A compassionate talk about suicide - Waltham Abbey

Join us for an opportunity to understand more about suicide in a safe and welcoming space.

Let’s come together to help change the conversation, reduce stigma and encourage compassion towards ourselves and each other.

Open to all adults affected by suicide and to anyone interested to learn more.

Book here to secure your place or call 01992 564226.

Location: Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre, Hillhouse, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3EL

Date: Monday 19^th January 2026

Time: 5.30pm -7pm

Contact Laura Cleverley for further details lcleverley@eppingforestdc.gov.uk 

A compassionate talk about suicide - Epping

Join us for an opportunity to understand more about suicide in a safe and welcoming space.

Let’s come together to help change the conversation, reduce stigma and encourage compassion towards ourselves and each other.

Open to all adults affected by suicide and to anyone interested to learn more.

Book here to secure your place or call 01992 564226.

Location: The Conference Suite, Epping Forest District Council Offices, Epping, CM16 4BZ

Date: Wednesday 4th February 2026

Time: 12.30pm - 2pm

Contact Laura Cleverley for further details lcleverley@eppingforestdc.gov.uk 

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 EVENT- Mindful Art Space

Weekly sessions Fridays 12:30 - 15:30 **no sessions during August 2025**

Drop-in for residents of Oakwood Hill & surrounding area at Oakwood Hill Community Hall, Longcroft Rise, Loughton IG10 3NB

A drop-in space to creatively express your mental health led by RMN Janet Ellington.  An opportunity to be playful with art in a mindful, safe space in a small group setting and to have direct access to mental health advice.

You can drop in and out any time within the specified hours.

There is no requirement to book but if you have any questions, please contact Oakwood Hill Community Engagement Officer, Claire Evans on: 07763 218593 

Please click here for flyer

* Our picture is the artwork of Janice Birks who attended previous sessions with Janet and now has her own art
   exhibition

FREE Walking Football - Waltham Abbey

* Christmas closure : Last session on Tuesday 23rd December 2025 and first session back in the New Year is on Tuesday 6th January 2026 .

Every Tuesday 11.30am - 12.30pm - Town Mead Football Pitches, Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JH. Ages 45+

A slower-paced version of the beautiful game, Walking Football is aimed at getting players back into the sport.

For further information call: 01992 564222 or Email kmurray@eppingforestdc.gov.uk who will put you in contact with the group

Please click here for flyer 

Get Help and Support with your Digital Skills

Visit our drop-in centres in the Epping district for help, support and advice from friendly and experienced staff to help you improve your digital skills.

Get support with: NHS App, Banking, Social Media, Health Appointments and much more!

Drop-in service is free of charge, no appointment or booking needed

Held at the following locations:

• Monday 10am-midday – Waltham Abbey Library, Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL
• Wednesday 10am-midday – Loughton Job Centre, 284 High Road, Loughton, IG10 1RH (by appointment only)
• Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm – Epping Civic Hub, 323 Epping High St, Epping CM16 4BZ
• Friday 10am-midday – st Mary’s church, Loughton, 201 High Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 1BB

Contact us to find out more: Email communityhub@vaef.org.uk or Call 07967 726 851

WEIP with Comfort Aquatics: 6 Week Swim Course (Beginners Group)

6 Week Swim Course (Beginners Group)

1.30pm every Saturday from 10th January - 14th February 2026

Comfort Aquatics at Freshwaters Academy, Harlow, CM20 3QA

Total cost: £42.00 (new joiners) / £35.00 (discounted rate to continuing parents)

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 are comfortable with being in the water, but cannot swim, without the use of aids (armbands, floats).  The aim is to build confidence, to be able to swim a minimal distance using basic strokes and techniques, ready to progress to Improvers. 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: 6 Week Swim Course (Non-Swimmers Group)

6 Week Swim Course (Non-swimmers Group)

1.30pm every Saturday from 10th January - 14th February 2026

Comfort Aquatics at Freshwaters Academy, Harlow, CM20 3QA

Total cost: £42:00 (new joiners) / £35:00 (discounted rate for continuing parents)

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 10th January - 14th February 2026

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 - Monthly Inclusion Activity Club Uttlesford

We hold our Inclusion Activity Club at Great Dunmow Leisure Centre on the first Sunday of each month, 12:00-14.00 
Great Dunmow Leisure Centre Parsonage Downs CM6 2AT

For ages 5-7 and 8-14  (Siblings welcome to attend, parents / carers to stay and play)

A time to stay and play, meet other families and make friends. Our sessions include trampolining, soft play, bouncy castle, scooters and more!

Dates: 4th January, 1st February, 1st March, 5th April, 3rd May, 7th June, 5th July, 2nd August, 6th September, 4th October, 1st November, 6th December

Reasonable adjustments can be made to support any additional needs.

This session is open to children living in Harlow, Epping and Uttlesford and their siblings.

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 Emily Stevens estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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 

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 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 - Trampolining and Football at Debden Park High School

Trampolining for children aged 6 – 14 with SEND and open to children on The West Essex Inclusion Project 

Debden Park High School Willingale Road, Loughton IG10 2BQ

Fridays term time 4.30-5.30pm 

Half trampolining, half football! Enjoy SEND friendly coached trampoline sessions at Debden Park High School where your child will be supported to develop key skills such as: hand-eye co-ordination, balance, core strength, developing relationships, following instructions and so much more!

Enjoy a game of football on Focus Football Training's very own inflatable pitch, encouraging continual play! Participants do not have to do both activities if they do not want to.

Parents, guardians and carers are welcome to stay at this activity. Participants of The West Essex Inclusion Project have first refusal on this popular activity, siblings are welcome if there is space for trampolining. Please contact Emily Stevens, Disability Inclusion Officer with any enquiries. 

For more information, please contact our Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens: estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or on 07596 890 819 

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

This session is for children and young people aged 6-14 with SEND on The West Essex Inclusion Project and open to children living in Harlow, Epping and Uttlesford. 

If you have any questions or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare or to join The West Essex Inclusion Project please email estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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 – Inclusive Trampolining Epping Sports Centre

Trampolining at the new Epping Sports Centre, Cottis Lane, Epping
Every Wednesday: 15:30-16:30 

Enjoy SEND friendly coached trampoline sessions at Epping Sports Centre where your child will be supported to develop key skills such as: hand-eye co-ordination, balance, core strength, developing relationships, following instructions and so much more!

This session is for children and young people aged 6-14 with SEND on The West Essex Inclusion Project and open to children living in Harlow, Epping and Uttlesford. 

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