CommuniTea: Bringing People Together to Strengthen Essex Communities 

20th February 2026

When businesses and charities come together with honesty and curiosity, powerful conversations can happen. That was the thinking behind CommuniTea, a new networking series launched in Essex. It creates space for open dialogue over a cup of tea (or coffee), helping to turn good intentions into meaningful community support. 

The first event in the four-part series, hosted by ECF and supported by the Beresfords Group, focused on reimagining volunteering in Essex. Through a panel discussion and open Q&A, attendees explored what effective support really looks like for charities working at the heart of local communities. 

While many businesses genuinely want to give back, charities across Essex remain overstretched and under-resourced. The challenge is rarely intent, but alignment. Businesses often offer what they assume volunteering should look like, rather than what charities actually need. Effective support starts with better conversations, and CommuniTea is designed to create space for exactly that.

CommuniTea charity leaders panelists

As Nicki Treffers, Group Marketing & New Business Director at Beresfords, reflected during the discussion: “It’s a case of having a very open conversation about how you can help each other and assist each other.” 

One theme that emerged was how easily well-intentioned support can miss the mark. Charities spoke about receiving offers of help that, while generous, actually created extra work. Large, one-off volunteering days, for example, often require time for planning, induction and supervision that small organisations simply cannot spare. 

As Ian Flint from Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome explained:
“Unless those businesses wanting to help stay up to date with what they need to do and what help is actually needed, they’re going to be completely at sea.” 

Reimagining volunteering together 

Volunteers play a vital role across Essex. Around 95,000 people sustain organisations that communities rely on every day, contributing over £1.2 billion to the local economy and supporting more than 17,500 paid roles. For many charities, volunteers are not “extra hands”; they are essential. 

Dan Skeates Founder of Cool To Be Kind

As Dan Skeates, Founder of Cool to Be Kind, said: “We’ve got one paid employee who does eight hours a week. We’re all volunteers.” 

With resources so limited, misaligned support can be costly. Charities highlighted the importance of skills-based volunteering, where people offer expertise they already have but charities often cannot afford. Skills such as governance, finance, HR, safeguarding, IT, data and communications were identified as areas where the right support can have a lasting impact. 

As Ian Flint noted: “If you’re phoning me saying, ‘I’ve got this skill set, is there something I can do for you with it, a service I can provide or a task I can complete for you?’, that’s an entirely different question.”

The discussion prompted reflection among attendees.

As Nicki Treffers shared: 
“My takeaway will be looking at the skill set we have within our organisation, which is multifaceted.” 

Others echoed similar views, including a recently retired attendee who said the event helped him recognise how personal skills and experience could translate into meaningful support for local causes. Together, these reflections pointed to a shift away from task-based volunteering and towards support that is better aligned with real charity need.

Continuing the conversation 

This event is the first in a four-part CommuniTea series, bringing businesses and charities together through open dialogue and shared learning to turn ideas into action. For business leaders keen to stay involved and make genuine local impact, upcoming events offer a clear next step.  

The Geoffrey Sneed Engineering & STEM Scholarship Launches

Dr Geoffrey Sneed (pictured above) devoted his life to learning, innovation and inspiring others through science and engineering. Raised in Ilford, he showed an early aptitude for maths, physics and engineering, which shaped his academic and professional career. 

After graduating from Imperial College London and completing a PhD, Geoffrey spent 15 years teaching physics, maths, chemistry and applied sciences at Ealing High School. Known for his forward-thinking approach, he helped establish one of the first purpose-built applied science laboratories in a state grammar school and developed specialist experimental equipment, with a strong focus on real-world application. 

Beyond the classroom, Geoffrey held senior academic and research roles, including as a research director at the University of Surrey, as well as appointments at the Science Museum and Imperial College. In 1979, he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study international approaches to science education and later received the Churchill Medal at 10 Downing Street. 

An inventor as well as an educator, Geoffrey created the Pulsometer, a medical chronograph watch designed to measure heart rate quickly. His work consistently reflected his belief that engineering should serve society and solve practical problems. 

Inspiring young people remained central to his life. He founded the Molecule Club, introducing children to science through a musical performance that toured schools across the Midlands. Alongside this, he maintained a lifelong interest in the motor industry, writing extensively about its engineering and history. 

When Geoffrey died in 2022 with no immediate family, he agreed that his estate should be used to establish a charitable fund in his name, recognising his lifelong contribution to education. 

A New Opportunity for Future Engineers 

This decision led to the creation of the Dr Geoffrey Sneed Engineering Scholarship, offering a new opportunity for academically able students across Essex who face financial barriers to higher education. 

Through ongoing financial support, the scholarship helps students focus on their studies and progress into careers where engineering and STEM knowledge can be used for wider societal benefit – values central to Geoffrey’s life and work. 

What the Scholarship Offers 

The scholarship provides financial support towards living costs while studying at university. Awards are made for an initial three-year period, with the potential for review for a fourth year, helping to ensure stability and continued support throughout a student’s degree.

Rajesh Bhramav who received funding to support his degree in Natural Sciences at Cambridge University shared :

“ The Dr Geoffrey Sneed Engineering Fund has had a truly meaningful impact on my journey through sixth form and into university. The books, financial support and academic resources provided were instrumental in supporting my A-level studies and university applications, and this support has enabled me to pursue my ambitions with confidence and make the most of the opportunities available at university. In addition, the encouragement and belief shown by the members of the Essex Community Fund has been truly invaluable.”

” The support from the Dr Geoffrey Sneed Engineering Fund has had a significant impact on my experience at Warwick and allowed me to immerse more fully in university life, especially at a difficult time in my life where the financial pressures on my family would have made it quite difficult for me to fully explore the opportunities here at Warwick. The Fund has supported my day-to-day living costs whilst also giving me the opportunity to join various societies and sports clubs, and this balance between academic focus and personal development has had an incredibly positive impact on my time so far at Warwick. I am incredibly grateful and indebted to the Fund and Essex Community Foundation for all their support.”

Interested in Applying?

If you live in Essex, East London/Essex border, are currently studying A Levels, and plan to progress to a STEM-based degree, particularly Engineering, you may be eligible to apply.

To find out more – Click here 

A Family Business That’s Giving Back

17th February 2026

William (Bill) Stacey was a generous man who believed in giving something back, and the charitable fund set up in his name more than a decade ago is continuing that legacy. 

Children who need extra support, including those with dyslexia, are being helped to build brighter futures thanks to a fund created in memory of a big-hearted Essex businessman. 

The W G Stacey Family Fund, managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF), was established just over 10 years ago in honour of William George Stacey, founder of Chelmsford-based DCS Ltd, now a leading UK distributor of catering disposables, food packaging and hygiene products. 

William (Bill) Stacey was a generous man who believed in giving something back…

After Bill (pictured below) died from cancer in 2012, his family set up the fund to continue his ethos of helping others. Grants are distributed to Essex causes close to the family’s hearts, including initiatives supporting children with additional needs.

Bill’s son Paul, commercial director of DCS Ltd, said: 

“ Dad would have been proud to have a charitable fund set up in his memory. He was a character nobody would forget, and he was a generous man who believed in giving something back. He supported various charities and always wanted to help people less fortunate than himself.

“When he moved from Upminster to South Woodham Ferrers in 1980, he started the business in his garage at home, with his office in the bedroom of our house.

“With the support of his wife June and some great neighbours he built up the business, going around the local area promoting the goods across local pubs and other establishments.

“Since 1980, we’ve grown from a local disposables supplier into the UK’s fastest-growing independent distributor of non-food consumables, supplying businesses across hospitality, healthcare, education and facilities management.

“DCS now has a turnover of £30 million, employs 90 people, has three warehouses and a fleet of 28 vehicles. We are in partnership with DX covering the midlands and the north and we are also the parent company of A Good Decision, our dedicated brand for carbon-conscious packaging and hygiene solutions. ” 

Paul added: 

“The W G Stacey Family Fund carries forward Bill’s vision of determination, compassion and community.

“At DCS Ltd, our heart has always been in Chelmsford, where our journey began more than four decades ago. Over the years, we’ve grown into a trusted leader in sustainable food packaging and hygiene solutions, working with businesses across the UK to deliver products that reduce environmental impact and support responsible operations.

“As we’ve evolved, one thing has remained constant, our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work.

“Through the WG Stacey Family Fund, we continue to champion causes that reflect our values and our long-standing belief in building a better future. The Fund has a focus on children who need support and the protection of wildlife, to ensure future generations can enjoy a thriving environment.

“For over 10 years, we’ve ensured that thousands of children receive a Christmas gift, sharing the joy of the festive season with those who need it most.

“In 2026 and beyond, we will strengthen our focus on supporting children with learning difficulties, an issue that touches many families, including those of our own employees.

“Every initiative reflects our belief that better businesses build better communities.

“The WG Stacey Family Fund is more than philanthropy, it’s our way of ensuring William George Stacey’s legacy continues to inspire good decisions for generations to come.” 

W G Stacey Family Fund

Since it was set up with ECF in 2012, the W G Stacey Family Fund has given over £17,000 to support a wide range of charities including:

Paul Stacey (right) with his brother, and fellow DCS director, James Stacey

Paul’s wife Carol and their children Holly, Lauren and Aimee

City of Chelmsford Mencap

£655 to provide a range of activities and respite opportunities for members of a charity supporting people with learning disabilities.

Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund

£1,254 to help deliver support and activities for teenagers and their families diagnosed and living with cancer.  These included a trip to the O2.

SNAP (Special Needs and Parents)

£1,441 towards the cost of running holiday clubs for children with additional needs and disabilities in Brentwood, Basildon and other areas of Essex.

Gold Geese

£1,634 to support the ongoing cost of mental health therapy for a local children’s cancer charity working in Basildon and Southend.

Start your giving now or leave a legacy in your will

If you would like to set up a Fund with ECF in memory of a loved one, your family name or your business, get in touch with Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF to have a conversation. 

Tel:  01245 355947  E-mail: perry@essexcf.org.uk

Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund Now Open for 2026 Applications

10th February 2026

National Highways has opened the £1.9 million Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund for 2026, supporting charities and community groups across Thurrock, Brentwood and Havering. 

The fund provides grants of up to £10,000 to organisations working to improve the lives of people living in communities close to the Lower Thames Crossing, a major new road linking Essex and Kent via a tunnel beneath the River Thames. 

The Community Fund builds on the success of a pilot programme in 2023, which awarded £250,000 to 55 community and environmental projects on both sides of the river. Learning from that pilot has helped shape the design and delivery of this larger, construction-phase fund. 

About the Community Fund 

The Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund is delivered through National Highways’ Designated Funds programme, a national scheme designed to provide lasting benefits for communities and the environment beyond the organisation’s core role of operating and maintaining England’s motorways and A-roads. 

The funding is separate from the Lower Thames Crossing core project budget, which remains subject to government approval. 

Supporting communities during construction 

Applications for projects north of the River Thames are being independently managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF). Projects south of the river, including those in Medway and Gravesham, should apply via the Kent Community Foundation. 

As construction of the Lower Thames Crossing begins, the fund offers local organisations an important opportunity to secure investment that will deliver lasting benefits for their communities. 

Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager at Essex Community Foundation, said: 

“We’re delighted to support the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund, giving local charities and community groups the opportunity to deliver projects that make a real difference. The 2023 pilot showed how much impact targeted, local investment can have, and we’re excited to see new projects bring positive change and lasting benefits for people across Thurrock, Brentwood and Havering.” 

Find out more and apply 

This Opportunity is now closed.

Full details about eligibility, priority areas and how to apply are available on our Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund webpage.

This opportunity is now closed.

Applications must be submitted using the online application form. Organisations that experience difficulty applying online can contact the grants team to arrange an alternative submission method. 

Final funding decisions will be shared with applicants in May 2026, following the panel meeting. 

Organisations are encouraged to discuss their project ideas before applying. To speak with the grants team, applicants can book a call or contact ECF on 01245 355947. 

Counselling Service Receives £5,000 Grant to Support Local Residents 

29th January 2026

Affordable Counselling Epping Forest (ACEF) has received a £5,000 funding boost to expand its vital low-cost counselling support for residents. The grant, awarded by the Frank Lichfield Charitable Trust and managed by ECF, will help ensure accessible mental health support remains available at a time of growing demand. 

Over the past year, ACEF delivered almost 700 counselling sessions across the Epping Forest District. The service offers a safe, confidential space for individuals to explore challenges and receive professional support at low costs. Of the clients supported, 86% reported a decrease in anxiety and 93% reported a decrease in depression. 

Demand for ACEF’s support continues to rise, driven by the long-term impact of Covid-19 and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. As statutory mental health services face increasing pressure, ACEF provides a crucial safety net for residents who might otherwise struggle to access help. 

ACEF currently delivers 21 hours of counselling each week, led by accredited or equivalently experienced counsellors. The service is available to adults aged 18 and over living in the Epping Forest District, with each client offered up to eight sessions of support at a minimum of £5 per session. 

“I would just like to say how wonderful this service is. Counselling ordinarily would have been out of my reach. Without the counsellor listening without judgement I know I would not have been able to navigate, as I have, the end of what has been a dreadful year for me. Thank you,” said a recent client.  

ACEF added: “The funding we, as Trustees of ACEF, have received from Essex Community Foundation is fundamental to our ability to continue this service within the local community.” 

If you are a local charity or voluntary group in need of funding, please contact our grants team on 01245 355947 or apply here.

Saffron Building Society’s Community Fund Reaches Major Milestone!

26th January 2026

Saffron Building Society has reached a major milestone, with its endowment fund at ECF surpassing £1 million, well ahead of the five-year target set in 2023. 

This achievement means the Saffron Community Fund can now award around £50,000 each year to support local projects, charities, and initiatives across Essex. Since its launch in 2011, the fund has given more than £300,000 to a wide range of local causes. 

Managed by ECF, grants are decided by a panel of Saffron Building Society staff and members. The fund reflects the Society’s long-standing commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. 

“Reaching £1 million in our endowment fund is a testament to our values as a mutual,” said Colin Field, CEO of Saffron Building Society. “We’re incredibly proud to have exceeded our target and to know this fund will continue supporting Essex communities now and in the future.” 

ECF works to connect donors with local charities, helping strengthen communities across the county.

Caroline Taylor, CEO of ECF, said: “Saffron’s endowment shows what’s possible when a socially responsible business takes a long-term view of community investment. It is already supporting local charities tackling some of the most pressing challenges, and it will continue to do so for generations.” 

Recent grants from the fund include: 

• DIG-IT Community Allotment – £3,000 for a joint food growing and cooking project 

• Hourglass (Safer Ageing) – £2,750 towards a 24/7 helpline for older people at risk of abuse 

• Kool Carers South East – £2,000 for activities and trips for young carers in Brentwood 

• Red Kite Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service – £10,200 to support survivors of sexual abuse across Hertfordshire and Essex 

Laura Thompson-Harper, project manager at DIG-IT Community Allotment said: “We are so welcoming and passionate about making the site safe and accessible. The benefits of time spent here are immeasurable for our clients and the funding we have received will make a huge difference to our work.” 

The fund will continue to provide long-term support for essential community projects and local organisations across the region. 

For more information or to apply for funding, visit our Apply For Support page here or call us on 01245 355947.