Disability & Sensory Impairment

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

British Red Cross
Mobility Aids

We provide a range of mobility aid equipment for loan and sale. Equipment includes wheelchairs, commodes, highback chairs, raised toilet seats and walking aids.

CanalAbility

Provides fully adapted and accessible canal boats to enable people with disabilities to enjoy relaxing and uplifting holidays and day trips on the river. Our boats are adapted not only so that people with mobility difficulties can get on to and around the boats, but also offer facilities such as hoists and remote steering.

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 Agents Essex

Supporting independent living through social inclusion: getting out and about; increase confidence to go shopping, visit neighbours or other places; mobility in the home; adaptations for ease/safety; meeting people; local groups/activities to make new friends; healthy eating/living; practical support/information.

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.

Early Supported Discharge Team, St Margaret's Hospital
Early Supported Discharge Service

The Early Supported Discharge (ESD) service provides specialist stroke rehabilitation in patient’s homes following discharge from acute hospitals.  Providing intensive treatment for patients and advice and support for carers.

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.

EFDC
Forever Active

New Horizons Day Trips are delivered by Epping Forest District Council Community Services. The day trips are a great way to socialise with likeminded people, explore new places and offer great value for money with local pick up points.  Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.                                                                                                               

EFDC - Community, Culture and Wellbeing
Active Living for people with disabilities

THIS SERVICE HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

Active Living for adults with Learning difficulties and disabilities is a brand-new programme which is accessible for all adults with learning difficulties or any disabilities. This healthy lifestyle programme will consist of a weekly session which is 20 minutes of seated theory work where participants will learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle. This will include factors such as healthy eating, personal hygiene, relationships and friendships, healthy alternatives and many more. We will then participate in 40 minutes of physical activity and this will be something new each week.

All participants will need to fill in a registration/referral form to give us a better understanding when it comes to meeting the individual. 

EFDC - Community, Culture and Wellbeing
Epping Forest Inclusion Project

THIS SERVICE HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

The Epping Forest Inclusion Project runs a variety of activities for adults with SEND.  

Boccia - a fun technical ball game recognised in the Paralympics.  Everyone welcome to take part.  Every Monday 1.30 p.m. - 2.30 p.m. at Ongar Leisure Centre.   £2.20 per person.

Trampolining - Every Tuesday 12 p.m. - 1.00 p.m.  Epping Sports Centre.

Multi-sports - Enjoy a variety of sports with our coaches.  Every Wednesday 1.15 p.m. - 2.15 p.m.  Epping Sports Centre.

EFDC - Community, Culture and Wellbeing
Social. Active. Strong

The service is a falls prevention service for all adults aimed at reducing their chance of falling by increasing their strength and mobility through a FREE 12 week progressive physical activity programme. Each session is low impact, and structured so that many residents can benefit from the programme. Friendly and social class to help them improve Participants' wellbeing. These sessions are great whatever your age. Our qualified instructors will be able to tailor the session to meet your needs and ensure your enjoyment.

Epping Forest Careline

Careline install telecare equipment and provide a monitoring service for clients in Epping Forest. Careline alarms helps older and vulnerable people live worry-free in their own homes whilst providing comfort and peace of mind for friends and loved ones.

A Careline alarm is perfect for anyone who could be vulnerable at home, including older people, disabled people, people with health problems and people at risk of violence or theft. Careline alarms are especially useful for people at risk of falling.

Epping Forest District Council - Private Residential
Grants and C.A.R.E. Handyperson Service

THE HANDYPERSON SERVICE HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.

Handyperson service:  Reputable contractors carry out small low cost repairs, home security and falls prevention work for older home owners and tenants. Work to gas or electric appliances, decorating or fencing is excluded.

The Grants Team provide financial help with repairs, improvements, energy efficiency measures and disabled adaptations to your home

Epping Forest District Council - Private Residential
Private Sector Housing

We help people who have concerns about the condition of their home, which is affecting their health and safety (e.g. poor heating, damp and mould, disrepair, overcrowding). We can also help tenants who rent their homes and are experiencing harassment or illegal eviction by their landlords.

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.

EPUT - MS Nurse Specialist
MS Nurse Specialist

The MS Nursing Service offers support and guidance for people with MS from diagnosis onwards. I offer advice regarding treatment options, symptom management, general support for the patient and their family, onward referral to appropriate services and liaison between the community team and acute services.

EPUT - Single Point of Access
Single Point of Access

The Single Point of Access service (SPA) is the referral coordination centre for Community Services.  

Provided by community nurses, case managers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians, respiratory nurses and palliative care providers.

Open 8am to 9pm, 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays. 

Essex County Council - Library Services
Home Library Service - Epping

Essex Libraries provide a home library service for anyone unable to use a library due to disability, or because they have caring responsibilities for someone who is ill or disabled. We aim to provide a range of books and other materials tailored to the individual's taste.

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 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

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.

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.

Frontline
Advocacy Factsheet Epping

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 Epping

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
Complaints Factsheet Epping Forest

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.

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.

We also offer budgeting advice via our SMARTAdvice project and a debt referral system.  This service is available to Harlow residents only.

Headway Essex
Support for Adults with Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury

We are able to give informed practical advice or facilitate more expert support as required. Support workers provide direct, emotional or practical support and informal counselling. We aim to educate the person and the carer about brain injury. We identify the individual and family needs and facilitating actions through Headway Essex resources or external agencies or professionals to ensure equipped support.

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.

Hearing Help Essex

A quarter of a million people in Essex have some degree of hearing loss, nationally that amounts to one in six of the population. Hearing Help Essex exists to alleviate the isolation and loneliness that hearing loss can bring.

Home-Start Essex
Well-being Group

Our Wellbeing Group is a therapeutic led programme for parents affected by/or at risk of developing mental health difficulties. Each week, be introduced to new self-care activities including mindfulness, arts and self-esteem building. This service is delivered ONLINE where you can meet, share and support each other.

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning
Food for Thought

A health and wellbeing project, engaging people in meaningful activities, learning new skills, keeping fit and developing confidence in calming surroundings. Individuals work on the land planting, nurturing and harvesting fruit & veg. This improves their self-esteem, mental and physical well-being and self-worth, ultimately assisting with their integration into society.

Leonard Cheshire Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion

Supporting disabled people to access digital technology. Leonard Cheshire’s Discover IT programme supports disabled people, and those working with disabled people, to access the digital world; providing training and support together with the latest in accessible technology.

Loughton Lions Talking Newspaper

Providing a service to all visually impaired persons or physically disabled who wish to be kept in touch with local news and views in Epping Forest and the surrounding areas.

Loughton Stroke Club

Suffering a stroke or seeing the changes it brings to a loved one can cause difficulties in one's life.  The Loughton Stroke Club provides a friendly atmosphere for recreation and mutual support for stroke victims in the Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell areas.

We welcome membership from stroke survivors and their carers in the local area. The club provides peer support in an informal and friendly setting, offering social and recreational activities including games, conversation, outings, talks and presentations by visiting speakers.

We are affiliated to the Stroke Association and are a registered charity.

Loughton Voluntary Care Association
Good Neighbour

Regular home visiting service for housebound clients, perhaps giving carers a break. There is also a "Buddy" system - enabling users to get out of the house by public transport or local taxi.

Please note this is for IG10 residents only.

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 compliments services provided by NHS.

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

Peabody Trust
Essex Floating Support - Epping

Help people with sustaining their accommodation but 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.

Provide
Smart Life

Smart Life aims to improve health and wellbeing and keep people independent in their homes. If you are struggling with any aspect of daily living and need support, we will make referrals to other services.

St Clare Hospice - CNP
Compassionate Neighbours Project

We match based on common interests, lifestyle & life choices, location and more. It will be with someone in their community to ensure it is sustainable and we ask each contact be around 1 hr per week. This can be by phone or face to face.

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.

Stroke Association
Stroke Association Support Coordinator

Our service can provide practical assistance, essential information and emotional support. It might be that you just need someone to talk to who will understand your situation, or help with form filling or signposting. We can work with you to look at secondary prevention, or set your own goals and help achieve them.

Support 4 Sight
Befriending Service

An Essex-wide Befriending service for people with a sensory loss. Each person will be matched to a dedicated Befriender who will be in regular contact with them.

Support 4 Sight
Support 4 Visually Impaired People and their families

A registered charity helping people with visual impairment. Providing emotional support; advice; equipment; information; assistance with visual aids/equipment; social drop-in sessions, coffee mornings (Saffron Walden, Dunmow, Braintree, Witham, Epping, Harlow, Chelmsford); social trips; Carers group; regular equipment supplier days and exhibitions.

Upwards with Downs

Upwards with Downs is a registered Charity based in Harlow. We offer support to adults and children with Down syndrome throughout Essex, Hertfordshire and adjoining counties. 

Becoming a member of Upwards with Downs is free, a membership will give you the opportunity to meet other parents, of children and adults with Down syndrome. Parents who can share their stories, help with your questions or just listen if you need someone to talk to. We hold a weekly preschool group on Thursday's for Children under 5 with Down syndrome, this is a great way for your child to make new friends, take part in Pyjama Drama and learn Makaton and Sign Language.

We also supply occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and 1-1 speech therapy and support the children with transition to school, when that time comes. 

Voluntary Action Epping Forest
Active Ace - Day Activities for people with learning disabilities

Volunteering for people with learning disabilities in Epping Forest.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest
Digital Learners - Epping Forest

A project to help seniors and hose living with a disability in Epping Forest who need help with their computers, tablets and smartphones. Be taught how to use email, the internet or a smartphone, brush up on your computer skills, book a doctors appointment online, shop online etc.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest
Gardening for Council Tenants

Providing gardeners and volunteers to maintain the gardens of people who cannot do so themselves in Epping Forest free of charge. Available to those aged 65+ or for those with mobility issues.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest
Gardening for Homeowners

Chargeable Gardening service for home owners in Epping Forest

Homeowners must be over 65, disabled or in receipt of disability benefits. Charges are £25 for the first hour of work and then £12 per hour thereafter. Minimum of 2 hours work. Staff are all trained and DBS checked.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest
Volunteer Centre - Epping Forest

Providing organisations with volunteers in Epping Forest and opportunities for residents to volunteer in the District.

•Become more involved in your community
•Learn new skills
•Meet new people
•Use existing skills
•Develop new interests
•Gain work experience
•Increase confidence and self-esteem