Your Essex 

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Ford RideLondon Classique to bring the world’s fastest cyclists to Essex

The Ford RideLondon Classique is a three-day stage race starting on Friday 24 May and finishing on Sunday 26 May. Stage one starts in Saffron Walden and stage two in Maldon. 

The event will feature elite cyclists like world champion Lotte Kopecky and British superstar Lizzie Deignan, who will go compete with former race winners Charlotte Kool and Lorena Wiebes. Find out more about Ford RideLondon Classique.

Experience the excitement of Ford RideLondon Essex by volunteering

Why not volunteer and experience the energy of Ford Ride London-Essex first hand? You can get involved individually or as part of a group. All volunteers receive full training, support and advice. Find more information about volunteering for RideLondon-Essex and other opportunities.

Adult safeguarding made easier with new online portal

Family members and professionals can now submit adult safeguarding referrals through a new online portal. It aims to speed up safeguarding referrals and responses. Referrals can include worries about the safety or wellbeing of a member of the public, family member or friend, suspected neglect or abuse or reporting an incident.

Become an active bystander

Would you know what to do if you saw someone being harassed or witnessed sexual harassment? Our online module can help you learn the skills to intervene in a safe and appropriate way if you witness harmful behaviour. This includes threatening, dehumanising, or distressing behaviour aimed at women and girls. It takes 45 minutes and is open to all. Take part in the Bystander Intervention module.

Children and families

More support for unpaid carers  

We have launched our new and enhanced carers offer. It provides information and support to unpaid carers across the county. There is also now a central contact point for carers on 0300 303 9988. You can call to talk about your caring role and receive information, advice and guidance. You might also be eligible for wellbeing grants, peer support of specialist support.

Help improve the Essex Local Offer website

The Essex Local Offer website has information and support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families. Children from 5-years-old and young people can share their views on the Essex Local Offer website to help us understand how we can improve the website for you.

Enjoy Eggscellent Easter fun at Essex Country Parks

Can you help the Easter Bunny find and count the eggs that are hidden around our parks? Running until Sunday 14 April, visit a country park and either pick up or download a free Easter trail. This activity is supported by the Essex Year of Numbers, a countywide campaign that aims to inspire a love of learning, with a focus on numeracy.

Help domestic abuse victims with free J9 training

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership (SETDAB) have teamed up with Alpha Vesta to offer free J9 online training sessions. These are designed to create safe spaces across the community. Learn how to recognise, respond and refer anyone who may be experiencing domestic abuse.  Find out more and book J9 training today.

Seeking a rewarding career that works for you? Start your own childminding business 

If you’re looking for a rewarding and flexible career, childminding could be for you. New childminders may be eligible for a start-up grant. The one-off payment can help with the cost of setting up your new business. Find out more about the Department of Education (DfE) childminder start-up grant and the rewards of working as a childminder.

Families are encouraged to embrace the magic of maths

Latest research reveals that almost half of Essex parents do not feel confident when helping children with maths homework. 

To help combat this, we have teamed up with Celebrity maths expert Bobby Seagull to provide a series of fun tips that will encourage families to embrace the ‘Everyday Magic of Maths’. Tips include examples of the maths in everyday routines, from sport to music. Read Bobby Seagull’s numeracy top tips.

Health

Get active this April, discover local activities that work for you

Stress awareness month is a great opportunity to identify ways that work for you to relieve stress. Physical activity can help reduce stress levels by reducing cortisol levels. Use Active Essex’s Find Your Active activity finder to discover opportunities in your local area. Whether you’re interested in ParkPlay or walking football, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Environment

Groundbreaking Water Strategy for Essex Unveiled

Last month we launched the Water Strategy for Essex.  This discusses challenges of water shortages and water quality, and the actions we can all take to help. We have also developed the Essex Water Your Future online explorer, use the interactive guide to explore the water challenges for Essex and find our how we can solve them together.

Will you take action on climate change to protect our planet?  

Discover top tips to protect the planet and earn fantastic rewards by downloading the Carbon Cutting Essex app today. Dimitri, a user of the app said, “I have found the Carbon Cutting Essex app very useful and rewarding.”

Solar Together Essex registration extended

More than 4,000 Essex residents have signed up for Solar Together Essex, our group buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage. The average discount is 25% compared to the open market.

For an average household, customers could install a 10-panel system for under £3,650. Additional costs may apply subject to survey and personal quote. Register for a free instant solar panel quote before the new closing date of Friday 12 April.

Chatty binbag characters uncover the truth surrounding waste 

Have you caught our loveable characters, Reggie, Donna and Harry on TV or social media? The trio are debunking some of the rubbish rumours related to food recycling! Did you know recycling six tea bags creates enough energy to boil the kettle for another cuppa? Watch the full Rubbish Rumours series.

Economy 

We’re investing £1.95 million in economic growth

The new funding will help over 700 local business through our Business Support Service. It will also help to transfer the work of the South Essex Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) to the Council. Other programmes include major infrastructure projects and growing the local visitor economy. Follow Ambitious Essex on LinkedIn for the latest economic news.

 ACL Essex Skills Bootcamps have launched

Essex Adult Community Learning (ACL)’s skills bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 12 weeks that provide you with the opportunity to build valuable sector specific skills. The bootcamps are available to those looking to change career, enter employment or advance in their current role in the following three sectors: 

• Project management for construction
• Digital marketing
• Early years

Find out more about the available ACL Essex skills bootcamps.