As the weather begins to brighten across Essex, so has our team calendar. We’ve been making the most of every opportunity to get out and about across Essex. From connecting with local communities to taking part in meaningful conversations, the past few weeks have been full of memorable moments as we continue looking ahead to the rest of the year.
Throughout May, our team visited hospitals, community groups, conferences, and local events across Essex. These visits provide many opportunities for conversations with local people about their experiences of health and care services, alongside discussions with organisations and professionals working within the sector. Here’s a look at our May 2026 highlights.
This month, the team welcomed Susannah Howard and Sharon Rodie to speak about the Learning and Legacy work connected to SNEE, highlighting the strength of our collaboration. Their visit provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the impact of the project, share insights and experiences, and explore how the partnership has supported meaningful learning and long-term outcomes. The discussion reinforced the importance of collaborative working and celebrated the progress made through our shared commitment and collective efforts.
Additionally, our Carers Voices team was delighted to receive vibrant flowers, beautifully decorated by students from Great Bradfords School alongside members of the public living with dementia. The artwork is now proudly displayed outside our office, bringing colour and creativity to the space. A heartfelt thank you to Kinder Essex for including us in this wonderful campaign. If you are supporting someone living with dementia and want to find out more about the support available to you. Speak to our team here.
This month we hosted our first Fellas’ Fair in Basildon at the Basildon Towngate Theatre! The public enjoyed listening to lived experience talks from Luke Hayes, Martyn Davies and Steve Lawson. They discussed many different topics, ranging from mental health to drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction. They 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 Rich Wilson and Mike Gunn deliver some fantastic comedy.
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 Young Fellas’ Forum, the fellas enjoyed some basketball, badminton, table tennis, and impactful conversations. It was heart warming to see ten young fellas attend, starting to build their community. The Young Fellas’ Forum are in the process of planning future sessions, so keep an eye out for your next local Fellas’ Forum.
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].
June Events
The Healthwatch Essex team will be heading out and about in June, 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:
1st June 10am-3pm Saffron Walden Neighbourhood Roadshow in the Market Place 
3rd June 9am-2.30pm SEND Careers Event at Castledon School in Wickford
5th June 10am-2pm Stand at Broomfield Hospital
10th June 11am-2.30pm Engagement at The Butterfly Effect in Harlow
18th June 10am-2pm Stand at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow
18th June 10.30am-3pm Coffee Event at Braintree Mencap, Coggeshall Road
19th June 11am-3pm Learning Disability Festival at Harlow Rugby Club
20th June 11am-6pm Essex Pride at Central Park in Chelmsford
23rd June 10am-2pm Stand at Basildon Hospital
24th June 1-4pm Support Hub at Broomfield Hospital
26th June 10am-4pm Carers Health & Wellbeing Event at Cressing Temple Barns
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.