Family

Accuro

Accuro provides social and leisure opportunities for children/young people and adults from the age of 8 plus. We aim to increase, confidence, self esteem and independence through a range of clubs and activities in Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping. Please contact us to find out what is available in your area

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

Action On Addiction
M-PACT

Our highly acclaimed Moving Parents and Children Together Programme (M-PACT) is a whole family, structured support programme which aims to improve the well-being of children and families affected by substance misuse.  The program provides a weekly space to share, to learn, to be heard and affirmed but also to be challenged.  

The programme structure is made up of 10 sessions. 8 core sessions one day a week followed by an individual family meeting in week 10, to review the programme and to make future plans, there is a reunion for all families 12 weeks after the review session. Transportation is provided for the families if needed.

Criteria for MPACT: *The children and young people are generally between the ages of 8-17; *Family members affected by substance misuse can also participate, such as nan, aunty, uncle, grandad; *Families affected by substance misuse.

Active Essex
ActivAte Holiday Clubs

Active Essex is offering a range of ActivAte clubs over the summer half-term holiday! These clubs are completely FREE for young people who are eligible for benefits based free school meals, and will include fun activities, including sports and arts & crafts, for 4 hours a day over 4 days of the half-term.

ActivAte clubs will take place across Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford, in various locations across these districts.  Some clubs will include SEND and mental wellbeing support.  Click 'DETAILS' for more information.

To book, go to:  https://www.activeessex.org/west-essex-activate-your-holiday-club-booking-links/

Alzheimer's Society
Dementia Connect Essex Professional Referrals

Through Dementia Connect our expert Dementia Advisors provide information, practical guidance and support to help those living with dementia cope with day-today challenges and prepare for the future, connecting them to the right support, at the right time, in the right way. 

Please submit referrals using the weblink provided.

If you haven’t registered with Dementia Connect before, click ‘get a referral ID’. It only takes a minute or two to register, and you can then use the referral form using your email address straight away.

Alzheimer's Society
Dementia Connect Support Service

Through Dementia Connect our expert Dementia Advisors provide information, practical guidance and support to help you understand dementia, cope with day-to-day challenges and prepare for the future, connecting you to the right support, at the right time, in the right way. They work with people worried about their memory, people with dementia, their carers and family members to identify their needs and to put in place personalised effective support plans to address these.

Better Divorce Course

The purpose of the course is for you to achieve a 'better divorce' than you would if you weren't on the course.  It will help you to:  Transition to a life which comes after divorce/separation; Do what is best for any children in your family; Reduce the emotional and financial cost of the divorce/separation process.

Course content will include: Approaching divorce in terms of 6 key areas - children, home, finances, career, interests and relationships; Learning how to look after yourself during the divorce proceedings and build resilience; Defining goals and plans as you move through the divorce process; Joining a network of people who are also experiencing divorce or separation and who can support or challenge you.

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.

To make a referral please use CARA's online form:

https://www.dpmscloud.com/external/referralformorgessex

Changing Lives Community Services
Holiday Camps

Working with Active Essex on their ActivAte programme we provide FREE school holiday sports and activity programmes for children on free school meals or families who need additional support during the school holidays.  Our hubs are based in Harlow and Uttlesford at various locations. Our Harlow hubs include SEND and mental wellbeing support. Age range:  5 - 12 years.  Click 'DETAILS' for more information. 

To book, go to: https://www.activeessex.org/west-essex-activate-your-holiday-club-booking-links/

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.

Community 360
Essex Family Support Service

Support for families in Essex including children & young people 8 to 19 years with LOW LEVEL 1 and 2 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 Embrace UK

We are a non-profit community organisation established to promote diversity, advance cohesion & integration and encourage dialogues by connecting people of diverse backgrounds together through a range of services aimed at alleviating of food poverty, encourage social inclusion and support mental health. Our services include surplus food distribution, forums and community engagements.

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.

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.

Dogs Trust Freedom Project
Dogs Trust

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

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.

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.

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 Council Educational Psychology Service (West Essex)
Parent-4-Parent Support Group

Parent4Parent is a parent and carer support group for those whose children (aged 0-25) have social communication difficulties (with or without any diagnosis) or who experience difficulties coping with interaction and the social world. We aim to address the isolation that parents and carers often feel over a welcoming tea or coffee.

Essex County Council Youth Service
Good Man - Male Mentoring Programme

Good Man is a five week male mentoring programme for boys and young men who are at risk of entering into abusive relationships in the future and/or are at current risk within an abusive relationship. It can be delivered on either a group work or 1:1 basis, depending on need. The areas covered include: Making relationships work; Relationships in a digital world; Confidence; Manners and respect; Consequences; and Healthy relationships.

Essex County Council Youth Service
Prison No Way

Prison No Way is an interactive, practical and varied programme for young people who are becoming increasingly susceptible to being drawn into criminal activity, whether they are aware of this or not. The project looks to educate young people by exploring the realities of crime and offering insights into the consequences and relevant processes.

Essex County Council Youth Service
Sisters In Strength - Female Mentoring

Sisters In Strength is a five week mentoring programme for girls and young women who are at risk of entering into an abusive relationship, becoming a potential perpetrator within a relationship or are currently in an abusive relationship. Areas covered include: Making relationships work; Relationships in a digital world; Confidence; Manners & respect; Consequences; and Healthy relationships. 

Essex County Council Youth Service
Essex Youth Service

Going along to a Youth Group near you is a great way to meet other young people, get support and try new things. Some of our centres have groups for all young people, others have groups focussed on sports, Duke of Edinburgh Award, music, support with life and learning, and more.

We have centres in Dunmow, Stansted and Saffron Walden offering an exciting programme of activities and opportunities.

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 Lives
Essex Family Wellbeing Support

We are excited to announce a new project in Essex called Essex Family Wellbeing Support targeting lone parents and parents of children with SEN, affected by the impact of Covid-19.  Online parenting groups via Teams and individual support by phone or Teams will provide emotional support and parenting strategies to boost parents' confidence, skills and coping mechanisms in supporting their family.

Please forward this onto relevant families and contacts you know/work with who may benefit from accessing this service. 

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.

Freshwaters Christian Fellowship

*** DUE TO LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS THE CENTRE IS UNABLE TO OPEN AT THE MOMENT ***

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

*** DUE TO LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS THE CENTRE IS UNABLE TO OPEN AT THE MOMENT ***

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
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
Redundancy Factsheet Harlow

This factsheet provides lots of information on your options if you have been made, or are likely to be made, redundant.  Sections include; help in getting a new job (including CV writing, interview tips etc), redundancy pay and entitlements, claiming benefits, help in paying your rent or mortgage, advice about debts, making a career change, and ongoing support.  

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.

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.

Groundwork East
Green Doctor

Groundwork, the community charity, is running the Green Doctor service for residents of Harlow who live in fuel poverty.

We can help individuals that have any debt or are on a low income and are struggling to pay their utility bills through a number of methods to reduce their utility costs and improve their livelihoods.   Although the service is free there are eligibility criteria.  Click DETAILS for the list of services offered and who is eligible.  Click REFER to make a referral. 

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 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 - 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 HOLIDAY LUNCH CLUBS
Harlow Holiday Lunch Clubs

We offer nutritious meals during the holidays for those children in receipt of free school meal vouchers, as well as vulnerable families referred to us.

In addition to food, we also provide craft and play and learn activities, sports and support in the school holidays.

Hope Boxes are also available with food and toiletries.

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 for people living or working in Essex or East Hertfordshire. We specialise in helping people in financial difficulty by offering money management advice and affordable loans.

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 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.

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.

Home-Start Essex
Family Group

Our family group is available to support families who want to meet other parents, build connections and gain peer support from others. With professionally trained staff and volunteers on hand, parents are offered a safe space to have some fun with their children and share their experiences with other parents.

Home-Start Essex
Harlow Perinatal Volunteer Support

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it can be challenging and pretty lonely and these feelings have been amplified under lock-down. As part of our perinatal support we will introduce you to a volunteer trained in perinatal mental health, and agree on a goal plan that can be worked on together so you have full ownership of the support journey. Our volunteer will provide weekly phone/video calls or can meet 1:1 for up to 6 months

Home-Start Essex
Harlow Perinatal Wellbeing Group

Home-Start Essex are running perinatal groups for Harlow mums in Spring 2021 and welcome pregnant and new mums. These helpful groups are designed to offer emotional support to mums expecting a baby and those who have a baby under 1 years old. The groups are running online and include 6 weeks of topics all aimed to support mum through the perinatal period and offer her reassurance that she’s not alone. Groups are kept in small numbers to ensure they’re inclusive and welcoming.

This course will start on 29th April 2021 and run for six weeks.

Home-Start Essex
Home-Visiting and Telephone Befriending Service For Families

Free, confidential family support service for families with a range of issues such as loneliness and isolation; mothers with postnatal depression; one parents or parents experiencing relationship problems; families struggling with the emotional and physical demands of having twins, multiple births or several pre-school children; a family overwhelmed by the death of a loved one; families where there are special needs, disabilities or an ill child.

Home-Start Essex
Parenting Together Support Programme

The Parenting Together Support Programme may be able to help parents where stress and conflict are affecting the family by offering parents support either through 1-2-1 sessions via Zoom or telephone.  The programme offers parents support that suits their circumstances to work towards strengthening their parenting skills for the benefit of the children and address conflict within their relationship.

Home-Start Essex
Warm and Safe

Information, guidance and support packs for families with children aged 0-5; A follow up call with the family regarding further support that can be offered or is needed; Groups will be held to build peer networks of support, help reduce isolation and improve mental health and well-being; A telephone support line and telephone befriender support

Integration Support Services

We provide one-to-one support advice and guidance to migrant families in the West of Essex. The aim of our work is to help families to integrate successfully in the local community, reduce isolation and improve opportunities for better employment/education. We can provide immigration advice at OISC level 1, interpreting and translation.

We are also a hate crime support centre.

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
Healing Connections

A specialist service aimed at young people at risk of being drawn into violence or crime.

A new therapeutic service for 10-14 year olds based in Essex has been funded by the Youth Endowment Fund and is ready for referral now.  Children’s mental health charity Kids Inspire is offering referred* young people (and by approach, their parents/ carers too) 20 to 30 weekly one hour sessions online.  It will offer space to understand and explore what lies beneath behaviours that can lead to crime and violence.

*We anticipate that referrals into this service will come from Essex Police, GPs and Schools.  These organisations can refer directly into our service via the REFER button below.  Alternatively, click on DETAILS below.

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.

Mind in West Essex
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 complements services provided by NHS.

Mind in West Essex
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
Suicide Awareness Hub

Free training to help people have conversations with people who may be feeling suicidal.

This free online training provided by Mind in West Essex can provide you with the toolkit you need to have a difficult conversation, and help you to signpost to the appropriate support

Please note:   This is a training course and not a support service for people who are feeling suicidal.

Mind in West Essex
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.

Mind In West Essex - Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent

Parenting can be extremely rewarding but can also have its challenges. At times these challenges can be magnified and our skills as a parent tested. Feeling lonely and isolated as a parent is not uncommon. Our service aims to help any parent feel more supported and more able to deal with the challenges of parenting. Parent-to-Parent is there to help with emotional support, friendship, advice and a safe place to chat about the challenges and loneliness that can, at times, come with parenting. 

Click 'DETAILS' below to find out how we deliver our service.  You can make a direct referral below - click 'REFER' or 'CALLBACK'.

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

Open Door
Child & Young Person Mental Health Advocacy

Open Door's Child and Young Person Mental Health Advocacy (CYPMH) service aims to support, empower, and help young people understand their time with community mental health services.  Our service is available to any young person under the following criteria: Aged up to 18 (or 25 with SEND), is registered with a GP in West Essex, and is currently receiving or awaiting support under EWMHS.  Click DETAILS for more information or click REFER to make a referral. 

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.

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.

Provide
Essex Wellbeing Service

We support people in the community and at work with a range of health, wellbeing and day to day needs. We help people access information and support to stay healthy, safe and well from help to quit smoking, to supporting families adapt to 'new normal'.

We also coordinate requests and referrals for everyday tasks and connect them to our volunteers.

The Service is commissioned by Essex County Council and delivered by Provide CIC in partnership with Priority Digital Health.

Rainbow Services (Harlow)
Community Hub Response

The Community Hub Response team at Rainbow Services is working with Harlow Council and partners to respond to urgent Covid-19 related issues such as emergency food provision, prescription collections etc. 

Rainbow Services (Harlow)
Harlow Community Fund

Harlow Community Fund will provide financial assistance to new and existing residents of Harlow who are unable to afford basic living items which enable them to live independently and where funding is not available to cover the costs of these from other known sources.

We will consider referrals for Harlow residents who are UK or EU citizens, normally resident in the UK, aged over 16 years and living within Harlow council area.

Refugee Council
Wellbeing & Work for Refugee Integration

The Wellbeing Service is delivered by the Refugee Council across Hertfordshire and Essex. Delivered by qualified and experienced psychological therapists, the service offers a safe and confidential space for refugee adults, families and separated & unaccompanied children to access wellbeing support, with a view to increasing resilience and confidence, and improving pathways into wider training and employment opportunities.

Applicants must have a BRP or Home Office Letter as proof of eligibility to access this service. This includes: Refugee Status/ Humanitarian Protection/ ILR (Settlement)/ DLR (over 12 months – as result of asylum claim)/ Resettled refugees and Family Reunion.

ROOTS POD Academy C.I.C.

Our aim is to raise positive affirmations and confidence levels in young people through engaging entrepreneurship workshops, facilitated by real business owners who share practical techniques from their area of expertise to help achieve business goals. We also work with schools and colleges to boost grades and reduce challenging behaviour.

Safer Places
Rosie Women's Centre

The Rosie Centre in Harlow provides women with a safe and homely space in which to access gender-specialist support services. It is a ‘one-stop-shop’ offering group and one-to-one work covering domestic and sexual abuse support services (including our Triple R therapy based programme), counselling, substance misuse, housing and homelessness, legal and money advice surgeries, health visiting, parenting support, education and employment, life coaching and general emotional & physical wellbeing.

Due to lockdown, our centre is currently online via Zoom and open to all. Click Details for more information and click Refer to make a referral.

Safer Places
Triple R

Triple R is a trauma informed based Domestic Abuse programme which has three aims:

1. To enable victim/survivors to recognise abuse and its impacts on them and their children.
2. To enable them to recover from abuse and support their children to do so.
3. To develop resilience by building on their strengths and addressing challenges in order to build a better sustainable safe future for themselves and their families.

This programme is currently available online.  Click 'Details' below for more information and click 'Refer' to make a referral.

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.

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, Counsellors, Social Workers and Chaplains.

St Clare Hospice
Compassionate Neighbours Project

This community-led project offers support for people living with a life-limiting illness or experiencing loneliness and isolation. Trained Compassionate Neighbours visit members of the community regularly to combat social isolation and offer a listening ear, companionship and emotional support. 

Please note:  We take great care to match referred people to volunteer neighbours, and sometimes there may be a delay in a volunteer being available.   We will acknowledge your referral and add in the notes what the status is, to keep you informed.

St Clare Hospice
The Echo Project

The Echo Project is for children, young people and families facing loss and bereavement. It is available to any child or young person under the age of 21, living in West Essex and East Hertfordshire, who is facing loss or who has been bereaved. A dedicated child, young person and family therapist provides support through facing an illness, bereavement support and training for parents, carers and schools.

St Clare Hospice
Virtual Bereavement Cafe

Our Bereavement Cafe project connects local bereaved people together, so they can share their experiences and support each other. Due to the current COVID restrictions, we are currently running our Bereavement Café project online, via Zoom, and on social media, with Facebook Groups. The online communities provide a ‘virtual’ space for local people to engage in a way that best suits their needs. When it is safe to do so, our physical Bereavement Cafés will open again.  Click 'DETAILS' for days and times of meetings. Click 'REFER' to contact this service and find out more. Open to anyone living in West Essex and East Herts.

St Paul's Harlow Town Centre and St Mary's Little Parndon
Teddy Bear Club

There is a warm welcome for accompanied children at our midweek Teddy Bear Club at St Paul’s Hall, 10 am - 12 noon. This takes place on Thursdays during  term time. The group is aimed at children from 0-5 years together with someone caring for them. Children enjoy play, story-time and refreshments. We celebrate birthdays together. For the adults there is plenty of time for relaxed chat together with a tea or coffee after storytime,

Tax Help for Older People

Do you need help with a tax problem? Our charity will provides FREE expert, independent and confidential tax advice to the over 60s on a low income.

The Change Project
Relationship Counselling

We offer Relationship Counselling for Couples, Families, Teens and Children.

Whether you’re looking for help here and now or long term, we have a service to match.

The Change Project
The Change Hub

The Change Hub is a community domestic abuse service for male and female perpetrators aged 16 and above who want to make positive changes in how they behave in relationships with others, regardless of gender, ethnicity or sexuality. Domestic Violence Awareness Practitioners deliver one-to-one behaviour change interventions matched to the level of risk and the client’s individual circumstances. Victims of the perpetrator are also offered support.

Click 'DETAILS' for our suitability criteria.  As our work includes supporting the victim/survivor, where possible, the referral should also be discussed with the victim/survivor in advance as their details will need to be included in the referral process.  The Hub accepts self-referrals as well as from agencies.

The Children's Society East
Active Families Together

Active Families Together (AFT) is an exciting new well-being project delivered by The Children's Society East in partnership with Sport England and Active Essex. This is a follow up intervention for family groups where an individual is ending, or has completed an intervention with The Children's Society East, Kids Inspire, Barnardo's, CHOICES, Family Solutions or Social Services.

Our mission is to encourage family members to spend more time together in a positive and active way so that it enables them to develop a healthier culture of shared interests and activities.  Referrals should be made into this service via one of the organisations listed above. Click DETAILS for more information.

The Children's Society East
CARE (Children at Risk of Exploitation)

Covid-19 Update:  We continue to accept new referrals, and these can be submitted via Frontline.  New referrals will be screened and subsequent contact will be by phone. We are unable to see new referrals face to face at this time.

The CARE team support young people on a one to one and group work basis around all forms of exploitation. This includes sexual, criminal and labour exploitation. We also work with parents and families affected by child exploitation, providing advice and guidance via one-to-one support, peer led groups and telephone support.

The Children's Society East
CHHAT (Community Hidden Harm Awareness Team)

Covid-19 Update:  We continue to accept new referrals, and these can be submitted via Frontline.  New referrals will be screened and subsequent contact will be by phone. We are unable to see new referrals face to face at this time.

The Community Hidden Harm Awareness Team (CHHAT) is a project of The Children’s Society East, working with young carers across Essex aged 8-19 years (will work up to age 25 if identified SEN needs) who are affected by parental substance use (also known as Hidden Harm).

CHHAT works directly with young people aged 8-19 effected by parental substance misuse.  This includes parental alcohol, illegal drug and legal drug misuse.

The Children's Society East
Choices - 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 free support for individuals aged 25 years plus, 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.

Under the age of 25 and looking for support?  Search EYPDAS, our partnership organisation, on Frontline - Essex Young People's Drugs and Alcohol Service.

The Children's Society East
Essex Young People's Drug & Alcohol Service

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

EYPDAS is an integrated substance misuse service delivering CHOICES in partnership with Open Road. We aim to support children, young people and families in Essex who are affected by substance use and misuse. We provide personalised assessments, care and recovery planning, one to one support, therapeutic group work, a range of counselling techniques and support for parents and families. We also offer access to positive activities, such as art and gym groups, structured recovery programmes and targeted group work programmes.

The Children's Society East
Safe in Essex

Covid-19 Update:  We continue to accept new referrals, and these can be submitted via Frontline.  New referrals will be screened and subsequent contact will be by phone. We are unable to see new referrals face to face at this time.

Our aim is to give early help and support options for children and young people, looking to reduce risk-taking behaviours by children and young people and improve their future outcomes.

TheFridge@TheBridge

Good, surplus food available to take away, that would otherwise go to waste. Drop in cafe. Learn to reduce your own food waste. Healthy eating recipes available. Half term family cooking sessions.

Upwards with Downs

We offer support to adults and children with Down syndrome throughout Essex, Hertfordshire and adjoining counties. You will have the opportunity to meet other parents of children and adults with Down Syndrome.  Parents can share their stories, help with your questions or just listen if you need someone to talk to.  We hold a fortnightly preschool group on Thursdays and we can also provide one-to-one speech therapy and can enable access to occupational therapy and physiotherapy, as well as support children with transitioning to school. 

Wilderness Foundation UK
1-2-1 or Small Group Nature/Outdoor Therapy

Our 1-2-1 or Small Group Nature/Outdoor Therapy service is a tailor-made service designed around the specific needs of participants in order to address the complex needs of individuals who have trouble engaging in school, relationships or life in general. Through a range of different outdoor activities and by working outside in nature we work to overcome these challenges. The programme design usually includes outdoor activities and can include fishing, nature photography, hiking, gardening, and more. Our associate therapist/ counsellor gently guides participants toward greater self-esteem, improved mental well-being and coping strategies. Simply being in nature calms their stress, offers time to explore problems, and gives them space for reflection and growth.

Wilderness Foundation UK
Mentoring/Coaching/Counselling via phone/online during Lockdown

To support those experiencing hardships through the Corona Virus and through recovery, Wilderness Foundation offers the services of a team of a voluntary mentors or coaches to talk through any dilemmas you have, or some to support you and offer some company. We also offer one to one therapy and counselling for those in crisis or struggling with a range of issues.

Wilderness Foundation UK
TurnAround

TurnAround is a 6 month intervention which includes one to one mentoring, wilderness therapy trails, personal growth workshops, social skills development and advocacy. We focus on a range of behaviour change outcomes to help young people become resilience and self sufficient.

YCT
Youth Counselling and Mentoring

YCT offers FREE counselling services for children and young people across West Essex  (ages 5 – 19) and East Hertfordshire (11 - 19).  A well-established and locally respected mental health charity, we deliver services from community sites in Harlow • Loughton • Waltham Abbey • Saffron Walden • Thaxted • Stansted • Ware • Turnford • Hoddesdon • Bishops Stortford. 

Due to Covid-19 sessions are currently offered remotely via telephone or Zoom.