RRAVS | Rayleigh and Rochford District Association for Voluntary Service

Clements Hall Skate Jam – FREE!

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:33:03 +0000

Bring your energy for another exciting Skate Jam! coached sessions, a fun competition and extra activities like the Bar ‘n’ Bus football cage. Supported by youth services and local partners it’s the perfect chance to get involved and try something new.

27 August, 11am – 3pm, Clements Hall Leisure Centre, Clements Hall Way, Hawkwell SS5 4LN

Suitable for young people of all abilities

Holiday Activity & Food Programme

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:52:53 +0000

The Essex ActivAte summer programme provides a wide range of free and low-cost holiday activities for children and young people across Rochford and Castle Point, helping them stay active, healthy and engaged throughout the school summer holidays. Funded through the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and delivered by Active Essex in partnership with local providers, the initiative supports young people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing while school is out.

The programme offers a diverse mix of sports, creative workshops, enrichment activities and food education sessions. Young people can take part in activities such as football, multi-sports, swimming, performing arts, outdoor games, arts and crafts, sensory play and team-building challenges. Alongside these activities, participants receive a nutritious meal, helping to ensure that children have access to healthy food during the holidays.

Essex ActivAte primarily supports children who receive income-related Free School Meals, while additional places may be available for young people from low-income working families or those who may be vulnerable to inactivity or social isolation. By providing safe, supportive and engaging environments, the programme helps reduce barriers to participation and gives families valuable support during the long summer holidays.

Download details of the activities below.

Hello Essex – Join us in celebrating Essex

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:50:52 +0000

Hello Essex is a countywide initiative launched by Essex County Council to celebrate the region’s culture, heritage, open spaces, and local businesses. Operating under the banner “See it. Do it. Feel it.”, the campaign encourages residents and visitors to discover affordable days out, scenic country parks, and vibrant community events.

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.

King Charles III Charitable Fund Small Grants Programme

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:49:32 +0000

The King Charles III Charitable Fund (KCCF) Small Grants Programme provides targeted funding to small, independent UK non-profits delivering grassroots community projects. Guided by six core themes—Environment, Countryside, Education, Heritage Conservation, Health & Wellbeing, and Social Inclusion—the fund supports local initiatives that create opportunities in disadvantaged communities.

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.

Council Agrees Next Steps for Mill Hall and Freight House

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:48:03 +0000

Rochford District Council has outlined immediate plans for two key local community venues following a recent committee meeting:

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.

Healthy Family Relationships Grants Programme 2026–27 – Applications Now Open

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:45:52 +0000

As part of Essex County Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting families, the Healthy Family Relationships (HFR) Grants Programme is now open for applications.

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

Drop Beats with Free DJ Workshops this Summer

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:35:42 +0000

Ever wanted to learn how to mix tracks, drop beats, and command a room? Essex Youth Service is running hands-on DJ Workshops to take you from total beginner to playing behind the decks.

What’s on offer?
Master the Decks, learn beatmatching, seamless blending, and transition techniques. Understand the tech, gain confidence with industry-standard DJ software, controllers, and sound setups. 100% free and welcoming, no experience or gear needed just bring your passion for music.

How to get involved
Who: Young people across Essex
Cost: Free
Where: H.O.M.E Hub Community Centre, 88 Brook Road, Benfleet, SS7 5JF
When: Wednesday 19 August, 26 August 12:15pm – 3:30pm

More details: info@homehub-benfleet.co.uk

FREE Mural Workshop – Various Dates / Times

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:15:34 +0000

Young creatives across Essex have a fresh chance to dive into street art through a new series of free workshops hosted by the Essex Youth Service. These practical, interactive sessions offer young people the chance to pick up hands-on skills from industry professionals, collaborate with peers, and make a visible mark on their community.

What’s on offer?
Mural Design & Painting: Learn spray techniques, large-scale composition, and collaborative public art design.
Why join? Beyond learning new skills, these sessions help build confidence, create portfolio-ready work, and connect young people with positive local creative outlets.

How to get involved
Who: Young people across Essex
Cost: Free
Where: H.O.M.E Hub Community Centre, 88 Brook Road, Benfleet, SS7 5JF
When: 4 Sessions in Summer Holidays – Monday 10 August: Session 1 2pm-4pm, Session 2 4:30pm-6:30pm. Monday 17 August: Session 3 2pm-4pm, Session 4 4:30pm-6:30pm

More details: info@homehub-benfleet.co.uk
Download information below

Help improve earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:32:49 +0000

Symptoms of ovarian cancer aren’t always obvious – would you know when to seek help? NHS Essex is inviting people to complete and share a short, anonymous survey about ovarian cancer symptoms and what they would do if they experienced them. Earlier diagnosis can make a real difference to treatment options and outcomes.
The survey will help NHS Essex better understand what people know about ovarian cancer symptoms and identify how best to support people to recognise potential symptoms and seek help when needed. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, all responses are anonymous, and no prior knowledge of ovarian cancer is needed. Please take part and share the survey with friends, family and colleagues.
Take the survey: https://virtualviews.essex.icb.nhs.uk/ovarian-cancer/surveys/ovarian-cancer
The survey closes on Wednesday 5 August.

Going to University or College? Protect Yourself Against MenB!

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:10:37 +0000

MenB disease causes life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia. To stay safe before term starts, eligible young people need two doses of the MenB vaccine. Don’t wait—NHS Essex has set up local pharmacy vaccination points across Mid, North East, South, South West, and West Essex.
Find out if you’re eligible and book your appointment at a pharmacy near you: https://www.essex.icb.nhs.uk/news/protect-yourself-against-menb-before-university/