Supporting dementia and autism friendly cinema screenings
5th June 2023
The Electric Palace Harwich has been successful in obtaining grants from Essex Community Foundation and Harwich Town Council to ensure that their popular Dementia and Autism friendly screenings can continue.
Since reopening just over a year ago, following a major refurbishment made possible by support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and English Heritage, the Electric Palace has been offering a programme of Dementia and Autism friendly screenings alongside its general screenings.
The programme, delivered by an Education Officer, has been very well received and has allowed the Electric Palace to serve its communities in ways in which it has never been able to do so before, reaching more people and making the venue more inclusive and accessible.
A recent grant awarded by Essex Community Foundation (ECF) provides funding for two days a week for the next year for the Education Officer to continue this work.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “Initiatives like this are really important for helping to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the arts and can access them. We are pleased that two of our fundholders, Harwich Haven Authority Community Fund and Galloper Wind Farm Community Fund, have funded the role of an education and community engagement officer, to continue and expand work like this.”In addition, a grant from Harwich Town Council has made it possible to offer free tickets to those who would benefit from these screenings.
The Electric Palace will continue to collaborate with partners including Age UK, Harwich Connexions, Autism Anglia, local care homes and Harwich Home Start, to make sure that those that would benefit most from specialist screenings are able to attend.
Dementia Friendly Memory Matinees
These screenings have been designed to be inclusive to those living with dementia, as well as family members and carers. Memory Matinees screenings are rooted in the idea that a trip to the cinema is a powerful way for people to reconnect with memories. During the film, the house lights are raised slightly and the sound level is slightly lower than normal. Trained staff and volunteers are on hand throughout the screenings to assist, but please note that pastoral care is not provided, a friend, family member or carer must also attend.
Autism Friendly Relaxed Screenings
These relaxed screenings provide a chance for adults & children to watch a film at the cinema in a relaxed & inclusive environment. Adjustments are made to reduce over-stimulation & create a friendly atmosphere for people with additional needs. The number of tickets for online sales are reduced so that audience figures are slightly lower than a general screening. There is free entry for carers with CEA cards.
Doors open 30 minutes before the screening start time in order to get settled and sensory objects are available on entry (sanitised before & after). There are no trailers or adverts and the film will be introduced.
During the screening lights will remain on low and the volume will be adjusted to a lower level. Visitors can bring own snacks to eat and moving around & noise making are accepted.
For more information, please contact Hayley: educationofficer@electricpalace.com or Michael: operationsmanager@electricpalace.com 07734 300 045
Mayor creates lasting legacy to support local charities
26th May 2023
Charites in Harwich and Dovercourt will continue to benefit for years to come thanks to the vision of Cllr Ivan Henderson, who steps down as Mayor later this month after two years in the role.
Cllr Henderson established the Harwich Mayflower Legacy Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), when he became Mayor in 2021, to provide an annual source of funding to support the work of local charities and voluntary groups.
“My mayoral year coincided with the 400th anniversary of Master Christopher Jones’ sea voyage aboard the Mayflower,” said Cllr Henderson. “I wanted to do something that would last beyond my term of office, would link to the ongoing maritime history of Harwich, but importantly, would also support our communities now and in the future.
“Thanks to the donations I have received, the Locality funding provided by Essex County Council and matched funding from the Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme run by ECF, I am delighted that I have been able to achieve my ambition.
“Now the Fund is set up, I would like to see it continue to grow with donations from local people who want to support their community because together, we can really make a difference.”
Cllr Henderson has lived in Harwich all his life and has devoted almost three decades to public service, including being a former MP for Harwich, a Town, District and County councillor.
He said, “I am passionate about Harwich. It has an amazing history, wonderful coastal views, and a great sense of community spirit, but like many areas, there are people who need extra support. This is why I set up the Fund.”
Since the Fund was established, nearly £6,000 has been given in grants to local voluntary organisations. In addition, ECF has been able to leverage a further £10,500 from other charitable funds that it manages.
Home-Start Harwich is among the charities that have benefited from support. Wendy Taylor, Scheme Manager said, “All parents struggle at one time or another and it can be lonely, frustrating, and overwhelming. Our staff and volunteers work alongside families to give non-judgmental, compassionate, and confidential support.”
She added, “Funding is vital for us to be able to work with families directly, often in their homes, and help them gain confidence and skills to overcome challenges.”
One of the highlights of Cllr Henderson’s term of office, was a partnership project with local businesses and other ECF fundholders, including Harwich Haven Authority, Milsom Hotels and Galloper Wind Farm, that enabled 20 local young people to take part in the trip of a lifetime as part of a Tall Ships Sailing to Portsmouth.
Charities also receiving support include Teen Talk (Harwich) for their work helping local young people with a wide range of advice, guidance and services, and the Ark Family Resource Centre which was awarded £1,470 to help set up a family support group for survivors of domestic abuse.
Cllr Henderson hands over to Cllr Maria Fowler in a Mayor-making ceremony to be held at the Guildhall in Harwich on 25 May.
If you would like to support local charities and make a donation to the Harwich Mayflower Legacy Fund, you can donate here on JustGiving or by calling ECF on 01245 355947.
Phabulous café gives young people a helping hand
23rd May 2023
A café in Leigh-on-Sea is helping young people with additional needs, to improve their skills and confidence while at the same time, gain valuable work experience.
This hands-on opportunity has been supported by the Southend Community Fund which is administered by the independent grant making trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF). Since it was established in 2003, over £430,000 has been given out to charities and voluntary groups that are helping local people.
Sandra Howarth, from the charity The Phab Life which runs the Phabulous Café, said: “The young people prepare and serve everything, which can either be eaten in house or as a takeaway.
“Over the past year, we have seen 12 of our young people complete the programme and either go on to paid employment or other working opportunities. We have also built up a social network group to help the young people develop their self-worth and create lasting friendships.
“Securing grants like the one from the Southend Community Fund it vital for us to continue our work supporting young people with additional needs and create even more opportunities which will help them to improve their lives.”
Sandra added: “As well as the café experience, we host other events for our young people, including craft and games nights. We also recently returned from a group holiday to Potters, where 35 of us enjoyed a weekend of activities, food and fun.”
David Hurst, vice chair of the Southend Community Fund panel, said: “The café really is Phabulous! It is having a very positive impact on the lives of young people who need some extra support and we were pleased to support them as they grow their customer service and hospitality skills.”
David added, “Phab is just one of the local charities that has received support from the Southend Community Fund which only exists because of the generosity of local people, businesses and trusts. Working with ECF means the Fund is independent, invested for the long-term and local people will always be involved in decisions about where to give support year after year. This is a winning combination for our communities and the people of Southend-on-Sea who live in them.”
The Phab Life also runs the Phab Shop in Rayleigh High Street, which also gives young people with additional needs retail training.
If you are a local charity in need of funding, click here.
The Southend Community Fund offers the opportunity for your charitable giving to stay local and to benefit charities and voluntary groups working in Southend, Rayleigh and Rochford. Donate here: https://essexcommunityfoundation.enthuse.com/cf/3a62/SouthendCF or call us on 01245 355947.
Lower Thames Crossing reveals Community Fund projects
15th May 2023
National Highways has unveiled the successful community and environmental projects across Thurrock, Essex and Havering that have been awarded grants through the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund.
The £250,000 fund has been set up by National Highways to support local charities and not-for profit community groups near the route of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing. Working in partnership with Essex and Kent Community Foundations, 55 projects north and south of the River Thames have been awarded grants of up to £10,000 each.
40 projects in Thurrock, Essex and Havering have been awarded a total of £165,000 funding including:
- Orsett Primary School – providing new outdoor play equipment
- Thurrock Local History Society – development of an interactive heritage map for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
- Odyssey Explore Scout Group – investing in new camping equipment so they can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Friends of Dagnam Park – supporting a conservation programme
- Havering Green Streets – enhancing a pond, installing new signage and running Forest Schools for local children and adults
A further 15 projects in Kent have been awarded funding, including Cobham Pre-school, Thames and Medway Canal Association, Northfleet Community Farm and Cyclopark.
If the Lower Thames Crossing is given the go ahead by the government, a larger Community Fund will be established to support communities near to the new road as its being built.
Emily Dawson, Head of Benefits, Lower Thames Crossing said: “We’re committed to helping local communities make the most of our investment in the road network. The Lower Thames Crossing is a transformational project that will improve the journeys for millions and give the region a huge boost. In the coming weeks the project will take a step forward as our plans are examined by the Government’s independent planning authority. In the meantime, we are delighted to share the details of the fantastic projects we are investing in today, so that our neighbours can feel the benefit of this investment years before a spade goes into the ground.”
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF said: “We are pleased to work with LTC and be involved in this partnership project to support local communities. The funding will make a big difference to local charities and smaller voluntary groups as they continue to deliver their excellent work, especially at this financially challenging time.”
Hazel Eddy, Trusts and Foundations manager at Re-Engage said: “Your donation will truly make a difference in helping us support people aged 75 and older living in Thurrock who are lonely, socially isolated and in need of companionship.
“Sadly, the cost-of-living crisis is forcing many older people to stop accessing social opportunities and with no means of increasing their income, our free services will be more important than ever. This funding means that our staff and volunteers will be able to show older people that they are not alone.”
Between 2020 and 2025 the Lower Thames Crossing is investing more than £30 million in projects across the region, and has recently funded projects including 10km of new gigabit capable broadband infrastructure to connect South Ockendon to Great Warley in Brentwood, through North Ockendon to the existing full fibre network; Essex Wildlife Trust projects to create new habitats in Thurrock; restoring heritage features in Dagnam Park and Warley Place, Brentwood; and supporting RSPB environmental enhancements at Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve.
The funding is provided through National Highway’s standalone (or designated) funding programme, which is a national scheme that aims to deliver lasting benefits for communities and the environment beyond the organisation’s role of managing England’s network of Motorways and A-roads. The funding is seperate from the Lower Thames Crossing’s core project budget, which is subject to government approval.
The great outdoors
11th May 2023
In our latest article for Essex Life, we explore how the great outdoors in Essex, on land and at sea, is transforming the lives of people across the county. (Republished with permission).
A wide range of organisations and charities give local people the chance to benefit from everything the outdoors has to offer, and many have their work supported by grants, including those distributed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF.)
Among the projects to be funded by ECF, was a four-night adventure voyage that saw twenty youngsters enjoy time at sea in a voyage from Harwich to Portsmouth, with help from The Mayflower Legacy Fund. The Fund was set up with ECF in 2011 by Cllr Ivan Henderson, who has devoted three decades of public service to Harwich and has just completed an extended term of office as mayor of the historic town. By the end of June this year, the Fund will have given out £6,000 in grants.
The young people and their four youth workers set off from Harwich’s Ha’penny Pier last summer on board two 72ft Challenger yachts owned by Tall Ships Youth Trust.
Cllr Henderson came up with the idea for the trip when he was preparing for his first mayoral year, to help mark the 400th anniversary sailing of the Mayflower from Harwich to Portsmouth.
Delays and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that Cllr Henderson’s mayoral year was extended, so that planned projects including the sailing trip could become a reality.
“I wanted the Fund to have a link to the ongoing maritime history of Harwich and, importantly, to build up over time and create a legacy that supports and benefits local people for years to come,” said Cllr Henderson,
“As part of this, I’m delighted that we have been able to give these local young people a residential sailing opportunity, which otherwise they wouldn’t have had. The experience was one of personal development and discovery for the young people and I hope the memory of it will stay with them forever and help them to shape their lives positively.”
The power of nature is also being proved through the work of The Wilderness Foundation UK. The charity, based in rural Essex, is one of many to have the benefit of support from ECF.
“The positive impact of wild nature on our mental well-being can be life-changing,” said a Jo Roberts, CEO of Wilderness Foundation.
“Becoming immersed in nature can help you to relax and feel less overwhelmed about the problems you may be facing.
“All of our projects provide direct support, connecting people to nature with benefits to their mental and physical well-being. By harnessing the power of the wilderness and nature we help young people and adults reconnect to themselves and empower them, in return, to care for nature. Together, we ensure a safe, natural environment for the future.
“Our track record of working with young people includes programmes that develop future sustainability leaders, build resilience for those with challenging lives and mental health issues, introduce rural employment to urban youth and bring curriculum-based sciences to life in the outdoors, all through our nature-based programmes and experienced outdoor facilitators and counsellors. We are working to keep people healthy and our planet wild.”
The TurnAround programme run by The Wilderness Foundation helps disadvantaged and vulnerable young people aged 15 to 21 to make positive changes in their lives, for the benefit of themselves and society. TurnAround takes a group of youngsters, with deprived or chaotic lifestyles, from areas of identified deprivation across Essex, through a nine-month programme involving coaching, personal development workshops and wilderness training.
In each case the project has proved to be a catalyst for change for the young people taking part. They are shown how their current lifestyle is destructive and how they are able to improve their life skills and employment prospects.
They also gain confidence in their ability to make a way for themselves through their own efforts. The project has impressive results, with many of the young people reducing their alcohol or drug abuse, finding employment, or re-entering education and increasing their hope and chances for the future.
Essex Boys and Girls Clubs (EBGC) provide a programme of exciting events, activities and training for young people aged 11 to 18. They also run outdoor pursuits at their three centres in the Northern Fells of the Lake District, Black Mountains of South Wales and at Layer Marney Tower, in Essex.
With 140 affiliated clubs across the county EBGC can reach more than 10,000 young people, many of which live in urban and deprived areas. The organisation receives ongoing support for its vital work from ECF.
A recognised leader in its field, EBGC provides young people with training and development courses and opportunities for leadership and personal development, some of which are based around outdoor pursuits and skills.
At their centre in Layer Marney youngsters aged 13 to 14 can take part in Project Respect, run by EBGC. The project is designed to help young people who show signs of disengagement from school, either through behaviour, attitude, a difficult home life, low self-esteem and lack of confidence, or issues showing they may become victims or perpetrators of crime.
The programme begins with outdoor activities teaching them how to work as a team and overcome personal challenges. Then life-skills are taught to address issues relating to teamwork, negative peer pressure, dealing with arguments constructively and drug and alcohol guidance.
A residential course takes place in the Lake District, including hill walking, climbing, abseiling and an overnight expedition, where a selection of the youngsters put into practice the skills they have been learning, supporting each other and following instructions.
Martin Solder, chief executive of EBGC, said: “Our Respect project has proved highly successful, with many young people coming back with a renewed sense of self confidence, aspirations for their future and brought back from the edge of school exclusion, or falling into a life of crime.
“Most importantly, they return to school with a new attitude, willing to take part in class discussions, are better behaved and display a more respectful attitude to teachers and staff, helping prepare them for a positive future.”
Can you help?
For more information about how you can set up a Fund to support Essex charities or individuals in need, click here or call us on 01245 355947.
It’s good to talk – A night at Layer Marney Tower
The Tudor Palace of Layer Marney Tower was the backdrop for our annual Spring reception.
Around 100 of our supporters and fundholders met in the beautifully restored Essex Barn for an update on our work.
Evenings like this are a great opportunity to bring our people together and we are so grateful our friends Nick and Sheila Charrington for once again allowing us to hold our event in their lovely venue.
The topic for the evening was mental health and suicide prevention. One of our Trustees and Chair of our Fund Development Committee, Sandra Hollis, introduced our two speakers: Tim Watkins, co-founder of the Charlie Watkins Foundation, and Elise Ellis from Colchester & Tendring Youth Enquiry Service.
Charlie Watkins Foundation
Tim Watkins explained how ECF helped him and his son, Harry, to set up a charitable Fund in memory of his other son Charlie, and to build a lasting legacy to support young people with their mental health.
Charlie Watkins was just 22 when he took his life in March 2017. Sadly, Charlie never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother when he was only nine years old. Charlie is one of many examples of young people who suffer from mental health challenges today, and the Charlie Watkins Foundation aims to raise funds for local and national charities to provide better support young people who struggle with their mental health and well-being.
Colchester & Tendring Youth Enquiry Service
Colchester and Tendring Youth Enquiry Service, known as YES, provides a wide range of support for young people who find themselves in difficult situations and struggling to cope.
Their services include support for those that find themselves at risk of homelessness, advice and guidance for teenage pregnancies and exciting projects and opportunities for young people, such as their GoGreen gardening scheme.
Guests at Layer Marney Tower heard a talk by Elise Ellis who is one of their School Navigators who goes into schools in Colchester and Tendring, offering counselling and mentoring to students in need.
The original grant to pilot this project came from the Charlie Watkins Foundation.