Buddy Up - West Essex Adult Inclusion Project

The Buddy Up project supports adults 18+ with learning disabilities, autism or both across West Essex (Epping Harlow and Uttlesford) into accessing community activities.

The project will pair a buddy with an individual, based on common interests. If you know someone or are someone living locally and/or attending a GP clinic in West Essex who would like to hear more about this project, then we’d love to hear from you!

Adult Disability Inclusion Officers:
Olivia Timotheou Mob: 07729 109006 otimotheou@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Liza Dos Santos Mob: 07707 147961 ldossantos@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Countrycare Easter Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday 1 April 2026 11:00 - 13:00

Roughtally’s Wood, end of Pike Way, North Weald, CM16 6BL  What 3 words: swim.value.soccer

Meeting point over bridge from entrance from Pike Way CM16 6BL

Come to one of our Local Nature Reserves for an Easter Scavenger Hunt. See how many wildlife riddles you can answer and win some Easter treats. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult, no large groups please. Some uneven footpaths throughout the woodland.

Age 4-11 years 

* PLEASE NOTE * -  Only book children aged 4-11 years - NO NEED TO BOOK parents/guardian or siblings/other children under 4 years

£3 per child 4 and over  /  Under 4s free

No Bikes allowed on site.  Dogs on leads please.

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

Free Christmas Memory Train

FREE Christmas Memory Train - For residents in the district living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment to enjoy with a friend, family member or carer

Wednesday 3 December 2025

• This FREE Christmas train trip is being brought to you by Epping Ongar Railway in partnership with Epping Forest District Council’s Community Development and Wellbeing Team. The event main Sponsors are  Hammond and Smith and SunVit-D3, plus private sponsors. This day out is for residents in the district living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment to enjoy with a carer or companion
• The day begins at North Weald Train Station where parking and toilets are available. Arrive at 10.30am ready for the train to depart for Ongar at 11am.
• There is an opportunity to alight the train at Ongar for a brief stop to explore the station, museum, learn about the railway. Toilets are available and a free tea or coffee. (if you want a different beverage, please bring this with you ) . Father Christmas will make a special appearance to greet everyone.
• The train will then travel back to North Weald, where you can then enjoy light lunch aboard the train.
• The journey then continues into the forest with North Weald being the final stop where you can indulge in a cup of none alcoholic mulled wine (tea and coffee also available) and a mince pie. You will have the opportunity to look around the station and shop and use the facilities.
• All attendees must be accompanied by a carer or companion.
• Booking your place. If you would like to join us on this lovely trip, please book a place online here or call 01992 564226 (phone lines open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday) There is a maximum of 4 people per booking
• Disabled access. Visitors will need to sit in the train carriages so will be required to step from the platform to the carriage and undertake a short walk to a seat. Assistance is available if needed. There are disabled toilets at North Weald station and the rest of the station areas are step free.
•  Photos will be taken throughout the event and used on social media/media releases after the event. Please make it clear on the day if you do not wish to be in any shots.
• You MUST NOT attend if you are unwell or have any Covid-19 symptoms. Symptoms include a high temperature, a new continuous cough and the loss, or a change to your sense of smell or taste. Find out more about COVID-19, and what you should do if you have symptoms on the NHS website
• If you are unable to attend on the day then please inform us on 07789 372196 
• For booking support or further information contact kmurray@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or call 01992 564222 / 07789 372196

Meeting Point

North Weald Station (Epping Ongar Railway)

 Station Road

 North Weald Bassett

 Epping

 CM16 6BT

 (*Please note the train leaves from North Weald Station, not Ongar)

What 3 Words ///paths.focus.noises

Arrive at 10.30am for 11.00am departure

CLICK HERE FOR FLYER

FREE Let’s Get Together

Epping - Every Tuesday 14:30 - 16:30 at The Epping Community Hub, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ

Loughton - Every Wednesday 12:30 - 14:30 at The Oakwood Hill Community Hub, Longcroft Rise, Loughton IG10 3NB

Chigwell - From 23rd September we move to every  Monday 13:00 - 15:00 at The Limes Centre, Limes Avenue, Chigwell IG7 5LP

These FREE weekly sessions are run by Epping Forest District Council’s Community, Development and Wellbeing team and are open to the whole community.

Come along and get to know others in your local area. Learn a new skill, play a few games, or just relax and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat.

No need to book, just turn up

If you have any further questions then please contact Karen Murray, Older Peoples Community Engagement Officer; kmurray@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

01992 564222

Please click here for Epping flyer

Please click here for Loughton flyer

Please click here for Chigwell flyer

FREE Wellbeing Wednesdays - Community Cafe

Every Wednesday 12:00 - 13:45 at The Space, Epping Forest District Museum, 39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1EL

This Community Café in Waltham Abbey is a space where you can enjoy some light refreshments, have an opportunity to chat, meet new friends in a relaxed, warm and welcoming environment. This café is dementia friendly. 

For Adults and those living with dementia.

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

Please click here for flyer

MOVESMART - falls prevention program

MOVESMART - FUNDED - Behavioural Training for Falls Prevention

Empowering Confidence, Preventing Falls

Are you or someone you support looking to stay independent and safe — not just through strength and balance, but by mastering the behaviours that prevent falls?

Introducing MOVESMART: An innovative 10-session FREE program, thanks to funding from EFDC, that combines cognitive strategies with real-world scenarios to build initiative-taking, confident fall prevention habits.

In high-stakes situations where quick thinking and effective action are essential, the MOVESMART framework offers a structured approach to boost decision-making and overall performance. This method empowers individuals to sharpen their mental agility, balance speed with accuracy, and adapt seamlessly to dynamic environments.

September Programme Start

10 sessions commencing Weds 10 September at 2.45pm-4pm

Oakwood Hill Community Hall, Longcroft Rise, Loughton IG10 3NB

Register with: nigelcushion@live.co.uk | 07412 542872 ***LIMITED TO 20 SPACES***

WEIP with Comfort Aquatics: Intensive 7 Week Swim Course (Beginners Group)

Intensive 7 Week Swim Course (Beginners Group)

1.30pm every Saturday from 8th November - 20th December 2025

Comfort Aquatics at Freshwaters Academy, Harlow, CM20 3QA

Total cost: £49.00

Call our customer support team on 01992 564 226 to make a telephone booking or for further assistance with online bookings.

For this activity, places are only available for children  age 5-14 with SEND, and registered with Essex Short Breaks and West Essex Inclusion Project. 

Please speak to Lexi Doherty on 07548 145 591 or email adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk if you have any questions or need further support to register.

The West Essex Inclusion Project has partnered up with Comfort Aquatics to provide SEND only swim courses.  These are group classes of up to 5 children, from ages 5-14.

The Beginners course is most suitable for those that cannot swim without the use of swim aids (armbands, floats), are familiar with being in a swimming pool, and enjoy the water.  The aim is to build confidence, teach basic swim strokes, to swim a minimal distance in the water without the use of aids.  Children progress into the Improvers Group.  Parents are not required to be in the water.  Children will be fully supported by the swim instructors.

Located at Freshwaters Academy, this Comfort Aquatics location offers the local Harlow community a new venue for a range of children’s swimming classes.  The pool has received a £200,000 cash injection to update and renovate the pool experience including:

• More modern, energy-efficient mechanical equipment,
• A new pool liner,
• A new pool cover to retain heat and enhance safety,
• New changing rooms and non-slip flooring

Comfort Aquatics lessons are both fun and structured, built on the Swim Teachers Association (STA) Learn to Swim programme, a respected framework that guides children through achievable goals while developing essential water skills.

Comfort Aquatics instructors are fully qualified, experienced, and passionate about what they do. Their teaching team includes professionals certified by Swim England and the STA, with additional specialist qualifications in areas such as Parent and Baby swimming and Coaching. All instructors hold an up-to-date DBS check, a Teacher Safety Award, and their own personal insurance, offering families peace of mind at every stage.

All parents/carers must complete the medical questionnaire before their child attends the session. If you have any questions or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare contact our Disability Inclusion Team

Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens: 

estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or on 07596 890 819 

 Disability Inclusion Assistant, Lexi Doherty:

adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or or call 07548 145 591

Please be aware that this activity is not delivered by Epping Forest District Council, therefore your Emergency Contact details (Participant Name, Participants additional needs, Guardians Name, Guardians Telephone Number, child's Date of birth, Unique Passport number and Emergency contact details) will be passed to the activity provider and will only be used for the purposes of registration on to the session and contact in case of an emergency.

WEIP with Comfort Aquatics: Intensive 7 Week Swim Course (Non-swimmers Group)

Intensive 7 Week Swim Course (Non-swimmers Group)

1.30pm every Saturday from 8th November - 20th December 2025

Comfort Aquatics at Freshwaters Academy, Harlow, CM20 3QA

Total cost: £49.00

Call our customer support team on 01992 564 226 to make a telephone booking or for further assistance with online bookings.

For this activity, places are only available for children  age 5-14 with SEND, and registered with Essex Short Breaks and West Essex Inclusion Project. 

Please speak to Lexi Doherty on 07548 145 591 or email adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk if you have any questions or need further support to register.

The West Essex Inclusion Project has partnered up with Comfort Aquatics to provide SEND only swim courses.  These are group classes of up to 5 children, from ages 5-14.

The Non-Swimmers course is most suitable for those that cannot swim without the use of swim aids (armbands, floats), are unfamiliar with being in a pool, or do not like to put their face in the water.  The aim is to gradually build confidence so that they feel comfortable in the water without the use of aids, and are ready to progress into the Beginners Group.  Parents are not required to be in the water.  Children will be fully supported by the swim instructors.

Located at Freshwaters Academy, this Comfort Aquatics location offers the local Harlow community a new venue for a range of children’s swimming classes.  The pool has received a £200,000 cash injection to update and renovate the pool experience including:

• More modern, energy-efficient mechanical equipment,
• A new pool liner,
• A new pool cover to retain heat and enhance safety,
• New changing rooms and non-slip flooring

Comfort Aquatics lessons are both fun and structured, built on the Swim Teachers Association (STA) Learn to Swim programme, a respected framework that guides children through achievable goals while developing essential water skills.

Comfort Aquatics instructors are fully qualified, experienced, and passionate about what they do. Their teaching team includes professionals certified by Swim England and the STA, with additional specialist qualifications in areas such as Parent and Baby swimming and Coaching. All instructors hold an up-to-date DBS check, a Teacher Safety Award, and their own personal insurance, offering families peace of mind at every stage.

All parents/carers must complete the medical questionnaire before their child attends the session. If you have any questions or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare contact our Disability Inclusion Team

Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens: 

estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or on 07596 890 819 

 Disability Inclusion Assistant, Lexi Doherty:

adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or or call 07548 145 591

Please be aware that this activity is not delivered by Epping Forest District Council, therefore your Emergency Contact details (Participant Name, Participants additional needs, Guardians Name, Guardians Telephone Number, child's Date of birth, Unique Passport number and Emergency contact details) will be passed to the activity provider and will only be used for the purposes of registration on to the session and contact in case of an emergency.

WEIP with Comfort Aquatics: Saturday Family Swim Sessions (Adult)

WEIP with Comfort Aquatics: Inclusive Family Swim Session (for Adult places)

Start: 2:15pm Finish: 2:45pm (venue closes at 3:00pm)

Every Saturday from 8th November - 20th December 2025

Comfort Aquatics at Freshwaters Academy, Harlow, CM20 3QA

Cost: Adult £3:00 (18+)             Child £2:00 (0-18 yrs)

Non-swimmers (cannot swim without armbands or floats) must be supported 1-2-1 by an adult (18+) in the pool.

Call our customer support team on 01992 564 226 to make a telephone booking or for further assistance with online bookings.

This activity is for children & young people age 0-18, and their families, who are neurodiverse, have a specific learning difficulty, sensory disorder, physical impairment or medical condition.  Families new to the project must register with Essex Short Breaks and West Essex Inclusion Project. 

Please speak to Lexi Doherty on 07548 145 591 or email adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk if you have any questions or need further support to register.

The West Essex Inclusion Project has partnered up with Comfort Aquatics to provide a SEND friendly Family Swim session.  This is open to parents/carers, siblings or friends of any child that is registered with our project and Essex Short Breaks.

Located at Freshwaters Academy, this Family Swim session is ideal for those with children who find the larger leisure centre pools, loud and overwhelming.  This is a smaller, quieter pool with shallow (0.8m), mid (1.0m) and deep (1.2m) ends. The maximum number of persons in the pool per session is 20.  The pool has received a £200,000 cash injection to update and renovate it including:

• More modern, energy-efficient mechanical equipment
• A new pool liner
• A new pool cover to retain heat and enhance safety
• New changing rooms and non-slip flooring

Comfort Aquatics staff will supervise the pool area.  They are fully qualified, experienced, and passionate about what they do. Their team includes professionals certified by Swim England and the STA, with additional specialist qualifications in areas such as Parent and Baby swimming and Coaching. All staff hold an up-to-date DBS check, a Teacher Safety Award, and their own personal insurance, offering families peace of mind.

All parents/carers must complete the medical questionnaire before their child attends the session. If you have any questions or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare contact our Disability Inclusion Team

Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens: 

estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or on 07596 890 819 

 Disability Inclusion Assistant, Lexi Doherty:

adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or or call 07548 145 591

Please be aware that this activity is not delivered by Epping Forest District Council, therefore your Emergency Contact details (Participant Name, Participants additional needs, Guardians Name, Guardians Telephone Number, child's Date of birth, Unique Passport number and Emergency contact details) will be passed to the activity provider and will only be used for the purposes of registration on to the session and contact in case of an emergency.

West Essex Inclusion Project - Inflatables Ongar

Saturdays 12:30 - 13:30 at Ongar Leisure Centre, The Gables, Fyfield Rd, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 0GA

Last date of 2025! 6 December

Join us for 60 minutes of Inflatable Mayhem at Ongar Leisure Centre. With 'Wipe-out style' courses with obstacles and slides which kids can scale and climb through. Can you get to the other side without falling overboard? Alongside this have rafts and floats.

Note: all participants must be able to swim for this activity.

This session is for children and young people aged 8-14 with SEND. £10 per session.

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

For more information and to register your child with The West Essex Inclusion Project, please contact our Disability and Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens: estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or on 07596 890 819

West Essex Inclusion Project - Multi-sports 2025

New City Fitness Centre, Borders Lane, Loughton IG10 3SA

Mondays term time 17:00-18:00  

FREE! However, please do confirm your child's attendance by booking. 

Enjoy fun, fast-moving indoor team games and activities to build confidence and skills in hitting the ball, running, catching, throwing with support from South Loughton Cricket Club and Super 1s!

This session is for children and young people aged 8-14 with SEND on The West Essex Inclusion Project.

For more information and to register your child with The West Essex Inclusion Project, please contact our Disability and Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens: estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or on 07596 890 819

Reasonable adjustments can be made to support additional needs, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

For booking support call: 01992 564226

Please click here for flyer

West Essex Inclusion Project - Urban Limitz!

Trampolining and soft play session for children age 6 – 14 with SEND and open to children living in Harlow, Epping and Uttlesford

Urban Limitz, Harlow Leisurezone, Second Ave, Harlow, CM20 3DT

* Please note, there is a parking charge at Harlow Leisurezone. This will be £2 and is applicable to all parking bays. Upon leaving Urban Limitz to return to your vehicle,  please enter your registration in the machine to purchase your parking.

Every Wednesday

 from 6 - 7pm during term time

Autumn term availability: November 5th, 12th, 19th 26th; December 3rd, 10th and 17th.

Escape into Urban Limitz Adventure Trampoline Park, the ultimate indoor obstacle arena. Tackle each of the multi level challenge areas.  Jump, bounce and free-style your way through every section. This is a friendly, relaxed one hour session where children and parents can meet new friends, socialise, have fun and keep fit together.  These sessions are supported by staff from the West Essex Inclusion Project.

This session is for children and young people aged 6-14 with SEND and open to children living in Harlow, Epping and Uttlesford. 

Activity waivers must be in place with Leisurezone - All parents/carers must complete the medical questionnaire before their child attends the session.

If you have any questions or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare please email adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Please click here for flyer

For telephone bookings or for further support & information call: 01992 564 226

Please be aware that this activity is not delivered by Epping Forest District Council, therefore your Emergency Contact details (Participant Name, Participants additional needs, Guardians Name, Guardians Telephone Number, child's Date of birth, Unique Passport number and Emergency contact details) will be passed to the activity provider.

West Essex Inclusion Project – Soft Play at Monkey Kingdom

Second Tuesday of each month - Soft Play sessions at Monkey Kingdom! 
Tuesdays, 9^th Sept, 14^th October, 11^th November, 9^th December 

16:15-17:45  Cost: £11 per session

Once a month 90 minute soft play activity session suitable for children aged 3 months – 12 years with SEND on The West Essex Inclusion Project

Monkey Kingdom, Unit G3, Sterling House, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3TS

Monkey Kingdom believe in the power of play. Their mission is to provide a fun and engaging space where children can develop their physical, social, and cognitive skills through interactive play – come and join us for 90 minutes of SEN friendly play! The space is booked just for us.

Monkey Kingdom is a new soft play centre on Langston Road (next to Tool Station) and has a sensory room on site! There are 3different areas. toddlers, main play, and the gladiator run for older children.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

This session is for children and young people aged 3 months - 12 years with SEND and open to children living in Harlow, Epping and Uttlesford. If you are interested but your child is between the ages of 13-14 please send an email to Emily Stevens, Disability Inclusion Officer estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

If you are unsure if this activity is suitable for your child or if you have any questions or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare please email estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

Please be aware that this activity is not delivered by Epping Forest District Council, therefore your Emergency Contact details (Participant Name, Participants additional needs, Guardians Name, Guardians Telephone Number, child's Date of birth, Unique Passport number and Emergency contact details) will be passed to the activity provider.