The Annual Report for 2022/2023 is now available to view. Annual Report
Community Speedwatch
Speedwatch will resume once COVID-19 restrictions allow
Community Speedwatch is a scheme to help people reduce traffic speeding through their area and enables volunteers to work within the parish to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and to help control the problem locally. The scheme seeks to promote safer driving in our local communities by educating rather than prosecuting individuals.
Data collected by Community Speedwatch groups will be passed to Essex Police who may undertake speed checks and result in drivers being prosecuted. Please use the contact form if you are interested in joining the volunteer group and your details will be passed to the Speedwatch co-ordinator. Full training is given
Bereavement Support
Essex County Council has provided grant funding to enable local community and voluntary organisations to provide new bereavement support across Essex.
ECC has funded four voluntary and community organisations across the county to support children, young people and adults have experienced the loss of someone they know.
Support will be delivered in a range of ways including in person, online, or as part of a wider group.
Residents can contact the four organisations using the details below.
Age Well East – Colchester and Tendring – Tel 0300 37 33 333 enquiries@agewelleast.org.uk
Farleigh Hospice – Chelmsford, Braintree and Maldon Tel 01245 457308 circle@farleighhospice.org
West Essex Community Action Network (WECAN) – Harlow, Epping Forrest, and Uttlesford Tel 01992 910 701 or 07967726851 bereavement@westessexcan.org
St Lukes Hospice – Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point and Rochford Tel 01277 655039 or 01268 524973 solutionfocusedtherapy@stlukeshospice.co.uk
Emotional wellbeing and mental health support is also available through Essex Wellbeing Service or by calling 0300 303 9988
Addition Advocates recently launched a new FREE 24 hour helpline for individuals suffering from addiction in the area. The line is monitored by a team of addiction recovery experts who are willing to provide urgent help and advice to individuals struggling to cope with the difficulties that come with addiction.
You can find more information on their website https://www.addictionadvocates.com/locations/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-essex/
Along with the helpline, they can also offer treatment through their partnership with over 170 addiction clinics based throughout the UK.
Special Constabulary Now Recruiting
The opportunity to volunteer as a Community Special Constable has become available for the village of Canewdon. If you would like to make a real difference in your village then volunteer now by contacting clerk@canewdonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Citizens Advice Needs Your Support
Citizens Advice South Essex needs you, by volunteering at Citizens Advice you can make a real difference to your local community.
Apply by calling 01277 358081 or email training@citizensadvicesouthessex.org.
Last year the charity supported over 17,000 people throughout Basildon, Billericay, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rayleigh, Rochford, Thurrock, and Wickford; providing help to resolve their problems with free, independent and confidential advice from trained advisors.
We are recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles, opportunities include training as an Adviser or becoming a Trustee:
Trustees: We are looking for experienced people to join our Board of trustees, who are able to bring their skills and fresh ideas to the team. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. Trustees work closely with the Chief Executive and the senior management team. The Board’s current challenges include increasing resources to meet client need in a challenging environment post Covid and in the midst of the Cost-of-Living Crisis.
Advisers: We are looking for volunteers who can contribute a minimum of 5 hours a week, most weeks, which can be done flexibly either in one of our local offices or from home. Volunteers may offer advice to people in person, online or over the phone. No experience is necessary as full training and on-going support will be provided.
Citizens Advice volunteers come from all walks of life and choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. They include students; people getting back into work after career breaks; people with part-time jobs; carers; and people who have retired.
Volunteers are often looking for new ways to gain valuable experience and enhance their skills, or to enjoy the opportunity to work with and meet different people. They find it rewarding to support local people and make a difference to their lives.
Kathy Kentish, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice South Essex said: “Our wonderful volunteers are the heart of our service – the work we do, to support people in the community simply would not be possible without them. Advising is a highly rewarding role. If you’re keen to enhance your skills and do something that really makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.”
Ali, Adviser at Citizens Advice South Essex has volunteered for the past 9 years, said:
‘Helping people who are facing challenges in life has helped my empathy, my questioning and my listening skills; my ability to research topics and to communicate information in a clear and understandable way. … it’s hugely satisfying work.’
To find out more and apply, visit: www.citizensadvicesouthessex.org, email training@citizensadvicesouthessex.org or phone us on 01277 358081. Please leave your contact details and we will get back to you if we are unable to take you call when you ring, thank you.