As the temperatures rise across Essex, our team has been keeping busy!
Despite the hot weather, we’ve been out and about across the county this month, attending events, meeting local communities, and listening to the experiences that help shape our work.
Here’s a look at some of our highlights in July…
Our team had a fantastic time attending the Colchester Carnival and Parade this month. We proudly drove our van through Colchester High Street as part of the parade, engaging with so many members of the public along the route. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community, raise awareness of our work, and share information, advice, and guidance about the support available across Essex. The event created a fun and welcoming atmosphere, and it was great to see so many people coming together to celebrate the community.
This month, we were also proud to publish our Annual Report, showcasing the incredible work our team has achieved over the past year. The report highlights the wide range of projects, events, and accomplishments that have made a positive impact across Essex, celebrating the dedication and commitment of our team. It reflects on the progress we’ve made, the partnerships we’ve built, and the difference we’ve been able to make for the communities we support, while looking ahead to the opportunities and goals for the year to come.
Additionally, our team also spent the day volunteering at YARRA Farm in Colchester, supporting the fantastic work they do for the local community. Everyone got involved with a variety of tasks, including weeding, gardening, painting, watering plants, and feeding the animals. We also had the opportunity to meet the farm’s friendly animals and see first-hand the positive impact the project has on the people it supports. It was a rewarding day that gave us a greater appreciation of the important role YARRA Farm plays in bringing people together, promoting wellbeing, and creating meaningful opportunities within the community. We were proud to lend a helping hand and support such a valuable local project.
Our Fellas’ Forums have continued to bring people together with a variety of enjoyable activities this month. Our Harwich Fellas’ Forum celebrated the birthday of Andrea, the landlady at the Royal Oak, with a fantastic party, giving everyone the chance to come together for an afternoon of celebration, conversation, and good company. The Young Fellas’ Forum enjoyed an engaging Tai Chi session delivered by Summit, followed by a game of Disc Golf, providing a fun opportunity to get active, learn new skills, and spend time socialising together. Meanwhile, the Braintree Fellas’ Forum headed out for a game of crazy golf, where plenty of laughs and friendly competition made for another successful session and a great chance for everyone to connect.
For more information about our Fellas’ Forums or Fellas’ Fairs, visit our Men’s Health page or contact our Engagement Manager, Scott Tatum on [email protected].
August Events
The Healthwatch Essex team will be heading out and about in August, 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:
4th August 11am-3pm – Youth Festival 2026 at Colchester Lower Castle Park
5th August 10am-2pm – Stand at Broomfield Hospital 
6th August 10am-3pm – Chelmsford City Council Summer Pop Up Event at Tindal Square
6th August 10am-1pm – Community Connection event at TrustLinks in Rochford
11th August 10am-2pm – Stand at Colchester Hospital
13th August 9am-5pm – Emergency Services Day in Great Dunmow
14th August 11am-4pm – Maldon U-Fest
18th August 10am-2pm – Stand at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow
18th August 10:30am-2:30pm – Voluntary Sector Showcase Event at The Watergardens in Harlow
25th August 10am-2pm – Stand at Basildon Hospital
27th August 10am-3pm – Chelmsford City Council Summer Pop Up Event at Tindal Square
28th August 10am-3pm – Community Day at Canvey Library
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.