Community360 is an independent charity operating across Essex with over 50 years’ experience supporting community action and providing direct services to tackle inequalities. We have a strong track record of bringing people together, developing innovative approaches, and of delivering improved outcomes.
Predominantly we work in and with communities in Colchester and Braintree areas, but also run Community Transport schemes in Colchester, Maldon (and soon Chelmsford) and manage the Essex Family Support Service in Essex (except Southend and Thurrock)
BRAINTREE
Our Braintree Community Development team provides a wide variety of support in the community including:
- My Social Prescription: providing non-medical support to make positive changes to improve health and wellbeing, including keeping active, connecting with others and practical support (e.g. carer and dementia support and employment support). Run an ‘On Board’ group in Braintree, to meet and play games and provide social interaction.
- Falls Prevention: providing free anti-slip slippers and advice and guidance to people who are at risk of trips, slips and falls.
- Green Prescribing: providing walks across the Braintree district for physical and mental health and to provide social interaction. Walks currently held in Braintree, Coggeshall, Finchingfield, Witham, Shalford, Sible Hedingham as well as walks supported and set up to be managed by Roundwood Care Home and Rethink (mental health support group). There are also 2 weekly online walks.
- My Weight Management support: working in partnership with Provide, we facilitate weekly weight management sessions (My Weight Matters) in Witham. This additionally supports healthy lifestyle choices.
- Funding advice and support: support provided to set up e.g. as a C.I.C. or charity, regular newsletters sent out advising on funding available and regular funding meetings with guest speakers.
- Dementia Support: supporting Braintree Dementia Action Alliance as vice-chair and provide information, support and advice on reducing risk of dementia as well as support in the community to become more dementia friendly e.g. setting up Dementia Friends sessions for shopping centre staff and Dementia Awareness stands.
- IT. Support: providing I.T. sessions to help increase digital skills and provide social interaction.
- Children’s Holiday Activity Clubs: supporting JAM (Just About Managing) families during school holidays with free clubs for children who are eligible for benefits based free school meals or from low income working families.
- Volunteering: volunteering opportunities for a wide range of roles and projects. We are also one of 14 Volunteer Centres across Essex and are part of Volunteer Essex and Essex Time Bank network, working with other charities and organisations to support their volunteer needs.
- Children’s visits to care homes: inter-generational work with local schools and care homes so children can visit and interact with care home residents on a regular basis.
- Winter Resilience: providing winter packs which include a guide to local support services and staying safe, as well as practical items such as a torch and blanket.
For further information please contact the Braintree Team on 01376 550507 or email julieatkinson@community360.org.uk