Library of Services

Accuro
Parenting Support Project

The Parenting Project supports parents/carers of children with a disability, providing home visits, specifically designed parenting workshops including emotional, sensory and behavioural issues, a nationally recognised parenting programme, and a support group. We also have a wealth of knowledge on other agencies and resources.

ACL Essex
Adult Learning

ACL (part of Essex County Council) offers a wide range of daytime and evening adult learning courses to help you with your health and wellbeing, improve your job prospects, learn a new skill, or simply inspire you. Our ACL Harlow Centre also offers FREE Mental Health Wellbeing and Recovery courses.

Action for Family Carers
Activity groups for people with Dementia or Memory Problems

Our groups help people with Dementia or Memory problems and their Carers.

Keeping Active groups offer the change to engage in a wide range of physical activities.

The Active Minds group consists of activities that stimulate mind and memory.

Both groups offer the chance to socialise and have fun.

Action for Family Carers
Feeling Good, Caring Well

Our new initiative to help support Carers with their Physical, Emotional and Mental Wellbeing

Coming to an area in Essex near you!

Activities include

• Stress Reduction techniques
• Head/Neck Massage
• Light Physical fitness
• Reflexology
• Outdoor Activities

Action for Family Carers
Young Adult Carers (ages 16 - 24)

If you're aged 16 - 24 and are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, tired, or just missing out on opportunities your friends take for granted, we can help. We provide Young Adult Carers support and information when it is needed through social opportunities, while providing support for your family.

Action for Family Carers
Young Carers (ages 6 to 18)

Support for young people aged 6 to 18 who help to care for a family member. This person may have a long term illness, a physical or sensory impairment, mental health problems or a drug or alcohol addiction

Adult Mental Health Wellbeing Team

The Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Team provide short term support for people with mental health and emotional issues such as • Anxiety • Low mood • Stress • Depression

We can work with you to help you improve your wellbeing and quality of life.

Our aim to help you regain control and to move forward.

Affinity Water
Free Home Water Efficiency Check

Great news!  We offer Home Water Efficiency Checks to help you save water, save energy and save money.  Each visit takes between 30-45 minutes and is worth around £80 but is absolutley FREE to our customers!

A trained technician will:

• Check for leaks
• Fit efective water saving devices where possible
• Identify ways you can save water and energy to reduce your bills
• Provide water saving advice to fit into your lifestyle

Age UK
Social Prescriber Harlow PCN

Social Prescribing helps GP practices explore non medical practical services that may support patients to improve their health, well being and independence

Age UK Essex
Home Help Service

The Home Help Service provides help with vacuuming, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, washing floors, laundry, changing beds and emptying rubbish bins. We can also buy your shopping and collect prescriptions. We also offer a Sitting and Companionship Service, Outdoor Activity Support and Food Preparation in some areas.

Age UK Essex - Befriending
Befriending Service

Telephone Befriending - we provide a weekly telephone call for a friendly chat.

Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society, Harlow Office

The Dementia Support Service provides support, advice and guidance to people with dementia and their carers. It assists people with dementia and their carers to identify their needs and access appropriate services. We can provide home visits and information about our local services.

Anglian Community Enterprise
My Weight Matters

A range of free weight management services for adults registered with a GP surgery in Essex.

Our programmes are designed to promote safe weight loss of between 0.5-1 kg (1-2lb) a week.

Introducing steps one week at a time to help build the tools that will enable confident use for continued weight loss.

Venues in Loughton, Harlow, Epping, Stansted Mountfitchet, Saffron Walden, Great Dunmow. 

Anglian Community Enterprise
NHS Health Checks

The NHS Health Check is a sophisticated check of your heart health. Aimed at adults 40 to 74, it checks your vascular or circulatory health and works out your risk of developing some of the most disabling but preventable illnesses. There will be time to discuss the results with the health professional afterwards.

For details of next screening date in your area please telephone 0800 0224524 (Option 1) or email healthchecks@nhs.net to see if you are suitable for the programme.

Barnardo's
Invisible Lives Child and Family Support

(Formely Essex Children Affected by Parental Imprisonment (CAPI) Service)

Invisible Lives provides specialist support to the most vulnerable groups of children, young people and their families when affected by; the criminal justice system, risk taking behaviours and hidden harms.

We work closely with schools and other agencies to support young people at risk of hidden harms and other vulnerabilities including CSE, CE, drugs, gangs, knife crimes and youth offending. We aim to educate, support and increase confidence and self-esteem for children and young people experiencing trauma and poor mental health and well-being as a result of their situation.

Bipolar UK
Harlow Support Group

Bipolar UK is the national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by bipolar. Every month we support over 1,000 people with bipolar to stay well. This includes those with bipolar, those pre-diagnosis, and supporting their family and friends. 

Our Harlow Support Group is run by volunteers and meets the third Tuesday of every month.  No referral is required, sessions are free to attend and you can drop in and leave as you wish.   You don't have to attend every session.

British Red Cross
Mobility Aids

We provide a range of mobility aid equipment for loan and sale. Equipment includes wheelchairs, commodes, highback chairs, raised toilet seats and walking aids.

CanalAbility

Provides fully adapted and accessible canal boats to enable people with disabilities to enjoy relaxing and uplifting holidays and day trips on the river. Our boats are adapted not only so that people with mobility difficulties can get on to and around the boats, but also offer facilities such as hoists and remote steering.

CARA
Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse

We offer a confidential and non judgemental support service for survivors of sexual abuse and violence. This could have occurred recently or in the past and could involve a stranger, a relative or someone you know.

Carers First - Adult Carers
Adult Carers

A community-based service which supports carers to sustain their caring role whilst maintaining their own health and well being. If you look after someone......who looks after you? You can contact us to talk about your caring role and discuss any support you may need.

Choices - Open Road
Open Road

Covid-19 Update:  Open Road remains open, delivering mostly phone based support.  Referrals can still be made to this service. Group sessions are suspended.

Open Road is a charity that provides support for individuals affected by drugs and alcohol. Offering client based recovery with options of one-to-one sessions, structured recovery programmes, family support, M-PACT (Moving parents & children together) and needle/syringe programmes.

Citizens Advice Harlow

We offer information and advice on issues such as benefits, money, debt, relationships, housing, employment, legal, consumer and discrimination.  We can also assist with making phone calls, writing letters, completing forms, negotiating on your behalf and directing you to other useful organisations.  We have recently launched our new ‘Help to Claim’ service where we can offer support with making a claim for Universal Credit.  We monitor impacts and inform the government about unintended consequences of policy changes on individuals.  We are also "Advice Quality Standard" registered.

Citizens Advice Harlow
Warm Homes Essex

Warm Homes Essex is a service set up to help people in our community improve their health through practical advice for fuel poor households.

We can help you in a number of different ways with fuel debt, benefit entitlements, emergency fuel payments, saving energy, and getting the best tariffs for you.

Citizens Advice Harlow - Law Clinic
Law Clinic

We are a Law Clinic at Citizens Advice Harlow offering free half hour appointments with specialist solicitors who can cover a wide range of legal issues including family, employment, immigration, wills, consumer, medical negligence, personal injury, criminal and housing.

Community 360
Essex Family Support Service

Support for families including children & young people 8 to 19 years with low level needs. Help to improve relationships, behaviour, social connections and emotional health and wellbeing. In addition to signposting to local services and activities a Volunteer Family Mentor may be allocated to give up to 10 weeks of support.

Community Agents Essex

Supporting independent living through social inclusion: getting out and about; increase confidence to go shopping, visit neighbours or other places; mobility in the home; adaptations for ease/safety; meeting people; local groups/activities to make new friends; healthy eating/living; practical support/information.

Creative Ways Harlow CIC
Creative Ways Harlow

Providers of art/wellbeing projects, focusing on high quality arts provision in community settings The Colours project, Online series of 6 Wellbeing/Art workshops starting end May 2020. Looking at how colour effects us physically, mentally and emotionally. Fun and friendly workshops which explores a different colour each week.

Cruse Bereavement Care (Harlow)
Cruse Bereavement Care

Bereavement counselling for all, irrespective of the time since the bereavement. The service is on a self-referral basis only. We offer free one-to-one support and support for children, young people and adults throughout the Harlow district.

cst.today
CST.Today

A social and activity group for people living with mild to moderate dementia, using the principles of Cognitive Stimulation therapy to deliver a fun, stimulating session which runs all day with a hot meal at lunch time. Half day sessions are also available.

CVS Uttlesford
Essex Shed Network

A community shed offers a safe space where men share the tools, skills, experience and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing at their own pace. They are places of skill-sharing and informal learning, of individual pursuits and community projects, of purpose, achievement and social interaction.

Deafblind UK
Deafblind Organisation

The Deaf Blind Organisation offers support and guidance to deafblind people, their carers, family and friends, as well as professionals working with people who have a loss of both hearing and sight.  We also offer The Befriender service for those who are feeling lonely. We’re also keen to help those recently diagnosed, using the befriending process as a means to prevent social isolation.  Our popular Peer Support & Social Groups provide those with both sight and hearing impairments plus their carers an opportunity to meet people and make friends.

Defence Medical Welfare Service
Welfare Service

Since 1943 the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) has been providing a unique, highly responsive and professional medical welfare service to those who serve the nation. Our welfare officers provide practical and emotional support to frontline staff during times of physical or mental ill health to improve wellbeing and recovery.

DMWS Welfare Officers work with patients when their medical needs are being met but when other issues, problems or social influences may be distracting them from their recovery. We provide practical and emotional support to ensure that no family goes through the worry of injury or illness alone.

Dementia Adventure
Holidays and Short Breaks

If you or someone you love is living with dementia you may feel that holidays are no longer an option. Perhaps, traditional models of respite that separate families don’t appeal to you. We may have the answer. We offer small group, supported holidays for people with dementia and their partners, family, friends or carers to enjoy together.

Our holidays are subsidised through fundraising to enable as many people living with dementia to benefit as possible. Our trained team and expertly planned itineraries mean you can have the holiday you have been hoping for. Whether you want to relax by the coast or walk up mountains, we have something for everyone

Dogs Trust Freedom Project
Dogs Trust

The Dogs Trust Freedom Project is a free dog fostering service for people that are fleeing domestic abuse and going into refuge or emergency accommodation. This service is available across the whole of West Essex. This is a free service and all the dog's expenses are covered by Dogs Trust.

ECL Harlow Hub

The service offers support for adults who have physical, sensory or learning disabilities.  We offer a person-centred service which aims at promoting and supporting progression for people that attend.

The hub has a sensory room and runs a variety of activities throughout the week such as community activities, cooking, arts and craft, floristry.

A Work Based Training Team on site give advice, guidance and support to people with learning disabilities who want to progress into voluntary or paid employment, as well as training opportunities in the onsite café.

ECL Sensory Service

Face-to-face delivery of this service is temporarily suspended.  But if you wish to speak with us regarding any sight or hearing loss issues then please call us on 03330133262 or email:  sensoryservices@essexcares.org 

We are a team of sensory specialists delivering needs-led and person-centred services to people with sight, hearing and dual sensory impairments, their families, carers and the wider community. Our high quality services are focused on early intervention, improved wellbeing and maximising independence.

Employ-Ability
HeadsUp

HeadsUp provides support, advice and mentoring to people with common mental health problems to help them get back into the workplace. HeadsUp is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund.

Epping Forest Community Transport

We offer a service that meets the needs of local people who, for various reasons, are unable to use conventional public transport. The service offers a lifeline in both rural and urban areas, and includes the elderly, disabled or those who are rurally isolated and unable to access public transport.

EPUT - West Essex Macmillan
Cancer Information and Support Service

Support and information to anyone who has concerns about cancer, their relatives, friends and carers. We offer befriending and respite support in your own home. We can provide details of other local and national cancer support agencies and services and benefits advice. We provide a supporting service to allow patients, relatives and carers to access suitable national and local information about cancer, cancer prevention and local services.

EPUT - MS Nurse Specialist
MS Nurse Specialist

The MS Nursing Service offers support and guidance for people with MS from diagnosis onwards. I offer advice regarding treatment options, symptom management, general support for the patient and their family, onward referral to appropriate services and liaison between the community team and acute services.

EPUT - Single Point of Access
Single Point of Access

The Single Point of Access service (SPA) is the referral coordination centre for Community Services.  

Provided by community nurses, case managers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians, respiratory nurses and palliative care providers.

Open 8am to 9pm, 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays. 

Essential Living Fund

Emergency assistance will be provided for a short term period to help with the purchase of food, toiletries and fuel.

Eligibility will be assessed over the telephone 0300 7900124 (calls charged at standard rate), and it is free to telephone from local council offices.

Essex Befriends
Befriending

Whether you are feeling lonely, isolated, have stopped doing things you once loved, or generally lack confidence; we are here to help.

We offer a range of support including telephone, face to face and email befriending. You can start to build confidence, develop new connections and get back to doing something you love or find new interests.

Essex County Council
Family Innovation Fund Early Help Services

These Early Help Services have been commissioned by Essex County Council and are for children, young people and parents/carers with low level needs, as detailed in the Essex Effective Support for Children and Families.

Parents and young people (over 13) may self-refer.

http://www.escb.co.uk/

Essex County Council
The Attendance Specialist Team (West Essex)

The Attendance Specialists offer strategic support to schools regarding school attendance, and advice/guidance to parents regarding school attendance. The Attendance Specialist Team encourages members of the public to contact us where it appears that a child or young person may not be receiving a suitable education at school or otherwise. This information will be shared with ECC's Children Missing Education Team to investigate the circumstances and seek to remove any barriers which are preventing the child or young person from accessing a suitable education. Where schools are concerned about absence levels, they will seek to work with parents/carers to address these concerns and where attendance does not improve, may consider referring the matter to ECC Attendance Compliance Team.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
Home Safety Visits

We provide the occupier with general fire safety advice such as electrical and kitchen safety, as well as offering guidance on night time routines and a fire action plan. This will include how to summon the Fire Service and how to escape the property should a fire occur. Smoke alarms are also provided and fitted, at no cost to the occupier, if it is deemed necessary.  

*** During the COVID-19 outbreak home visits are limited to those people most at risk in their community.  We are able to provide telephone advice and guidance to less vulnerable people during this period ***

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
Safe and Well Visits

Our trained Safe and Well Officers can provide advice and guidance in relation to fire prevention and home security, as well as signpost you to additional advice and support if you need it.  To keep yourself and your family safe at home, we recommend booking one of our free, personalised Safe and Well Visits. 

*** During the COVID-19 outbreak home visits are limited to those people most at risk in their community.  We are able to provide telephone advice and guidance to less vulnerable people during this period ***

Essex FCN - The Farming Community Network
FCN Essex

The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times.

Since 1995, we have helped thousands of people deal with a variety of issues, including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health and family disputes. Our volunteers will "walk with" you and help you find a positive way through your problems - for as long as it is needed.

Essex Restorative Justice Hub
Essex Restorative and Mediation Service

The Essex Restorative and Mediation Service works with people who have been involved in conflict, including criminal offences and anti-social behaviour. Restorative processes use communication between people who have been harmed, and have caused harm, to allow them to work towards positive outcomes in a safe environment.

Essex Safeguarding Adults Board
Social Care Direct Helpline

You can call us for anything from straightforward information and advice about the abuse and the safety of adults in Essex; to the disclosure of a specific concern about your own safety of somebody that you know. Should you wish to report maltreatment of an adult in Essex we will take your concern seriously and ensure that it is investigated appropriately.

Help us to keep adults safe across Essex. Remember, ignoring abuse is not an option - Any person with knowledge of, or suspicion that a vulnerable adult may be at risk of abuse or is being abused must report their concerns.

Call the Social Care Direct line on 0345 6037630

Essex Youth Service Young Carers Team
Essex Young Carers Service

Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old who provide regular and on-going care to another person who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances. Young adult carers are aged between 16 and 24, and can also access support from this service. We offer free personalised support to young carers and their families that will be developed with you around your need for help and the caring you do. Referrals into the service can be made via the website detailed below.

Families in Focus

Families in Focus aim to support children and young people with disabilities (aged 0-19) and their families by providing them with a range of services in West Essex. We provide helplines and advice to guide and support you as much as we can. Educational, DLA (Disability Living Allowance) Applications, and Social/Respite opportunities are included.

families4recovery

Families4recovery is a friendly, local self-help support group for anyone who is affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use. Respect for confidentiality is a priority. We try to remain positive, listening, empathetic and looking at what we can do to support change and take care of ourselves. There is no charge.

Family Solutions
Children and Families Hub

Family Solutions is a team within Essex County Council that provides a variety of support for families who are experiencing difficulties.  Family Solutions approach is to work alongside families on issues that they want to change, so the work undertaken varies from family to family.  We often support with issues such as family dynamics, parenting and the impact on families of things such as domestic abuse, mental health difficulties and substance misuse.  Most work is carried out in the community, often in family homes.  Family Solutions also runs several group work programmes.

The duration of the work undertaken varies according to need.  The average current length of work is 5 months.  Family Solutions’ work with a family never exceeds a year.

Forever Ahead Community

We provide counselling and recovery support services, available to all within West Essex & East Herts. We ask for a donation of up to £10 for counselling, with sessions fully funded if you are receiving benefits. We work with other agencies and charities within the community to deliver the support our clients.

Freshwaters Christian Fellowship

We are a Christian church that seeks to encourage Health and Wellbeing through our meetings, events and activities. This includes meetings for those wanting to explore the Christian faith; a group we run for senior's in partnership with Rainbow Services; group walks; & general support and encouragement

Freshwaters Contact Centre
Child Contact Centre

We provide a safe neutral meeting place where children can meet with parents, grandparents or siblings that they have been separated from because of family breakdown.

Frontline
Advocacy Factsheet Harlow

This fact sheet gives details of advocacy services. An advocate is someone who can speak on your behalf or who can support you to speak for yourself, especially in formal situations or when you don't feel very confident.

Advocacy doesn't always have to be provided by paid professionals. Often people take a friend or family member with them to important meetings to give moral support, and to speak for them if required.

Advocacy services give priority to the most vulnerable people, or those with the most complex issues who have no other appropriate form of support. If an advocacy service is unable to help, they may suggest other local organisations who can provide assistance.

Frontline
Befriending Factsheet Harlow

This fact sheet gives details of local and national befriending services.  These services provide conversation and companionship in order to reduce isolation and loneliness.  Some services may also offer specific support to people managing long term illness or disability.

Frontline
Bereavement Factsheet Harlow

The death of someone we love can be one of the most difficult experiences of life.  Grief is a normal human response to a significant loss.  Grief is very personal and also unpredictable.  You may experience a wide variety of emotions and reactions you have never faced before.  This can be a painful and complicated process, sometimes medical advice or counselling can help.

Find local and national support services which include support for children, as well as those who have experienced the sudden death of a loved one.  These services are for anyone who has been bereaved of someone at any time.

Frontline
Complaints Factsheet Harlow

This fact sheet gives details of how to make a complaint about a health or social care provider; for example if you are unhappy about the care you have received from a doctor, dentist, optician, pharmacy, social care service, hospital or care home.

Frontline
Covid-19 Advice for the Housebound in Harlow

This factsheet gives details of services and local businesses in and around Harlow that are offering support to those who are self-isolating due to the coronavirus (Covid 19) or who are housebound as a result of illness, disability or age.

Factsheet updated 02/04/20.

Frontline
Covid-19 Debt Management Factsheet (Harlow)

If your income has fallen, or you know it is going to, there are practical steps you can take now. The common theme is that if you are affected by coronavirus problems, then ask your lender or utility company for help.  

Things are changing fast.  Every week different sorts of help are being announced. The following information has been compiled by the debt management team at Citizens Advice (Uttlesford) and will be updated regularly.

Frontline
COVID-19 Factsheet Harlow

The outbreak of Coronavirus may impact on your ability to work, how much you earn, or stop you from doing things you normally need to do to claim benefits.  It may also mean that you need to cancel or change your travel plans.

This factsheet gives information about your employment and consumer rights.

Frontline
Going Home from Hospital Factsheet Harlow

This leaflet gives information about the discharge process from Princess Alexandra Hospital as well as information on organisations and services available locally that can help you once you return home.

Frontline
Keeping Warm Factsheet Harlow

This factsheet gives information on local services and national schemes which can help you stay warm and well in winter, together with ways to be more energy efficient and save money on your bills.

The information includes obtaining fuel benefits, keeping well and avoiding falls, reducing bills and improving energy efficiency, home improvements for a warmer home, accessing the Careline community alarm and what to do in an emergency.

Frontline
Planning Ahead Factsheet Harlow

This factsheet gives your information about planning for later life.  This can be difficult but can help you stay in control of the way you are cared for and ensure that your dependents are provided for after your death. 

Frontline
Travelling Options in Harlow

This fact sheet gives information on transport options in Harlow, including non emergency transport to hospital and medical appointments. It also provides information on the help available to pay for travel to medical appointments. 

Frontline
Victims of Crime Factsheet Harlow

This fact sheet gives the details of national services that offer support for victims of different types of crimes. This may be one-to-one support with drop-in sessions, counselling, therapy, or community orientated organisations that provide practical help.

GEMS

Support group for widows and widowers who meet for a drink and a chat at the Fairways Sports & Social Club (CM19 4RT), every first and third Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. We arrange social events, trips out, walks, dinner dances and other outings.

The group has been meeting since November 2007 and we now have over 60 members. We are a really nice group of people who offer each other support and a listening ear.

Come along, meet new friends and share life experiences. 

Grant A Smile CIC
Grant A Smile

We help to improve the quality of life of parents and families battling chronic illness, by offering a CLEAN and healthy home for FREE! We declutter, do gardening, wish dishes, vacuum etc. We don’t stop there! We do all we can to grant very special wishes to the unsung heroes - their children.

Harefield Church
Cafe+

Café+ (Café Plus) is a twice-monthly coffee room for the over 60’s at Harefield Church on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Harefield Church
Jelly Tots

During school terms Jelly Tots caters for children from 0 to 4 years of age when they go off to school. The group provides a relaxed atmosphere in which the children can play safely and the carers can relax together and chat over tea or coffee.

Harlow Advice Centre

Harlow Advice Centre provides specialist benefits, debt and housing advice, plus assisted information on a wide range of related subjects.

The specialist level benefits and debt advice offered includes the full range of assistance from advice to appeals tribunals. This part of the service is aimed at Harlow residents only.

Harlow Advice Centre also holds a legal aid contract covering housing, benefits and debt. Help under this contract is available to people on low income that are entitled to legal aid. We can help a wide range of clients who need this type of assistance - including residents of Harlow, West Essex and beyond. 

Harlow and Epping Forest Breathe Easy

To provide support for patients, carers and their families. To increase awareness and understanding of all forms of lung disease. Staff from the clinical respiratory team also attend the meetings and provide advice and support on any respiratory issues. A place to meet people with similar conditions and gain support.

Harlow Baptist Church
Coffee Club

The Coffee Club offers a chance to socialise and relax with others as you enjoy a tea or coffee.  Everyone welcome.

Harlow Baptist Church
Toffee Toddler Group

Toffee is our "Tots and Coffee" group and offers a place for support, encouragement and social contact for parents and carers with under 5's.  The group is run by volunteers and offers a safe and friendly environment.

Harlow Bereavement Group
Harlow Bereavement Group

Grief is not something we like to think about. After a loss many people struggle to come to terms with the experience. We are, therefore, pleased to offer support through our Harlow Bereavement Group.

Harlow Council
Active Harlow

Harlow Council
Harlow Careline

Harlow Council's Careline (Telecare) service provides peace of mind for vulnerable people living in the Harlow area 24-hours a day, 365 days of the year.

When the Careline alarm system is activated an experienced operator from the call monitoring centre (available 24 hrs. a day 365 days a year?) will answer your call and request the appropriate assistance on your behalf, whether this is to call a member of your family, your GP, the emergency services or simply to offer advice.? If you are in a Supported Housing Scheme this could also be the Supported Housing Officer.

There is a small weekly charge for the Careline service, more information will be given during your no obligation demonstration.

Harlow Council
Leah Manning Centre - Harlow

The Leah Manning Centre provides specialist day care for older people, administered by Harlow Council working in partnership with Essex County Council, Adult Social Care who fund the specialist day care, for Harlow residents with a higher level of need.

Every day at the centre is different, with a variety of stimulating activities and opportunities on offer for older adults with a range of support needs to maximise independence and to gain and maintain skills for everyday living, enabling them to be part of their local community and meet new people.

Harlow Council - Customer Service
Harlow Council - Customer Service Team

Contact Harlow are the Customer Service Team at Harlow Council. We are able to advise or signpost on issues including Benefits, Council Tax, Homelessness, General Housing enquiries as well as bin collections and environmental enquiries.

Harlow Council - Pets Corner
Pets Corner

Opened in 1966, Pets' Corner is a small, friendly farm located in Harlow Town Park.

It has a large selection of traditional farm animals, such as rabbits, chickens and ducks, more exotic animals such as reindeer, llamas and alpacas, as well as a number of rare breeds including Red Poll cows, Essex saddleback and Tamworth pigs.

Harlow Stroke Support Group
Harlow Stroke Support - Rehab Centre

HSSRC offer non-medical rehabilitation, and help and support to Stroke Survivors, and their family and carers.

The charity has been operating in Harlow and surrounding areas for the past 20 years to support people to overcome the barriers faced following a stroke, such as feelings of isolation, loss of confidence and concerns about the future.

Harlowsave Credit Union

We are a not for profit community bank offering accessible banking services, savings accounts and affordable loans. We specialise in helping people in financial difficulty by offering money management advice and affordable loans. We also offer budgeting advice via our SMARTAdvice project and a debt referral system.

Headway Essex
Community Support for Adults with Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury

We are able to give informed practical advice or facilitate more expert support as required. Support workers provide direct, emotional or practical support and informal counselling. We aim to educate the person and the carer about brain injury. We identify the individual and family needs and facilitating actions through Headway Essex resources or external agencies or professionals to ensure equipped support.

Headway Essex
Headway Essex Support Groups

As a charity, our mission is to ensure that everyone in Essex living with an acquired brain injury can live a fulfilling life and that families and carers are better able to cope within their caring roles.

Many people who have a brain injury find our support group meetings very beneficial. The groups provide you with an opportunity to meet others who have a brain injury, to share information and to hear from experts in brain injury care and rehabilitation.

If you have not attended one of our groups before, you will need to contact the community support team  to pre-register your attendance.

Healthwatch Essex
Healthwatch Essex Information Service

We provide information about health and care services in Essex. We also help people to find out about, access and navigate health and social care services.

Healthy Living Healthy Lives CIC
Chat, Connect, Create

Social get together for anyone in the community. At time to chat, craft, play board games - make new friends and acquaintances

Healthy Minds (NHS Psychological Therapies)

Healthy Minds provides access to a wide range of talking therapy treatments for adults with common mental health problems, including: depression, anxiety and long term conditions. Healthy Minds help clients to better understand their emotional difficulties and develop new ways of thinking and coping based on agreed individual goals and needs.

Hearing Help Essex

A quarter of a million people in Essex have some degree of hearing loss, nationally that amounts to one in six of the population. Hearing Help Essex exists to alleviate the isolation and loneliness that hearing loss can bring. Our services include: 

• Practical help with NHS hearing aids
• Information, advice & guidance
• Assistive equipment demo & loan
• Hearing loss seminars & training
• Drop in sessions and events
• Signposting to other organisations

Herts & Essex Community Farm
Harlow, Herts & Essex Community Farm

We are a community farm located in Harlow offering a safe place for all individuals and families seeking to learn how to grow food and create a more sustainable environment. We offer gardening based activities in a pleasant and friendly outdoor surrounding, plus a share of the produce to take home.

Integration Support Services
Culture and Communication Group

A free, weekly discussion session that gives people the chance to make new friends, learn about other cultures and practise their English. Our Culture and Communication Group meets in Harlow Central Library every Monday afternoon, from 12.30 to 2.30 pm. Tea and coffee are always available and all are welcome.

Integration Support Services
Falcon English School

Falcon English School is a not-for-profit language school run by Integration Support Services, a charity based in Harlow.

Our popular ESOL courses are designed for students of all levels. We currently run Pre-Entry (Step 1 & 2), Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3 and Level 1 classes.

FREE Summer 2019 Classes Enrollment for Academic Year 2019/20120 now open. 

Integration Support Services
Immigration Services

Our mission is to support the successful integration of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and BME community members.

We are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). We are authorised to provide immigration advice and services at Level 1 in the categories of Entry Clearance (leave to enter, leave to remain), Nationality and Citizenship, EU and EEA immigration law, managed migration and asylum. 

Integration Support Services
Women's Social Group

The Women's Social Group gives women of different cultures an opportunity to meet, practise their English, learn about other cultures and make new friends. Women can share their experiences in a safe environment while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. We meet every Thursday, from 12.30 to 2 pm.

Jobcentre Plus

COVID19 ARRANGEMENTS:  Jobcentres are currently temporarily closed for face to face support but are offering virtual support by telephone, email and journal.

For Essex-tailored employment support please email:  TalkTo.Paul@dwp.gov.uk.

Further information can be found on:

https://jobhelp.dwp.gov.uk/  AND  https://employerhelp.dwp.gov.uk

https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits  AND  https://www.gov.uk/browse/working/finding-job

Kids Inspire
Family Innovation Fund Early Help Coaching and Mentoring

The Family Innovation Fund Early Help Services are for Children, Young People and Parents/Carers with low level needs that cannot be supported by services such as Schools, and GPs alone.  FIF provides that little bit of early help to support children, young people and parents/carers to;

• have healthy inter-parental & family relationships
• be emotionally healthy, happy and resilient
• make behaviour choices that promote safety and wellbeing
• be socially connected and resourceful

Kids Inspire
Talk Together

A child, young person, adult or keyworker can access our mental health service to meet with a qualified psychotherapist/ counsellor online . They will be given a space to discuss how they are feeling, how they are managing family dynamics or loneliness.

Useful wellbeing resources or activities, mindfulness, creative work will be explored – whatever is determined from the initial sessions to help.

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning
Food for Thought

A health and wellbeing project, engaging people in meaningful activities, learning new skills, keeping fit and developing confidence in calming surroundings. Individuals work on the land planting, nurturing and harvesting fruit & veg. This improves their self-esteem, mental and physical well-being and self-worth, ultimately assisting with their integration into society.

Leonard Cheshire Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion

Supporting disabled people to access digital technology. Leonard Cheshire’s Discover IT programme supports disabled people, and those working with disabled people, to access the digital world; providing training and support together with the latest in accessible technology.

Loughton Youth Project
The Space, Youth Centre (Loughton)

After School Youth Centre Drop In (positive activities)

Counselling Services (subject to project funding)

Digital Media & Broadcasting mentoring Employability support / work experience

Volunteering Disability Projects (subject to funding / local partnerships)

METRO
HIV Peer Support Group Essex

Our peer support groups provide a chance to come together with others living with HIV.

Why people use this service:

• I'm living with or affected by HIV
• I'm struggling to come to terms with my diagnosis
• I want to meet other people affected by HIV

Michael Roberts Charitable Trust
Harlow Foodbank

Emergency food for people in crisis in Harlow and the surrounding area. If you are in need of help then contact your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau and take along any evidence of need. They should then be able to provide you with a food voucher.

Michael Roberts Charitable Trust
Maybury Open Door

Maybury Open Door is based in Harlow and is managed by a team of MRCT Community Workers and volunteers.  It is a community drop-in resource which welcomes adults from 18+ years to promote community spirit and integration.

Maybury Open Door is open to all and supports a wide range of adults including elderly, people with a disability, homeless, isolated people and others who just need to venture out and meet new friends.  The centre seeks to promote the ability of people, and to encourage them to take an active role.

Mind in West Essex - Befriending
Befriending - Reducing Loneliness

The Reducing Loneliness Project aims to find innovative ways to reduce loneliness in our community and improve health and wellbeing in isolated people across the county.

If you've stopped doing things you used to enjoy or would like some companionship while you try something new then we can match a befriender to you and get things going.

If needed befrienders will visit people at home or call for a chat.

Mind in West Essex - Bereavement

Leading up to and following the death of someone close to you, it is usual to struggle with a range of emotional and practical difficulties.

We understand that everyone’s experience of loss will be different and therefore we have a range of support opportunities available.  We aim to offer flexible, personalised and cost effective support for people experiencing these difficulties.

We offer: counselling, befriending, education about the physical and emotional effects of loss, coping with loss and change course, group work, practical support, reading materials.

Mind in West Essex - Futures in Mind
Futures in Mind

Covid-19 Update: Our service remains open, delivering phone/text/Skype (or similar) based support. Referrals can still be made to this service. Face-to-face sessions are suspended.  Our 'Live Chat' facility is also open - access via our website www.futuresinmind.org.uk 

We run community groups and activities that allow adults 18+ who are recovering from Mental Health issues to meet others who are also recovering and feel included in friendly, sociable activities. The Peer Support Volunteers who run these groups are all people who have experienced mental ill health.

Mind in West Essex - Life Management Skills

Our Life Management Skills service is ideal for anyone experiencing anxiety or worry, stress, anger, depression and low self-esteem. You will get to understand how and why you think and behave and develop new skills to manage these problems more effectively.

Mind in West Essex - Private Counselling
Fee Paying Counselling

Our counselling service provides you with the opportunity to explore worries, concerns or mental health difficulties that you may be experiencing. It can enable you to use your own insights and resources to work towards resolving the issues you face. The Mind in West Essex counselling service compliments services provided by NHS.

Mind in West Essex - STaR
Support Time and Recovery Service

STaR workers can provide information, advice, guidance and practical support to adults with mild to moderate mental health problems within their local communities across West Essex.

They can support you with employment, education, housing, local services and activities to help you engage with other people and feel more a part of the community.

The STaR Workers provide practical support alongside your allocated therapist to work towards recovery and your personal goals.

Mind in West Essex- Wellbeing Assistant
Wellbeing Assistant

A Wellbeing Assistant can provide you with practical and emotional support to improve your wellbeing. The support costs £15 per hour. You could have help with a particular task that causes you anxiety  such as preparing to move, filling in forms, or writing letters, or more regular weekly help such as managing your shopping or going to social events.

Miscarriage Association
Miscarriage Association Advice Service

The Miscarriage Association offers support and information to anyone who is affected by the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.  We have a staffed helpline, a network of support volunteers, information leaflets, website, online support and placs for remembrance. 

Please note that this is a signpost only service and that the client must contact the service directly.

Morelife Ltd
Morelife

MoreLife is a Tier 3 service that delivers a 12-month FREE specialist group programme. There are 12 weekly group sessions, each lasting for an hour and a half, followed by maintenance sessions. The MoreLife programme provides:

• Specialist nutritional assessment & support

• Advice around physical activity

• Psychological understanding of losing weight & support

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service

The Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service (EWMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.

The service covers Southend, Essex and Thurrock and is open to young people between the ages of 0-18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs.

Any child or young person experiencing mental health difficulties as well as any parent, guardian or professional can access the service for help and guidance.

Next Chapter
The Next Chapter

We support survivors of domestic abuse through outreach support and refuge accommodation. We can work with survivors to ensure effective safety planning has been put in place. We offer a person centered service and walk alongside to support, guide and empower to a life free from abuse.

Open Door

Open Door has been commissioned by Essex County Council Family Innovation Fund to provide: Coaching (14yrs+) and Mentoring (8yrs+) as an early intervention with the purpose of improving outcomes by reducing and/or preventing: • Negative behaviour • Risky behaviour • Aggressive behaviour • The breakdown of relationships • Social isolation

PACT for Autism

We support families and individuals with Autism and similar needs

PACT for Autism is a charity providing support for the families of autistic children, autistic adults and people with similar conditions. Our key services include the Parent Support Line, monthly meetings for parent and carer support, and a vibrant activities and events calendar, including our popular autism talks and training series.

PATACC
Community Befriending

Telephone Befriending and Face-to-Face Befriending.

Our Face to Face befriending meetings are mainly out of the residents of both the Befriender and the Befriendee. We are currently including group outings to encourage service users to make new friends to improve social lives and reduce loneliness and isolation.

We make the real difference in people's lives.

Peabody Trust
Essex Floating Support Service - Harlow

Helping people to sustain their accommodation by helping them address: Rent/council tax arrears; benefit claims; budgeting; priority/non-priority debts; evictions/re-possessions; health/wealth and well-being; sign posting service; and assistance with tribunals and benefits.

As part of a recent merger - services delivered by Family Mosaic are now branded as Peabody.

Phoenix Futures
Essex Alcohol Recovery Community

Covid-19 Update: Our service remains open, delivering phone/text based support. Referrals can still be made to this service. Face-to-face sessions are suspended. 

We provide support, advice and information around alcohol use.  Whether you want to reduce the amount you drink, or how often you drink, or abstain completely, we provide a range of support that is designed around your personal needs and aspirations.

We know it’s not easy to address problems with alcohol but our experienced team will guide you through the support on offer. We use tried and tested methods to help you to work towards your personal goals.

Provide
Essex Lifestyle Service

Provide’s Essex Lifestyle Service aims to empower the people of Essex to make healthy lifestyle choices, and live healthier lives. We will listen to you, discuss your needs and then offer you up to date and evidence-based help and support, to enable you to make changes to your current lifestyle.  We offer Stop Smoking support, guidance on diet and exercise and help to improve your self-esteem. We also offer classes to support people suffering from Long Term Conditions. In addition to the services we provide, we are able to signpost people to appropriate support provided by partner organisations.

Provide
Essex Welfare Service

Essex County Council has set up a new service to help vulnerable people in our community who are staying at home and in need of support during the coronavirus period. The Essex Welfare Service is for people who are unable to access the support they need at this time.

Essex Welfare Service is specifically for those people who are not able to get any support from either family or friends or from their local district area support groups. This service is not an alternative to existing services which may be overwhelmed with extra demand resulting from the effects of Government’s stay at home advice.

Provide
Live Well Link Well

The service helps people over 16 years of age who have social in addition to health needs, and would benefit from support with non-medical issues such as:

• Help to access community activities
• Lifestyle management
• Identifying volunteering opportunities
• Increasing personal resilience, boosting self confidence and decreasing any feelings of social isolation
• Referring to appropriate other services

Provide
Smart Life

Smart Life aims to improve health and wellbeing and keep people independent in their homes. If you are struggling with any aspect of daily living and need support, we will make referrals to other services.

Rainbow Services
Senior Safe & Social

Reducing loneliness and social isolation by providing social activities for older people in Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford.

Realise Futures
Community Connections

We can help you to explore your options, gain new skills and move towards education, training, volunteering or work. We offer one-to-one support, confidence building, personal and social development, signposting, advocacy and employability skills.

ROOTS POD Academy C.I.C.

Engaging workshops to support young people aged 14-24 to discover their passion and set up their own business.

Our service provides activities to improve skills in communication, organisation, goal setting and building confidence through our business start-up workshops. Our entrepreneurship programme encourages youth away from joining gangs to make money illegally.

Roots to Wellbeing
Nordic Walks

Open to all, walks are suitable for Adults, Older Adults and Children.  We have people with a range of ability, long term conditions and disabilities, as well as those recovering from injury who come on the walks.

Nordic walking is with support from specially designed poles, with a technique that was developed in Finland as a full body workout. The poles are used alongside an ergonomic technique that supports the body to move effectively and enables upper body and core muscles to be engaged and support the lower body.

Royal Association for Deaf People
RAD Deaf Law Centre

RAD will offer free advice in the following areas: • Welfare Benefits • Debt • Housing.

If you need advice about applying for benefits, worried about PIP, issues relating to your housing situation, bedroom tax, rent arrears, or any other debt issue, we can help.

Safer Places
Accommodation and Outreach support to victims of domestic abuse

We provide outreach support to victims of domestic abuse across through our community-based services. Safer Places is an independent charity which provides a comprehensive range of services to adults and children affected by abuse who live in the Uttlesford and Epping Forest District area. We also provide safe refuge accommodation

Saffron Hall
Music & Dementia groups run by Saffron Hall & Anglia Ruskin University

SEND Information, Advice and Support Service

The SEND IASS can help if you are a parent or carer, or a child or young person who needs information, advice and support about special educational needs and disability issues. We offer impartial and confidential support over the telephone or in person around educational issues.

Southend on Sea Domestic Abuse Projects
COMPASS

COMPASS is a single point of access funded by Essex County Council in partnership with the Office of Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to support victims of domestic abuse across Southend, Essex and Thurrock.  It helps women, men and young people aged over 16 to access specialist support including community-based services and specialist accommodation to help them recover and move on from domestic abuse.

The aim is to provide a single number, which will be available 24hrs a day, for callers to speak with a trained member of staff who will complete an assessment and ensure contact is made with the most appropriate support service. 

Spark
Spark Counselling

A counselling service available to young people age 11-19. Instant access to a qualified and experienced counsellor at a subsidised rate, and free if needed. Donations to the work of the charity are accepted.

Spark
Spark Mentoring

One to one mentoring support for young people aged 11 upwards. Mentors can bring significant support, encouragement, advice and guidance to young people through this non-judgemental partnership based on respect.

Spark
Spark Youth Club

A free youth club for school years 7-11. An opportunity to drop in, talk to mentors, chat with friends, take part in cooking, craft activities, play pool or table tennis, and relax.

St Clare Hospice
Bereavement Cafes (Harlow)

Anyone who has experienced the loss of someone close to them, no matter how long ago, is welcome to attend our Bereavement Cafés. They are completely free to attend and you are welcome to drop in at any time throughout the events. The atmosphere is very relaxed and informal with hot drinks and refreshments. We would love to see you there.

St Clare Hospice
Clinical Services

Our Hospice team provide specialist palliative care across West Essex and the East Herts border, working to deliver excellent care for patients and their families. Our specialist clinical team consists of Doctors, Specialist Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychological Therapists, Complementary Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers and Chaplains.

St Clare Hospice - CNP
Compassionate Neighbours Project

Compassionate Neighbours will be matched with people in their community which is based on interests, lifestyle & things they have in common. We ask that the Compassionate Neighbour meets with their Community member for at least 1 hour a week to encourage a genuine relationship to develop in time.

St Mary's Church, Churchgate Street
Spiritual, physical & mental wellbeing

We are a Christian church that offers spiritual, mental, health and wellbeing through the Sunday services, Coffee Shop, weekly prayer meetings and Questions Group Meetings. This involves providing general support and encouragement for all those seeking help.