Category: UCAN News

UCAN Annual General Meeting 2022

You are cordially invited to join the UCAN trustees and team at our annual general meeting to celebrate our achievements over the past twelve months, and consider the state of the sector and the challenges facing us in the months and year ahead as the third sector community.

Our AGM will be held on Friday 25th November 2022 at Foakes Hall, Great Dunmow, starting at 10.00 a.m.

You are cordially invited to join the UCAN trustees and team at our annual general meeting to celebrate our achievements over the past twelve months, and consider the state of the sector and the challenges facing us in the months and year ahead as the third sector community.

When: Friday 25th November 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.

Where: Foakes Hall, Great Dunmow. There is parking on site and close by

Light refreshments will be provided.

Alongside our guest speak (to be announced shortly) we will also have representation from a number of Uttlesford voluntary organisations promoting their work and opportunities for the people of Uttlesford, and there will be a chance to network and connect with colleagues.

We do hope you can join us.

RSVP please to connect@ucan.org.uk

UCAN is now a National Databank Centre

We are delighted to share that UCAN have been successful in becoming part of the UK National Databank powered by Good Things Foundation and its partners Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three.

A lack of digital skills and access can have a huge negative impact on a person’s life, leading to poorer health outcomes and a lower life expectancy, increased loneliness and social isolation, less access to jobs and education

It can mean paying more for essentials, financial exclusion, an increased risk of experiencing poverty. People who are digitally excluded also lack a voice and visibility in the modern world, as government services and democracy increasingly move online.

What’s more, it’s those already at a disadvantage – through age, education, income, disability, or unemployment – who are most likely to be missing out, further widening the social inequality gap.

We are delighted to share that UCAN have been successful in becoming part of the UK National Databank powered by Good Things Foundation and its partners Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three.  This is to support individuals experiencing health inequalities and who are digitally excluded.  The Databank supports UCAN supplying SIM cards to vulnerable individuals who are experiencing lack of mobile connectivity and data.     

In particular, we are supporting the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine by offering support with mobile data to refugees also from other countries arriving in the UK who are escaping war and persecution. 

For more information contact our Digital project lead Ali Firth – email ali.firth@westessexcan.org or visit the digitalshare website to apply for a data donation www.digitalshare.org

UCAN and Volunteer Uttlesford are coming together

We are delighted to announce that UCAN and Volunteer Uttlesford are joining forces. Together, we will be better able to support communities to thrive and to improve the quality of life of people in Uttlesford

We are delighted to announce that UCAN and Volunteer Uttlesford are joining forces. Together, we will be better able to support communities to thrive and to improve the quality of life of people in Uttlesford

As well as championing and supporting the local voluntary sector, and improving policy and service delivery, UCAN remain committed to Volunteer Uttlesford’s focus on the promotion, facilitation and development of volunteering across Uttlesford.

Susan and Tessa from Volunteer Uttlesford will now be running the Volunteer Centre at UCAN and are contactable by
emailing volunteer@ucan.org.uk. Our volunteering telephone number remains the same – 01799 510525.

Please follow us on social media to keep in touch on our exciting journey together

Facebook: @UttlesfordCAN

Twitter: @UttlesfordCAN

Fundraising Quiz Night

Join us on Friday 21st October 2021 at the Rowena Davey Centre in Great Dunmow for a night of food and fun, all in support of our work within the Uttlesford Community

We’re delighted to be brining back our Autumn Quiz Night after a two year break due to the pandemic. We’re looking forward to seeing friends old and new for a fun night of games, tasty food, drinks and some laughs.

When: Friday 21st October 2022 starting at 7.30 p.m.

Where: Rowena Davey Centre, Chequers Lane, Great Dunmow. Parking on site.

What: A fun quiz night with a two course meal, cash bar, games, prizes and fun

Price: £12.50 per person.

How To Book

Click on the Add to Cart button below. You can choose the number of tickets on the following page.

Alternatively call the office on 01371 878400 to book your tickets and pay by card on the telephone. All tickets must be paid for in advance due to catering.

We will contact you to confirm the number of meat free meals required. We are offering two dinner options:

  • Beef Lasagne with side salad, followed by warm chocolate brownie and icecream
  • Plant based Lasagne, dairy free and egg free, followed by Biscoff Cup Cake.

Please note: Our meals will be prepared fresh on the day. Dinners will be provided by Enterprise East and both options are cooked in an environment that contains allergens including dairy, nuts, wheat and dairy. Please let us know if you have a food related allergy. Thank you.

We hope you can join us for this great change to relax and have some fun in aid of a good cause. See you soon!

Dunmow Dementia Cafe Summer Outing 2022

This week 40 Dunmow Dementia Cafe members headed off to Gotha Gardens at Pembroke Farm in Herts

This week 40 Dunmow Dementia Cafe members headed off to Gotha Gardens at Pembroke Farm in Herts

The gardens were created 35 years ago and consist of several themed areas, with different planting schemes.

On arrival we had a home made cake and sat chatting in the sunshine. This was followed by a tour of the gardens by the owner of the property, and a light lunch before heading home. 

The weather was not too hot and everyone had such a lovely day. 

Days out like this, which are well supported by our team of volunteers are a real boost to all who attend.

If you would like to find out more about the Dementia Cafe then please call Uttlesford Community Action on 01371 878400 and speak to Jacqui Davies.

Our regular Dementia Cafe activities take place weekly on Monday morning, at the Rowena Davey Centre in Chequers Lane. Those living with dementia, their carers and those who have experience of dementia are all welcome.

Volunteer ‘Thank You’ Event – 16th September 2022

Uttlesford Community Action Network and Volunteer Uttlesford have pleasure in inviting Uttlesford volunteers to a ‘thank you’ afternoon tea event at Foakes Hall, Great Dunmow on Friday 16th September 2022

Uttlesford Community Action Network and Volunteer Uttlesford have pleasure in inviting Uttlesford volunteers to a ‘thank you’ afternoon tea event at Foakes Hall, Great Dunmow on Friday 16th September 2022

Over the past two plus years, Uttlesford residents have gone above and beyond when it comes to supporting not only our community, but also those people arriving into the district from the Ukraine and other warn-torn countries.

It’s impossible to overstate the huge impact this kindness and generosity has had, but in a small way we would like to say thank you to all volunteers who have given their time, energy and enthusiasm to make life better.

When: Friday 16th September 2pm – 4pm

Where: Foakes Hall, 47 Stortford Road, Great Dunmow.

If you would like to join us for this special occasion, please email info@cvsu.org.uk to confirm the number of guests who will be attending.

We do hope you can join us for this unique event.

Wedding Bells

Celebrating a happy event – the marriage of Clive and Bev on Saturday 30th July 2022.

Congratulations to UCAN Chief Executive Clive Emmett, who married Social Prescriber for North Uttlesford Bev Pope on Saturday 30th July 2022.

Best wishes to the new Mr and Mrs Emmett, from all your friends at Uttlesford Community Action.

Humanitarian Hub operation helping Ukrainian refugees has been extended for a further period at Stansted Airport

Since the start of May, UCAN Staff and Volunteers have been providing help and support for refugees arriving at Stansted Airport after fleeing the conflict in the Ukraine. We operate a ‘Humanitarian Hub’ eighteen hours a day, seven days a week

Since the start of May, UCAN Staff and Volunteers have been providing help and support for refugees arriving at Stansted Airport after fleeing the conflict in the Ukraine. We operate a ‘Humanitarian Hub’ eighteen hours a day, seven days a week

This month alone we have helped over 2,000 refugee adults and children arriving in the UK from Europe, many who have had to flee their home country with nothing but the clothes they stand up in, a few possessions and the hope of a safe place to stay in England, Scotland or Wales.

Stansted Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the country, and is operated by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work from 9.00 a.m. through to 12.30 a.m. each day of the week, in shifts of 4 to 8 hours. They are local people who want to “do our part” for no recognition or reward, and offer a warm welcome to distressed people who may have been travelling non-stop for two or three days.

On arrival at Stansted, the Ukraine Support Team give a warm welcome and assess the immediate needs of the travellers. This can be a smile of encouragement, a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, or might be more complex with assistance needed in finding a place to live. Thanks to the kindness of the Vodafone Foundation, we are able to provide UK mobile sim cards with calls and data, to help the refugees during their onward journey to their final destination. For those staying in the airport for a little while, we have blankets, pillows and food vouchers, toys and games for the children and can make sure everyone feels safe, welcome and wanted.

The Ukraine Support Hub has been made possible thanks to the commitment of local people, and UCAN and Volunteer Uttlesford working closely together once again to respond to a crisis situation. We would like to acknowledge the generosity of the food vendors at the airport, the MAG Staff Team, National Express and the Rail Companies who have donated subsidised meals, bottled water, food vouchers, toys, games and toiletries. Small gifts make a huge difference.

Thank you everyone.

Introducing Uttlesford Community Action Network

We are very proud of our new identity and believe that it provides clear alignment with what we as an organisation aim to achieve and delivering action remains at the forefront of what we do.

We are very proud of our new idenity and believe that it provides clear alignment with what we as an organistaion aim to achieve and delivering action remains at the forefront of what we do.

Directed by our insights and local knowledge, we will continue to build a portfolio of services and projects to address unmet needs in Uttlesford, delivered in collaboration with local partners in the voluntary sector and beyond.

If you need to get in touch you can contact us at:  connect@ucan.org.uk

Stay connected and keep up to date with all our latest news and service offerings on our social media channels – Facebook and Twitter name @UttlesfordCAN

#community #rebrand #publichealth #uttlesford #newidentity #voluntarysector

Ukraine Support in Uttlesford

Uttlesford has a fantastic reputation for being a supportive community, and our residents have risen to the challenge time and again to support those in need. This was demonstrated throughout the pandemic, and latterly through our response to the Afghanistan situation. This kindness and generosity is being shown once again as we welcome refugees into the district, who have been affected by the conflict in the Ukraine.

Together with partners from Uttlesford District Council, Citizens Advice Uttlesford and TouchPoint Stansted, our Community Responders are actively working with people arriving from the Ukraine into Stansted Airport

Uttlesford has a fantastic reputation for being a supportive community, and our residents have risen to the challenge time and again to support those in need. This was demonstrated throughout the pandemic, and latterly through our response to the Afghanistan situation. This kindness and generosity is being shown once again as we welcome refugees into the district, who have been affected by the conflict in the Ukraine.

Our team of Community Responders are working with refugees from point of arrival at Stansted Airport. Passengers are currently triaged by the Red Cross on arrival, and then provided with hotel accommodation, or given access to transport to continue their journey to their final destination in the UK. For those staying within our district who do not have a host family in place, we are meeting with them daily to support with the provision of food and other essentials, providing access to phones and internet to help with arranging more permanent accommodation, access to Universal Credit and other advise, as well as mental health support for those affected by trauma as a result of the conflict.

We are working closely with the refugees to help them get to where they want to be. Most will transit out of Uttlesford, but for those that are remaining, or still in transition, we are providing a full package of support to help them feel safe and welcome here.

It is likely in the coming days and weeks that we will be calling on Uttlesford residents once again to help with our new guests. Please watch our social media channels (Facebook/Twitter) and this website for updates and appeals for help.

We acknowledge the support of the voluntary sector once again in immediately addressing the challenges presented to us, and thank you for your continued commitment.