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.
The positive power of nature
11th April 2023
Republished with kind permission of Essex Life.
Essex is blessed with beautiful countryside and an extraordinary coastline, making it the perfect county to appreciate all year round.
With Spring in the air bringing a promise of warmer weather and a sense of renewal there is an extra incentive to make the most of all that Essex has to offer, from a simple stroll, a picnic on the beach or just enjoying bird song in our own gardens.
The benefits of being in natural surroundings for work or pleasure are well documented and over the past 12 months Essex Community Foundation (ECF) has given grants to a wide range of charities and voluntary groups that are helping people to enjoy nature, develop new skills and improve their mental health.
Such groups make a huge difference to the lives of many people throughout Essex, offering companionship, encouraging them to keep fit and healthy, giving the chance to learn new skills and spend productive time on practical activities.
Trust Links is a shining example of a local charity which helps people to connect with nature and reap all the benefits this can bring. The charity works in South Essex and helps to improve people’s mental health and well-being through a range of activities including therapeutic gardening, recovery classes, social activities and employment training.
Matt King, CEO of Trust Links, said: “If we take care of the environment, it takes care of us. Our practices and projects reflect this, and we see first-hand every day the transformative power of nature.
“We bring people together to build relationships and do something practical and hands on to take their minds off day-to-day concerns and worries. Gardening gives them a positive reason to leave their homes and to come back time and time again.
“Our Growing Together gardens are at the heart of how we help people experiencing mental health problems. We have five therapeutic gardens where we people experience positive change for their mental and physical health through outdoor gardening activities.”
The Beacon Shed in Thundersley is another charity making a difference by bringing people together to help their wellbeing.
One of many similar projects across Essex, it provides a welcoming meeting place where like-minded men can keep busy making, mending and repairing items and objects and work on projects for themselves, friends, family and the wider community. It is also somewhere that they can have conversations over a cup of tea or share their concerns, while also passing on workshop skills mostly derived from their previous occupations.
Also promoting the benefits of fruitful activity and new opportunities is the educational charity Abberton Rural Training (ART), which has been given a recent boost for its work in Braintree with a grant from ECF.
ART provides education and training in a range of land-based studies including horticulture, woodlands and land management, construction and rural skills. The charity also has support services for its clients, including fully trained mental health and well-being counsellors and advocacy assistance.
Many of ART’s clients are vulnerable and isolated, people with special education needs, wounded and injured service personnel and victims of domestic violence. The power of horticulture, gardening and animal husbandry are all used to help such people build their confidence and skills and move into employment.
Caroline Taylor, chief executive of Essex Community Foundation said: “The grants we give to charities across Essex are all about making a difference and improving people’s lives. Our donors have a wide range of interests, and we are pleased to support voluntary organisations and charities who do such sterling work, offering people the opportunity to learn valuable skills and be involved in activities bringing them closer to nature.”
ECF gave £4.4 million in grants last year on behalf of its donors. They can help you give back to your local community and to the causes you’re passionate about. Call 01245 355947 or give now.
New High Sheriff of Essex is appointed
4th April 2023
History has been made by the appointment of Charles Bishop as the 843rd High Sheriff of Essex.
He is the first High Sheriff of Essex to take on the ancient role in the reign of the new monarch, King Charles III.
He said: “I am very honoured that in the 1,000-year history of the office of High Sheriff of Essex I have become the first to be appointed by King Charles III. It is a joy that my year as High Sheriff will include the coronation.
“I think at heart Essex is a monarchist county and that people will be swept along in the enthusiasm for it all, with many celebrations including street parties.”
As the whole country welcomes the crowning of the new King, there are also plenty of challenges facing many people in Essex. Charles Bishop has pledged that, as the new High Sheriff, he is ready to give his support and encouragement to help make the county a better and safer place.
“One of the roles of High Sheriff is responsibility for law and order and I want to give recognition and support to community groups whose work has a positive impact on crime prevention and community safety,” he said.
“A huge amount of voluntary work goes on in Essex and it is important to make sure that people are appreciated for what they are doing. With the current background of a rising cost-of-living I am conscious that it is a very difficult time for many people. The economy is also having an impact on funding which is affecting local authorities, community groups and volunteers.
“The judiciary is also facing cut backs year-on-year and this is a significant problem for the Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts. They are all struggling and their ability to be effective is being reduced.”
During his year of office as High Sheriff, Charles will be supporting the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which is run by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF). The Fund gives grants to charities and voluntary organisations in the county working to strengthen community safety and promote crime prevention. Since it was set up in 1997, groups from across Essex have benefited annually from the fund and support totalling over £700,000.
As a trustee of ECF, Charles, who lives in Great Braxted, has a wide knowledge and understanding of the charitable sector and, through his career, he has also gained in-depth experience of the financial world.
He said: “I am looking forward to my year as High Sheriff and learning more about public sector organisations, the judiciary and the emergency services. I also want to recognise a range of faith groups to include those with other beliefs, as well as the Christian Church.”
Whilst carrying out his duties Charles will be supported by his wife, Nellie, a retired nurse. The couple, who have three grown up children, are Essex born and bred and have a deep-seated affection for the county.
Charles grew up in Colchester where his father was an Army brigade commander.
“I have a huge interest in Essex and its environment. It is such a big area with a population of more than one and half million people and a very long coastline, so I can’t claim to know the whole county. It will be fun to get out and about and meet as many people as possible,” Charles said.
“I want to keep fit, as it is a demanding role. I do have a little bit of trepidation, but every High Sheriff I have spoken to has found it the most interesting and rewarding year of their life.
“Some of my friends have been joking that, according to history, as High Sheriff, I will have the authority to raise a hue and cry. That won’t be happening, but I will certainly be putting my best foot forward.”
If you would like to support Charles during his year of office in raising money to support local charities, you can give online here or call Jo Macaulay on 01245 355947.
Ingatestone Hall Spring Reception
3rd April 2023
We were excited to welcome around 70 fundholders, donors and supporters to Ingatestone Hall for the first of our two Spring Receptions of 2023.
Evenings like this are a great opportunity to bring our people together and we are so grateful to our President Lord Petre for once again allowing us to hold our event in his lovely home.
Our Chair of Trustees, Nicholas Alston CBE DL introduced the evening and shared our updates and activities. Two local voluntary organisations shared how financial support from ECF has helped to further their work, and were introduced by our retiring grants officer, Jill Curd. These were:
Knightswood Care
The Knightswood Care in Asheldham, Maldon, has been delivering day services to adults of all ages for over 25 years.
Over time the day centre has developed greater expertise in dementia care and carers support, and their aim is to provide a range of services which empower older people living within the Dengie Peninsular to make choices which enable them to reach their best levels of health and fitness, maintain their independence and to lead rich and fulfilling lives.
They provide door-to-door transportation services for their clients and run a wide range of activities within the centre, including seated exercise classes, singing, board games and gardening.
This work not only helps the person who goes to the Centre, but also provides their loved one with vital respite breaks from caring for them.
Knightswood also manage a ‘Lend A Hand’ Service for those individuals in the community who may need a little help with trips shopping, appointments, companionship or light housework.
Most recently, we supported the centre with a grant of £2,800 for staff training costs. This included their team going on a ‘Dementia Bus’ to better understand what it is like to live with Dementia; it allows delegates to enter the world of the people they help and better understand which simple changes need to be made to their practice and environment to really improve lives.
City of Chelmsford Mencap
City of Chelmsford Mencap is an independent charity that provides services for adults with a learning disability across mid-Essex, ensuring they receive care and support to live life to the fullest.
They run a wide range of social clubs and respite schemes for people of all ages as well as information and support services for members and their families and carers. This includes their weekly youth club, Gateway Juniors, which is for people aged 16 to 25. It offers sports and dance workshops for the energetic and arts and crafts, puzzles and quizzes for those who prefer a quiet evening with friends.
They also run an Outreach Academy that provides lifelong learning to people aged 19+. It helps students to develop their social, work and life skills in a supported environment that enables them to reach their potential. Sessions run every weekday and include Active in the community and environment, cooking, dance, functional skills, social enterprise and yoga.
We awarded City of Chelmsford Mencap a grant of £8,250 to continue the employment of two family support workers.
Emergency funding helps keep food on the shelves of local foodbank
29th March 2023
People in Ilford who are affected by the cost-of-living crisis, will be able to access continued help from their local foodbank, thanks to emergency support given by Douglas Allen Estate Agents.
The funding is part of a wider campaign by the local Estate Agents to support foodbanks near to their branches in West Essex and East London.
The Redbridge Foodbank, which covers the Ilford area, has four distribution centres across the town and has received £5,000 from the Douglas Allen Emergency Fund.
The Fund is administered by Essex Community Foundation (ECF) and since it was set up in December 2022, the Fund, has given grants totalling over £100,000 to help those most in need.
Jocelyn Davis, from Redbridge Foodbank, said: “This financial year 2022/23, we have given out on average 266 food parcels every week, which is a 58% increase on last year, and are constantly needing to replenish our stocks. The support from Douglas Allen Estate Agents is greatly appreciated and much needed by the individuals and families who are struggling financially at this difficult time.”
In addition to their Emergency Fund, and since January, Douglas Allen Estate Agents have been donating £100 to local community food banks every time they attend a property valuation. Staff have also been visiting their local foodbanks to learn more about their work, volunteer time and raise awareness of the food banks in their local area.
Group Managing Director, Aldo Sotgiu, said “It has been a truly humbling experience for all of us to learn more about how foodbanks support our local communities. To be able to support and provide help in a way that gives back to our community is a great feeling and there is still so much more we need to do over the coming months. I just want to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to all our staff and customers who have made this possible.”
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is affecting so many people and Douglas Allen Estate Agents have, once again, put their charitable foot forward to help their local communities. We are pleased to be working with them to support the vital running costs of local charities at this challenging time.”
To find out more or to apply for a grant, click here or call us on 01245 355947.
The Redbridge Foodbank is open:
Jubilee Church Ilford (Tues, Wed, Sat)
All Saints Goodmayes (Fri-am)
Woodford Baptist Church (Fri-pm)
Grange Hill Methodist (Sat)
To find out more, visit https://redbridge.foodbank.org.uk.