Your Essex 

Community 

Enjoy a summer of culture in Essex 

Discover amazing activities this summer with the Essex Summer of Culture guide for 2024. Connect with others in your community and enjoy the natural world around you. 

The guide includes exciting upcoming events from local Essex arts and cultural organisations. Pick up a copy from Essex Libraries, Essex Country Parks and many attractions across the county.

We're celebrating the contribution volunteers have on communities in Essex

Monday 3 June to Sunday 9 June marks Volunteers’ Week. We’re celebrating the amazing contribution volunteers make to communities across Essex. Caroline works for Essex Wildlife Trust and says, “I would suggest that anyone who wants to should try volunteering. It improves your fitness, mental health and is a very social activity.”

Several volunteers mentioned the positive impact of volunteering on both their local community and their personal wellbeing. Find a volunteering opportunity that works for you and start making a difference today.

Essex homes could save money on energy bills with free upgrades this summer 

More than 15,000 homes in Essex could qualify for free home improvements to save money on their energy bills. Eligible properties could receive government-funded improvements from insulation to solar panels and more.

 
It’s part of the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 scheme. The measures are available for residents who live in hard-to-heat homes and have a combined annual income of less than £36,000. Find out more about the Home Upgrade Grant and apply.

Children and families 

Make a difference every day with a career in early years and childcare

You can make a change and build a future for young children by starting a career in early years and childcare. You can benefit from formal qualifications and training while shaping the lives of young children. Discover early years and childcare opportunities now. 

George said, "It’s lovely to know that what you’re doing is making a difference." Watch George talk about his career in early years and childcare.

Expansion to the current childcare reforms  

As part of the Childcare Reforms Expansion, eligible working parents can now access up to 15 hours of funded childcare. This will be delivered the term after their child turns two-years-old, either weekly term time, or up to 570 hours if accessed all year round. 

This is a significant increase in supporting working parents and carers. This will provide support to enable them to work whilst ensuring childcare support is in place. Read about the expansion to Funded Early Education Entitlements.  

Could you foster a child aged 0 to 5-years-old?

For the first time in years, Essex are recruiting foster carers to support local children aged 0 to 5-years-old. Unfortunately, the number of children coming into care is rising and we need more foster carers who can offer safe and nurturing homes. Chat with our team and foster carers at an information event this month.

The Essex library Summer Reading Challenge is back!

It’s not long until our Summer Reading Challenge launches and we’re looking for volunteers to help keep children reading this summer. Children 14-years-old and over can volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s a great chance to gain work experience, meet new people and gain valuable life skills.

Health 

Caring Communities Commission created 

We have launched a new commission aiming to address increasing pressures on social care services. The Caring Communities Commission will explore local and community-based solutions to social care pressures on public services.
The commission will launch in the summer of 2024. It will focus on building capacity within communities for improved resilience, better services and lower costs.

Feeling energised after Ford RideLondon-Essex?

From Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May over 20,000 cyclists took part in Ford RideLondon-Essex. It was an amazing weekend of cycling through London and the picturesque villages and countryside of Essex. Thank you to all residents and businesses that supported the riders.

Whether you joined the event or you’re looking to get more active this summer. You can Find Your Active and start your journey to feeling physically and mentally better.

Dealing with loneliness

For Loneliness Awareness Week (Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June) the NHS are highlighting ways people can deal with loneliness. It's important to recognise it's normal to feel lonely, for example when starting something new. However, there are things you can do to help. Some tips to tackle loneliness include:

• keeping in touch with people

• connecting with others or volunteering

• sharing your feelings

Find more detailed tips on dealing with loneliness on the NHS website.

Environment 

Do you live in a flood risk area? You might be eligible for an £8,000 grant

There are thousands of homes at risk of surface water flooding in Essex. Eligible residents can receive a Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant of up to £8,000. The PFR grant could help you equip your home with measures to minimise flood damage and keep your home safe and dry. Check your eligibility for the PFR grant and apply today.

The Essex Highways resurfacing programme is now underway

Roads across the county will be repaired and maintained over the coming months to improve their quality and durability. With the Essex Highways website you can find out where roadworks are taking place and use the resurfacing map to plan any journeys and avoid delays.

Help the planet, save money on energy bills and earn rewards!

With weekly interactive activities, the Carbon Cutting Essex app is a fun way to keep track of your carbon footprint. It has already helped thousands of residents in Essex. This month, discover small actions you can take to retrofit your home. Take a step towards a greener future and download the Carbon Cutting Essex app today!

Economy 

Build your construction business

Calling all construction, engineering and infrastructure firms! Don’t miss out on huge opportunities in Essex. Join the next Essex Construction Alliance event on Thursday 13 June at Chelmsford Rugby Club. Hear from industry experts and expand your network with like-minded construction professionals.

More than just maths: how Multiply is changing lives

Multiply in Essex can give people the maths skills they need to take on life’s challenges and find new opportunities. Thomas Cartwell is one such learner who discovered budgeting and cooking skills through a Multiply course. This led to renewed self-confidence and a path to a healthier life. Read about Thomas’ journey with Multiply. 

Have your say

Have your say on the draft Essex Cycle Strategy

Our public consultation on the new draft Essex Cycle Strategy is now live. The strategy's vision is to see more people, of all abilities, ages and backgrounds, cycling in Essex more safely and more frequently.  

It highlights six key cycling outcomes we want to achieve and sets out activities and actions for the coming years. Share your views on the draft Essex Cycle Strategy by Sunday 7 July 2024. 

Share your views on overhead lines and pylon installation between Norwich and Tilbury

National Grid has launched a consultation on its proposals for installing overhead lines and pylons between Norwich and Tilbury to improve existing infrastructure and bring offshore energy to East Anglia. The proposals include several parts of greater Essex. Share your views on the Norwich and Tilbury consultation before Tuesday 18 June.  

Tell us your priorities in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour

The Community Safety Survey helps police and local authorities understand what matters most to residents. Take part in this year’s Community Safety Survey before it closes on Sunday 30 June 2024. Your views will help develop solutions by local authorities in different parts of Essex.