With the weather finally making a better turn, we have been heading out even more across Essex. As we look forward to what this year has to offer, March has been a month filled with community engagement and meaningful conversations. So here are the March 2026 highlights.
Throughout March, our team visited hospitals, community groups, care homes, and local events across Essex, ensuring people had the opportunity to share their experiences of health and care services. As we now enter the spring, the team will be heading out even more as the weather gets nicer.
This month, we were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh, for a special visit, which provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the work of our team. Each member took the time to share an overview of their role, highlighting their individual contributions and the impact of their work within the wider organisation. Julie also spoke about her own role, offering insight into her responsibilities and the importance of supporting local communities and organisations, which gave us all a deeper appreciation of the work carried out in her position.
In March, we also had our very own CEO, Sam Glover, deliver a powerful presentation at the Women in Leadership Conference in Colchester, Firstsite. She spoke passionately about the next generation of female leaders, reflecting on the importance of nurturing confidence, resilience, and authenticity in leadership journeys. Drawing on real examples, she highlighted the incredible talent within our own organisation, celebrating the diverse strengths, perspectives, and achievements within the team.
Our Fella’s Forums have been out and about this month, with the Colchester Fellas’ taking part in some crazy golf at Hollywood Bowl, enjoying a relaxed activity mixed with meaningful conversations.
This month, we also hosted our first Fellas’ Fair of the year in Harlow! The public enjoyed listening to lived experience talks from Chris Gilham and Steve Lawson. They discussed many different topics, ranging from mental health to drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction. Additionally, our live panel discussion featuring Steve Lawson, Scott Tatum, and Chris Gilham engaged with our audience, answering questions about their experiences and the public’s queries. Then to end the night, it wouldn’t be ‘A Healthy Dose of Humour’ without some laughter, so we had Stefano Paolini and Mike Gunn deliver some fantastic comedy.
On the 23rd March, we collaborated with Mid and North East Essex Mind to run another Fellas’ Fair at the Royal Oak in Harwich. At the event, Scott Tatum and Natalie Britt delivered talks to a venue of 50 people alongside amazing system partners, such as Open Road, CVST, Chaps, Working Well, and many more, all working together showcasing the support available to men.
For more information about our Fella’s Forums or Fellas’ Fairs, visit our Men’s Health page or contact our Engagement Manager, Scott Tatum on [email protected].
Finally, we saw our staff celebrate some brilliant awards! At the NIHR ARC East of England Showcase 2026, Beth was awarded the best Research Fellowship Poster Award in recognition of outstanding research excellence and exceptional visual presentation. Additionally, at the East of England Public Health Research Conference 2026, hosted by the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR), Lorna was awarded the best Poster Presentation Award in recognition of her outstanding research excellence and exceptional visual presentation.
April Events
The Healthwatch Essex team will be heading out and about in April, so make sure to mark your calendar. Also, look out for the Healthwatch Essex van and take a look at the various events where you will be able to find our team:
2nd April 10am-2pm The Chairman’s Community Showcase Event at Braintree Institute 
8th April 10am-2pm Stand at Colchester Hospital
9th April 10am-1pm Age Well Fair at Halstead Leisure Centre
15th April 10am-2pm Stand at Broomfield Hospital
17th April 10am-3pm Stand at Asda Clacton
23rd April 10am-2pm Stand at Princess Alexandra Hospital
29th April 10am-2pm Stand at Basildon Hospital
29th April 1-4pm Broomfield Hospital Support Hub
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.