Funding for Mid and South Essex to address health inequalities
8th August 2022
We are working with NHS Mid and South Essex to support marginalised communities, helping to address health inequalities for people who have mental health problems.
To be eligible to apply, charities and community groups must be working in Mid and South Essex (Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Maldon, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea, and Thurrock).
There is £185,000 in grants available from the ‘Mid and South Essex Mental Health Inequalities Programme’ to support either revenue costs, projects or capital costs.
Applications from these areas must be for work that:
- Focus on historically underserved communities
- Help us learn how to improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of mental health support for people experiencing mental health inequalities
- Offer innovation and originality in supporting these groups of people to achieve their goals
Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 can be given to individual organisations. Grants of up to £30,000 are available for organisations that are working together in a partnership to tackle an issue in their community.
The panel are keen to hear from community and voluntary organisations who have ideas for projects and initiatives that will reduce the health inequalities for marginalised and historically underserved communities.
How do I apply?
As we have received a high level of applications to this Programme, we are not accepting further applications at this time. However, if your organisation is still in need of funding please call our grants team on 01245 355947.
Helping people to manage
28th July 2022
A local charity is giving residents in Waltham Abbey advice on money management and is helping them to tackle anxieties about how they will make ends meet as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.
The demand for financial advice and the impact money worries has on people’s mental well-being is rising rapidly, causing Citizens Advice to issue a red alert warning for crisis support.
Citizens Advice Epping Forest District tells us that 46% of people with debt have a mental health problem.
To help tackle this issue locally, they launched a financial and mental health well-being programme. Following its success, they have received a grant of £10,000 from Essex Community Foundation (ECF) to extend the pilot into a 12-month project.
The project aims to tackle the clear links between poor financial well-being and poor mental health by providing a community hub service that delivers financial advice, mental health support and help to access employment opportunities. This well-rounded approach means people who are struggling to cope are supported holistically and have solutions that will provide lasting change.
Jo O’Boyle, CEO of CA Epping Forest District said, “Everyone understands that the cost-of-living has increased, with electricity bills and petrol prices soaring, and with some bills predicted to rise even more in October, we recognised that intensive support was needed locally.
“People are coming to us worried about how they will make their budgets, which in most cases are already tight, even tighter. Some people are at the point where their income does not meet essential costs, let alone covering payments to reduce debt if they have any.
“Financial difficulties are a common cause of stress, and we are determined to help people feel more confident when it comes to money, support them to find job opportunities, and ultimately improve their mental health.”
For free, confidential, and impartial advice, contact Citizens Advice Epping Forest District from Tuesday to Thursday from 9:30am to 2:30pm on 0808 278 7855.
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF, said: “It is important to us that our grantmaking responds to emerging needs of our communities, so when Citizens Advice came to us for funding, we were pleased we could help.
“Their project teaches people money skills, and in turn boosts their mental health as they start to feel more in control.
“It is a worrying time for people financially and local charities like the Citizens Advice are a vital source of information and advice.”
Charities and community groups working in Essex can apply to ECF for funding. Click here to apply for support or call the ECF grants team on 01245 355947.
Twenty youngsters set sail on a voyage of discovery thanks to Harwich Mayflower Legacy Fund
27th July 2022
Twenty local youngsters will set sail on a four-night adventure voyage from Harwich to Portsmouth, thanks to support from the Mayflower Legacy Fund set up by the town’s Mayor, Cllr Ivan Henderson and other local organisations.
The young people, made up of 15 boys and five girls aged 12 to 15, were chosen to go on the trip from three local organisations, Harwich Home Start, Teen Talk Harwich and Harwich and Dovercourt High School.
The young people and their four youth workers will depart from Harwich’s Ha’Penny Pier on Tuesday 9 August, onboard two 72ft Challenger yachts owned by Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) — the UK’s oldest and largest youth development sail training charity.
The idea for the trip came from Cllr Henderson in preparation for his 2021 Mayoral Year and to mark the 400th anniversary sailing of the Mayflower from Harwich to Portsmouth. Due to delays and restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic his Mayoral Year has been extended for a further year to enable projects like this to come to fruition.
Cllr Henderson also set up the Mayflower Legacy Fund with Essex Community Foundation (ECF) to give long-term support to charities and voluntary groups in Harwich.
Cllr Henderson said: “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.
“As part of this, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to give 20 local young people a residential sailing opportunity, which otherwise they wouldn’t have had. The experience will be one of personal development and discovery for the young people and will stay with them forever, helping them to shape their lives positively.
“I am so grateful to everyone who has helped to turn this project into a reality and ensure the young people are prepared and have everything they need for their voyage. It really has been a combined effort and is only happening because of the generosity and contributions of all those involved.”
Onboard the Challenger yachts, which were built in 2000 and are famous for having sailed twice round the world as part of the Global Challenge Races, the young people will get involved in all aspects of sailing and crewing the boats. From start to finish they’ll be doing everything from steering to food preparation, maintenance and cleaning.
Importantly, they’ll be supported by TSYT’s professionally trained crew who work with young people to increase their practical life skills as well as develop their personal and social skills.
Chas Cowell, Youth Development and Volunteer Manager at TSYT, said: “We’re really excited to welcome the young people onboard especially after the setbacks caused by the pandemic, which have exacerbated some of the difficulties many were already facing and now need extra support for.
“We believe all young people should have the opportunity to take part in a transformational voyage with us. Thanks to the Mayflower Legacy Fund and the generosity of local organisations and businesses, this is a reality for these 20 young people.”Caroline Taylor, CEO at ECF concluded that a lot of hard work has gone into making this project happen.
She said: “We have been pleased to work with our fundholders, helping them to meet their charitable wishes and ensure these young people have an adventure of a lifetime.
“The Mayflower Legacy Fund is a great way for local people and businesses to keep their giving local, either through donations or as part of a legacy, and support charities and voluntary groups in Harwich and Dovercourt year on year.”
As well as the Mayflower Leqacy Fund, the project is being supported by the Milsom Charitable Fund and the Minter Family Fund, both managed by ECF, Galloper Wind Farm, The Alma Inn and Harwich Haven Authority. In addition, Harwich Connexions, with support from ECF, is providing the transport to collect the young people from Portsmouth and bring them back to Harwich.
Paul Milsom, Managing Director at Milsom Hotels said: “Supporting young people and helping to build their skills and aspirations is at the heart of what we want our charitable fund with ECF to achieve.
“As a local business in Harwich, we were keen to be involved in this project from the start and combining our support with others for what I am sure will be an experience of a lifetime for those taking part.”
Sean Chenery, General Manager at Galloper Wind Farm added: “We are always looking at ways to get young people involved in maritime activities. This project is such a great opportunity, and we are pleased to provide each young person with a bag and accessories to help them navigate their way through their voyage.”
The Alma Inn in Harwich has provided the young people with sweatshirts. Nick May from The Alma Inn, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project. Providing the young people with matching sweatshirts will hopefully help them to feel like a team from the start.”
Neil Glendinning, CEO at Harwich Haven Authority, added: “As a Trust Port, supporting our local communities along the Haven and in Harwich, is an intrinsic part of our work.
“We didn’t hesitate to be part of this project and are pleased to offer our professional expertise and technical support to Tall Ships Youth Trust to ensure their vessels are berthed safely.”
Support the Fund:
Supporters can make a donation via Justgiving: bit.ly/2Q1nghT or send a cheque made payable to Essex Community Foundation to 3 Hoffmanns Way, Chelmsford, CM1 1GU.
Please note on the back of the cheque that you would like your donation to go to the ‘Mayflower Legacy Fund’.
For more information and to find out how you can support the Fund call ECF on 01245 355947.
Dan Haylett: Is it good advice to give money away?
Dan Haylett, Director of TFP Financial Planning, describes his job as “human-focused retirement planning to help couples aged 50+ solve the emotional, behavioural, and financial problems of life after work.”
He actively encourages his clients, where appropriate, to align their capital (financial, human, social and time) with what’s most important to them now and create a lasting legacy.
Dan recently introduced us to his client, Atul Manek, who was interested in exploring the different ways that he could give money away and support causes that matter most to him and his family.
We asked Dan to explain what it was about working with us that appealed to Atul and why encouraging people to give their money away actually can be good advice.
Like most financial advisers, I need to get to know my clients well. This is so I can give them the best advice to help them achieve their specific goals – from budgeting in the present to retirement savings for the long-term. We then work together to stay on track to achieve those goals.
When I start working with a new client, we spend a lot of time talking about how they want to spend their money, which often centres around treating themselves to holidays, buying or upgrading personal items or taking care of their loved ones.
But another aspect, that they often don’t consider, is giving money away to help people who are in a less fortunate position than themselves.
Traditional financial advice is not typically set up to help our clients give back, but it is a conversation I like to have. It means we can ensure their financial planning is aligned with what’s important to them.
Once a client knows they are going to be financially secure, it allows them to broaden their thinking and support causes that have a deeper meaning for them and their family. They tend to want to do something more personal where they can be involved, rather than simply making donations to support the larger, well-known charities.
One of my go-to phrases I use with clients is, “Wouldn’t you prefer to give your money away with a warm heart rather than a cold hand?”. This often inspires them to think about what is important to them and how they want to make a difference and what legacy they want to leave. Typically, these causes are close to home, either geographically or based on personal experience.
This is why I feel very comfortable introducing my clients to ECF. They listen to what people want to achieve and help them to work out what is important to them.”
When Atul and I talked about giving money away, it was clear that although he and his family lived in Essex where he wanted to give support, he also wanted to consider giving money to international causes, recognising his family’s heritage in Uganda.
However, he knew that he did not have the time or expertise to check the viability of charities, especially those working overseas. He also wanted his children to be involved in the decision-making around which charities to support, but he did not want them to have the burden of potentially managing a charity in the future.
It was clear to me that Atul needed some expert advice. I had been introduced to ECF in 2020, when I connected with Perry Norton on LinkedIn. After a number of really positive meetings about the work ECF does I knew enough about them to feel confident they could help so I arranged a meeting for Atul and me with Perry and Caroline Taylor, ECF’s chief executive.
They listened to what was important to Atul and what he wanted to achieve. Then they created a framework for him to be able to give, ensuring that the money he gives will be used efficiently and effectively.
I am delighted that Atul has established a Fund in his family’s name to help them give back to communities in the UK and abroad. I have no doubt that they are in very good hands with ECF and that they will enjoy their giving journey for many years to come.
To find out how we can help you, or work with you to help your clients, contact Perry Norton on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk.
£100,000 available to tackle the biggest issues facing Braintree district
8th July 2022
Community groups and charities tackling the biggest issues affecting residents in Braintree District can apply for a slice of a £100,000 fund.
The Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund is managed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), and was set up by Braintree District Council and Eastlight Community Homes. The Fund has awarded more than £1 million to local causes since 2015.
This year, the fund is looking for bids, big or small, to support residents facing the major social issues that residents say are affecting them the most: the cost-of-living crisis, loneliness and social isolation, emotional health and wellbeing issues or a lack of opportunities for young people.
These issues are further being tackled through Eastlight’s All In programme, where four teams of local residents are spending a year creating a solution to each of these social issues, before making it happen.
James Green, Eastlight’s Community Investment Director, said: “Local groups and charities do brilliant work for residents in Braintree District, and these grants are here to enable them to do even more for our communities.
“I look forward to seeing the amazing ideas proposed by grassroots community groups and voluntary sector organisations.”
Organisations that can apply include charities, residents’ groups, social enterprises and other non-profit organisations.
Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available for smaller scale grassroots projects, alongside larger awards of up to £40,000 over three years.
Last year, grants ranged from £600 so Incredible Edible could create a community garden in Earls Colne to £38,400 to allow the Wilderness Foundation to provide nature-based therapy to people who have experienced grief, trauma, addiction, isolation and other issues affecting their mental health.
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “As a council we are proud to be part of this fund which is making a real difference in the district. I encourage local voluntary organisations to make the most of this opportunity and apply for financial support.”
The deadline for this funding programme was Monday 22 August. If you were unable to get your application in advance of this and you require a grant, please do phone us on 01345 356018 as we may be able to help.
Essex Community Foundation welcomes new Trustees
29th June 2022
Three professionals have joined the Board of Trustees at Essex Community Foundation (ECF), one of the leading community foundations in the UK.
Atul Manek, Emma Goode and Soumya Krishna Kumar have become Trustees of the independent charitable trust, which is based in Chelmsford and works with individuals, families, businesses, trusts and public agencies to give financial support to charities and voluntary groups in Essex.
ECF was set up in 1996 and since then has awarded £48 million and currently manages 180 charitable funds on behalf of its donors.
Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF said: “We are always looking to engage with people who share our passion for local communities and want to work with us to shape the strategic direction of the Foundation. Becoming a trustee is just one way that we can do this, and we look forward to working with Atul, Emma and Soumya, who all bring valuable skills and experience that will help to further advance our work.”
Atul joins ECF following a 30-year career in financial services, mainly in investment management. He is also a qualified chartered accountant. In addition to becoming a Trustee, Atul has also set up a charitable fund to start his family’s giving journey to support charities in Essex and internationally.
Atul said: “I was introduced to ECF by my financial adviser, and I quickly realised that they could help me to achieve my charitable aims. I was so inspired by their work that when I saw they were advertising for Trustees, I applied.
“I was delighted to be invited to join the Board of Trustees and I am really looking forward to learning about the non-profit sector and using my skills and experience to help the Foundation build on what it has already achieved.”
Emma Goode, a social media consultant and owner of the digital marketing agency 24 fingers, is bringing her communications expertise to the Board.
“When I first learnt about ECF and its role in supporting local charities and community groups, I was really impressed.” said Emma.
“I was born in Essex, started my business here and the most of my clients are Essex-based. I have huge sense of pride for the county and look forward to helping ECF broaden its reach so that more people can know about them and the great work of local charities.”
Soumya Krishnakumar is involved in the Young Trustee Movement. During the COVID-19 pandemic she launched The Crisis Project after, an innovative project that enabled people to volunteer and send letters of thanks to NHS workers, while not leaving their homes.
Soumya said: “Having had my own experience of running a not-for-profit organisation, I really wanted to take that next step and become a charity Trustee.
“I saw the advert for ECF and it felt like a perfect fit as they support such a wide range of causes, but with a focus of helping to improve the lives of people in Essex. I can’t wait to get started.”