How animals are changing lives in Essex
2nd August 2023
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.
Protecting endangered crafts in Essex
17th July 2023
Heritage Crafts has received funding from Essex Community Foundation to provide a grant of up to £2,000 through the Heritage Crafts’ Endangered Crafts Fund, which was launched in 2019, to increase the likelihood of endangered crafts surviving into the next generation.
Heritage Crafts published the fourth edition of its Red List of Endangered Crafts in May this year. The first research of its kind to rank the UK’s traditional crafts by the likelihood that they will survive into the next generation. The report assessed 259 crafts to understand those at greatest risk of disappearing. Four were classified as ‘extinct’, 84 as ‘endangered’ and a further 62 as ‘critically endangered’.
As a result of this alarming threat to our cultural heritage, Heritage Crafts set up its Endangered Crafts Fund in 2019. Nationally, 59 grants have been awarded through the Fund since 2019.
Applicants based in Essex can apply for a grant for any amount up to £2,000 which can cover or contribute towards:
● training to learn a new craft or technique
● training for an apprentice to pass on skills and knowledge
● investing in more efficient tools and machinery
● developing reduced-carbon routes to market
● exploring the use of alternative materials while maintaining the heritage character of your practice
● innovative approaches to supporting and promoting endangered crafts
Only crafts listed as endangered or critically endangered on the 2023 edition of the Red List of Endangered Crafts are eligible. In addition to the funding recipients will also receive support from the Endangered Crafts Manager and the Heritage Crafts team to ensure that their project is a success. This will be unique to each project but could include mentor support, business support or signposting to other opportunities.
Mary Lewis, Endangered Crafts Manager at Heritage Crafts, said: “A combination of COVID, Brexit restrictions and spiralling energy costs have put additional pressure on the craftspeople who nurture some of our most important cultural traditions and skills. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Essex Community Foundation to address the specific challenges to endangered skills and knowledge in Essex.”
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at Essex Community Foundation, said: “Ensuring these traditional crafts are not lost forever is so important. We hope this funding from the Salter McKinlay Charitable Fund, which we manage, will encourage applications from individuals who want to develop their skills or learn a new craft and where finance is the barrier to them achieving their goals.”
The fund is now open for applications via the Heritage Crafts website at www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/ecf-apply, with a closing date of Friday 6 October 2023. In addition to the Essex grant there are also grants available in the rest of the UK.
Braintree district community groups and charities invited to apply for funding
5th July 2023
A Fund which has provided more than £1 million to support Braintree district residents and communities through major social issues is open for applications.
Community groups and charities can apply for a slice of the £95,725 available this year from the Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund.
Managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), and set up by Braintree District Council and Eastlight Community Homes, the Fund has awarded more than £1 million to local causes since 2015.
The fund will support causes which tackle the big issues affecting residents the most: the cost-of-living, loneliness and isolation, emotional health and wellbeing and the lack of opportunities for young people.
Applications are welcomed from charities, residents’ groups, social enterprises and other non-profit organisations.
Grants of between £500 and £2,500 are available for smaller scale grassroots projects, alongside larger awards of up to £30,000 over three years.
James Green, Eastlight’s Community Empowerment Director, said: “Our Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund exists to support the amazing work carried out by local charities and groups in our communities.
“So if you’ve got a great scheme or programme that could help improve the lives of residents living in Braintree district, then we want to hear from you.”
Cllr Marry Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree District Council said: “The work of local charities and community groups makes such a difference to the residents of the Braintree District. This funding allows us to support some great initiatives and I look forward to reviewing this year’s applications.”
Last year’s funds supported brilliant organisations including Abberton Rural Training (ART), which provides “lifeline” programmes which help supports people’s mental health, and Soul Food, which offers meals and community support to anyone who needs them in Halstead.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF said, “We would encourage local charities and groups in need of support to call us about their funding needs.
“The Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund is invested to provide long-term support for local charities and voluntary groups. We are pleased to work with the panel and give out grants each year to organisations that are making a significant contribution to their local community.”
How to apply
The deadline to apply to this Fund was Friday 18 August 2023. If you are still in need of funding, you may be able to apply to our general grants programme. Please contact the ECF grants team on grants@essexcf.org.uk or 01245 355947.
Trustee opportunity – Join our Board
14th June 2023
Do you want to use your skills to support your local community?
Are you looking to enhance your CV and gain new experience?
Essex Community Foundation is looking for trustees to help shape our work now and in the future. This is a voluntary, unpaid position; however, expenses are covered.
For over 27 years we have worked passionately to develop the charitable sector in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. We want to create a culture of generosity and support, inspiring charitable giving to provide vital funding to voluntary and community organisations working at the heart of our communities.
On average each year we provide grants to over 420 large and small organisations which are meeting the needs of their communities and making a real difference for local people, with funds provided by over 180 donors and national funders.
We are recruiting voluntary positions to join our Board of Trustees to help expand our skills and broaden our diversity.
Our Trustees tell us that they feel they can make a real difference through their involvement and applying their skills to support and develop our work.
There are several skills that we now need on our Board, and we hope that you will be interested in working with us. These are:
- a broad understanding of charity
- finance or risk management
- marketing and communications
- legal
We want to ensure that our Board better reflects the diversity of those who belong to the communities that we support and so we particularly welcome interest and applications from LGBTQ+ people, Black, Asian and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and people under 40 years of age.
This could be your first Trustee role, or you could already have some experience as a Trustee. We have a full trustee induction process, ongoing training, and a mentor scheme to support you through your first years.
You will have the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge of the charity sector through participating in the work of our Board committees.
Our Board meets four times a year, and participation can be in person or virtually.
How to apply
Applying couldn’t be simpler, click here for our Recruitment Pack.
Interested candidates need to submit a CV and letter outlining why this is of interest to you to recruitment@essexcf.org.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 19 July.
We would also like to offer you an opportunity to have an informal conversation with one of our current trustees or our Chief Executive. Please contact us via the above e-mail address to arrange this or call 01245 355947.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Men’s Shed opens the door on their activities
6th June 2023
A disused barn at Rivers Hall in Boxted, near Colchester, has been transformed into a hive of activity, hosting a Men’s Shed project as a positive antidote to isolation and mental health challenges.
The project came about after a chance encounter when farmer and philanthropist Jonathan Minter DL (Jonny) attended a Spring reception organised by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
Jonny, who is the third generation of his family to live at Rivers Hall, is a former chairman of ECF and he and his wife Margaret (Miff) have a family fund managed by ECF to give grants locally to causes close to their hearts.
Jonny said: “When I was at a reception held by ECF, a man was there to talk about Men’s Sheds and the need for a venue for a local project. What he was saying started ringing bells for me.
“At the end I went up to him and said I had some old farm buildings that were empty. He followed this up and had a look at the barns and a plan was formed to set up a Men’s Shed.
“At the start about 10 people were turning up twice a week, but that grew quickly and there are now 74 members.
“They are self-sufficient and use their skills to make all kinds of things from wood, including bird boxes and five bar gates. There is plenty of wood here and they also use old pallets. The idea behind Men’s Sheds is to address isolation and mental health challenges. Several people who come here are ex-Army and have experienced PTSD.”
The project, one of several similar initiatives across the country, gives men somewhere to meet and socialise. They use and pass on their skills in a constructive way and enjoy the peaceful setting in beautiful countryside.
Ancient woodland and water meadows surround Rivers Hall which is set in 1,100 acres. Jonny and Miff have ensured that conservation and community involvement are at the heart of managing the estate.
Wildlife flourishes at Rivers Hall, including barn owls, water voles, lapwings and redshanks. Jonny has also gained widespread recognition for conservation work and for re-introducing the English Partridge.
Now the Men’s Shed project is also flourishing at Rivers Hall, bringing a new dimension and use to an historic site.
If you would like to have a conversation about how ECF could help you to support local charities call Perry Norton on 01245 355947.
Read more about Jonny and how he gives back to local communities here. Republished with kind permission of Essex Life Magazine.