolation. We provide free tea, coffee, biscuits and chat, and the chance to make some new friends and share your life experiences. We will occasionally have guests of interest and some games to play.

Monday afternoon – Singing for the Soul – 2 pm to 3pm from Monday 17th April 2023

Join us each Monday afternoon for a sing along. If the weather is nice, we’ll gather outside around our beautiful band stand. Selection of music styles and no particular singing ability required – we are singing songs we love just for the fun of it. Light refreshments available to attendees for small donation.

Wednesday afternoon – Tools Down – 2pm to 4pm – starting soon

A spin-off from our very successful Men in Shed project “Essex Shed Network”, Tools Down is for men who can’t make it to a physical men’s shed for health or practical reasons. We provide a range of table-based making and mending activities, as well as a chance to chat and socialise. Light refreshments available to attendees for small donation.

Thursday Morning – Health Matters (including My Weight Matters) – 10 am to 12 pm – starting soon

Join our health matters team each Thursday morning for advice and support with leading a healthier and more active life. We will have representatives on hand from local GP surgeries, health coaches, information about local groups and activities and you can also sign up free to the My Weight Matters weight loss programme, with weekly weigh-ins and support through the programme. Light refreshments available to attendees for small donation.

Friday Morning – Digital Buddies – 10 am to 12 pm from Friday 21st April 2023

Join Ali and Adam each Friday morning for help and guidance with making the most of your technology! We have a particular focus on how to use your smartphone and tablet to access online health service and apps, including how to use the NHS app to make appointments, request medication and access your medical records. This is a drop-in session – no appointment needed. Light refreshments available to attendees for small donation.

Friday Afternoon – Art Group 2pm to 4pm from Friday 21st April 2023. Price £3 per person

An instructor-led weekly art group. This is an inclusive group open to all ages and abilities – you don’t need to be a skilled artist – just have the desire to be creative and express yourself through painting. Light refreshments available for attendees for a donation. There is a small charge of £3 per person per week to attend, so cover instructor and material costs.

Be Part of Our Community

For more information about these activities, use of the Hub by community groups or to find out about our Saffron Walden Community Fridge, please email jubilee.hub@ucan.org.uk You can also follow us on Facebook

Job Opportunity: South Uttlesford PCN Social Prescriber

South Uttlesford Primary Care Network are looking to recruit a Social Prescribing Link Worker to join their friendly, dynamic and progressive primary care network in South Uttlesford

South Uttlesford Primary Care Network are looking to recruit a Social Prescribing Link Worker to join their friendly, dynamic and progressive primary care network in South Uttlesford

This post will be hosted by Uttlesford Community Action Network, and employed by Uttlesford Health Limited.

The Role

The Social Prescriber will operate within the South Uttlesford Primary Care Network supporting five local GP practices.  As part of the PCN’s plans for transforming and developing primary care locally, the post holder will be expected to operate flexibly and collaboratively with all stakeholders.  The role will be part of a multi-disciplinary team and will be central to the delivery of key network objectives.  

The post will be employed by Uttlesford Health Limited, which is working in partnership with South Uttlesford PCN and UCAN to deliver high quality patient care at all times.  This role is critical to supporting the PCN’s ambition to optimise individual health and wellbeing, reduce health inequalities and address the wider determinants of health and wellbeing. 

The aim of the role will be to help to strengthen both community and personal resilience and reduce health inequalities by addressing the wider determinants of health, such as debt, poor housing and physical inactivity, by increasing people’s active involvement with their local communities. 

For further details and to apply, please visit:

https://vacancies.eoeprimarycarecareers.nhs.uk/vacancies/4725/primary-care-network-pcn-social-prescribing-link-worker.html

Our first wave of Ticket Home volunteers have completed training and are ready to start supporting our hospital discharge scheme across West Essex

Our first wave of TicketHome volunteers have completed training and are ready to start supporting our hospital discharge scheme across West Essex

Ticket Home starts with asking a hospital patient “What do you need?” We then work with them, their family and carers to make sure everything is in place for when they go home from hospital.

This can range from a simple key safe installation for easier access, through to providing hot meals and sandwich teas while they recover at home. Every patient discharged receives a 48 hour follow up phone call, and weekly telephone wellbeing checks for up to six weeks, if wanted.

We are working with #voluntarysector partners across Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forest to ensure that residents can continue to live independently in their own home, for as long as they wish. We also work with GP surgeries and #SocialPrescribers to ensure continuing care and understanding of needs going forward.

Ticket Home is currently available at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow as a pilot scheme, but fantastic results have lead to interest from other hospitals in Essex and we hope to extend to them soon.

In-patients or their family/carers can self-refer, by asking a member of the nursing staff or filling out our short online form. One of our four Acute Social Prescribing Link Workers (Mike, Yasmin, Maddie and Ali) will visit the patient on the ward to discuss what we can do, and how we can help. Ticket Home is a free service.

For more information visit:
https://www.ucan.org.uk/ticket-home/

Support for Ukraine: Can you help?

If you or anyone you know would like to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine or for guests who cannot stay with their current host beyond the initial six-month period, please consider becoming a sponsor as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The support so far from Uttlesford residents for those affected by the war in Ukraine has been been heart-warming

If you or anyone you know would like to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine or for guests who cannot stay with their current host beyond the initial six-month period, please consider becoming a sponsor as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

You can register your interest on the GOV.UK website.

If you would like any advice, guidance or are interested in speaking to people who are already part of the scheme, please get in touch with our Communities Team at communityresponse@uttlesford.gov.uk

Please also share this information with friends and family who may be able to help.