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

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.

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

FREE - Dementia Awareness Session Open to All

Tuesday 19 May 2026 2.30pm - 4pm

EFDC Civic Offices, Conference Suite, 323 High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ

Dementia Awareness Week Become a Dementia Friend

Debbie is an Alzheimer’s Ambassador and as such she is committed to helping communities, raise awareness of dementia. Her sessions last about one hour and at the end you are ‘A Dementia Friend’ and are given a badge to show this.

Being a Dementia Friend simply means learning more about dementia, putting yourself in the shoes of someone living with the condition, and turning your understanding into action. From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue, every action counts. Become a Dementia Friend by coming to one of Debbie’s sessions.

For more information contact Debbie or Maureen on 01992 666777

Walk-ins are welcome, but ideally please book your place with Debbie or Maureen on the number provided. 

Community and staff of EFDC all welcome.

This information session is being run in conjunction with EFDC Community Development and Wellbeing Team.

Please click here for flyer

FREE EVENT- Mindful Art Space

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.

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

WEIP with Comfort Aquatics: SEND Family Swim Harlow

WEIP with Comfort Aquatics: SEND only Family Swim Session (Harlow)

Saturdays (Term time only), Start: 2:30pm Finish: 3:15pm (venue closes at 3:30pm)

6th, 13th, 20th, 27th June and 4th, 11th & 18th July

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 open to all family members as long as they are attending with a child age 0-14 that is neurodiverse, has a specific learning difficulty, or a sensory or physical disability, and is already registered with Essex Short Breaks and the West Essex Inclusion Project.  New families MUST register before booking onto any of our activities.

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 Officer, 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 - 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 23^rd 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.

West Essex Inclusion Project - Go Karting Harlow Leisurezone

Summer Holidays - Go Karting with Bouncy Castle Activity at Harlow Leisurezone

Thursday 30th July 14:00-15:00
Thursday 13th August 14:00-14:00

Harlow Leisurezone, Second Avenue, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3DT

£11 per child

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

This activity is for children & young people age 5 - 12 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.

To see why we love Go Karting - click here!

Ideal for ages 5 - 12, min. height 106 cms. (please speak to us if your child falls outside of this age range) 

Kids hearts will be racing with excitement at our super inclusive Go Kart session with inflatable track, and a bouncy castle to keep children entertained when they’re not karting!

The first 10 minutes is a meet and greet with a safety briefing. All children must be present for the briefing to be allowed take part.  Children will then be organised into groups for the go-karting.  Groups waiting for their turn can use the Bouncy Castle.  The session will be structured as follows:

• 10 minute meet and greet with safety briefing
• 45 minutes Go Karting and Bouncy Castle
• 5 minutes finishing up with a final go kart group.

Guidelines and requirements are:

Go Karts are one pedal operation, forward only, foot off to stop.  Instructors will apply speed restriction according to ability to control the Go Kart.

Hair must be tied back and all jewellery removed, and footwear should be enclosed (no sandals or flip flops)

Parents are asked to stay in the briefing area away from the track and are not permitted on the track at any point.

West Essex Inclusion Project staff will be on site to supervise Go Karting and the Bouncy Castle.

No food is permitted in the activity area. Drinks can be taken in if they are in non-spill bottles.

Parents must remain for the duration of the session and be on hand for bathroom visits etc.

For any queries, please email 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.

Families new to the project must register with Essex Short Breaks and 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 on an activity.

Unfortunately, if a code is not provided during the booking process, we will be unable to confirm the place and your child may be refused participation in the activity.

West Essex Inclusion Project - Multi-sports 2026

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

Mondays term time 17:00-18:00  
2026 sessions begin Monday 12th January

FREE! However, it is vital you 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 up to the age of 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 - Summer activity day at The Hive

Tuesday 28th July 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. 
To see why we love The Hive - please click here! 

Please note, some activities are weather dependent. Please ensure your child brings a packed lunch & weather appropriate clothing. We may get a little muddy!

• For more information, please contact our Disability and Inclusion Officer, Emily Stevens: estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or on 07596 890 819 
• Call our customer support team on 01992 564 226 to make a telephone booking or for further assistance with online bookings.

Families new to the project must register with Essex Short Breaks and 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 on an activity.

Unfortunately, if a code is not provided during the booking process, we will be unable to confirm the place and your child may be refused participation in the activity.

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

West Essex Inclusion Project - Summer Multisports Harlow

West Essex Inclusion Project – Multisports (Harlow)
Mark Hall Sports Centre, Harlow

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 of 14 with SEND who are part of the West Essex Inclusion 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.

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

West Essex Inclusion Project - Trampolining and Football at Debden Park High School

Trampolining for children aged 6 – 14 with SEND and open to children on The West Essex Inclusion Project 

Debden Park High School Willingale Road, Loughton IG10 2BQ

Fridays term time - June, 5,12, 26 (no 19^th June)

                               July, 3, 10, 17

 Group A: 4.30pm – 5.20pm

Group B: 5.30pm – 6.20pm

Half trampolining, half football! Enjoy SEND friendly coached trampoline sessions at Debden Park High School 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!

Enjoy a game of football on Focus Football Training's very own inflatable pitch, encouraging continual play! Participants do not have to do both activities if they do not want to.

Please note that sessions are 50 minutes this is to ensure children get an equal amount of time on the trampoline with a maximum cap of 6 children per session.

Parents, guardians and carers are welcome to stay at this activity. Participants of The West Essex Inclusion Project have first refusal on this popular activity, siblings are welcome if there is space for trampolining. Please contact Emily Stevens, Disability Inclusion Officer with any enquiries. 

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

 For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

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 or to join The West Essex Inclusion Project please email estevens@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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 – Horse Riding at Barnfields Stables

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

Thursday horse-riding sessions at Barnfields Riding Stables.  Your booking will cover the block of 6 sessions - dates below.

• 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. Do also let Emily know if the date / time doesn't work for you and you would like to see if there are alternative days planned. 
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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 

For booking support or further information call: 01992 564226

West Essex Inclusion Project – Soft Play at Monkey Kingdom

Second Tuesday of each month - Soft Play sessions at Monkey Kingdom! 
13th January, 10th February, 10th March, 14th April, 12th May, 9th June, 14th July, 11th August, 8th September, 13th October, 10th November, 8th 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.

West Essex Inclusion Project: 8 Week SEND only Swim Courses

8 week SEND only Swimming Lesson

Every Saturday from 6th June - 25th July

Group 1: 1.30 - 2pm / Group 2: 2pm - 2.30pm

Comfort Aquatics at Freshwaters Academy, Harlow, CM20 3QA

Total cost: £56.00

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.