Global choir hits a high note
25th August 2023
Colchester Mercury Theatre is raising the roof with its new community Global Choir. The project was originally set up to help asylum seekers and refugees settle into the City, but it has been so successful that people from the wider community are also getting involved.
Members of the Global Choir come from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups. The choir sessions and performances help to break down barriers, build community cohesion and help people to feel less isolated by creating new friendships.
The project received £8,975 from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
Abbi Roberts, from the Mercury Theatre, said: “We are so grateful for this funding which helped us to set up and run the choir, but its success is due to those who have so wholeheartedly got involved.
“We meet weekly, and after a vocal warm-up, we sing songs from around the world including Eastern European harmonies, pop, rhythms from Africa and soulful gospel. There is no audition required, we learn songs by ear, and we just have lots of fun.
“It was really important to us that the choir was accessible to all ages, especially for parents with young children, as living in a new place can be isolating. To help them take part, we provide supervised activities for children aged up to 3.”
A member of the Choir said: “It is great fun and I have met so many new friends. I encourage anyone who is interested to take the leap and come along to a practice.”
Colchester Mercury Theatre also host creative meet-ups, helping people to improve their English language skills by participating in theatre games and drama exercises in a safe, family-friendly environment. They also make music, learn different crafts and share food that celebrates each other’s culture and helps create a mutual understanding.
Some of their artists are trained drama therapists experienced in providing opportunities for people to express themselves, so this also helps with the mental health needs of people affected by displacement and trauma.
To find out more about the Mercury Theatres Creative Engagement Activities, please email taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk
Supporting positive thinking for young people
An Essex family’s determination to create something positive following a tragedy means that vital help is being given to young people struggling with their mental health.
Projects for pupils and students in schools and universities, as well as informative video guides for parents seeking support for their children, have all been made possible by the Charlie Watkins Foundation (CWF). Charlie Watkins was just 22 when he took his own life in 2017. Outwardly, he was a confident and happy young man who studied criminology at the University of York. He had a large circle of friends, was a member of the lacrosse club and an active member of the student union.
However, the loss of his mother to cancer when Charlie was nine years old had a huge impact and from then on, he struggled with his mental health.
Following Charlie’s tragic death, his father Tim and twin brother, Harry, were determined to keep Charlie’s memory alive and make a real difference to the increasing number of young people across the country facing mental health challenges.
They decided to set up the CWF and started working with Essex Community Foundation.
The Fund in memory of Charlie continues to go from strength-to-strength with the mission to “smash the stigma” surrounding mental health, raise awareness and provide practical support for young people in need.
Tim, who lives near Colchester, said: “So much progress has been made in the past six years and we are proud to have supported charities and organisations that are changing lives with grants so far totalling £130,000.
“Our young people need support with their mental health. We have always said that if we could help just one person, it was all worth it and I know that we have exceeded that.
“Working with ECF allows us the time to get involved in fundraising and build a lasting charitable fund, in Charlie’s memory, as they take care of all the administration. Through working with them, we support local charities and national initiatives to ensure that young people keep talking about mental health and can access support if they need it.
“Charlie was such a character, and we miss him dreadfully. But we are so proud that his legacy lives on and are so grateful to anyone who chooses to support Charlie’s Fund.”
Harry said: “Charlie lost his battle, but there are many more young people who suffer in silence and tackle their feelings alone. Through the Charlie Watkins Foundation we support projects and initiatives that increase awareness of mental health issues, encourage young people to talk about their feelings and accelerate the provision of counselling services.”
Tim and Harry’s efforts have also taken them to 10 Downing Street for an open conversation between Government and several organisations, to explore what can be done to prevent more people taking their lives.
The Charlie Watkins Foundation is fuelled by the triumphant efforts of dedicated friends and family, called Charlie’s Champions, who sometimes push themselves to the limit and tackle a wide range of challenges to raise money.
These include a family friend doing a sky dive, Tim’s friends cycling the length of Portugal, two of Charlies friends cycling the length of South America. A university friend of Charlie’s is currently walking the West coast of America from Mexico to Canada and one supporter is running 13 half marathons in 13 days.
Tim, Harry and their supporters also arrange large scale fundraising events including concerts, golf days and fundraising balls and are grateful to their corporate partners for their support and contributions. So far, the Charlie Watkins Foundation has raised an incredible £600,000.
Projects supported by the Charlie Watkins Foundation include:
The Colchester & Tendring Youth Enquiry Service (YES). A grant enabled the launch of a new school navigator project for young people to access help and obtain the support they need. This project has assisted YES in demonstrating the value of school navigators, which has resulted in the Suffolk & North East Essex Integrated Care Board announcing that they will be supporting YES to deliver this much-needed service across North East Essex in 17 schools, the Sixth Form College and the Colchester Institute.
Elise Ellis from YES said: “We have found that many young people just need to be heard and have the chance to talk with a qualified, independent and reliable adult. We see a variety of young people and the beauty of the in-school project is that these young people are being seen quickly and are allocated the correct support for their individual situation. This has resulted in decreased NHS waiting lists and more successful support.
“I have met with hundreds of young people who, without the project, would have been on a counselling waiting list, potentially for many months.”
YES also has a community garden – an allotment space where young people can meet and work together to grow fruit and vegetables to support their mental wellbeing. Thanks to funding from CWF, there is a new addition to the community garden; a summer house called ‘Charlie’s Cabin’. This provides a safe and quiet space for the young people to open up to each other and YES staff about any troubles they may be facing.
Support for Students
Life at university was, at times, difficult for Charlie, but also for many other students who were adapting to living away from home and family while studying. By partnering with and supporting Student Minds and the Charlie Waller Trust, CWF is reaching out to even more young people to help them access the support they need.
Student Minds is a UK wide charity that empowers students and members of university communities to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and create change. In partnership with Student Minds, CWF has funded the development of a mental health support directory for all students.
Working with another similar organisation the Charlie Waller Trust, CWF has recently released parental video guides giving advice on how to identify and address mental health issues affecting their children.
CWF also previously worked with them to produce some transition guides for those moving to university. These guides have been especially helpful to those going on to further education after the COVID-19 lockdowns and whose mental health was not as strong as it once was.
For more information and to support the Charlie Watkins Foundation visit cwfoundation.co.uk
The business of giving back
Multiple charities in the East of England are set to benefit following the latest tranche of grant-giving from the Saffron Community Fund (SCF).
The SCF is fast becoming synonymous with offering unconditional financial support to charities across Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire. Its ‘no strings attached’ attitude towards grant giving means that it will support charities in all sorts of ways including with their running costs – an area that is so often overlooked by other organisations that prefer to fund projects or one-off activities.
The Saffron Community Fund provides grants to charities, community groups, and volunteer organisations within the East of England. The fund is run independently, in partnership, with Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
Claire Hunnable, Community Business Partner at Saffron Building Society, said: “Our approach to selecting the successful applicants for the Saffron Community Fund goes far beyond what each individual charity wants to use the money for, instead we look at the charity as a whole and base our decision on overall community impact.
“The harsh reality faced by so many charitable organisations at the moment due to increased costs is how they can keep the lights on, and the Saffron Community Fund is on-hand to support them in this time of need.”
This year saw Saffron Building Society open applications for its Saffron Community Fund twice – the first time since it was masterminded 11 years ago.
Successful charities, all located within the building society’s heartlands, will receive more than £25,000 between them over the coming months.
The full list of beneficiaries can be found below:
Essex
- Accuro Care Services, Saffron Walden
- Colchester CAP Debt Centre (CCDC)
- Forget Me Not Café, Saffron Walden
- Hatfield Heath Village Hall Trust Men’s Shed, Bishop’s Stortford
- Kool Carers South East Limited, Brentwood
- YMCA Thames Gateway, Brentwood
Suffolk
- Families Together Suffolk, Haverhill
- Memories Are Golden, Haverhill
Hertfordshire
- Young Concern Trust, county-wide
Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive of ECF, said: “Saffron is an excellent example of a local business putting community at the heart of everything they do. Their decision-making panel, made up of employees and members, recognises the importance of supporting running costs, which is a priority for many charities at this time. By choosing to give locally, they get to visit the groups to see the difference their funding has made.”
For more information or to apply for the next round of funding, please visit: www.saffronbs.co.uk/saffron-community-fund
The challenges of coastal living
2nd August 2023
People who live in Essex have a precious asset within their reach, one of the longest coastlines in England. Stretching over 350 miles, the Essex coast embraces fascinating and historic towns and important countryside.
Living by the seaside can be idyllic, but for some it can pose challenges including isolation, a shortage of employment, lack of good transport links and sparse local services.
Charities based in areas such as Harwich, Clacton-on-Sea, Burnham-on-Crouch and Southend-on-Sea are helping to make life better for people in coastal communities in Essex.
Many such organisations are led by local volunteers, and their close involvement with the places they are based-in and serve, means they can understand and help meet local needs. Essex Community Foundation (ECF), an independent grantmaker, supports the work of these voluntary and community organisations, thanks the generosity of fundholders and donors who choose to give locally.
Someone who has a lifelong connection with the Essex coast and who has made a vast difference to the quality of life in his community is Peter Croysdill. More than two decades ago Peter set up the Southend Community Fund with his friend from childhood, Howard Briggs, a former mayor of Southend.
Their aim was to create a unique financial resource for the area, where local giving could be channelled to provide ongoing support for charities and community groups in Southend.
The Fund, managed by ECF, has grown steadily thanks to fundraising events, donations and support from local people. Since it was launched the Southend Community Fund has awarded almost £500,000 in grants. It also has an equivalent endowed amount which provides an ongoing source of funding.
Peter said: “The fund is such an asset for Southend, providing support for local charities and organisations. It is a legacy for the area, and I am proud of what has been achieved since it was set up.
“Working with ECF has been a great success, they can do all the checks to make sure that the money is spent correctly, where it is needed.
“The fund is run by a panel of local people who make decisions on the applications made to ECF for grants. Southend is a great place, but there are areas needing support and the grants can help these communities.
“We have been able to help many different charities, including the Balmoral Community Centre in Westcliff-on-Sea which desperately needed new windows. If we had not given this support, the many groups that use the hall would not have been able to meet. It is a real community hub and when we went back to visit the centre months later, the people there told us they were so delighted with the help given by the fund.
“The Fund has given grants to HARP, the charity for homeless people and to charities helping domestic abuse victims. We were also able to help SAVS, the council for local voluntary services, when their telephone system was breaking down. Without that grant they wouldn’t have been able to carry on.”
Peter, a community stalwart, who lives on the seafront, has recently taken the role of President of the Southend Community Fund. It is a fitting recognition for the vital contribution he has made in establishing such a resource to help his fellow citizens in the place where he has lived all his life.
His friend Howard Briggs has, due to declining health, had to move away from Southend to be closer to his family. But he and Peter can be assured that their vision of a stronger community will live on.
Among the local charities working in coastal areas in Essex who have received support from funds run by ECF are:
Chalkwell Lifeguards received a grant of £2,750 for their life-saving equipment. Anthony Martin, from Chalkwell Lifeguards, said: “The seaside is a very beautiful place, but due to the ever-changing tides and currents and fast changing weather conditions it can also be a very dangerous place.
“We provide a Beach Patrol and Rescue service to help keep residents and visitors to our new city safe when they are enjoying the beach and water along Southends foreshore. In recent years our club has become much more than a Lifeguard Patrol Unit, with our base at Chalkwell Shelter becoming also more of a Community hub to assist and serve all sections of the local community.
“Our Club and its volunteers support Southend Councils Beach Welfare Officer scheme and offer public information and water safety advice for people passing by and a constant First Aid service including a heart restart defibrillator which we have at our Club house at Chalkwell Shelter and also one that we take on cycle & foot patrols from Southend Pier to Bell Wharf at Leigh-on-Sea.
“Our Beach Welfare Officer volunteers also act as welcome hosts to residents and visitors during the summer months, we also offer local carers groups a place to meet, including those caring for loved ones with disabilities and a widow and widowers group. We also work closely with ‘Active Life’ for community yoga exercise sessions on the beach and also host litter picking events.”
Bradwell-on-Sea Community Shop is owned and run by members of the local community. A £6,000 grant helped to create a small self-service café area. The shop is now a focal point where local people meet. Rachael Smith, from the community shop said: “Our village shop faced an uncertain future when the former owner decided to sell-up. With our nearest supermarket over 10 miles away the shop played a vital role for the community and we could not be without it.
“Fortunately for the villagers the former owner Michael Baker, who opened the shop as a community store back in 2009, not only came up with the idea of a business owned by local residents but was also extremely benevolent in letting us purchase the property for a much-reduced price.
“In September 2014 the local community came together and raised nearly £45,000 through a shareholder scheme. That, together with a bank loan, meant we were able to make the purchase and keep the heart of our community alive. Every xcess we make from the shop goes either back into the store or the community.
“We have also been the recipients of generous funding including the grant from ECF. We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received. Today we employ a full-time manager to run the shop and Post Office, employ a 19-year-old from the village and we have over 30 fabulous volunteers who run the store on a shift basis, keeping the shop open seven days a week.”
Canvey Island is separated from the mainland of south Essex by a network of creeks and has a population of around 40,000. A lack of services locally was resulting in a rise in anti-social behaviour and alcohol and drug misuse among young people. Yellow Door Youth Club provides a vital service, and their Friday night youth club gives those aged 11 to 25 somewhere safe to go to spend their free time. It also offers a range of services focusing on improving health.
Harwich Connexions set up a mini-bus service in response to the isolation caused by a lack of local transport. It offers group travel for elderly people, those with disabilities or young people undertaking school outings. Over the past 19 years the service has grown to a fleet of seven minibuses and now a regular service to Colchester Hospital has been established thanks to a grant of £10,000.
Walton Community Centre received £5,000 from ECF to run a tech class to help elderly people get online so they can connect with family and friends to ease feelings of loneliness.
Shoeburyness Residents Association used a grant of £2,800 to install a solar powered “talking bench” on Shoebury East beach. Pre-recorded messages which change regularly are played for those who sit down while on a walk to encourage positive thinking.
If you care about your community and want to give back, contact Perry Norton at ECF to have a conversation on 01245 355947.
How animals are changing lives in Essex
Horses, dogs, goats and many other animals are all playing their part in projects to improve and enhance the health and well-being of people in Essex.
Whether it is a wheelchair user feeling freedom through horse riding, a donkey visiting people in hospice care, someone in a care home cuddling a greyhound or a teenager with anxiety building confidence by working with creatures great and small, there is no doubt about the therapeutic power of being with animals.
Spending time with any animal can help reduce feelings of loneliness and stress, overcome trauma and make a positive difference to mental health. Animals provides comfort and distraction to those who may be feeling low and can also be a benefit to anyone with social barriers, including people with learning disabilities or autism.
Essex Community Foundation (ECF), the independent charitable trust which distributes around £4.5 million in grants to local charities each year, has supported a wide range of voluntary organisations with projects that utilise animals to improve the lives of local people.
Ace Hounds, in Uttlesford, was set up and is run by a small and dedicated team. They take retired racing greyhounds into care homes for elderly people and spend time with those who feel lonely or isolated.
The project was temporarily paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but was able to restart thanks to a grant from ECF of £5,000.
Susan Phillips, a volunteer at Ace Hounds, said: “We help lots of different groups and take the greyhounds to see people who are elderly, have dementia, learning difficulties or mental health challenges. We have also started working in schools, to help young people gain self-confidence.
“The use of animals, especially dogs, has been proven to be therapeutic for people who are lonely or anxious and we’ve had feedback which shows that people leave our sessions feeling happier and more motivated.”
Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled provides riding and carriage driving to 120 disabled children and adults every week. The charity is a purpose-built riding centre in rural Essex, between Chelmsford and Brentwood, making riding accessible for people who may otherwise be unable to learn.
Anne Mitchell, Trustee, whose family founded the charity, said: ” Spending time with horses and ponies is proven to help improve both mental and physical health and well-being. For many of our participants the time spent at Barrow Farm may be the only exercise, and time spent in a countryside environment that they get. For them, learning a new skill builds confidence and self-esteem and the chance to make new friends. I see the benefits every day from the smiles on their faces and from the pride of their parents watching their riders achieve.”
One parent said: “Riding at Barrow Farm has increased my son’s core strength, his balance and his coordination. It has also helped hugely his social and emotional well-being. It has been a real game changer, not only for him but for our whole family.”
The charity has been able to employ a part-time riding coach, thanks to a grant of £6,000 from ECF.
Wellies-On runs a 40-acre working care farm based in Abberton, near Colchester. For the last 18 years the farm has been a haven for a range of people from different backgrounds and age groups, including those with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
The charity’s therapeutic service enables people to care for the land and the environment and work with animals on their farm.
Ellie Goff, CEO of Wellies-On, said: “Time spent in a farm environment allows people to grow in self-awareness, resilience and confidence, not just in physical tasks, but also in social interaction and life skills.
“People typically feel better about themselves when they are taking care of others and the same is true when caring for animals. We have goats, chickens, sheep, ducks and pigs to name but a few, and it’s a joy to see people of all ages connect with them.”
Wellies On received a £10,000 grant from ECF to employ a part-time mental health worker, to give specialist support to children and adults on site at the farm.
St Helena Hospice helps families to make the most of the time they have together in a compassionate and caring environment. One of their patients has always enjoyed visits to the seaside so they brought the beach to them, complete with sand, pie and mash from their favourite shop in Walton, and even a rescue donkey called Sam from Riffhams Donkeys. Sam the donkey then had a wander around the Hospice visiting everyone and lifting spirits.
In 2022, we supported the Hospice to expand the capacity of their free bereavement service supporting people in north east Essex.
Research shows that:
- Spending time with animals increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, promoting calm and relaxation
- Owners of pets are less likely to have depression
- Pets improve the quantity and quality of socialisation, providing conversation points
- Hugging and stroking an animal provides almost immediate relief from stress and anxiety
Can you help support Essex people?
You can give a one-off donation to help local charities or choose to set up your own charitable fund to give support over the longer-term. To find out more, call us on 01245 355947 or donate online here.
Making headway in brain injury recovery
26th July 2023
- Every 58 minutes, someone in Essex is admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury
- Every 2.5 hours, someone in Essex is admitted to hospital with a stroke
People living in South Essex with an acquired brain injury now have access to personalised support to help them reach their potential and improve independence, thanks to a new centre opened by local charity, Headway Essex.
This has been made possible thanks to a donation of £19,231 from the Provide Foundation, set up by the Essex-based social enterprise Provide Community in partnership with Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
Jo Wright, CEO of Headway Essex, said, “The nature of our work means that we consider each person’s future aspirations on an individual basis. We needed a safe and supported environment that allows each person a place to socialise and receive support, which is why this funding is vital for us to be able to continue and expand our work.”
The new day centre, based at the Methodist Church in Benfleet, offers a wide range of services, activities and support to the service user, carers, and family members.
The activities help improve communication, cognitive processing and memory. They also include food preparation using adapted tools and physical therapy to improve balance, core strength and fitness.
Jo added, “You never know when an injury or health issue could impact either you or someone you love. For people living acquiring a brain injury, lives are changed in an instant, both for the individual and their families.
“We help them to adjust and learn coping skills to improve their daily lives. We also offer opportunities to socialise and receive peer support if they are struggling to cope.”
One of the people to benefit from Headway’s support over the past seven years is 33-year-old, Henry Mitchell, who now fundraises for the charity. He recently walked the Colchester half marathon and has plans to walk the Sahara Desert in November.
He said “I couldn’t walk for many weeks after my traumatic brain injury.I have since gained back control over my body and now value the abilityto walk. I’m dedicated to fundraising, and I do this for all the people at Headway who are not as able as me.”
Find out more and support him: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/henry-mitchell2023
Headway Essex promotes awareness of brain injury by offering training, acting as an educational resource for universities and running awareness events at schools and colleges. In addition, they recently received funding for a carers’ well-being workshop which will start in October.
Find out more at www.headwayessex.org.uk.
If you are a local charity in need of funding to support your work, contact ECF on 01245 355947 or apply here.