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

Children's Play in the Park - Summer 2025

Play in the Park is all about playing games and having fun outdoors.
No need to book, just drop in at any time. The Play in the Park team will bring a range of sports equipment and arts & crafts resources for children and their parents/carers to enjoy together*.
The team will be there to help organise activities and games.

All totally free of charge.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Morning sessions 10:00 - 12:00

Afternoon sessions 13:30 - 15:30

For all dates and locations please click here 

Dr Bike is offering FREE bike checks on dates/locations listed above. 

Countrycare Teddy Bears Picnic

Wednesday 13 August 2025 12:00-14:00 at Linder’s Field Local Nature Reserve, Roebuck Lane, Buckhurst Hill

Ages 3-6 years   £2.50 Children   Adults/Under 3's Free

* Please just book on your child/children, no need to include Adults/Under 3's as participants *

Come and join Countrycare and our teddy bears for some fun outdoor activities. Bring along a picnic and a teddy to enjoy while you join in with our bug hunting, crafts, nature trails and more.

All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

For more information call Countrycare 01992 564224

For booking support call: 01992 564226

Please click here for flyer

FREE - Disability Football Adults 18+

Thursdays 17:00 to 18:00 Term Time Only at New City Fitness Centre, Borders Lane, Loughton IG10 3SA

May 1, 8, 15, 22 (No Session 29th May Half term)    June 5, 12, 19, 26     July 3, 10, 17

Disability football is a fun and inclusive activity designed for adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities, autism, or both. It provides a supportive environment to socialize and stay active through football.

Sessions are FREE.

If you are interested in joining, please contact:

Adult Disability Inclusion Officers:

Olivia Timotheou Mob: 07729 109006 otimotheou@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Liza Dos Santos Mob: 07707 147961 ldossantos@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

Please click here for flyer

FREE EVENT - Community Skill Share

Every Thursday from 10 April  13:30-15:30

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

Age range: 18+

A drop-in community space to connect with fellow residents and share skills.  From cooking to meditating, we all have skills to share and what better way to build connections than through empowering one another.

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

FREE Walking Football - Waltham Abbey

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

Let’s Get Together

Waltham Abbey * New venue from Monday 2^nd June 2025* 10:30 - 12:30 - Community Room at Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre, Hillhouse, Waltham Abbey, Essex. 

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 - *New day and time from 7th May 2025* Every Wednesday 09:30 - 11:30 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 Waltham Abbey flyer

Please click here for Epping flyer

Please click here for Loughton flyer

Please click here for Chigwell flyer

Summer Memory Train - for Epping Forest District residents*

 * For residents in the district living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment to enjoy with a carer or companion. 

Wednesday 16 July 2025 10:30 for 11:00 departure - 14:00

This FREE Summer 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's main sponsor 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 North Weald at 10.30am ready for the train to depart at 11am for its journey to Ongar.
  
  
• 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 ) 

•  The train will then travel back and forth through the Essex countryside while you enjoy a light lunch abroad the train.

• Our final stop will be at North Weald, where you can look around the station and shop and wait for your transport 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 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 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

Please click here for flyer

West Essex Inclusion Project - Animal Fun at Pets Corner

Pets’ Corner, Harlow Town Park, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QG

Thursday 7 August and Wednesday 20 August

10.30 – 12.30

Come join us for an opportunity to meet and greet the animals at Pets’ Corner!

7^th August: Animal meet and greet, feeding the pigs and goats  

20^th August: Pony groom and animal enrichment session

This session is for children and young people aged 5-14 with SEND on The West Essex Inclusion Project. £8 per child.
 
Reasonable adjustments can be made to support any additional needs, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

For more information, 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

West Essex Inclusion Project - Inflatables Ongar

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

4 January 2025, 1 February, 1 March, 5 April, 3 May, 7 June, 5 July, 2 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 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

West Essex Inclusion Project - Multi-sports 2025

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

Mondays 17:00-18:00  

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June 

7, 14, 21 July 

Cost: £0 - FREE

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. Please contact our Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens to join The West Essex Inclusion Project. estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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

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

For booking support call: 01992 564226

Please click here for flyer

Mondays, 5-6pm
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June
7, 14, 21 July

West Essex Inclusion Project - Summer Fun with Changing Lives Harlow

Mark Hall Sports Centre, CM17 9LX.

Monday – Friday 10-2pm
First session 4^th August, last session 22^nd August.

The West Essex Inclusion Project and Changing Lives have teamed together to develop an inclusive holiday activity programme alongside mainstream. Children will be supported with a dedicated coach and Community Activity Workers from Epping Forest District Council.

Changing Lives Community Services holiday programmes offer an unforgettable blend of fun, fitness, and friendship.

With a diverse range of sports activities, including football, basketball, tennis, and more, the programme caters to all interests and skill levels, ensuring that every child finds something they love. Changing Lives’ experienced coaches create a supportive and inclusive environment where children can challenge themselves, build confidence, and forge meaningful connections with their peers. From friendly competitions to team-building exercises, our camp provides a well-rounded experience that promotes physical health, social development, and personal growth.

With support from Changing Lives and Epping Forest District Council, participants will have a day of fun! The day begins at 10am and finishes at 2pm. Please ensure your child brings a packed lunch.

Sessions are suitable for children and young people aged 6-11 with SEND (siblings welcome) on The West Essex Inclusion Project.

Please contact our Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens to join The West Essex Inclusion Project. estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Reasonable adjustments can be made to support additional needs, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. If you would like to stay with your child, please let Emily Stevens know.

For more information, 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.

West Essex Inclusion Project – Agricultural Summer Activity Day - FREE

The Agricultural Science Unit, Saffron Walden County High School, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UH

The West Essex Inclusion Project and Saffron Walden County High School’s, Agricultural Science Unit have teamed together to create 2 fun activity days!

10.30-2.30pm (drop off, 10.30am - prompt collection at 2.30pm please)

Our Summer Activity Days are designed to be both educational and hands on. There will be sessions on animal husbandry, where the children will discuss the importance of caring for animals, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring their health. There will be opportunities for animal handing (rabbits, guineapigs, goats, donkeys, ferrets, reptiles, small mammals) The sessions will support the development of children's communication skills and confidence. The activities may vary depending on the interest of the group and welfare of animals at the time. Please bring a packed lunch with plenty of drinks, clothing suitable for the weather (hats and sunscreen please) closed footwear, trainers would be suitable.

Please note the age range for each activity day:

8^th August 10.30 – 2.30 (ages 5-11)
22^nd August 10.30-2.30 (ages 11-16)

With support from Active Essex, we are pleased to share that the activity days will be free of charge! There is no eligibility criteria for this activity other than SEND (no evidence or diagnosis is needed) please note that this activity is in a mainstream setting where children will need to be able to eat and use the toilet without direct support.  

For more information, 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

West Essex Inclusion Project – Horse riding at Barnfields Stables

Barnfields Riding Stables, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, E4 7RH

Thursday horse-riding sessions at Barnfields Riding Stables. Please note there are two sessions held on Thursdays. Please only book for one block of 6 lessons for Group A or Group B.

Group A: 17:00 – 17:45    or 18:00 – 18:45 FULL

OR

Group B: 17:00 – 17:45  SPACES            or 18:00 – 18:45 FULL

There are two blocks open for booking per each group. Please only book one block of 6 at a time:

Block 1 (6 weeks): June - 5, 12, 19, 26, July- 3, 10, BOOKING CLOSED

Block 2 (6 weeks) July - 17, 24, 31, August - 7, 14, 21 (spaces for 5pm start)

• Please contact Emily Stevens if you wish to join the waiting list. The waiting list is there to ensure that everyone who wants to attend has the opportunity.
  
  
• To build structure for our riders, we ask for a 6-week commitment.
  
  
• Children will need to be able to wear a horse-riding helmet to be able to take part in activities with the horses and a waiver form must be completed before your child attends. There is a weight limit of 12st/76kg. Rider Registration Form
  
  
• Sessions will include 15 minutes of balance work in Barnfields’ studio, with 30 minutes of riding.
  
  
• All riders will need a walker (parent/carer support) until riders are ready to ride independently.
  
  
• Please be aware that there are no hoists at Barnfields riding stables. Children will be required to sit up independently. Support can be given to mount the horse (steps/parent/carer/adult support)
  
  
• First session: The first session will be an introduction to the stables, how to be safe, getting kitted up, helmet sizing, ensuring footwear is safe. There is some suitable footwear at Barnfields, however all sizes may not be available on the day. Please try to wear shoes with some form of heel so that the foot can sit in the stirrup. Chelsea boots are suitable, Doc Martens whilst they do have a heel sometimes sit a little too wide. As a result of this, please be aware that the riding time may be slightly shorter for the first session.

This session is for children and young people aged 6-14 with SEND on The West Essex Inclusion Project. For this popular activity, inclusion children have first refusal (siblings are welcome to join waiting list, they are not permitted to book without contacting Emily Stevens first)

Please contact our Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens to join The West Essex Inclusion Project. estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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

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

Please click here for flyer

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

West Essex Inclusion Project – Invertebrate / Mini Beast Hunting with Lee Valley

Waltham Abbey Gardens, Abbey View Quendon Drive, Waltham Abbey EN9 1LG

Thursday 14^th August 10.30am-12.30pm

The West Essex Inclusion Project and Lee Valley Regional Park have teamed together to create activities throughout 2025.

We are going to go Minibeast / Invertebrate hunting! This session offers children a hands-on, exciting way to explore the natural world around them.

Set in the rich and diverse environments of Lee Valley Regional Park, this session will help children understand how wildlife lives, survives, and thrives in different habitats.

We will be using stream dipping and nets in the long grass to explore what invertebrates are there and learning all about them! 

This Minibeast / Invertebrate hunting session is suitable for children and young people aged 5-14 with SEND (siblings welcome) on The West Essex Inclusion Project.

Please contact our Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens to join The West Essex Inclusion Project. estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Reasonable adjustments can be made to support additional needs, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. If you would like to stay with your child, please let Emily Stevens know.

For more information, 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

West Essex Inclusion Project – Summer Activity Day at The Hive

Monday 11th August 09:30–14:30 ages 5-14 The Hive, Church Road, High Beach, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4AJ

Enjoy a day of Summer SEND friendly activities at The Hive to explore the natural environment under the guidance of The Hive’s expert staff. Activities including bushcraft, pond dipping, and a plant sensory trail in Epping Forest.

Please note, some activities are weather dependent and please ensure your child brings a packed lunch!

This session is for children and young people aged 5-14 with SEND on The West Essex Inclusion Project. £25 per child.
 
Reasonable adjustments can be made to support any additional needs, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

For more information, 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