Don’t Let Criminals Reap Your Harvest
As the busy harvest period kicks off, Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team is warning farmers that criminals are on the lookout for easy targets.  High-value, portable GPS equipment remains the number one target for thieves.
Quick Security Tips:
Lock it away: Remove GPS kits and store them securely out of sight when not in use.
Mark it: Clear and permanent postcode marking makes kits harder for thieves to sell on.
Code it: Always activate PIN security on your GPS units.
Park smart: Keep tractors and combine harvesters hidden from view where possible.
How You Can Help
The Rural Engagement Team works closely with the National Rural Crime Unit, but they need your eyes and ears to make arrests.  If you spot suspicious people or vehicles around farms and machinery:
Report it online: Visit www.essex.police.uk/ro.
What to include: Give as much detail as possible (e.g., vehicle registrations, descriptions, or a What3Words location).
Stay safe: Never confront suspects or put yourself at risk.
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or it’s an emergency.To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111.
For more specialist advice on protecting heavy machinery, visit the Essex Police Rural Crime pages.

Vibrant Village Halls – Coming Soon
Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) has just been awarded a grant of more than £200,000 over 3 years by The National Lottery Community Fund to support its new Vibrant Village Halls project. This will enable RCCE to expand their support for halls and work to secure their long-term future.  To find out more about RCCE’s plans for Vibrant Village Halls please click here.

Funding for Your Local Nature Project
Do you have an idea to improve nature in your community? v The Essex Local Nature Partnership Community Fund is now open, offering grants of £500 to £2,000 to help you bring your plans to life. You could create or restore habitats, improve green spaces, or help more people connect with nature, especially those who need it most. Applications are open to groups, charities and schools across Essex. To find out more and apply please click here.

There are several different ways to get involved, including:
• Steering group
• Focus groups
• Workshops
• Testing

If you are interested, please take a look at the attached PDF (below) for more information about the project.

What is a Discovery Day?
It’s a safe, relaxed space designed to bring people together. Every voice matters, and everyone is welcome. Whether you want to speak up, share an idea, or just sit back, listen, and see what it’s all about, there is a place for you.  Key topics we’ll explore together include:
Moving more and finding ways to feel healthier.
Wellbeing and keeping ourselves feeling good.
Local opportunities and activities already happening near you.

Why Should You Come Along?
Because nobody knows your community better than you do! This isn’t just another standard meeting-it’s a genuine opportunity to:
Connect: Meet new people who care about the local area.
Celebrate: Build on what is already fantastic about Rochford.
Create: Turn shared ideas into real, positive opportunities for the town.

Please Note: This specific Discovery Day is focused entirely on Rochford town itself (rather than the wider district), ensuring we focus heavily on the hyper-local issues and opportunities that matter most to you. Come along, bring yourself, and leave feeling connected, heard, and inspired. We can’t wait to see you there!

Please email for further information or alternatively click on the date below to book a space. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981702062214

Please email for further information or alternatively click on the date below to book a space. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/emergency-first-aid-at-work-tickets-1991691097688

The event is aimed at children and families, giving them the opportunity to discover the local support and services available to them. It will also offer a range of activities throughout the afternoon, such as arts and crafts and games.

Please share the attached poster with your network.

If your organisation would like a stall, please email partnerships@rochford.gov.uk 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-fun-festival-tickets-1987992900280?aff=oddtdtcreator

Friends and Memories Café (at Trinity Church)
A warm, understanding space offers a safe, judgment-free environment for individuals living with dementia and their carers.  Connect with others walking a similar path, Share experiences and helpful resources, Relax with refreshments and friendly conversation.  Download the full list of dates below.  Free car parking available – Contact Elizabeth Brewer for more details cllrelizabeth.brewer@rayleightowncouncil.gov.uk Telephone: 07368 657397.

Dementia Devices – Tap your phone to get them home
Are you worried about a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia wandering?  If your loved one is a Rochford District resident and has
been diagnosed with a form of dementia, you are entitled to claim your free Dementia Buddy device.  For more information and to claim please email info@rravs.org.uk or telephone 01268 772796.  Download more information below.

If you need any further information about any of these resources please contact us info@rravs.org.uk or telephone 01268 772796.

• St Marks Hall, St Mark’s Field, Rochford, SS4 1PT – Tuesdays 10am-12pm
• Barling Magna Parish Hall, Little Wakering Road, SS3 OLN – 2nd and 4th Thursdays 1pm-3pm

Find Revive on Facebook – Revive Community Supermarket

Community Initiative supported by: Life Community Church, Essex County Council, Feeding Britain, RRAVS, Rochford District Council and Rochford Parish Councils.

Click to download poster

Fully funded places are available for people working or volunteering in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector, thanks to funding from Essex County Council. To be eligible, you must live in Tendring, Colchester, Braintree, Maldon, Rochford or Chelmsford. Your organisation can be based outside of these areas. This session is delivered by the Mind in Essex Partnership.