Essex has many great charities to support, from local branches of nationwide charities to small, independent ones, there are causes for everyone to get behind. Research has shown ‘acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing’ too  so you can benefit yourself while helping others. Here are some of the many ways you can support charities close to home.

There are lots of different ways to support charities in Essex

Different Ways You Can Support Essex Charities

Take on a challenge for your local hospice

Many people are surprised when they find out hospices in the UK are not fully funded by the taxpayer and have to fundraise to stay open and provide the essential services they offer. Hospices provide essential care for adults, young adults and children with all sorts of conditions that are long term and cannot be cured. There are many hospices across Essex, but here are just a few of the annual fundraising events for hospices in the county. 

St Clare 10k

St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood is holding its annual chip-timed 10k road race on 6th April this year. Participants must be 15 or over and it is also open to wheelchair users.

Standard entry fee is £19 (£17 for wheelchair race and Affiliated Run Club Members). Those raising over £200 in sponsorship can claim a personalised running vest.

Find out more here.

Walk for Life Chelmsford

Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford are holding their Walk for Life event on 11th May 2025. Participants can choose between a 12km route from Paper Mill Lock or a 24km route from Heybridge Basin. It is suitable for all ages but unsuitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Dogs are welcome.

Earlybird entry fee is £18 for adults, £3 for under 16s. There is an optional park and ride coach service for £4pp.

Sign up here.

Chelmsford Takeover 2025

Organised by Chelmsford For You, this cosplay event on 12th April 2025 in Chelmsford city centre helps raise funds for Little Havens Hospice for children. There is also a fire and LEGO walk fundraiser on the day you can sign up for.

The Fire walk has a £25 sign up fee and minimum £100 sponsorship. Minimum age of 12.
The LEGO walk has a £25 sign up fee and minimum £60 sponsorship. Minimum age of 5.

Sign up for the fundraising events here.

Donate to an animal shelter

There are many animal shelters throughout Essex struggling with ever rising costs and vet bills. While they’re always in need of additional funds, another way to help is to donate items you may already have and no longer need.

The Scratching Post

This cat rescue centre in Waltham Abbey has been looking after up to 130 feline friends at a time for over 20 years. They are happy to take blankets, sheets and towels, as well as new or used stamps and coins to help with their efforts.

Find out more here.

Acres Way

More of a dog person? This dog rehoming centre has been caring for dogs in Thundersley for over 25 years. They are always in need of towels, leads, collars and harnesses, as well as treats, food and toys.

Check them out here.

Donate to a food bank

With the cost of living constantly rising, food banks are more essential than ever to help those in need. There is a useful app called Bank the Food to help you donate, it shows the most needed items from your local food bank so you check it while you’re visiting the supermarket.

Chelmsford Food bank

This food bank is one of many the Trussell Trust oversee in Essex, they have several distribution centres around the Chelmsford area. They say they often run out of UHT milk, tinned meat meals, tinned vegetables, tinned fruit and long life fruit juice.

Also keep an eye out at your normal supermarket or local church for food bank collection points.

Adopt a zoo animal

Zoos and animal sanctuaries are much more than a fun day out, they are involved in essential conservation work and education. It costs a lot of money to keep even the smaller locations running so if you are an animal lover they are a great cause to support. Memberships and visits provide much needed funds, but another great option is to adopt your favourite animal, either for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. The money will go towards food, medical care and other expenses the zoo faces.

Call of the Wild Zoo

This zoo in South Woodham Ferrers offers animal adoption from just £40. As well as your name being featured on the animal’s exhibit, adoption packs typically include two one-day passes to the zoo with a certificate, plush toy and several other items.

Colchester Zoological Society

Adopting an animal at Colchester Zoological Society (previously called Colchester Zoo) not only supports the animals there but also the charity’s conservation projects around the world. Adoption packages start from £65 and include a plaque at the chosen animal’s enclosure, certificate and soft toy along with other items.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

This animal sanctuary receives many more requests to take in animals than it can manage, but those animals lucky enough to get a place are promised care and love for the rest of their life. They care for many less than perfect animals that would otherwise have been put to sleep. Choose from a selection of their residents to sponsor for only £30 a year, make your choice here.

Shop for charity

Better for your finances, the planet and the charity, shopping second hand has never been so fashionable. Try your local high street or choose a trip to one of the specialist charity shops around Essex if you’re looking for something specific.

St Helena Culver Street

Many people only wear wedding outfits once so it makes sense to consider something pre-loved. This shop in Colchester specialises in wedding clothing alongside other items while supporting St Helena Hospice.

Farleigh Hospice Occasion Wear

Farleigh Hospice have two stores which sell pre-loved occasionwear, including prom dresses, bridal wear, evening dresses and mother-of-the-bride outfits. The Full Circle store is in Meadows Shopping Centre, Chelmsford. The Maldon Occasionwear store is in their Maldon Warehouse near Morrisons supermarket.

Braintree Home Store

This specialist charity shop is run by the British Heart Foundation and sells second hand furniture and electrical goods.

Cancer Research UK Superstore

If you want a little more choice how about visiting one of Cancer Research UK's superstores? They have an extra large size store in Basildon where you should be able to find anything you are looking for. 

Vintage And Makers Day

For a shopping day with a difference how about going to the Vintage and Makers Day at Cressing Temple Barns on 13th July 2025 which is raising money for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. With stalls, music, games and other entertainment it should be a fun day out. 

So whether you decide to adopt a penguin or walk on fire there has never been so many ways to support a local charity. Let us know in the comments below if you decide to participate or have an Essex based charity you’d like us to feature in future.

Read about more charities to support in Essex here.