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Action in Mental Health
Depression is one of the most common conditions in the UK, affecting one in five people at some stage in their life.
AIM – Action in Mental Health – provides ‘Spanners’ (dropin services in Loughton for adults with mental ill health), as well
as education and awareness workshops for young people and TeenAIM. TeenAIM is a project promoting emotional wellbeing
to young people aged between 13 and 19, through Epping Forest College, local schools in the district and the Waltham Abbey Young Persons Information Centre.
If you would like more information on how to become a member, use our services and/or train as a volunteer, contact Trustee Board chair Hazel Fox.
Call 01992 576307, or or emailenquiry@aim-uk.org.
Aim is looking for volunteers to become befrienders or to provide help during a variety of activities, outings and annual holidays. Experience of working in health or social care is ideal, but not essential. The most important thing is to have empathy with people experiencing mental ill health. Applicants will need to supply references and undergo a CRB check. For details, call 01992 576307 or email enquiry@aim-uk.org.
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross Cross is appealing for volunteers to help to run a new home from hospital service. The service is to be based at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping. The service will help patients discharged from St Margaret’s and Ongar War Memorial Hospitals settle in back home.
'Volunteers will help them regain their independence and listen, give companionship and help them get in touch with other services', said Geraldine Spearman, Service Manager for Essex. She added: 'Going home after a stay in hospital is not always easy. Recovering from an operation or an illness can turn everyday tasks, such as shopping or picking up medication, into impossible challenges.' Service hours are flexible and can be fitted around each volunteer’s time schedule. No experience is necessary, as full training will be provided. For details, call Geraldine on 01245 291019.
The next series of First Aid courses has now been arranged to enable members of the public to gain vital first aid skills, helping them cope in emergency and accident situations.
For full details of these courses and other Red Cross services please ring 020 8508 2162 during office hours (weekdays 10.30am to 12.30pm except Tuesday).
Community Governors
You don't have to be an expert to help your school by becoming a governor - what's needed is an interest in the school and common sense. Schools now have to have "community governors" as well as parent governors, staff governors and governors appointed by the Local Education Authority. As the name suggests, community governors are drawn from the local community.and are there to bring the wider community into the school. To find out more, contact your local school.
Being a school governor (infants, juniors or secondary) is an interesting way of contributing to your local community.
For more details contact Cllr David Linnell on 020 8508 2932 or email him at davidlinnell@tiscali.co.uk.
Epping Forest Field Centre
The Epping Forest Field Centre is the Field Studies Council's (FSC) first purpose-built day Centre.
Established by the Corporation of London in 1970, the European Year of Conservation, the Centre is managed by the FSC on behalf of the Corporation. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) the Forest is nationally important for its wildlife.
Habitats include woodland, grassland, heathland, marshes, ponds and streams. The Forest’s past use as a woodland pasture and its long history of recreation provision have left many signs of human influence. This, and the Forest’s close proximity to urban and rural settlements, and to the Green Belt, make it an exciting place to study for any age group.
The FSC offers leisure and professional training courses covering virtually every aspect of learning about the countryside, its wildlife and the environment.
Epping Forest & Harlow Stop Smoking Team
Do you want to stop smoking? Do you know anyone who would like to stop
smoking?
Call the Epping Forest & Harlow Stop Smoking Team on 01279
827866 for information on your free local stop smoking service.
Epping-Ongar Railway
Epping-Ongar Railway runs trains every Sunday, on the hour, from 11am until 3pm from Ongar and 11.35am until 3.35pm from North Weald. For those without transport, a vintage bus will pick up passengers from Epping Station. It departs 11am until 3pm and North Weald from 11.30am until 3.30pm.
Latest news: the volunteers have now extended the line as far as Coopersale, and although there is no station there, the extra journey extends the ride.
For more details or to volunteer, visit Epping Ongar Railway Volunteers Society's website at http://eorailway.co.uk/
Volunteers needed
The railway has been two years in the preparation and we are delighted to have a service for the local population, albeit only at the moment on Sundays.
We are making significant steps not only to provide a train service locally, but also to encourage tourists into this part of Essex, which is not only good for us but also the local economy.
With only a hard core of some 20 working volunteer members amongst our continually growing membership, you can understand our eagerness to increase our numbers of volunteers. Can you help?
Not everyone would have to spend every Sunday at the railway and perform duties such as permanent way workers, station master, porter, guard, drive etc., unless you want to, of course. There are a number of jobs that can be done from the comfort of your own home such as marketing, fund raising, public relations etc.
For more information contact: Malcolm Hills on 07879 401148
Essex Crimebeat
Essex Crimebeat supports young people getting involved with crime reduction activities, in a bid to create safer communities. It is the charity of the Shrievalty Association, the Association of High Sheriffs of England and Wales. The High Sheriff of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst is firmly behind the scheme and wants to help young people make their own communities safer, so that Essex Crimebeat, and the engagement of young people, is synonymous with reducing crime and maintaining community safety.
Each local Crimebeat scheme encourages groups of young people to develop their ideas on crime reduction and turn them into successful projects. A large number of young people have become involved in these projects and they in turn pass on benefits of their work to their peers and the wider community, solving problems that matter to them in their communities through Crimebeat initiatives. The Crimebeat scheme has made numerous grants to help groups of young people apply their own ideas about tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. These young people, aged between eight and 25 years of age have inspired and delighted their communities through innovative projects and have promoted safer, more tolerant neighbourhoods.
If you are aged between eight and 25, why don’t you get together to decide what needs to be done to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in your area, your way! We’ll even give you up to £750 towards it. Call 01245 356018 for further information and to obtain an application pack.
essexinfo.net
Create your own website at essexinfo.net. Here is an opportunity for community and voluntary groups to have their own websites. It’s free, simple to use, non commercial and flexible to develop. No special web skills or web software are needed. Help is provided through online help sheets and from the essexinfo.net team.
You will also be added to the Local Information for Essex (LIFE) database.
essexinfo.net is supported by the Essex Online Partnership, which comprises Essex borough and district councils, Essex County Council, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Strategic Health Authority. Advice and training for community organisations is available from Essex Libraries on 01245 438430.
For details, visit www.essexinfo.net, contact the essexinfo.net team on 01245 436559 or email support@essexinfo.net.
Library Service
Several libraries across the Epping Forest district are in the forefront of exciting developments in local library services.
Recently a number of libraries have been ‘transformed’, including those in Loughton, Waltham Abbey, Chipping Ongar and Epping. These changes form part of a programme of extending radio frequency identification - RFID - self-service systems across the county, building on the success of schemes at Colchester, Basildon, Thaxted and Bishops Park libraries.
Essex now has one of the largest RFID library networks in the world. However, the developments are not just about introducing new technology. As well as providing self service and improved stock management, we’re also transforming the way libraries across the county both look and work.
County Cllr Iris Pummell, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "Library users will be able to follow easy to use instructions on a touch screen. The unit prints a receipt to confirm the items borrowed at the time, while any others still on loan and return dates. Though library staff will still be available to help with these routines if needed, they can now devote much more time to assisting library users directly."
For further details, call Lee Shelsher, Services Manager, Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 1HD, or call 020 8502 0181. Or, you can email Lee at lee.shelsher@essexcc.gov.uk.
Lifeboats
The Woodford branch of Lifeboats is a fundraising branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
All sums they raise go toward the £119m it currently costs to operate the Lifeboat service
around the coastline and on certain inland waters.
Many people do not know that Lifeboats provide 24-hour cover on the River Thames and
that our closest RNLI Station is at Tower Pier.
This is in fact the busiest station in the entire RNLI and responded to some 400 call-outs
last year. The RNLI receives no state funding and the entire cost is met by voluntary
contributions.
In 2003, Lifeboats launched on service an unprecedented 8109 times, rescuing 7,987 people - an average of 22 every day. Like most lifeboat crews, members of the local branch are all volunteers and their committee members have served for periods between 10 and nearly 28 years, a fact
marked by the award of two gold badges, one silver, two bronze and two statuettes to
various committee members.
Although it is very difficult to recruit new helpers, the RNLI is fortunate still to be able to call on a small band of helpers to assist at the events they organise and a slightly larger
number who each year brave the elements to help with the Lifeboat Week Collection.
events such as the Police Show at Chigwell and the Rotary Classic Car Show.
More volunteers are needed and would be most welcome!
Lifeboats have a ‘fleet’ of collecting boxes in shops and public houses in Loughton and
would be most grateful for new venues.
In addition, Mrs Mothew, the Loughton area Box Secretary runs a stamp project to raise
funds from the sale of British Commemorative (for example, not ordinary 1st or 2nd class)
and foreign postage stamps.
Any donated stamps would be gratefully received and these can be sent to Mrs Mothew, 7
Ashfields, Loughton, Essex IG10 1SB.
Loughton Community Network
The Loughton Community Network is appealing to all Loughton societies,
groups and organisations to join the Network.
The purpose of the network is twofold: firstly, it enables local societies to circulate
news, dates of events, visits and fundraising activities to other local groups, via email.
And secondly, the network enables local groups to work together - for example, by
jointly organising coach trips or fundraising events.
Several local organisations, including the Workers’ Educational Association, Herts
& Essex Architectural Research Society, the Loughton & District Historical Association,
and the Women’s Institute have already joined.
Membership is free and open to all Loughton societies, providing local volunteers run them.
All groups are welcome, whether they provide cultural, sporting or educational
activities but advertisers offering services cannot be accommodated.
Only members can ask to have notices or programmes of events circulated via the email network.
To join, send full details of your group to Sue Taylor at outerlondon@aol.com.
The network was officially launched at Loughton Town Council’s Community Forum in May 2004.
 The Loughton Community Network sends out community information by email to libraries, churches and volunteer led organisations based in Loughton and the surrounding area.
A copy of the recent newsletter can be downloaded here.
To download the file to your computer, right-click on the
link and choose the [Save Target As] option.
The newsletter is in PDF (portable document format) and can be viewed and printed using free Adobe Acrobat® software.
Loughton Facilities List
A list of Loughton facilities - halls, meeting rooms, fields & pitches - has been drawn up by Loughton Residents Association. The list can be downloaded here.
The document is in PDF (portable document format) and can be viewed and printed using free Adobe Acrobat® software.
To download the PDF file to your computer, right-click on the
link and choose the [Save Target As] option.
Loughton Lions Talking Newspaper
Loughton Lions Talking Newspaper was launched by Loughton Lions Club in 1976.
Members of the club read the local Guardian newspaper onto a C60 tape, keeping the master;
which is then reproduced onto tapes and sent to their blind, partially sighted or physically
disabled members.
This service is mostly provided in the Epping Forest district, although a few tapes
are sent further afield when a recipient moves away, but wants to keep in touch with
local news.
On average, around 55 tapes are sent out each week.
The Lions carry out this work on Thursday afternoon/evening when the Guardian comes out.
Their ‘studio’ is at Debden Library where they have a wonderful relationship with the
very helpful staff.
John Wickens, a Lion member, organises and arranges the service.
He has a super group of local people who give of their time - seven readers and eight on the
production.
The tapes are put into yellow plastic envelopes and delivered free of charge by the postal
service. No charge is made to the recipients.
All monies required are raised by the Lions Club of Loughton, although they did receive a
grant from Epping Forest District Council.
Anyone interested in receiving this tape on a weekly basis should contact John Wickens on 020 8508 1820.
Loughton Methodist Church
Loughton Methodist Church welcome area and coffee bar have been refurbished and are open between 10am-4pm weekdays and between 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays. There is a pre-school play area and refreshments include cappuccinos, lattes and tea. Everyone is welcome to have a chat and make new friends.
Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve
Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve is a site of special scientific interest.
It is the largest surviving area of traditional flood-plain/river valley grassland in Essex.
It comprises of flora rich meadows and pastures bounded by numerous hedgerows, with
small stands of natural scrub and woodland, as well as areas of broad leafed plantation.
Small ponds, wet ditches and side streams provide additional habitat diversity.
Essex Wildlife Trust has managed this 158 acre important site, which is approximately one mile long, since it was established in 1986.
It stretches from Chigwell Lane in the north to Roding Lane in the south, running alongside the M11.
The reserve is so big, it sits in the three parishes of Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and Loughton.
The old parish boundaries of the Enclosures Acts of the mid 18th century are still clearly
visible.
The river Roding forms an important feature which shapes the reserve.
The banks burst to life in the spring with otters, water voles and kingfishers, and winter rain
brings great flooding and rich silty water covers the meadows.
In the summer months, a crop of organic hay is taken from the fields to sell to local stables in
the district.
During the winter aftermath, the UK’s oldest breed of cattle, the English Longhorns, grazes
here.
Take care when on the reserve as it has uneven ground, muddy slopes and cow pats to navigate around. Also, respect other users by keeping your dogs under control.
Please inform the warden when motorbikes are on the reserve as this is a prosecutable
offence. Please also remember that the nature reserve warden does not cover the lake or
recreation ground.
With a full-time warden on site, one dedicated voluntary warden and a team of enthusiastic practical conservation volunteers, the site is well maintained as a wildlife sanctuary. It is friendly, welcoming and, most importantly, a safe place to visit if you want to enjoy a peaceful
time.
The reserve has an award winning track for wheelchairs and has won the Green Flag Award (like the Blue Flag Award for clean beaches).
Rotary Club
Have you just moved to the area? Have you just retired from work and need a new interest?
Do you want a new group of friends? Does your business want to help in the local community?
Then, perhaps you might consider joining Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Loughton and Buckhurst Hill received its Charter in 1936 and has been
serving the local community for nearly 70 years.
We collect at Sainsbury’s and at Waitrose for funds for charities at Christmas time.
With the help of the E15 Acting School who gave us an Old Time Musical Performance, we
were able to contribute to the Tsunami Appeal. We have organised a quiz and we support
Debden Day. Free Blood Pressure Tests are offered to support Stroke Awareness Day.
Rotary has many youth activities and we keep local schools informed and encourage them to take part. A team from Roding Valley High School will take part in the final of our Young Chef Competition at Westminster College.
We plan to hold an Antiques Fayre when members of the public will be able to have items valued.
Above all, we meet each week, have regular social functions and enjoy each other’s company.
However, our numbers are dwindling and we are becoming an older group. If we are to
continue our work and widen our activities, we do need new members.
If you or a group of friends would like to meet once a week at lunch-time between 1.00 and
2.00pm, make new friends, locally, across London and across the world, while helping
in the local community, please contact us and come to find out more about Rotary
International.
Rotary membership is open to men and women and our meetings take place at the ‘Old Chigwellians’ Club, Roding Lane, Chigwell each Thursday.
For more information contact Dr John Kennedy on 020 8504 6367; Roland Smith on 020 8500 6910 or Myra Williams on 020 8508 6204. Do phone if you want to learn more. We would welcome you
and we really do need new members.
Sense Charity Shop
SENSE is the UK’s leading organisation for people who are deafblind or have associated disabilities. They desperately need volunteers to help in the Loughton shop if they are to keep the shop’s doors open from 9am - 5pm (Mon - Sat).
Can you give them a hand? Tasks might include: helping to sort donations, steaming clothing, tagging and hanging clothing, assisting customers, helping to tidy the shop, working on the cash register and creating window displays.
If you can offer any help at all, please call in to the shop and ask to speak to Margaret or Joanne.
Full training is provided and a qualified member of staff will always be present to lend their support, assistance and guidance. If you feel that you could be a valuable member of our friendly team of volunteers then please get in touch.
Sense Charity Shop, 239a High Road, Loughton. Essex. IG10 1AD
Tel: 020 8508 3055
St Clare Hospice Shop
St. Clare Hospice’s specially-trained team works closely with medical professionals in the community to ensure patients receive the best care both in the hospice and at home free of charge.
St Clare Hospice is opening a new shop at 72 The Broadway and requires volunteers to provide customer service as well as sort and price donated stock. Good quality stock donations are also wanted including clothes, bric-a-brac, books and furniture.
Please note that St Clare Hospice cannot sell electrical items and furniture must comply with current fire regulations.
For details, call Louise Hamilton on 01279 773732.
The Motor Neurone Disease Association
The Motor Neurone Disease Association runs a local group called the East London Development Group, which aims to help people living with Motor Neurone and their carers in any way possible. This includes providing equipment, respite, financial assistance and friendship. This small group meets every other month in Buckhurst Hill and is in need of volunteers, in particular a minutes secretary, website manager, events organiser and an association visitor. Training is provided and all expenses are paid. For further information, please call Carole on 020 8502 2344.
Victim Support Essex
Last year, Victim Support Essex volunteers helped 40,000 victims of crime. In order to support more people, Victim Support is seeking to recruit and train additional volunteers who wish to serve their local community. The only qualifications you require are a social conscience and a desire to help people recover from the effect of a crime.
We welcome volunteers of all ages and ethnic origins, who are passionate about making a difference. Victim Support is the national charity which helps victims of crime. Trained volunteers provide free, confidential support and information following crimes ranging from burglary, assault and domestic violence to rape and murder.
People react to crime in many ways and although most victims don’t suffer long-term harm, both adults and children can be seriously affected and need time to recover. Volunteers will receive sound training to help people who need:
Someone to talk to
Information on police and court procedures
Reassurance and emotional support
Support when attending courts
Help with compensation and insurance
Crime prevention information
Victim Support recognises the value volunteers bring to our service by giving freely and generously of a most precious commodity - their time. This contribution is priceless. You will receive professional training, ongoing support and supervision and all out-of pocket expenses. You will work as part of a close-knit local team and can work the hours that suit you.
For details, call Irene Jones or Jackie Apps on 01279 641074, or email us on enquiriesharlow@vse.org.uk.
WEA Classes
The Workers’ Educational Association Eastern Region is a national association organised in regions and branches.
The national association is over a century old, and the Loughton and Epping branch is over 40 years old.
Branches are run by volunteers elected by the students. The WEA is non-sectarian and non-political, and all are welcome regardless of age or educational attainment.
The association studies over a 20-week period from October to Easter and in some subjects for
six weeks post-Easter.
It has a strong programme of field trips and summer cultural visits and, until recently, a day
school programme at Wansfell College.
Seven classes are held at various venues - mainly church or council buildings. Fees are
calculated to allow for tutors’ salaries and branch expenses.
Tutors are appointed regionally and are well-qualified in their subjects.
Currently, the WEA has history classes - ancient and modern; drama appreciation; literature
and ecology.
All are well supported and cover subjects nominated by students, and negotiated with tutors.
The WEA’s aims to provide quality and enjoyment in classes.
Students record their own rate of progress and, in the case of the two Essex University classes, have the option to work for points towards their own educational aims.
If the association cannot provide the subject of your choice, there are numerous other classes run by branches in nearby London suburbs and south west Essex.
Brochures showing dates for the classes are available in local libraries and book shops.
For details and course availability, please call 020 8508 3183.
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Loughton Communicate