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:
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Learning Disabilities and/or Autism- doesn’t need to be diagnosed
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West Essex (Harlow/Uttlesford/Epping)
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Activities in London and surrounding areas
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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
£0.00
Children's Play in the Park-Summer 2026
FREE
Monday 20 July – Friday 28 August
Open to all ages
Play in the Park is an inclusive session and all about playing games and having fun outdoors. No need to book, just drop in at any time. This is a great opportunity for parents and carers to socialize with other families and even bring a picnic whilst the children safely play. 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*.
All totally free of charge.
For a full list of all the sessions and their locations please click here
*Children must be accompanied by an adult.
£0.00
Countrycare Mad about Moths - FREE
Friday 11 September 2026 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 19 August 2026 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
FREE - Mindful Art Space - Termtime only
Weekly sessions Fridays 12:30 - 15:30 **TERM TIME ONLY**
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 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
£0.00
FREE Non Contact Boxing
Non-contact boxing for all ages 10+
Every MONDAY 5.30-6.30pm
Oakwood Hill Community Centre, Loughton IG10 3NB
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Every THURSDAY 6-7pm
Limes Centre, Chigwell IG7 5LP
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Contact: Abdi Berleen 07785 771242
£0.00
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
£0.00
FREE 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
*Christmas closures : We will be closed on Wednesday 10th December as we are going out for our Christmas dinner and our last session before Christmas is on Wednesday 17th December. We return on Wednesday 14th January 2026
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
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
£0.00
Strictly Dancing & Dining for Ladies - Termtime only
Runs in termtime at Oakwood Hill Community Centre, Longcroft Rise, Loughton IG10 3NB
12:30-14:30 £7 per week. 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.
Contact: Maria on 07833 454090.
£0.00
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
£0.00
Suicide Awareness Event at GreenAcres
Join us for an opportunity to understand more about suicide, reduce stigma and encourage compassion towards ourselves and each other in a safe, welcoming and accessible space.
This event is open to all adults who may be affected by suicide and for those interested to learn more.
Location: GreenAcres Epping Park, Kiln Road, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6AD
Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Time: 1pm - 4pm
You are welcome to arrive anytime from 12.30pm to enjoy the beautiful woodlands and a cup of tea ready to begin the talk at 1pm
Itinerary:
- 1pm – 2.30pm: suicide awareness talk
- 2.30pm – 4pm: refreshments and access to a range of support organisations
Secure your free place via this page or call 01992 564226.
For more information contact: lcleverley@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
£0.00
West Essex Inclusion Project - Equine Assisted Therapy at The Little Hut Saffron Walden
West Essex Inclusion Project - Equine Assisted Therapy at The Little Hut Saffron Walden
Thursdays, 3:45pm – 5:30pm.
Session dates: 9th July, 16th July, 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August, 27th August
Please note no session on 23rd July.
The Little Hut after school sessions are run in a very relaxed format. The sessions are run on a small yard and paddock area, set in a peaceful working family farm.
All the sessions will involve interactions with the horses and dogs, as well as the option to sit out at any time.
There will also be access to resources such as arts and crafts, having a go at yard jobs, and interacting with the dogs.
The general running plan of each session will be:
- 3:45 – 4:00 Drop off at the hut, meet and greet
If you will arrive later, please ring so someone can meet you at the parking area
- 4:00-4:15 Walk down to the yard, make hay nets and get the horses and ponies in
- 4:15-5:00 Learning opportunities and choice of activities on offer, in line with weekly theme
- 5:00-5:20 Pack away and walk back to the hut for pick up
- 5:30 Home time
Cost: £12.50 per child per session.
Please click here for session plans and for further information about The Little Hut please visit https://www.thelittlehut.co.uk/
Directions for The Little Hut will be provided upon booking. The Little Hut is situated in Little Walden, 5 minutes from Saffron Walden.
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 on The West Essex Inclusion Project aged 5-14
Families new to the project must register with Essex Short Breaks and West Essex Inclusion Project before booking.
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 Disability Inclusion Officer, Lexi Doherty
adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Please be aware that this activity is in partnership with Georgie EAQ, 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 Georgie EAQ and will only be used for the purposes of registration on to the session and contact in case of an emergency.
£12.50
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
£6.00
West Essex Inclusion Project - Summer BikeAbility Harlow
Summer BikeAbility Harlow
Stewards Academy, Harlow
Monday 24th August | 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Join us for an exciting BikeAbility session designed to help children and young people build confidence and develop cycling skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Whether your child is new to cycling or looking to improve their abilities, this session offers a fun and inclusive opportunity to learn, practice, and enjoy being active.
This activity is suitable for children and young people up to the age of 14 with SEND who are registered with the West Essex Inclusion Project.
Additional Information
- Bring water and any required snacks.
- Reasonable adjustments can be made to support additional needs please get in touch to discuss requirements.
Booking & Contact Information
- For booking support, call: 01992 564 226
- Contact Lexi Doherty:
adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk | 07548 145 591
Important Booking Requirement
Families new to the project must register with Essex Short Breaks and the West Essex Inclusion Project before booking.
A valid Short Breaks code must be entered at the time of booking to secure your child’s place. Unfortunately, without a valid code, bookings cannot be confirmed and participation may be refused.
£12.50
West Essex Inclusion Project - Summer Multisports Harlow
West Essex Inclusion Project – Multisports (Harlow)
Mark Hall Sports Centre, London Road, Harlow, CM17 9LX
Join us every Tuesday 4:15 - 5:15pm over the Summer Holidays for our Multisports sessions in Harlow!
Enjoy fun, fast-paced indoor team games and activities with Coach Joe, designed to help children and young people build confidence, develop skills, and most importantly—have fun in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This session is suitable for children and young people up to the age 5 - 14 with SEND who are registered of the West Essex Inclusion Project. Siblings are welcome to join too, as long as they are with a child that is registered with the project.
Additional Information
Reasonable adjustments can be made to support additional needs—please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Please ensure your child brings water and any suitable snacks.
Booking & Contact Information
For booking support call: 01992 564 226
For queries contact Lexi Doherty:
adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk | 07548 145 591
To register or find out more about the project, contact:
Emily Stevens (Disability & Inclusion Officer)
estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk | 07596 890 819
Important Booking Requirement
Families new to the project must register with Essex Short Breaks and the West Essex Inclusion Project before booking.
A valid Short Breaks code must be entered at the time of booking to secure your child’s place. Unfortunately, without a valid code, bookings cannot be confirmed and participation may be refused.
£5.00
West Essex Inclusion Project - Summer Sensory Station Train Carriage Fun
Upshire Primary School Train Carriage, Upshire Rd, Waltham Abbey EN9 3PX
Friday 31st July
Friday 28th August
11:00am – 1:00pm
Join us for a fun and engaging session at the wonderful Upshire Train Carriage classroom!
This is a supported drop-off session, designed to help children build independence in a safe and welcoming environment.
Parents and carers are encouraged to leave children in our care and take some time for themselves, whether that’s relaxing with a coffee, visiting the leisure centre, or getting a few jobs done nearby.
Children can enjoy a range of fun and interactive activities, including:
- Arts and crafts
- Sensory play (weather permitting, water based activities – children may get wet!)
- Finger puppet making
- Outdoor chalk activities
- Swingball and outdoor games
- Creative and imaginative play
All activities take place inside a beautifully restored train carriage and surrounding outdoor space, offering a calm, inspiring and creative environment for children to explore, learn and have fun.
This session is suitable for children and young people up to the age of 14 with SEND who are part of the West Essex Inclusion Project.
Additional Information
- Please bring suitable clothing for sensory and water play
- Water and snacks are recommended
- Reasonable adjustments can be made to support additional needs, please get in touch with Disability Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens: estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
For booking support, call: 01992 564 226
Families new to the project must register with Essex Short Breaks and the West Essex Inclusion Project before booking.
A valid Short Breaks code must be entered at the time of booking to secure your child’s place. Unfortunately, without a valid code, bookings cannot be confirmed and participation may be refused.
Find out more about the train carriage
£5.00
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)
First session: 18th January 2026
Cost: £5 per child. A responsible adult (parent/carer) must be in the pool with their children. Please confirm on the form a responsible adult / parent / carer will be staying with you child/ren.
Over the next few months, these sessions have the opportunity to develop into lessons.
Due to the leisure centre being brand new, our families and children have the wonderful opportunity to have inclusive family swims at the new Epping Sports Centre!
A social story / videos of the venue will be provided during the first week of January 2026.
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.
This Sunday 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 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.
£5.00
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
£8.00
West Essex Inclusion Project – Summer Inclusive Trampolining Harlow
Summer trampolining at Stewards Academy, Parnall Rd, Harlow CM18 7NQ
Monday 24th August - 2-3pm
Our wonderful trampoline coach, Emma who delivers our Wednesday year round sessions at Epping Sports Centre welcomes you to join us in Harlow!
Enjoy this SEND friendly coached trampoline session at Stewards Academy this summer 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!
Based on our family feedback, we hope to introduce regular SEND trampolining sessions to Harlow!
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 for Harlow, Lexi Doherty - adoherty@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
£8.00
West Essex Inclusion Project – Trampolining Great Dunmow Leisure Centre
Trampolining at Great Dunmow Leisure Centre
Every Tuesday: 17:00-18:00 (50 minutes of trampolining; cool down begins at 17:50 for calm down and transition).
Enjoy SEND friendly coached trampoline sessions at Great Dunmow Leisure 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.
Parents / Carers are to stay at this activity.
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
For booking support or to purchase over the phone please 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.