Giving back to the community is one of the most rewarding things we can do. Whether you're looking to donate, volunteer, or simply learn more about the vital work happening on your doorstep, this comprehensive guide will introduce you to some of the most impactful organisations in Essex. From food banks helping families through the cost of living crisis to hospices providing compassionate care, these organisations rely on community support to continue their essential work.
Essex Based Charities To Support
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| From Foodbanks to youth services, there are many brilliant charities in Essex |
Food Banks in Essex: Where to Donate and How to Help
With the cost of living crisis the number of individuals reliant on food banks is increasing. Food banks collect donations of food, nappies, toiletries and sanitary products from the public, supermarkets and businesses then distribute them to those who are struggling. Look out for the collection bins in supermarkets which make it easy to donate.
FoodBanked: Supporting Redbridge and Essex Families
Operates in the Redbridge and Essex areas and is different to other food banks as they can deliver food packages to those with restricted mobility and also cater to dietary needs to those who have specific requirements. A donation of just £4 enables them to provide a food package filled with essential items, enough to support a family of five for an entire month.3Food4U: No-Referral Food And Essentials Support in Epping Forest and East London
Based in Epping, 3food4U collects surplus food from supermarkets and the public and offer it to those in need on a trust basis, no referrals needed. The work they do supports an incredible 2,000 families per week. In addition to food they run 'school supplies hubs' in August where children can get backpacks plus the equipment they need to start the new school term. The hub also hosts a monthly job club where the volunteers can assist those needing support with CVs and job applications/interviews plus they have laptops and printing facilities available.Many places of worship also collect donations of non-perishable food products.
Essex Homeless Charities Making a Difference
Homeless charities play a crucial role in providing shelter, food and long term support to those in need. A lot of these organisations not only offer immediate support but also work to address the root causes of homelessness, helping individuals to rebuild their lives.
Sanctus Chelmsford: Local Support Services
Sanctus based in Chelmsford is dedicated to supporting individuals facing homelessness. They provide personalised guidance where they connect visitors with a network of services to ensure they receive the help they need. They have a cafe which offers a safe and warm environment for vulnerable individuals to come and get a nutritious meal, unlimited drinks and phone and computer access. They also offer special meals such as Christmas dinners.Streets2Homes Harlow: Outreach and Day Centre
This Harlow based charity have outreach workers who speak to rough sleepers and encourage them to engage and access their services. Their day centre provides hot showers, meals, drinks, life skills courses and help with submitting benefit claims. They are always grateful for people to help prepare homemade meals if you are looking for a way to support.Local Hospice Charities in Essex
Hospice charities play a vital role in offering compassionate care to individuals with life limiting illnesses. They provide medical support, pain management and emotional care ensuring patients and their families receive comfort and dignity during difficult times.Farleigh Hospice: Essential Care Services in Mid Essex
Farleigh Hospice provide care for any illness that is considered life limiting both in their Inpatient Unit and in patient’s home environments. They help patients to live as actively as possible from the point of diagnosis to the end of their life, by providing physical and emotional care free of charge. It costs over £20000 to provide their services each day and over half of that is funded by the goodwill and support of local residents (the rest is funded by the NHS).There are 13 Farleigh Hospice charity shops across the county so consider checking which branch is nearest to you when making your next charity shop donation, locations include: Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon and Witham. It is an easy way to support this wonderful charity whilst also decluttering your home. Alternatively you could sign up for the Farleigh Walk for Life 2025 in May where you can choose from either a 12km or 24km route through the wonderful Essex countryside, you will get a t-shirt, medal and the rewarding feeling of supporting an incredible cause.
Haven House Children's Hospice: Supporting Young Lives
Haven House Children’s Hospice helps families by providing specialist nursing care and emotional support for seriously ill babies and children (up to 18 years of age). The services they provide include: day care, overnight stays, end of life care, bereavement support, as well as life enriching activities such as sensory play, music therapy and physiotherapy. Based in Woodford Green, they are able to support families from North East London, West Essex and East Hertfordshire. Haven House regularly run fundraising events such as Haven House Mud Run (September), Haven House Easter Egg Hunt (at the Hospice in April) and monthly outdoor stay and play sessions during the warmer months.St Luke's Hospice: Community Care in Basildon
St Luke's Hospice provide compassionate support through their two hospices in Basildon and Thurrock, as well as within the community, offering care directly in patients' homes. Their dedicated team consists of a range of health and social care professionals, many of whom give their time on a voluntary basis.Within the hospice, Luke's Sunflower Café offers a selection of brunch and lunch options including sandwiches, hot meals and refreshments (open 9-3, Monday-Friday). Every visit to the café directly supports their invaluable work, helping them continue to provide essential care to those in need.
Like most charities, they offer a variety of volunteering opportunities for those looking to make a difference. Whether you have a specific skillset or simply a willingness to help, there are many ways to get involved (the current volunteering opportunities are shared here).
Children and Youth Support Charities in Essex
Bar 'N' Bus Trust: Mobile Youth Support
Bar 'n' Bus is a Christian charity which runs community based projects in Basildon, dedicated to engaging and supporting local young people (age 10 to 19). Their programs include activity sessions, in-school counselling and one to one mentoring, designed to help young people grow, develop and reach their full potential. A great feature of their work is their mobile youth club, delivered from a converted double-decker bus. This innovative space allows them to connect with young people wherever they are, whether that be in parks, residential areas or on the high street, offering a safe, welcoming environment where they can access support, build confidence and form positive relationships.
Livewire Trust: Free Drama Workshops in Harlow
Livewire Trust holds free drama workshops for young people in Harlow, giving them the opportunity to develop their confidence and communication skills. They believe that the arts should be available to everyone regardless of economic status or ability. Three times a year, they run free 5 day long 'theatre challenges' during the school holidays. As a small theatre charity they rely on the generosity of donations to keep running and providing these services to young people.
Keep It 100 Youth: Mentoring and Support
Based in Chelmsford and run by volunteers, the group offers workshops that help young people avoid getting involved with knife crime. The charity has a diverse group of mentors who are successful in their respective fields, including photographers, videographers, singers, songwriters and artists. Keep It 100 are also responsible for installing amnesty bins for the safe disposal of knives and weapons across the county.
Emergency Support Services in Essex
Essex and Herts Air Ambulance: Critical Care Services
Essex and Herts Air Ambulance deliver critical care by bringing hospital level treatment directly to severely ill or injured patients across Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. You can support them by donating or taking part in their monthly lottery for a chance to win £25,000. Essex & Herts Air Ambulance have a Visitor Centre at both their airbases at Earls Colne and North Weald where you can book tours. These are aimed at adults, but supervised children are welcome. During the tour you can put on a helmet, sit in the pilots seat, learn about the services and test your knowledge with an interactive quiz. Tours are free but must be booked here.Essex Search and Rescue: Community Safety
Essex Search and Rescue (ESAR) assists Essex Police in locating vulnerable missing individuals, including young people and those with dementia. Funded entirely by donations and run by dedicated volunteers, ESAR is available 24/7 to carry out searches. You can support ESAR by purchasing items from their Amazon Wishlist, joining their monthly lottery or making a donation. If you’re interested in volunteering as an operational team member you must be over 18, capable of walking 5 miles in 2 hours, hold a driving license and have access to a vehicle. All training is provided.
Supporting local charities in Essex isn't just about making donations, it's about building stronger, more resilient communities where we all look after each other. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, make regular donations, or simply spread awareness about these organisations vital work, every action makes a difference. Many of these charities also offer opportunities for children to get involved, helping to encourage the values of compassion and community service from an early age.
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