With Christmas season finally upon us, the Healthwatch Essex team have been wrapping up warm and heading out to events across Essex. After a brilliant November, find out which public events the team will attend in December, but first, let’s look at this month’s highlights…
In November, we saw the team head across Essex to hospitals, community events, universities, colleges, and so much more. This month, the team have been working very hard, distributing woollies and slippers at many events across Essex, making sure everyone is warm and ready for the winter season.
The team also celebrated Trustee Week at the start of the month, where we shined a light on the amazing people who help guide and support our work at Healthwatch Essex. We featured quotes from Steven Carey, John Blake and Maria Dixon, 3 wonderful trustees who use their skills and knowledge to help make a real difference in people’s lives across Essex.
We also saw our Fella’s Forums out and about this month, with the Braintree Fella’s Forum going to Witham Leisure Centre to play a friendly match of football against our funders, Braintree District Council. Unfortunately, the fella’s lost the match 6-5 but we are hoping to plan a rematch in the New Year. This month, we are also hosting our second Harwich Fella’s Forum meet-up at the Royal Oak, having friendly chats, food and drinks.
Alongside these busy meet-ups and matches, we’re thrilled to share some fantastic news. We are delighted to share that our Healthwatch Essex Fella’s Forum won the ‘Health and Wellbeing Group’ award at the Braintree District Volunteer and Active Braintree Awards 2025!
For more information about our Fella’s Forums, visit our Men’s Health page or contact our Engagement Manager, Scott Tatum on [email protected].
December Events
The Healthwatch Essex team will be heading out and about in December, so make sure to mark your calendar. You will be able to find our team at Slipper Swap Events across the county, giving out free slippers ready for the winter season ahead. So look out for the Healthwatch Essex van and take a look at the various events where you will be able to find our team:
December 2nd 10am-1pm, Slipper Event at Witham Town Hall
December 3rd 10am-2pm, Stand at Basildon Hospital 
December 9th 10am-1pm, Slipper Event at Earls Colne Recreation Club
December 16th 10am-1pm, Slipper Event at Kelvedon United Reform Church
December 17th 10am-midday, Slipper Event at Steeple Bumpstead Village Hall
Our Information and Guidance team have been trained and accredited as partners of the Essex Sexual Health Service Umbrella Project and at each of the events marked by an umbrella, we will be able to supply care packages to anyone who advises us that they are involved in sex work, along with any information and guidance which may be required.