IN these unprecedented times, St Elizabeth’s estimates that the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic could cost us over £1.2 million – both from lost fundraising revenue and from increased expenditure on staffing and protective equipment. St Elizabeth’s cares for and supports over 200 children and…

Support 4 Sight receives the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Support 4 Sight have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Support 4 Sight has been serving those in Essex with sight…

Phased reopening of libraries LIKE many other council services, Essex County Council is now preparing a phased approach to re-open libraries in line with government guidelines. From Monday 6 July 2020, sixteen sites will re-open; Basildon*, Billericay, Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Dunmow, Epping, Harlow,…

Essex County Council provides £250,000 funding to Citizens Advice service in Essex ESSEX County Council is providing £250,000 of funding to the Citizens Advice network in Essex to help it in its response to individuals and small businesses in the county following the COVID-19 lockdown.…

A MOTHER of twin girls has described their joy at going back to school as lessons resume for children, who can now rejoin the offspring of non-key workers reports the BBC. Parents of primary school children in reception, year one and year six have been…

HARLOW and Gilston Garden Town have received funding for a fleet of eCargo bikes that will enable local council services to move away from traditional van and car use and towards active and sustainable travel.

Arriving in Harlow this summer, the eCargo bikes will have a…

Headway Essex brings the Colour5K to the whole of Essex with its first virtual event! HEADWAY Essex, the brain injury charity, planned to hold its eighth annual Colour5K at the Ardleigh Showground on Saturday 27 June 2020. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, they’ve had to…

PRIMARK is planning to reopen all of its 153 stores in England on 15 June when lockdown restrictions are lifted, its owner AB Foods has said. During lockdown the clothing chain has built up almost £2bn-worth of stock to sell, double its normal stockholding reports…

LONGWOOD Primary Academy has illustrated what measures they have taken as the school opens up to more pupils this morning (Monday). The school has been open for children of key workers but now that has been extended for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. The…

St Clare Hospice launches Bereavement Café online communities to support those experiencing grief during coronavirus lockdown ST CLARE Hospice is launching online bereavement support for people across West Essex and East Hertfordshire in an effort to diversify their service amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and support…

PLANT Pots and Wellies is an innovative community initiative in Harlow that provides horticultural therapy to adults and children with additional needs. A Harlow resident, Eric Rogers is raising money for this amazing charity by taking on a daily challenges set by his donors to…

KIND-hearted Hayley has raised over £2,500 for two great causes by completing a ten mile bike ride around Harlow. Hayley has just learned how to cycle and wanted to use her new talent by raising money for the NHS and Bridget’s Cafe. Hayley competed the…

THE British Heart Foundation (BHF) is encouraging the nation to ‘Beat the Boredom’ and get fundraising to support the charity’s vital work while at home this summer. For those of us missing seeing friends and family in person, the BHF is encouraging people to get…

CAKE Sale raising funds for Essex-based charity The Dream Factory making dreams come true for local children and young adults. The Dream Factory is an Essex-based charity established 11 years ago to brighten the lives and encourage hope for children and young adults aged 3-25…