Colchester & Tendring Women's Refuge

We can provide safe, emergency accommodation for women and children suffering from domestic abuse, as well as offer advice, help and support to safely remain at home if you are not yet ready to leave.

Telephone: 01206 500 585

Website: www.colchester-refuge.org.uk

Solace

Solace Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide local communities with a safe, discreet and caring environment to support victims of rape and sexual assault. .

Website: www.solacesarc.org.uk

Victim Support

As an independent charity, Victim Support work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. They help people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime.

Surrey Supportline: 0808 168 9274
Lines are open 09:00 – 19:00, Monday – Friday
If you need support outside of our open hours, call our support line on –
0808 168 9111
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

Sound Doctor for Back Pain

A new web based library of 300 film and audio patient information videos, designed to help people understand more about some long term conditions.

Website: www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care

Support, advice and information for children, young people and adults when someone dies. The charity also works to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.

Telephone: 0808 808 1677​

Facebook: www.facebook.com/crusebereavementcare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CruseCare

Website: www.cruse.org.uk

Child Bereavement Winston's Wish

Winston’s Wish supports bereaved children, their families, and the professionals who support them.

Telephone: 080 880 2021

Facebook: @winstonswishcharity

Twitter: @winstonwish 

Website: www.winstonswish.org

Email: ask@winstonwish.org

Hope Again

Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care. It is a safe place where you can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone.

Telephone: 0808 808 1677

Website: www.hopeagain.org.uk

Email: hopeagain@cruse.org.uk

Fowards Bereavement Group Colchester

Forwards is a Colchester group consisting of those that are single by bereavement. We meet each week, and also have many events including; group holidays, parties, meals, whist drives, walks, dances and outings to the cinema. If you are bereaved and would like to join us please along one Wednesday evening to our meeting and see if you like it.

Website: www.forbeg.moonfruit.com

Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service

Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service provide a free and impartial specialist Welfare Benefits service for Cancer patients who live in the catchment area. The team can identify eligibility for Benefits, assist with completing forms and provide support to challenge unfavourable benefit decisions. Their service is an enabling service, delivered primarily over the telephone.

Telephone: 0800 019 6065 (24hr Answer phone)

Website: www.colchester.gov.uk/macmillan

Email: Macmillan@colchester.gov.uk

Cancer Research UK

Free information service provided by Cancer Research UK about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families.

Telephone: 0300 123 1022 (general enquires)

Telephone: 0808 800 4040 (Cancer related enquires)

Facebook: @cancerresearchUK

Twitter: @CR_UK

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Macmillan Cancer Support

At Macmillan, we know how a cancer diagnosis can affect everything. So we’ll help you find your best way through.From advice about money and work, to someone who’ll listen if you just want to talk, we’re here when you need us most.

Telephone: 0808 808 0000 – Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm

Facebook: @macmillancancer

Twitter: @macmillancancer

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Live Better With Cancer

Making day to day life a little bit better for people living with cancer.

Telephone: 0800 118 2705 open Mon – Fri – 08:00 – 17:00

Facebook: @livebetterwith

Twitter:@LBWCancer

Website: www.livebetterwith.com / breathe-easy-clacton-support-group

Email: theteam@livebetterwith.com

Home Instead Senior Care

Providing quality home care services to older people in their own homes, where they are most happy and comfortable. Care is personalised, tailored to meet the needs of our clients, visits when clients want us to, at a time that is convenient to them.

Telephone: 01255 672269

Website: www.homeinstead.co.uk

Email: jean.allen@homeinstead.co.uk

Cloud 9 Care

We offer an extensive range of services, with each care plan tailored to meet a person’s individual needs. We care for people of all ages and all levels of disability.

Telephone: 01206 862368 or 01255 440789

Website: www.cloud9care.com

Email: enquiry@cloud9care.co.uk

Support for Carers

You are a carer if you care for a partner, relative or friend who is in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability and this care is provided without payment (other than Carers Allowance) or a contract

Telephone: 01255 474410

Website: www.tendringdc.gov.uk

Carers UK

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

Common Childhood Wellbeing Booklets

The North East Essex CCG have developed handbooks to help you look after your child, from ages 0-5 and 6-12. They include information on general welfare and wellbeing and common childhood illnesses to help you keep your child safe and healthy.

Website: www.neessexccg.nhs.uk

Childrens Health Services

Child Health Services provides local support and information via their website.

Website: www.esneft.nhs.uk

Immunisation and Vaccinations

The Essex School Age and Community Immunisation Services provides the Childhood Vaccination Programme to all children and Young people who are:

• Attending school within Essex , Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock
• And/or are registered with a General Practice Essex , Southend and Thurrock
• And/or are resident in Essex, Southend and Thurrock

Website: https://eput.nhs.uk/

SureStart Children's Centres

Children’s Centres bring all the different support agencies together to offer a range of services to meet you and your child’s needs, all in one place.

Website: www.tendringdc.gov.uk

Contact for families with Disabled children

Contact support families with the best possible guidance and information.For every shape and size of family, whatever they need and whatever their child’s disability, we’re here.

Telephone: 0808 808 3555

Facebook: @contactfamilies

Twitter: @contactfamilies

Website: www.contact.org.uk

Email: info@contact.org.uk

Childhood illness visual guide

Use this visual guide to help you identify common conditions and illnesses that may affect your child. Includes conditions such as measles, slapped cheek syndrome, chicken pox and warts.

Website: www.nhs.uk

Vaccination planner

Download a personalised vaccination calendar, which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.

Download from: www.nhs.uk

Local community groups

Please view more information with regards to local community groups

For more information

Clacton Leisure Centre

Clacton Leisure Centre is a one stop shop for a wide range of recreation activities to suit all the family.

Telephone: 01255 686698

Website: www.tendringdc.gov.uk

Email: clc@tendringdc.gov.uk

Princes Theatre

The Princes Theatre stages over 150 shows, seminars, exhibitions, meetings, weddings & events per year. Situated in the town centre the building is a hub of entertainment for the town.

Telephone: 01255 686633

Website: https://princestheatre.co.uk

Email: princestheatreclacton@tendringdc.gov.uk

Hartbeeps

Award winning Hartbeeps is a fun & interactive music class which transports children through a magical, make-believe journey. We offer highly interactive classes for sitting babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Expect music, drama, creative play, dance & movement all set to a fantastic soundtrack of remixed nursery rhymes, funky, original kids songs & lullabies.

Telephone: 07905 290203

Website: www.hartbeeps.com / hartbeeps.com/east-of-england

Email: alex@hartbeeps.com

Tendring District Ramblers

We try to cater for most walking abilities by offering regular weekly walking

Telephone: 01255 677368

Website: www.ramblers.org.uk

Run and Brunch

I started Run and Brunch running club in Clacton because I wanted to get people of all ages, shapes and sizes to give walking, jogging and running a go without feeling pressured in to being fast or in to wearing the latest running gear.

Facebook: @SarahBockhartPTandSportsMassage

Twitter: @SarahBockhart

Website: sarahbockhart.com

Email: info@sarahbockhart.com

Clacton Camera Club

The club welcomes anyone who has an interest in photography, whatever their skill level or medium they use, be it film or digital. We provide a friendly atmosphere on a Friday evening combining competitions with guest speakers, members’ workshops, fun events and demonstrations.

Website: www.clactoncameraclub.co.uk

Coastal Golf Academy

Whether you are looking to learn to play golf, or already an established player striving to take your game to the next level, CGA can meet your needs. Offering help and advice at every step of your golfing journey is the aim of the academy.

Telephone: 01255 671618

Website: www.coastalgolfacademy.co.uk

Sound Doctor for COPD

A new web based library of 300 film and audio patient information videos, designed to help people understand more about some long term conditions.

Website:www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

Sound Doctor for Dementia

A new web based library of 300 film and audio patient information videos, designed to help people understand more about some long term conditions.

Website: www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

Alzheimer's Society

If you or someone you know are worried about or affected by dementia, we are here for you. Get advice on a range of topics and find support near you.

Telephone: 0300 222 1122

Dementia

Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Website: www.dementiauk.org

Essex Mental Health Services

Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust (EPUT) provides integrated care including mental health, learning disability, social care and community health services.

Telephone: 0300 123 0808

Website: https://eput.nhs.uk

Neessex CCG Mental Health Services

An NHS website offering advice and information on mental health services.

Telephone: 01206 918700

Website: www.neessexccg.nhs.uk/mental-health

Email: neeccg.enquiries@nhs.net

North East Essex - Health In Mind Talking Therapies services

Our Health In Mind service provides talking therapies and practical support for people experiencing low mood, depression and a range of anxiety problems. These problems are often referred to as ‘Common Mental Health’ and can include stress, panic, phobia, obsessional compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other difficulties.

Telphone: 01206 918700

Website: www.neessexccg.nhs.uk

Email: neeccg.enquiries@nhs.net

Mental Health Foundation

Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live.

Telephone: 020 7803 1100

Facebook: @mentalhealthfoundation

Twitter:@mentalhealth

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Telephone: 116 123

Website: www.samaritans.org

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Rethink

Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.

Telephone: 0300 5000 927

Website: www.rethink.org

Email: info@rethink.org

Mind

Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393

Website: www.mind.org.uk

NEEDS Young People

In North East Essex there are around 450 people living with diabetes under the age of 30 and the majority of these young people have their care provided by the North East Essex Diabetes Service (NEEDS).

Website: https://diabetesneeds.co.uk/young-people

Sound Doctor for Diabetes

A new web based library of 300 film and audio patient information videos, designed to help people understand more about some long term conditions.

Website:www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is the leading UK charity for people affected by diabetes.

Telephone: 0345 123 2399

Facebook: @diabetesuk

Twitter: @DiabetesUK

Website: www.diabetes.org.uk / www.diabetes.org.uk/in_your_area/eastern

Email: hepline@diabetes.org.uk 

BDA

British Dietetic Association (BDA) is the only body in the UK representing the whole of the dietetic workforce.

Telephone: 0121 200 8080

Facebook: @BritishDieteticAssociation

Twitter: @BDA_Dietitians

Website: www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/home#medical_conditions

NEEDS - North East Essex Diabetes Service

The purpose of the group is to provide a single place for people living with diabetes to meet and learn more about the condition. At the meetings, members hear updates about NEEDS, share new ideas and listen to interesting speakers on diabetes.

Facebook: @NEEDiabetesService

Twitter: @DiabetesNEEDS

Website: www.diabetesneeds.co.uk

Short-Term Wheelchair Loan Charity

The Short-Term Wheelchair Loan Charity has been set up to help local people who need to hire or loan a wheelchair on a temporary basis.

Telephone: 01255 201763 or 01255 201771

Website: www.wheelchairloancharity.com

Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs wants a world in which all blind and partially-sighted people enjoy the same rights, opportunities and responsibilities as everyone else. Their mission is to provide guide dogs and other mobility services that increase the independence and dignity of blind and partially-sighted people.

Telephone: 0800 953 0113

Facebook: @guidedogsUK

Twitter:@guidedogs

Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk

Sense

Sense is the leading national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind. They provide expert advice and information as well as specialist services to deafblind people, their families, carers and the professionals who work with them. They also support people who have sensory impairments with additional disabilities

Telephone: 0300 330 9256 – 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Facebook: @sensecharity

Twitter: @sensecharity

Website: www.sense.org.uk

deafblindUK

deafblind UK support people with combined sight and hearing loss to live the lives they want.Whether you need some support to get back on your feet after a diagnosis, a helping hand to help you do the things you love, someone to turn to when you’re feeling low or some information, advice and guidance, we’re here to help.Losing your sight and hearing can be frightening. Our team of experts is here every step of the way to show you life beyond sight and hearing loss.

Telephone: 0173 3358 356

Facebook: @DBUKCharity

Twitter: @DeafblindUK

Website: www.deafblind.org.uk

Open Road

Empowering individuals, families and communities in their journey of recovery from the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and other addictions.

Website: www.openroad.org.uk

Drug and Alcohol Team North East Essex (NEEDAS)

A joint health and social care team that provides assessment, detoxification, care planning, residential referrals and day programmes, as well as information, advice, counselling and support for those with drug and/or alcohol or other substance misuse problems.

Telephone: 01206 287250

Website: www.tendringdc.gov.uk

Rehab 4 Addiction

Rehab 4 Addiction provide speedy admissions into residential rehabs across the United Kingdom and internationally.

Telephone: 0800 140 4690

Website: www.rehab4addiction.co.uk

Essex Specialist Treatment and Recovery Service

Essex Specialist Treatment and Recovery Service have introduced a new way of delivering care to substance misusers in the community under which all services users will be looked after by one of a number of new specialist teams.

Website: https://eput.nhs.uk/our-services

Living Well Essex - Alcohol and Substance Abuse

A site providing advice and information on alcohol and substance abuse.

Website:www.livingwellessex.org

Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.

Telephone: 0300 123 1110

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Telephone: 0800 917 7650

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Email: help@aamail.org

Talk to Frank

If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.

Telephone: 0300 123 6600

Text: 82111

Website: www.talktofrank.com

Email: frank@talktofrank.com

Serenity Health Group

Private Drug & Alcohol Detox at Home Essex

Is addiction threatening and distracting your way of life? Is it creating problems at home, at work place? If you are ready to struggle with your addiction and need a professional help and assistance, then the Step Essex Home Detox programme is suitable for you as it will provide you with support and help which you need to beat the addiction of alcohol or drugs.

Telephone: 0800 1182892

Website: www.rehabclinic.org.uk

The Sound Doctor

The Sound Doctor is an online library of more than 200 short films to help people and their carers look after themselves better by finding out more about their particular condition/conditions. Essex County Council (ECC) has commissioned The Sound Doctor which has been made available for us to offer to our patients.

Website: www.livewellcampaign.co.uk  

Age Concern

Age Concern are a local independent charitable company limited by guarantee providing services and support for older people.

Telephone: 01206 368420

Website: www.ageconcerncolchester.org.uk

Email: enquiries@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk

Tendring Community Transport (TCT)

TCT is a well established and accomplished Community Transport scheme, that provides wheelchair accessible, door-to-door transport, for people of all ages who find it difficult or impossible to access conventional public transport.

Telephone: 01255 436 962

Website: www.dial-a-ride.org

Royal Voluntary Service Essex

Royal Voluntary Service in Essex help older people maintain their independence and stay involved in the local community.

Telephone: 01708 854246

Website: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Email: essexhub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Silver Line

Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.

Telephone: 0800 4708 090

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Age UK

Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. We believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.

Telephone: 0800 169 2081

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

Sound Doctor for Heart Failure

A new web based library of 300 film and audio patient information videos, designed to help people understand more about some long term conditions.

Website:www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

Living Well Essex

Living Well Essex provides local support and information via their website.

Website: www.livingwellessex.org

Community Voluntary Services

Community Voluntary Services Tendring is run by the local community to support, promote and develop voluntary and community action.

Telephone: 01255 425692

Website: www.cvstendring.org.uk

Helping Hands

Helping Hands is an independent local community transport charity run for 60+ and disabled people. Our service covers the whole of Tendring, and we take clients anywhere in the UK; hospital appointments, doctors, chiropodists, dentists, physiotherapy and more.

Telephone: 01255 427888

Website: www.volunteercentretendring.org.uk

Email: helpinghands@volunteercentretendring.org.uk

Essex Lifestyle Service

Essex Lifestyle Service aims to empower the people of Essex to make healthy lifestyle choices, and live healthier lives. They will listen to you, discuss your needs and then offer you up to date and evidence-based help and support, to enable you to make changes to your current lifestyle.

Telephone: 0300 303 9988

Website: www.essexlifestyleservice.org.uk

Email: provide.essexlifestyles@nhs.net

Livewell

The livewell campaign is designed to engage communities, families and individuals with the aim of providing information about all that is on offer in Essex to improve health and wellbeing.

Website: www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

Email: livewell@braintree.gov.uk

Livewell Tendring

Livewell is a campaign designed to engage communities, families and individuals with the aim of providing information about all that is on offer in Essex to improve health and wellbeing.

Telephone: 01255 686868

Website: www.tendringdc.gov.uk

Digital Access One to One Support and Drop in Services

Digital Access offer one-to-one support at any of the Library Hubs across Colchester Borough.They will give you the opportunity to meet some of their dedicated multi-skilled Zone Teams, who have in-depth knowledge of local areas.

Telephone: 01206 282 452

Website: www.colchester.gov.uk

Email: DigitalAccessSupport@Colchester.gov.uk

Support, Time and Recovery Service (STARS)

The STAR service is a short-term service designed to help support you with a range of issues.

Website: www.northessexiapt.nhs.uk

Veterans' Gateway

Veterans’ Gateway put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.

Telephone: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

Website: www.veteransgateway.org.uk

Essex Family Wellbeing

On behalf of Essex County Council and the NHS, Virgin Care and Barnardo’s provide a range of child and family services throughout Essex that are free at the point of delivery.

Website: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk

Health Visitors

The NHS providing advice and information on Health Visitors via their website.

Website: https://eput.nhs.uk

BabyCentre

BabyCentre® — the #1 pregnancy and parenting digital resource — reaches more than 45 million mums globally each month in 9 different languages. We reach 8 in 10 new and expecting mums online in the UK.

Website: www.babycentre.co.uk

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

North East Essex Maternity Services

We want to make sure you receive the maternity healthcare that takes account of all your health needs and preferences.

Website: www.neessexccg.nhs.uk

Baby Buddy App

Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.

Download from: play.google.com

Download from: itunes.apple.com

MumsMeetUp

MumsMeetUp connects mums locally and across the UK, enabling them to find mums like themselves in their area and playmates for their children.

Facebook: @MumsMeetUp

Twitter: @MumsMeetUp

Website: www.mumsmeetup.com

Essex Sexual Health Service

Provide CIC is leading a collaboration of organisations to deliver a service providing a full range of sexual health services for the people of Essex.

Telephone: 0300 003 1212

Website: www.essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk

Brook

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.

Website: www.brook.org.uk

Family Planning Association

A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.

Telephone: 020 7608 5240

Website: www.fpa.org.uk

Sexual Health Helpline

The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.

Telephone: 0300 123 7123

Facebook: @PublicHealthEngland

It Starts with Me

We provide a free, confidential service to the people of Essex regardless of sex, age, ethnic origin and sexual orientation. Our clinics are run by a team of doctors, nurses and health advisers.

Telephone: 0300 0031 212

Website:www.startswithme.org.uk/clinics

Sound Doctor

A new web based library of 300 film and audio patient information videos, designed to help people understand more about some long term conditions.

Website:www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

Essex Lifestyle Service

The service offers a free programme offering a maximum prescription of 12 weeks Champix medication and nicotine replacement products as appropriate.

During the quitting process your health coach will offer you behaviour and motivational support and will work with you to reduce your reliance on the medication such as NRT. This support can be accessed face-to-face in a venue easy to access for you, via telephone and text or a combination of whatever suits your needs and lifestyle.

Telephone: 0300 303 9988

Website: www.essexlifestyleservice.org.uk/stop-smoking

Email: provide.essexlifestyles@nhs.net

Provide

Many smokers who want to quit aren’t sure where to turn, but getting advice and support from our friendly expert team will mean you are up to 4 times more likely to quit for good!

Telephone: 0300 303 9988

Website: www.essexlifestyleservice.org.uk

Email: provide.essexlifestyles@nhs.net

Living Well Essex

Smoking is the primary cause of preventable illness and death in the UK. On average, cigarette smokers die 10 years younger than non-smokers, with around 100,000 people dying every year in the UK as a result of their habit.

Website: www.livingwellessex.org

Quit with help

Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.

Website: www.quitwithhelp.co.uk

Get Moving Free Walking Groups

Please view our document for information on free local walking groups

For more information

The Sound Doctor

The Sound Doctor is an online library of more than 200 short films to help people and their carers look after themselves better by finding out more about their particular condition/conditions. Essex County Council (ECC) has commissioned The Sound Doctor which has been made available for us to offer to our patients.

Website: www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

Sound Doctor for Weight Management Surgery

A new web based library of 300 film and audio patient information videos, designed to help people understand more about some long term conditions.

Website:www.livewellcampaign.co.uk

ACE Lifestyle

ACE Lifestyle is part of Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE) Community Interest Company and is an award winning provider of weight management programmes. All services are free to patients and follow latest national guidance.

Telephone: 0800 022 4524

Website: www.acelifestyle.org

Health And Fitness In Essex

If you live in Essex and want to learn how to get fit and lose weight then you are in luck, as Essex has many options available to you.

Website: www.essexportal.co.uk

Weight Watchers

Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.

Website: www.weightwatchers.com

Slimming World

You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.

Website: www.slimmingworld.co.uk

Pharmacy First

Watch our video to find out what to do when you have a common health condition.

Video: www.vimeo.com

Look after yourself

It is important we all know how to look after ourselves whether we have a self-limiting minor ailment or a long-term condition.

Website: www.neessexccg.nhs.uk

Winter Health

Find out about common winter health conditions that can be treated with over the counter medicines.

Video: www.vimeo.com