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
£0.00
Children's Musical in 2 Days: Shrek
Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 August 2025 10:00-15:30 both days
For ages 6-13 years
North Weald Village Hall, High Road, North Weald, CM16 6BU
Fabulous performers required to show off your singing, dancing and acting skills in a mini version of Shrek, the musical. Working with our professional choreographer, you’ll recreate scenes and musical numbers to musical theatre tracks from the hit film; then show them to your family and friends in a performance at the end of day two.
For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226
£56.00
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.
£0.00
Countrycare Mad about Moths
Friday 19 September 2025 20:00-22:00 - FREE
Weald Common, North Weald Bassett, Essex - Limited Parking next to North Weald Parish Hall
5 years and above. Everyone is welcome - under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us for an evening observing the unseen beauty of moths. We will set up moth light traps earlier in the evening. Some will be placed out in the long grass and inspected at the end of the evening.
The main focus of attention will be a bulb hanging over a white sheet on the ground.
Hot drinks and refreshments will be provided. This is a free event but booking is still required to secure your place. Donations are appreciated for the refreshments.
Please call Countrycare on 01992 564224 for more information.
For booking support call: 01992 564226
£0.00
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
£2.50
Countrycare Wellness Wonder for Adults
Wednesday 25 June 2025 18:30–20:00
Roughtally’s Wood, end of Pike Way, North Weald Bassett, CM16 6BL What 3 words: swim.value.soccer
Meeting point over bridge from entrance from Pike Way CM16 6BL
Wellness Wonder will be time spent walking around Roughtalley’s Wood enjoying time in nature. Explaining the history connected to the site with moments to stop along the way to do some deep breathing exercises, along with some wellness practices like picture frame viewing, this will help you to take time to enjoy the now. We would ask that phone be put on silent, to be able to make a deeper connection to the environment of the woodlands and all its sights and sounds.
Adults 18+ only. £3 per person.
No large groups please. Some uneven footpaths thought the woodland.
For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226
£3.00
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
£0.00
FREE - Strictly Dancing & Dining for Ladies
28 April for 10 weeks at Oakwood Hill Community Centre, Longcroft Rise, Loughton IG10 3NB
12:30-14:30 FREE Ages 18+
An upbeat dance session to a wide range of music! Suits all abilities and ages and no partner or experience required! The dance session is followed by a packed lunch with time to socialise and reflect.
To register please contact clevans@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
£0.00
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
£0.00
FREE EVENT- Mindful Art Space
Weekly sessions Fridays 12:30 - 15:30
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
* Our picture is the artwork of Janice Birks who attended previous sessions with Janet and now has her own art
exhibition
£0.00
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
£0.00
Get Help and Support with your Digital Skills
Visit our drop-in centre in Epping for help, support and advice from friendly and experienced staff to help you improve your digital skills.
Get support with: Zoom, Banking, Social Media, Health Appointments
Drop-in service is free of charge, no appointment or booking needed
Held at Epping Community Hub Every Thursday 09:30 - 12:30 at Epping Forest District Council Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ
Contact us to find out more Chris Seaman Email communityhub@vaef.org.uk or Call 07529 222655
£0.00
Let’s Get Together
Waltham Abbey * New venue from Monday 2nd 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
£0.00
Register with the West Essex Inclusion Project
Thank you for registering to join the West Essex Inclusion Project.
EFDC is funded by Essex Short Breaks to deliver activities in West Essex and support children and young people aged 0 to 14 with autism and/or a learning disability, with a physical and/or sensory impairment. EFDC delivers a number of activities including afternoon, weekend and school holiday activities all year round. These activities are inclusive and will support your child to improve their physical and mental well-being whilst also helping them to engage with their peers and encourage them to become more independent.
Before your child starts the programme you must register and complete a medical questionnaire. You will then be contacted to discuss your child's needs and any specialist healthcare requirements. The Disability Inclusion Officer will then work with you to support your child.
Please contact Emily Stevens estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk to register your interest.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them when we contact you following your registration with the West Essex Inclusion Project. All you need to do now is complete your registration. It is important to us you answer all questions with as much detail as possible to help us begin planning to support your child.
Thank you
£0.00
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
£0.00
West Essex Inclusion Project - Inclusion Activity Club
Sundays 12:00 - 14:00 Term time only
May 4, 11, 18, 25 June 8, 15, 22 & 29
Great Dunmow Leisure Centre Parsonage Downs CM6 2AT
For ages 5-7 and 8-14 (Siblings welcome to attend as well)
The session includes a Bouncy castle, some structured play, born2move dancing, multi- sports and trampolining. 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, 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.
£8.00
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
£10.00
West Essex Inclusion Project - Inflatables Waltham Abbey
Sundays 15:15 - 16:15 at Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre, Hill House, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3EL
Dates for 2025 - 5 January, 2 February, 2 March, 6 April, 4 May
From June sessions held on 2nd Sunday of the month;
NEW DATES 8 June, 13 July, 10 August, 14 September, 12 October, 9 November, 14 December 2025
Join us for 60 minutes of Inflatable Mayhem at Waltham Abbey 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
£10.00
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
Mondays, 5-6pm
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June
7, 14, 21 July
£0.00
West Essex Inclusion Project - Urban Limitz!
Trampolining and soft play session for children age 8 – 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.
Wednesdays
May 7, 14, 21 18:00-19:00
May Half Term 28 May 17:00-18:00
June 4, 11, 18, 25 July 2, 9, 16 18:00-19:00
Summer school holiday 23 July - 20 August 17:00-18:00
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 to fun. This relaxed one hour session will allow your child to engage with others, have fun in the park and try out new activities and obstacle courses!
This session is for children and young people aged 8-14 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 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.
£11.00
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 FULL or 18:00 – 18:45
OR
Group B: 17:00 – 17:45 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,
Block 2 (6 weeks) July - 17, 24, 31, August - 7, 14, 21
- 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
£150.00
West Essex Inclusion Project – Inclusive Trampolining
Wednesdays term time only: 15:30-16:30 at Epping Sports Centre 25 Hemnall Street, Epping CM16 4LU
NO sessions 14 & 21 May, 28 May, 4 June, 11 June, 18 June, 25 June, 2 July, 9 July, 16 July, 23 July, 30 July
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.
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 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.
£8.00
West Essex Inclusion Project – Orienteering & Team Building
Wednesday 28 May 10.30-14:30
Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Rd, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB
The West Essex Inclusion Project and Lee Valley Regional Park have teamed together to create activities for The West Essex Inclusion Project throughout 2025.
Come and join us for a day of orienteering to develop life skills and build your confidence!
This fun fuelled session allows children to learn and reinforce important team building and map skills whilst challenging them to answer a nature quiz for extra points!
Our children have the exciting opportunity to explore Lee Valley using maps and navigation skills with the support of adults, engaging in activities which promote confidence, trust and communication skills.
This session is for children and young people aged 8-14 with SEND (siblings welcome) on The West Essex Inclusion Project. If your child would enjoy the session but their age is younger than 8 years – please get in touch with Emily Stevens.
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.
£8.00
West Essex Inclusion Project – Soft Play at Monkey Kingdom
Tuesdays 13 May, 27 May, 10 June, 24 June
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.
£11.00
West Essex Inclusion Project – Step into Dance
Fridays - 6 weeks beginners’ sessions, 17:00-18:00 at Debden Park Community Centre, Willingale Road, Loughton, IG10 2BQ
25 April, 2 May, 9 May, 16 May, 23 May, (No Session on 30 May) 6 June
(Please note: the break for school holidays - there will be no session on 30 May, the final session will be on 6 June!)
Step into Dance is an inclusive dance programme for secondary school aged children in the UK. In partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation, The Royal Academy of Dance deliver regular dance classes in secondary schools and youth groups across London and Essex.
The West Essex Inclusion Project is taking part in this fantastic opportunity! Cost: Free
Enjoy 6 wonderful sessions to get your dancing spirit blooming, your confidence growing and the opportunity to express yourself with The Royal Academy of Dance! It would be beneficial if your child is able to attend all 6 sessions to enable them to make progress and enjoy the sessions to the fullest!
The Jack Petchey Foundation, is a charity set up by the late Sir Jack Petchey CBE to inspire and celebrate young people. Sir Jack Petchey set up the Foundation to encourage young people to work hard and reach their full potential. Sir Jack loved to dance, and he believed each and every young person should be given the chance to achieve. As he always said: “If you think you can, you can!”
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 or further information call: 01992 564226
