Your Essex 

Welcome to your August news digest from across the council.

Community 

Celebrating Extraordinary Essex and our creative industries

On one of the hottest day of the year so far, we held a celebration event for Essex’s creative industries. The launch of Essex’s latest Cultural Ambassadors showcased our creative arts and cultural industries and the contribution they make to our economy, while the Extraordinary Essex campaign puts the spotlight on the work we do that makes a real difference to people's lives every day.  

At the centre of Extraordinary Essex are the five principles, trust, care, financial competence, pride and being on your side. These principles are reflected in all the work of Essex County Council, a variety of which we will highlight in the coming months. These stories will show the real impact of the services we deliver and fund, and are told by our residents, communities and colleagues. 

A short film was screened at the launch, recognising and celebrating the extraordinary work of our colleagues involved in the Independent Visitor Service, Essex Music Service and Care Technology.   

We’ve launched the Extraordinary Essex Artist Commission

We are thrilled to announce the Extraordinary Essex Artist Commission. This is a special arts and cultural commission for artists, cultural practitioners, and residents to express who and what makes the county the place it is. Applicants can share creative or cultural work which sums up why they think or feel Essex to be an extraordinary place. Apply for the Extraordinary Essex Artist Commission now. 

Children and families 

Tendring couple celebrated for 45 years of fostering

The need for foster carers continues but this month we have been celebrating those carers who have devoted a lifetime of support to children who need support. 

Irene and Clifford have supported over 100 vulnerable children in care. Irene said: “We help to build their confidence and make sure they feel loved in a stable home, then we get to see them blossom.” Essex needs more passionate foster carers like Irene and Clifford. Find a fostering information event near you to learn more about fostering.

Enjoy fabulous free summer activities at the Essex Country Parks

Summer has actually arrived and we know you will want to keep your family busy and entertained. Check out exciting events taking place in our Essex Country Parks. Enjoy Books in the Parks story time events on Monday 12 August and Tuesday 13 August at Thorndon and Weald. Why not connect with nature with Family Wild Wednesdays at Danbury Country Park throughout August?

Add a touch of magic to the school holidays with Summer Magic Trails

Make it an enchanted summer at the Essex Country Parks with the free Summer Magic Trails. Children can help the Essex Country Park rangers find and count the magical creatures on the trails. 

The Summer Magic Trails are running at seven Essex Country Parks. 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.

Staying safe online over the summer

The risk of online harm doesn’t disappear over the summer. It's important for caregivers to discuss online safety regularly. This can help children feel comfortable in sharing any concerns. 

Health 

Explore and experience the new events debuting at the Paris Olympics

With the Paris Olympics in full swing Active Essex have taken a look at the new disciplines on show this summer. New events include Breaking, Sport Climbing and Surfing. Fancy trying some of the new events for yourself? You now can with the special Olympic 2024 filter on the Find Your Active Activity Finder. It will take you a matter of minutes to ‘Find Your Olympic’ throughout the games, some of which are free!  

Top tips to help you beat the heat this summer

If you’re enjoying the glorious sunshine, make sure to follow these top tips from the NHS to help you beat the heat:  

• keep hydrated, drink plenty of water and eat cold foods like salads and fruit with a high-water content  

• look out for vulnerable neighbours, including older people and young children 

• try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm) 

• wear sunscreen with a minimum sun protection of SPF15  

• dress appropriately and cover up, including wearing a hat and sunglasses 

• follow the weather updates and advice on keeping well 

Read more about summer health advice. 

Essex partnership helps adults with learning disabilities into work

ECL and East of England Co-op won a Municipal Journal (MJ) Award for its partnership, which has helped 16 adults achieve paid employment to date. The partnership comes from ECL's Inclusive Employment initiative launched in 2020. This gives mentoring and training to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. 

ECL works closely with Essex businesses to match talented people with business needs. It shows the benefits of hiring the people it supports for more inclusive employment. 

Environment 

Exciting expansion of the DigiGo Travel Zone

The DigiGo travel zone has now expanded. This is in response to Essex County Council’s Bus Network Consultation. DigiGo now covers new areas previously served by local bus services that are being withdrawn. DigiGo will offer enhanced service and greater flexibility to better meet travel needs.

We have a new Waste Strategy

Last month we adopted the new Waste Strategy for Essex. The strategy sets out how to reduce the impact on the environment from things we throw away. By everyone working together, we will reduce waste, reuse and recycle more. Find out more about the new waste strategy.

Don’t wait for the rain to start pouring - stay ahead of flooding with the Property Flood Resilience grant!

Take action today and give your home the protection it may need against surface water flooding with the Property Flood Resilience grant. 

If eligible, you could receive up to £8,000 towards defences designed to minimise flood damage. Check your surface water flood risk by entering your postcode. Join hundreds of Essex residents who have already stepped-up flood protection in their homes.

Discover how we can all take action on climate change 

Want to learn more about how we can protect the future of our planet? The Carbon Cutting Essex app is a fun way to keep track of your carbon footprint and how you can reduce it day-to-day. Don’t miss out, download the free Carbon Cutting Essex app today.

Economy 

10 tips for starting a career in early years and childcare 

As part of our early years recruitment campaign ‘Make a change. Build a future.’ we have launched a new guide to early years careers for school leavers. 

The guide features tips from experienced practitioners. Whether you’re looking for information on pathways into the sector or guidance on choosing the right setting, the guide can help you kickstart a career in early years and childcare.

Unlock new opportunities with an apprenticeship

If you’re looking to enhance your career prospects, why not consider an apprenticeship. Programmes are suitable for school or college leavers and people looking for a change of career or require new skills in a current role. Our adult education provider, ACL Essex provide apprenticeship opportunities that support individuals at all career levels.

Boost your business’ green credentials

Great Start is our new free learning series for businesses. With bite-sized video content, you’ll learn everything you need to launch your business’ green transition. You can even earn digital badges to evidence your learning! From green procurement to building Sustainable Action Plans, choose the topics that matter to your business. Watch our videos to start your transition to a greener business today.

Looking for a rewarding part-time opportunity to fit around you? Try a job in care

Looking for a new part-time opportunity or want to stay active during retirement? A role in care could be perfect for you. There is no experience necessary, and training is provided.

There are currently part-time vacancies available in Basildon, Brentwood, Billericay, Chelmsford and Wickford. Apply now for a part-time role in care.

Have your say

Have your say on new Essex Transport Strategy

Our public consultation on the Essex Transport Strategy is set to go live on Monday. The strategy will set important priorities and outline our vision for transport in the county. The consultation focuses on key themes and outcomes, and your feedback will help guide us in developing the strategy further. Find out more and have your say on the new Essex Transport Strategy by Sunday 22 September.