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, April has been a month filled with community engagement and meaningful conversations. So here are the April 2026 highlights.
Throughout April, 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 warmer seasons, the team will be heading out even more as the weather gets nicer.
This month, we were delighted to host our very own Healthwatch Essex Memory Day, where we welcomed staff, volunteers, ambassadors, and members of the public to come together and celebrate the incredible impact we’ve made over the years. The day was filled with powerful reflections, as many shared their favourite memories of working with us and spoke about the vital role Healthwatch Essex has played across the health and social care sector. It was both a celebration and a moment of reflection, marking the end of an important chapter as the organisation prepares to rebrand. In collaboration with Essex Records Office, we were proud to document these stories and experiences, ensuring that the legacy of Healthwatch Essex and the voices of those who have been part of its journey will be preserved for years to come.
In March, the team headed to the East of England Armed Forces Conference, where they connected with members of the public, offered expert guidance, and showcased a range of exciting projects that people can get involved in. The energy and enthusiasm at the event made it a real highlight, and the team is already gearing up for more. Next up is the Colchester Armed Forces Community Connect event on Thursday 21st May, led by Help for Heroes, where the team will be taking to the stage to share their insights and continue building those all-important community connections.
Our Fella’s Forums have been out and about this month, with the Braintree Fellas’ taking part at the Driving Range at The Essex Golf Club, we saw ten of our existing members attend as well as two new members. This month, we also hosted the very first official Basildon Fellas Forum at Hollywood Bowl, bringing everyone together for an inspiring and engaging session. The highlight was a powerful talk from a speaker who shared his experience of surviving childhood domestic abuse, which sparked meaningful conversation and reflection. The evening then continued with bowling and food, creating a relaxed space for connection and support. It was a fantastic start, and we’re looking forward to many more events like this in the future.
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].
May 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:
7th May 10am-2pm Stand at Broomfield Hospital 
13th May 10am-2pm Stand at Colchester Hospital
20th May 10am-1pm Proactive Patient Health and Wellbeing Event at Clacton Baptist Church, Pier Avenue
20th May 10am-2pm Stand at Princess Alexandra Hospital
20th May 6.30pm Basildon Fellas Fair, Towngate Theatre
21st May 10.30am-1.30pm Dementia Help Day Event at George Hurd Centre in Basildon
27th May 10am-2pm Stand at Basildon Hospital
27th May 1-4pm Broomfield Hospital Support Hub
30th May 10am-2pm Braintree Dog & Community Safety Day at Weavers Park
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.