News

Volunteer Opportunity: Fellaship Group Volunteer

Fellaship Group volunteers are needed to lead and supervise a men’s social group in the Jubilee Hub Saffron Walden

Fellaship Group volunteers are needed to lead and supervise a men’s social group in the Jubilee Hub Saffron Walden

We’re looking for a friendly and reliable volunteer to help support our ‘Fellaship’ group—a welcoming social space for men to connect, relax, and enjoy classic board games together over tea, coffee, and biscuits. At the Jubilee Hub Saffron Walden Wednesday 14.00 – 16.00

This is a great opportunity to make a positive difference in your local community while meeting new people.

Skills needed:

Good interpersonal and communication skills, non-judgemental approach, motivational and empathetic,  ability to work in a team. 

To find out more:

T: 01371 404525

E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

 

Volunteer Opportunity: Children’s Book Club Volunteer

Volunteers needed to support a children’s book club one Saturday afternoon per month at Saffron Walden Library

Saffron Walden Library are looking for a volunteer to support a children’s book club once a month on a Saturday afternoon.

What will it involve?

  • Volunteers will work with a staff member to run the book club, initiating conversation with the children about the books they have read and helping with bookish activities.
  • The book club will be aimed at primary aged children roughly aged 8-12.
  • Most of the time the book club will be run by both the volunteer and the staff member, but sometimes the volunteer may run it by themselves.

Skills:

  • Preferable experience being around children but not essential
  • Warmth and friendliness with the ability to interact enthusiastically and inclusively with children of all backgrounds
  • Able to work with other staff members and children
  • Adaptable to changing circumstances
  • An enthusiasm for libraries, reading, and literature
For Further information:

Contact us on Tel: 01371 404525  Email: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

Closure of our Dunmow Office

It is with great sadness that we tell you of our decision to close our Dunmow office at the end of March 2026. We have been very happy in our Dunmow home, serving the local community and welcoming people into UCAN.

We will continue to serve the people of Uttlesford from our Saffron Walden offices, with our main base being the Jubilee Hub in Saffron Walden.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us at Dunmow, particularly the volunteers who have manned the phones and been a cheery face to welcome visitors.

The Dunmow Community Fridge will transfer to the Rowena Davey Centre in Chequers lane (date TBC) and will be hosted by our charity partner Wholesome. We are grateful to the Wholesome team and trustees for enabling this vital food support for the people of Dunmow to continue. Thanks also to our volunteers who collect the food donations and make the whole scheme work five days a week, fifty-two weeks a year.

You can continue to contact us by telephone on 01371 404474 or email connect@ucan.org.uk

Thank you

Fab Science half-term fun

If you are looking for a fun activity to support kids during half term, Fab Science sessions should fit the bill. The two-hour family activity is taking place on Monday and Thursday and includes lunch.

Fab Science aims to inspire a new generation of scientists, bringing practical workshops to children aged 5-11. A two-course lunch will follow the amazing ‘experiments’.

The two sessions are arranged by Wholesome Charity.

  • Monday 16th February, 11.00am – 1.00pm at Carver Barracks Community Centre, 1 Rowney Avenue, Elder Street, CB10 23YB
  • Thursday 19th February, 11.00am – 1.00pm at Takeley Silver Jubilee Hall, 4 Dunmow Road, Takeley CM22 6QX

Please note – booking is essential to take part. To book, contact enquiries@wholesome.charity / Amanda on 07933 623 762

Image by Syeda Saira from Pixabay

Free Marketing Workshop for the VCS

UCAN in partnership with the Active Essex Foundation and Your Essex Community are pleased to offer a free half-day marketing and communication workshop for voluntary groups based or working in Uttlesford.

Marketing Techniques for Voluntary Sector Groups working in Rural Settings

Foakes HallGreat Dunmow, England

Thursday, Mar 26 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm GMT

Marketing charity services in rural settings is often difficult because of a combination of structural, social, and resource challenges.

Limited internet access and fewer local media outlets reduce the effectiveness of digital and traditional advertising. Rural residents often rely on personal networks and may be cautious of outside organizations, meaning charities must build trust gradually. Cultural differences, privacy concerns, and limited resources further complicate communication, making it harder for charities to raise awareness and connect people with the services they offer.

Join UCAN and marketing specialist Rachel Topps and learn with us how to reach your audiences, develop marketing techniques and the methods that help to get your messaging to the people who will benefit from it the most.

How to Book

To book your free tickets please visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/marketing-techniques-for-voluntary-sector-groups-working-in-rural-settings-tickets-1982511751015

Volunteer Opportunity – Our Gardens Need You!

Volunteers needed to maintain, restore and enhance these Historic England Grade II registered gardens near Great Dunmow.

Would you like to join a happy and friendly group of volunteers who maintain, restore and enhance these Historic England Grade II registered gardens near Great Dunmow.

Our regular day volunteering in the Gardens is Thursday when we have volunteers helping across the Gardens on all aspects of gardening: from digging and planting, to weeding, cutting back, pruning, dead heading, composting and garden maintenance jobs.

Smaller groups also come in on Mondays, Wednesdays and some Saturdays.

For further information:


Contact us on T: 01371 404525 E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

Volunteer Opportunity: Walking Buddies

We are looking for friendly faces and people who enjoy walking and talking to come and volunteer alongside our team on a new project called ‘Volunteer Walking Buddies’ to help individuals that are battling with loss of confidence and anxiety to get back outside.

This is an exciting opportunity to get involved within your local community and give a little something back and support people who are struggling. Lack of activity can have a big impact upon people’s welfare both their physical and mental health. So getting out walking can have a very positive effect, especially when someone else is with you to motivate and support you.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly faces and people who enjoy walking and talking to come and volunteer alongside our team on a new project called ‘Volunteer Walking Buddies’ to help individuals that are battling with loss of confidence and anxiety to get back outside. Loneliness and isolation are a big issue for many people, as well as inactivity. Full training and appropriate equipment will be provided.

Beneficiaries may be:

  • vulnerable people;
  • people who feel anxious about going out alone; 
  • people who are new to the area who would like to be shown where to walk.

For further information:

Contact us on T: 01371 404525

E: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Training

We’ve teamed up with John Ryan from Happy 2 Health You, Uttlesford District Council and Maldon & District CVS to offer free mental health and suicide awareness training. It’s aimed primarily at those in farming and rural communities. 🚜 🚜

Please join us for a supportive day explaining the mental health challenges faced by farmers, how to recognise early signs and much more.

When: Wednesday 28th January, 9am-4pm

Where: Saffron Walden Building Society Community Link, Market Square, Saffron Walden

Book your place now and learn how to help a friend, colleague or family member

Volunteer Opportunity: Meet and Greet – Audley End House and Gardens

Meet and Greet Volunteers  provide a friendly welcome for visitors. 

Meet and Greet Volunteers provide a friendly welcome for visitors. 

Meet and Greet volunteers provide a warm and friendly welcome to visitors, including coach parties and pre-booked groups. As the first point of contact, you’ll:

  • Provide a brief orientation to the site including information about any events or activities and park closing times

  • Provide welcome information to coach parties

  • Ensure group leaders know where to pay for admission

  • Advise people where to park

  • Ensure all those visiting check in at admissions

  • Advise people on where to find guidebooks etc.

  • Assist people with disabilities to access mobility scooters or golf cart

Sessions run from 10am to 4pm (5pm in the summer holidays) every day of the week from March to November with flexible sign-up to suit your availability; there is also the option to do a half-day.

Throughout the rest of the year, there are opportunities to volunteer at the weekends when the site is open to the public.

Skills needed:


  • Confident, effective communicators

  • A team player, who have a positive attitude to working with visitors to enhance their visit

  • Volunteers in this role will have to stand for long periods and will have to spend time outside in all weathers

For further information:

 Contact us on Tel: 01371 404525  Email: volunteer@ucan.org.uk

Christmas and New Year Opening Times

We will be closing for Christmas on Tuesday 23rd December 2025 and will
re-open on Monday 5 January 2026. A Community Responder will be available for urgent prescriptions on the mornings of Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 December.

Please call 01371 404474 for help on those days.

Thank you for all your support this year. We wish you a very Merry Christmas!