High Sheriff Recognises Local Charities at Prestigious Awards Ceremony

6th March 2026

Local charities and voluntary organisations that address crime and anti-social behaviour and improve community safety have received recognition and grants at the annual High Sheriff’s Awards.

Among the projects receiving support were youth groups, activities and specialist help for young people, projects that contribute to community cohesion for minority groups, support for older people who are facing abuse and exploitation, raising awareness of rural safety and a knife crime prevention initiative.

Around 200 guests attended this year’s ceremony held at Hylands House in Chelmsford, where trophies, certificates and 29 grants totalling £162,000 were presented by the High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh DL.

The event was supported by Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.  Presenters Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt supported the event by compering and interviewing the trophy winners and other guests, with conversations shared by Sadie Nine on her BBC Essex Saturday morning show.

The grants came from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, and other community safety focussed funds all of which are managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

Julie Fosh DL, the 845^th High Sheriff of Essex, has travelled across the County during the year, visiting charities that are tackling a wide range of issues and helping people in their community.  She has learned about their work and met with many volunteers, presenting them with certificates to recognise and acknowledge their commitment and dedication.

“It is an honour and privilege to serve as the High Sheriff of Essex, and has been a hugely enjoyable year. I have travelled across the county and been very warmly welcomed by so many communities, organisations, charities and voluntary groups. Their work is inspiring and shows great resilience and dedication to those they support”.

“The Awards event provides a wonderful opportunity for me, and other attendees, to recognise publicly, the significant contribution that charities and voluntary groups make in our communities.  It is a privilege to be able to reward their outstanding work, and that of the wider voluntary sector, being undertaken in Essex that is helping to build and sustain safer communities”, she said.

The coveted High Sheriff’s Shield was awarded to Kids Inspire:

Based in Chelmsford, recognising their dedication and amazing work supporting children, young people and families with mental health and trauma recovery. The High Sheriff’s panel were hugely impressed by the impact that this charity and project is having on the lives of so many young people, helping to keep them safe from harm and give them a brighter future.

High Sheriff Shield winners, Kids Inspire.

Other trophies presented on the night were:

• The High Sheriff’s Cup, presented to Leap Pathways for their work empowering girls in Rochford and Castle Point, helping them to keep safe and well. They also received £4,320 to reach more girls who urgently need a safe, trusted space.
• The Essex County Council Bowl, which recognises the contribution of organisations working in partnership to deliver programmes directly into the community, was awarded to Together Free Foundation for their work in Essex to bring an end to modern slavery and human trafficking. They also received £6,000 to help with their operational costs.
• The Essex County Fire & Rescue Shield, which recognises an organisation’s work with young people, was awarded to Colchester United Community Foundation for their work providing a much-needed lifeline and a safe space for young people at risk of exclusion or involvement in crime, offering guidance, mentoring, and engaging activities. They also received £5,000 to help run a free weekly youth club in Shrub End, Colchester.
• The Essex Police Cup, which recognises the work of voluntary organisations working in the community was awarded to ATF Southend, for their work with young people and specifically their Positive Futures Course in secondary schools for young people, mainly from South Essex, who are at risk of criminal and challenging behaviour.

High Sheriff 2026 Awards winners

CommuniTea: Bringing People Together to Strengthen Essex Communities 

20th February 2026

When businesses and charities come together with honesty and curiosity, powerful conversations can happen. That was the thinking behind CommuniTea, a new networking series launched in Essex. It creates space for open dialogue over a cup of tea (or coffee), helping to turn good intentions into meaningful community support. 

The first event in the four-part series, hosted by ECF and supported by the Beresfords Group, focused on reimagining volunteering in Essex. Through a panel discussion and open Q&A, attendees explored what effective support really looks like for charities working at the heart of local communities. 

While many businesses genuinely want to give back, charities across Essex remain overstretched and under-resourced. The challenge is rarely intent, but alignment. Businesses often offer what they assume volunteering should look like, rather than what charities actually need. Effective support starts with better conversations, and CommuniTea is designed to create space for exactly that.

CommuniTea charity leaders panelists

As Nicki Treffers, Group Marketing & New Business Director at Beresfords, reflected during the discussion: “It’s a case of having a very open conversation about how you can help each other and assist each other.” 

One theme that emerged was how easily well-intentioned support can miss the mark. Charities spoke about receiving offers of help that, while generous, actually created extra work. Large, one-off volunteering days, for example, often require time for planning, induction and supervision that small organisations simply cannot spare. 

As Ian Flint from Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome explained:
“Unless those businesses wanting to help stay up to date with what they need to do and what help is actually needed, they’re going to be completely at sea.” 

Reimagining volunteering together 

Volunteers play a vital role across Essex. Around 95,000 people sustain organisations that communities rely on every day, contributing over £1.2 billion to the local economy and supporting more than 17,500 paid roles. For many charities, volunteers are not “extra hands”; they are essential. 

Dan Skeates Founder of Cool To Be Kind

As Dan Skeates, Founder of Cool to Be Kind, said: “We’ve got one paid employee who does eight hours a week. We’re all volunteers.” 

With resources so limited, misaligned support can be costly. Charities highlighted the importance of skills-based volunteering, where people offer expertise they already have but charities often cannot afford. Skills such as governance, finance, HR, safeguarding, IT, data and communications were identified as areas where the right support can have a lasting impact. 

As Ian Flint noted: “If you’re phoning me saying, ‘I’ve got this skill set, is there something I can do for you with it, a service I can provide or a task I can complete for you?’, that’s an entirely different question.”

The discussion prompted reflection among attendees.

As Nicki Treffers shared: 
“My takeaway will be looking at the skill set we have within our organisation, which is multifaceted.” 

Others echoed similar views, including a recently retired attendee who said the event helped him recognise how personal skills and experience could translate into meaningful support for local causes. Together, these reflections pointed to a shift away from task-based volunteering and towards support that is better aligned with real charity need.

Continuing the conversation 

This event is the first in a four-part CommuniTea series, bringing businesses and charities together through open dialogue and shared learning to turn ideas into action. For business leaders keen to stay involved and make genuine local impact, upcoming events offer a clear next step.  

Counselling Service Receives £5,000 Grant to Support Local Residents 

29th January 2026

Affordable Counselling Epping Forest (ACEF) has received a £5,000 funding boost to expand its vital low-cost counselling support for residents. The grant, awarded by the Frank Lichfield Charitable Trust and managed by ECF, will help ensure accessible mental health support remains available at a time of growing demand. 

Over the past year, ACEF delivered almost 700 counselling sessions across the Epping Forest District. The service offers a safe, confidential space for individuals to explore challenges and receive professional support at low costs. Of the clients supported, 86% reported a decrease in anxiety and 93% reported a decrease in depression. 

Demand for ACEF’s support continues to rise, driven by the long-term impact of Covid-19 and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. As statutory mental health services face increasing pressure, ACEF provides a crucial safety net for residents who might otherwise struggle to access help. 

ACEF currently delivers 21 hours of counselling each week, led by accredited or equivalently experienced counsellors. The service is available to adults aged 18 and over living in the Epping Forest District, with each client offered up to eight sessions of support at a minimum of £5 per session. 

“I would just like to say how wonderful this service is. Counselling ordinarily would have been out of my reach. Without the counsellor listening without judgement I know I would not have been able to navigate, as I have, the end of what has been a dreadful year for me. Thank you,” said a recent client.  

ACEF added: “The funding we, as Trustees of ACEF, have received from Essex Community Foundation is fundamental to our ability to continue this service within the local community.” 

If you are a local charity or voluntary group in need of funding, please contact our grants team on 01245 355947 or apply here.

Saffron Building Society’s Community Fund Reaches Major Milestone!

26th January 2026

Saffron Building Society has reached a major milestone, with its endowment fund at ECF surpassing £1 million, well ahead of the five-year target set in 2023. 

This achievement means the Saffron Community Fund can now award around £50,000 each year to support local projects, charities, and initiatives across Essex. Since its launch in 2011, the fund has given more than £300,000 to a wide range of local causes. 

Managed by ECF, grants are decided by a panel of Saffron Building Society staff and members. The fund reflects the Society’s long-standing commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. 

“Reaching £1 million in our endowment fund is a testament to our values as a mutual,” said Colin Field, CEO of Saffron Building Society. “We’re incredibly proud to have exceeded our target and to know this fund will continue supporting Essex communities now and in the future.” 

ECF works to connect donors with local charities, helping strengthen communities across the county.

Caroline Taylor, CEO of ECF, said: “Saffron’s endowment shows what’s possible when a socially responsible business takes a long-term view of community investment. It is already supporting local charities tackling some of the most pressing challenges, and it will continue to do so for generations.” 

Recent grants from the fund include: 

• DIG-IT Community Allotment – £3,000 for a joint food growing and cooking project 

• Hourglass (Safer Ageing) – £2,750 towards a 24/7 helpline for older people at risk of abuse 

• Kool Carers South East – £2,000 for activities and trips for young carers in Brentwood 

• Red Kite Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service – £10,200 to support survivors of sexual abuse across Hertfordshire and Essex 

Laura Thompson-Harper, project manager at DIG-IT Community Allotment said: “We are so welcoming and passionate about making the site safe and accessible. The benefits of time spent here are immeasurable for our clients and the funding we have received will make a huge difference to our work.” 

The fund will continue to provide long-term support for essential community projects and local organisations across the region. 

For more information or to apply for funding, visit our Apply For Support page here or call us on 01245 355947. 

Funding Opportunity Returns for Community Projects in Harwich and Tendring

Voluntary and community groups in Harwich and Tendring can now apply for funding from the Harwich Haven Authority Community Fund (HHA Fund). Grants of up to £7,500 are available to help bring local community, environmental, and educational projects to life. 

The Fund has been managed by ECF since 2018 and has awarded over £240,000 in grants to charities and voluntary groups working across Harwich and Tendring. The funding forms part of Harwich Haven Authority’s wider programme of community support. 

“This fund offers a valuable opportunity for voluntary and community organisations in Harwich and Tendring to turn great ideas into reality,” says Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager at ECF. “We encourage organisations to come forward and explore how the Harwich Haven Authority Community Fund could help their project grow and thrive.” 

Projects Previously Supported 

The HHA Community Fund has supported a wide range of impactful local projects, including: 

• Action for Family Carers – £6,000 towards the delivery of a Young Carers Club in Harwich, offering respite and tailored support for children aged 8–16 with caring responsibilities. 

• Jaywick Sands Revival CIC – £8,800 towards the costs of delivering a community foodbank serving the Jaywick area of Clacton. 

• The Friends of Cox’s Pond – £2,000 towards start-up costs for the restoration of a local pond and surrounding gardens in Harwich. 

• The Active Wellbeing Society – £4,000 towards a new weekly after-school bike club in Harwich, providing bike support alongside a nutritious meal for local children. 

Applying for Funding 

Organisations wishing to apply should ensure their project meets the Fund’s eligibility criteria and delivers clear benefits to communities in Harwich or Tendring. 

The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday 10 March. 

If you applied for funding in the previous round, please contact us before submitting a new application. 

For further information on eligibility and how to apply, organisations should contact our Grants Team at 01245 355947 or book a call.   

You can also find more information about our funding application process on our ‘Apply For Support’ page linked below.

Apply For Support

Young Trumpeters Inspired by World-Class Masterclass in Ongar

Young brass players from across the region were given an unforgettable opportunity to take part in a Masterclass held by the internationally acclaimed trumpeter Matilda Lloyd.

Eight talented musicians aged 12 to 26 took part in the day-long event held at Budworth Hall in Ongar, presented by Ongar Music Club and made possible with funding from the Essex Young Musicians’ Trust (EYMT). The masterclass offered a rare chance to work closely with one of today’s leading trumpet performers, combining expert coaching, performance opportunities and creative musical exploration.

Throughout the afternoon, participants performed a wide-ranging programme featuring works by Haydn, Hummel, Arutjunian, Bernstein, Copland, Sparke and Vizzutti.

Matilda Lloyd focused on developing tone, musical character and performance confidence, with sensitive support from the official pianist Joanna Smith. Members of the public were invited to observe the sessions, gaining a rare insight into the artistry and discipline of top-level musicianship.

In the evening a recital was held where the young musicians were able to put into practice their learning from the day.

At the end of the event, Matilda presented four bursaries in recognition of outstanding promise and achievement. The EYMT Norman Harper Bursary (£500) for performers aged 12–18 was awarded to Lucas Rebel (12) and Ariana Wilson (14), while the Belinda Starling Award (£500) for performers aged 19–26 went to Alexander Rebel (16) and Kerensa Newcombe (25).

Reflecting on the experience, Ariana Wilson said, “The masterclass really helped me to think about how I communicate music to an audience.  I’ve already made changes to my playing and feel inspired to keep improving and see where the trumpet takes me.”

Young musicians who are in need of financial support to develop their talent should contact Essex Community Foundation on 01245 355947 or email hello@essexcf.org.uk to find out more about available funding opportunities.