Get Involved
We are always looking for people to tell us about their story and experiences but we also occasionally have opportunities to get more fully involved in shaping future services across Essex. These are open to you if you live or work in Essex and are keen to volunteer with us. You can give as much or as little of your time as you want, but any time you can give will make a difference.
From time to time we recruit for specific opportunities to represent voice of people in Essex as services are re-designed.
These roles can involve:
- Attending meetings with NHS managers and clinical staff
- Inputting to and challenging new proposals for services
- Reviewing leaflets and information given out by the NHS
- Engaging with other patients to feed their experiences back alongside your own
Current Opportunities
Hidden Voices Network
We want to ensure that all of the diverse voices across our communities are represented in our work. That’s why we’ve created our Hidden Voices Network, bringing together community groups and organisations who are open to engaging and having their voices heard in decisions being made within health and social care. Members can also sign up to receiving a newsletter sharing community involvement opportunities, funding opportunities and general information. We’re keen to hear from you if you are an an organisation/network focussed on working with:
- Ethnically diverse communities
- Roma, Gypsies & Travellers
- Refugees
- LGBTQIA+
- Homeless communities
- People living with addiction
This list is not exhaustive, so if you are working with or are part of a group which you feel is not fully represented in health and social care, please do get in touch. By being part of this group you will help to shape health and social care in Essex, working with commissioners, providers and policy-makers to improve services and experiences. To get involved email our Engagement Officer, Renée, here.
Research Ambassador Network
Are you passionate about making a difference in health and social care and keen to gain valuable experience doing research in the charity sector? By becoming a Research Ambassador, you’ll have the chance to try out different research methods, attend meetups to build your network, and support the development of our projects. You do not need prior research experience – just a commitment to learning about the role that research can play in improving health and social care. Find out more here or get in touch with our Research Manager Kate by clicking here.
Collaborate Essex – Disability and Carers Forum Focus Groups
Do you have experience of disability? Are you a carer for someone living with a disability? Would you like to have your voice heard by Essex County Council and help make positive change? We are currently recruiting people with lived experience of either being in a carer role or living with a disability to participate in online focus groups to help improve health and social care services. If you would like to get involved or find out more, please contact Renée here.
Young Mental Health Ambassadors
Become a Young Mental Health Ambassador and make a real difference to young people in your community. We are currently looking for people up to the age of 23 (or up to the age of 25 if you have special educational needs and disabilities) who have had experience of using mental health services in Essex and who would be willing to share their experiences to help create change. More information is available here or you can get in touch with Renée here for a conversation.
Trauma Ambassador Group
If you are living with trauma and would like to contribute to improving health, care and wellbeing services for people in a similar position, as well as raising awareness of the issues associated with trauma, you may be interested in joining our Trauma Ambassador Group. Our members have all experienced trauma through one of its many causes, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, bereavement and exposure to serious crime and want to help those also on this journey. Find out more here or get in touch with our Information and Guidance Manager, Sharon, to discuss here.
Essex Fella’s Forums
Are you passionate about men’s health and wellbeing? We run monthly Fella’s Forums in Colchester, Braintree and Harlow, introducing light physical activity to men such as fishing, walking, bowling, pool, darts and table tennis. The environment is welcoming and non-judgemental with the aim of getting men talking more about their health and wellbeing. We are looking for volunteers to help plan sessions, deliver sessions, and signpost men to the sessions. Supporting the men and helping to signpost is also required. Please email our Engagement Manager, Scott, here for more information.
Experts by Experience (Carers)
Our Experts by Experience (Carers) contribute by sharing their recent and lived experience of caring for someone and who use the services we engage and refer into. They help us gather the evidence that we use to help improve services and the quality of care. If you would like to join our team please contact our Carers Voices Officer, Jane, here.