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

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

The West Essex Inclusion Project - Larks with the Arts After School Club

The Learning Centre (next to Pet’s Corner), Harlow Town Park, Edinburgh Way, Harlow CM20 2QG

The West Essex Inclusion Project in partnership with our friends, Razed Roof Inclusive Theatre Company present “Larks with the Arts” a weekly after school club for ages 5 – 14 aimed at developing social interaction and communication skills, self-esteem, confidence and friendships through creative learning.

Every Monday, from 4–6pm starting Monday 29^th September, 2025 with a FREE trial session - please book separately

The Learning Centre (next to Pet’s Corner), Harlow Town Park, Edinburgh Way, Harlow CM20 2QG

Please book the separate Free trial session on 29^th September, then £7 per session thereafter

DATES:  6^th,13^th, 20^th October, 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th & 24^th November, 1^st & 15^th December (we will not be running Larks on 8th December)

Come and join in the fun at our brand new weekly inclusive after school club!  Larks with the Arts is all about developing social interaction, communication and emotional regulation through creative play.  Activities will centre around games, drama, arts & crafts, puppetry, dance and music, with participants encouraged to discuss, plan and decide on want to do each week.

Sessions will be supportive, inclusive and led by Razed Roof’s highly qualified and trained staff who have years of experience in working with young people with SEND.

Please bring a drink (water or juice) and a snack for your child as the session is for 2 hours - thank you.

These sessions are for children & young people age 5 – 14 with SEND living in Harlow, Epping and Uttlesford, and registered with Essex Short Breaks and the West Essex Inclusion Project.

If you have any questions or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare, please email:

Emily Stevens (Disability Inclusion Officer) estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Lexi Doherty (Disability Inclusion Assistant) adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

For support to register and book or for further information please call 01992 564 226.

Please be aware that this activity is not delivered by Epping Forest District Council, therefore participants details (full name, date of birth, additional needs, parent/guardian name and contact details, plus emergency contact details) will be passed to Razed Roof (the activity provider).

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 - Christmas Party 2025 - Uttlesford

Saturday 13th December, 11am - 1pm at Lord Butler Leisure Centre, Peaslands Rd, Saffron Walden CB11 3EG 

Come along to The West Essex Inclusion Project’s Uttlesford Christmas Party, to enjoy an morning of Christmas cheer and celebration!

Please book for this free Christmas Party here: Booking for The West Essex Inclusion Project Christmas Party 2025 - Uttlesford - Free – Fill in form

We will have lots going on at the party including fun and games, a meet and greet with Father Christmas himself, face painting, party games and music!

Recognition will be made for the most festive costumes! Come with your Christmas cheer!

There will be a buffet - please let us know of any allergies and requirements for your child or family prior to the party so we can ensure everyone attending is accommodated.

Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This is a families and children event to celebrate our children and their achievements this year!

This session is for children and young people aged 0 to 14 with SEND, and of course, siblings are more than welcome to attend. If your child is above the age of 14, please contact our Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens. 

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

This session is for children and families of The West Essex Inclusion Project. Please contact our Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens to join The West Essex Inclusion Project. 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 

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.