Starting Thursday 10 March 2022

A suggested donation of £2 is appreciated

Thursdays 11am – 1pm at Bramerton Church, Bramerton Rd, Hockley, SS5 4PJ

Come along and meet new friends & find new interests over a cuppa and have a good time.

There is no need to book, just pop in. A warm welcome awaits.

Please either contact us on 01268 772 796 or email us at: info@rravs.org.uk

Third Sector Trends has been surveying the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector every three years since 2010. In 2025, 8,680 responses were received across England and Wales. This is the only large-scale and fully representative longitudinal national survey in the UK which can produce robust and detailed comparative analysis at regional and national level.

The project is funded in 2025-26 by Community Foundation North East, Lloyds Bank Foundation England and Wales, Wales Council for Voluntary Action and Millfield House Foundation. This is the third of five national reports from Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2025.

Download the full media release below

Download and read the vision below and add your support: essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk/a-joint-vision/

If you have any questions, then please contact info@rravs.org.uk or policy@essexcf.org.uk

This initiative offers funding to community organisations that have completed training in Healthy Family Relationships (HFR), Non-Violent Resistance (NVR), or Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC). Funding will support the delivery of local activities that help families build stronger, healthier relationships and reduce family conflict.

Funding is available through two grant programmes:
Community Grant A
• Up to £12,000 per eligible organisation
• For established organisations with a proven track record of delivering Healthy Family Relationship interventions
• Delivery must be provided over a minimum 6-month period
Community Grant B
• Up to £2,833.83 per eligible organisation
• For newly trained organisations, emerging providers or organisations wishing to test innovative approaches
• Delivery must be provided over a minimum 6-week period

All funded activity must be completed and all grant funding spent by 31 March 2027.

Healthy Family Relationships Small Grants – Now Open
Are you a community organisation passionate about helping families thrive?  Essex County Council is offering funding to support local projects that promote healthier family relationships and reduce conflict within families.  If your team has completed training in Healthy Family Relationships (HFR), Non-Violent Resistance (NVR), or Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC), you may be eligible to apply.

Funding can support:
• Healthy Family Relationships (HFR), Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) and Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC) programmes
• Workshops or discussion groups that strengthen communication and reduce conflict
• Peer support groups that build connection and reduce isolation
• 1:1 support to help families embed positive relationship strategies into daily life

What are HFR, NFR and RPC
HFR: Training that helps families build stronger, healthier relationships through early intervention and whole-family approaches.  NVR: A parenting approach that promotes non-violent communication, connection, and parental presence to manage challenging behaviour.
RPC: Training that supports parents to recognise and reduce conflict within parental relationships and understand the impact of conflict on children and young people.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the programme period.   Applications submitted by the 15th of each month will be reviewed, and applicants will normally be notified of the outcome within approximately one week.  Full details of the funding criteria and application process can be found in the Healthy Family Relationship Grant Prospectus and Application Form.

For further information regarding eligibility or the application process, please contact:  HealthyFamilyRelationshipsCommissioning@essex.gov.uk

Application Deadlines
Friday 14^th August, 2026
Tuesday 15^th September, 2026
Thursday 15^th October, 2026
Friday 13^th November, 2026
Tuesday 15^th December, 2026
Friday 15^th January, 2027

• Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre: The Council will continue managing the venue directly for now, focusing on cutting costs, boosting income, and exploring long-term operational partnerships.

• Freight House: A two-month extension has been granted to explore a potential Community Asset Transfer with Rochford Town Council and hold deeper discussions with two leading external operators.

Dedicated task groups have been set up to oversee both projects and report back within two months. Residents are also invited to share their thoughts on local services and assets via the upcoming Council Budget Survey opening this month.

Key Details & Eligibility
Grant Size: Up to £3,000 per year for up to 3 years (£9,000 maximum total) for projects costing under £50,000.
Who Can Apply: UK-registered charities, CIOs, and CICs with an annual income between £25,000 and £500,000 and at least two years of active operation.
Priority Focus: Projects making a direct, measurable difference in urban or rural communities facing financial or social hardship.
Application Windows: Funding opens in seasonal rounds throughout the year, with each window dedicated to two specific themes. Approximately 100 awards are made each year.

More information
KCCF Small Grants Portal – Check upcoming application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and guidance notes.
KCCF Funding Themes & Impact – Explore the six funding categories and past project case studies.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature: Scenic routes like the Butterfly Trail at Belhus Woods, coastal cycling in Hadleigh, and Great Notley Country Park’s play trail featuring a 12-metre rope bridge and climbing forest.
Water & High Ropes: Family sailing sessions with Essex Outdoors and tree-top courses via Sky Ropes.
Heritage & Arts: Historical talks at the Essex Record Office, interactive events at Cressing Temple Barns, and inclusive music sessions at Jaywick Martello Tower.
Community & Learning: Gatherings such as the Great Basildon Community Feast alongside family STEM and craft workshops hosted by ACL Essex.

More information
Hello Essex Main Hub – Explore the full directory of events, activities, and local guides across the county.
Explore Essex – Make a Day of It – Discover country park itineraries, trail maps, and parking details.