Buddy Up - West Essex Adult Inclusion Project

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

Project Overview:

This project targets adults aged 18+ who have a learning disability and/or autism residing in or attending a General Practitioners Clinic in West Essex. The project aims to pair a buddy with a service user to support them in attending activities in society that they otherwise would have avoided; we work with you to tackle social isolation and empower the service users in community and service engagement and form social groups and communities of their own.

 Inclusion Criteria: 

• Learning Disabilities and/or Autism- doesn’t need to be diagnosed
• West Essex (Harlow/Uttlesford/Epping)
• Activities in London and surrounding areas
•  Adults 18+

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!

To query about getting involved whether as a service user or volunteer buddy, please email:

buddyup@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

For an informal chat reach out to:

Senior Disability Inclusion Officer/ Fatheha Rahnama @ frahnama@eppingforestdc.gov.uk 01992 5634 397/ 07860 922713

Countrycare Easter Scavenger Hunt 2027

Wednesday 24 March 2027   2 sessions -  1^st session 10:00am – 11:30am    2^nd session 11:30 – 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 4-11 years  /  Under 4s free

No Bikes allowed on site.  Dogs on leads please.

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

FREE EVENT - Chigwell Limes Farm Stay Safe & Well This Winter 2026

Wednesday 18 November 2026 - Arrive 10:30 to start 11:00 - finishes 15:30

at The Limes Centre, Limes Avenue, Chigwell, Essex. IG7 5LP   What3words: https://w3w.co/excuse.pull.spent

Age 18+   

Informative talks from health and wellbeing advisors on how to stay safe and well. A Seated exercise session suitable for all will take place as well as a free information bag, lunch, and an interactive performance about romance and friendship scams. Blood pressure checks subject to availability. Book your place from September 2026 to avoid disappointment.

When booking please choose number of participants first and then press Select.

If you have any further questions about the day then please contact Karen Murray, Older Peoples Community Engagement Officer; kmurray@eppingforestdc.gov.uk 01992 564222 / 07789372196

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

Please 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 - 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

You will be asked to fill in a simple registration form on your first attendance. 

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 Walking Football - Waltham Abbey

Every Tuesday 10.30am - 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

Strictly Swing & Sling Baby Hub

Strictly Swing & Sling Baby Hub

Bring your babies along in their slings and be guided through some fun dance movement with Maria, followed by some social time for mums and babies alike!

9.30am-11.30am Wednesdays in termtime - £7 p/w

Oakwood Hill Community Centre, Loughton IG10 3NB

Contact: Maria 07833 454090

The West Essex Inclusion Project - October Half Term - Interactive Sports Gaming at Epping Leisure Centre

October Half Term - Interactive Sports Gaming Session, Epping Leisure Centre, Bakers Lane, Epping

Thursday 29th October 
12-12.50pm and 1pm-1.50pm

This activity is for children and young people aged 5 – 14 with SEND living in Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping, and registered with Essex Short Breaks and The West Essex Inclusion Project.
Siblings of children registered with the project are welcome to join this activity. Please ensure you include your child's Short Breaks ID when booking. 

Step into an exciting world of interactive gaming, where children can explore age appropriate games in a safe and supportive environment. This inclusive session is designed to build confidence, coordination and fun through interactive games!

This activity is a drop and go session, there are spaces for parents/carers to watch along the sides if they wish. 

Call our Customer Team on 01992 564 226 to book over the phone or for help to book online.

Ideal for ages 5 – 14 (please speak to us if your child falls outside of this age range).

The session will be structured as follows:

• 10‑minute meet and greet with safety briefing
  (All children must be present for the briefing to be allowed to take part)
• 45 minutes of supervised soft ball games with interactive squash court!

Children will be organised into small groups / pairs of smaller games, and for larger games we can all play at the same time. 

Guidelines and requirements are:

• Games will be non‑violent and age‑appropriate
• Children will be supported by staff throughout the session
• Hair should be tied back where possible
• Comfortable clothing and enclosed footwear must be worn

• No food is permitted in the activity area
• Drinks may be brought in if they are in non‑spill bottles

For any queries, please email Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens:
estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

The West Essex Inclusion Project - October Half Term - Nature Without Limits Epping Forest Field Studies Council

Epping Forest Field Centre, Paul's Nursery Road, High Beach, IG10 4AF
Tuesday 27th October, 10am - 3pm. 

West Essex Inclusion Project - 8 Week SEND Only Swim Course

8 week SEND only Swimming Lessons

Every Saturday from 5th September - 24th October

Group 1: 1.30 - 2pm / Group 2: 2pm - 2.30pm (30 minute lesson)

Comfort Aquatics at Freshwaters Academy, Harlow, CM20 3QA

Total cost: £64.00

For support with online booking, or to book over the phone call our customer team on 01992 564 226 between 10am - 4pm

Your child MUST be age 5-14, have an Essex Short Breaks ID no. and be registered the West Essex Inclusion Project before booking this activity.

The West Essex Inclusion Project has teamed up with Comfort Aquatics to provide inclusive swim courses.  There are 3 lesson groups with a maximum of 3 children to one instructor per group. The groups are:

• Non Swimmers: Unfamiliar with the pool environment; uncomfortable in or fear of water;
• Beginners: Likes being in the water, can put face in the water, but cannot swim without the use of floats/aids
• Improvers: Likes being in the water, confident using floats/aids, can swim a minimal distance without aids, using basic strokes

The aim is to build up confidence in the water, improve on technique and prepare children for progress into the next 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 teaching children with disabilities, and coaching parent & baby swimming. 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.

For further information on how to register, or any other queries contact our Disability Inclusion Officer Lexi Doherty:

adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk 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 Saturday SEN Family Swim & Play at Ongar Leisure Centre

First Saturday of the month: 12:00-13.00  at Ongar Leisure Centre, The Gables, Fyfield Rd, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 0GA

First session: 3rd January 2026

Cost: £6 per child. A responsible adult (parent/carer) must be in the pool with children 8 years old and under. This activity is for children up to the age of 14 on The West Essex Inclusion Project. Please confirm you will be staying with your child on the form. 

We have adjusted our inflatables sessions, responding to feedback from families who could not access the session due to children being unable to swim. These sessions are an opportunity to play in the pool and practice swimming as a family so it is advised to join in on the fun! 

Parents / Carers / Responsible adults do not need to book. 

Over the next few months, these sessions have the opportunity to develop into lessons.

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 0-14, 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. 

This Saturday monthly SEN family Swim is open to parents/carers, siblings or friends of any child that is registered with our project and Essex Short Breaks.

 If you have any questions, would like to join The West Essex Inclusion Project, or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare contact Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens:

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

Please be aware that this activity is in partnership with Ongar Leisure Centre, and for safety purposes 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 Ongar Leisure Centre and will only be used for the purposes of registration on to the session and contact in case of an emergency.

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 - Sunday SEN family Swim Epping Sports Centre

Sunday SEN family Swim at Epping Sports Centre - Bakers Lane, Epping CM16 5BD

Sundays, Weekly - entering the training pool from (advised to arrive and change 09.15am) 09.30am - 10.30am (must be out of the training pool by 10.30am)

All year round, every Sunday. 

Cost: £5 per child. A responsible adult (parent/carer) must be in the pool with their children. Please confirm on the form that a responsible adult / parent / carer will be staying with your child/ren. 

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 0-14 registered with The West Essex Inclusion Project and their families.

Upon booking please ensure you include your child's Short Breaks ID. 

If you have any questions, would like to join The West Essex Inclusion Project, or need to speak with someone regarding your child’s complex needs or specialist healthcare contact Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens:

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

Please be aware that this activity is in partnership with Epping Sports Centre, and for safety purposes 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 Epping Sports Centre 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 - Urban Limitz!

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

6:00 - 7:00pm every Wednesday during term time

or

4:00 - 5:00pm on Wednesday 28th October during half term

Please note, due to refurbishment works in Urban Limitz, there will be no session on Wednesday 21st October

£11.00 per child

For booking support, please call our Customer Team on 01992 564 226 between 10am - 4pm

Trampolining and soft play session for children age 6 – 14 with SEND and registered with Essex Short Breaks and The West Essex Inclusion Project.  Siblings of registered children are welcome to join this activity too.

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.

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

* Please note, there is a parking charge at Harlow Leisurezone. This will be approximately £2.30 and is applicable to all parking bays. Please enter your vehicle registration in the machine as you leave Leisurezone to purchase your parking.

If you have any questions or require further information about this activity, please contact Disability Inclusion Officer, Lexi Doherty on 07548 145 591 or email adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Please click here for flyer

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, Bakers Lane, Epping CM16 5BD
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 

West Essex Inclusion Project: 8 Week SEND only Swim Courses

8 week SEND only Swimming Lesson

Every Saturday from 6th June, through to 25th July.

Group 1: 1.30 - 2pm / Group 2: 2pm - 2.30pm (30 minute lesson)

Comfort Aquatics at Freshwaters Academy, Harlow, CM20 3QA

Total cost:

For support with online booking, or to book over the phone call our customer team on 01992 564 226

To book this activity, your child MUST be age 5-14 and registered with Essex Short Breaks and the West Essex Inclusion Project first.

The West Essex Inclusion Project has teamed up with Comfort Aquatics to provide inclusive swim courses.  There are 3 lesson groups with up to 3 children per group. The groups are:

• Non Swimmers: Unfamiliar with the pool environment; uncomfortable in or fear of water;
• Beginners: Likes being in the water, can put face in the water, but cannot swim without the use of floats/aids
• Improvers: Likes being in the water, confident using floats/aids, can swim a minimal distance without aids, using basic strokes

The aim is to build up confidence in the water, improve on technique and prepare children for progress into the next 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 teaching children with disabilities, and coaching parent & baby swimming. 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.

For further information on how to register, or any other queries contact our Disability Inclusion Officer Lexi Doherty:

adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk 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.