Chelmsford Partners

Qualified Art Psychotherapist Irene Malvezi is based at the Brentwood Arts Therapy Centre, where she provides private Art Therapy sessions for individuals and groups.

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication to address emotional issues, which may be confusing and distressing. It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.

Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses. The goal is to enable clients to build on their own strengths as they develop self-awareness and self-compassion.

Fees: There are discounts for clients on reduced income, which can be discussed at the initial assessment meeting.

City of Chelmsford Mencap is a local, independent charity supporting people with a learning disability throughout mid-Essex.

The Charity provides a lifelong learning service, The Outreach Academy (open five days a week fifty weeks a year), social clubs, specialist services, and information and support for members and their families and carers.

The Daily Bread Café is open 3 days a week, Tues, Wed & Fri with various inclusive clubs and activities for all to enjoy. Thursday is our Little Fishes Group which is for parents and carers of pre-school age children.

The café aims to help reduce social isolation, improve mental well-being, and give meaningful activities to our visitors, we also have a pay it forward board.

The Daily Bread Food Hub provide free bags of shopping which can include fruit, vegetables, fresh and frozen food and also store cupboard essentials. Our team of volunteers collect from over 200 supermarkets each week. This prevents tonnes of food waste from going into landfill. The Food Hub is open 5 mornings a week.

Food Hub Open: Tues to Fri 10-12 & Sat 9.30-11.30 .

We provide clients and their carers with support at home and in the community. Encouraging clients to develop life skills, engage in social activities and build their self esteem and confidence, allowing carers time to pursue their own interests or simply time to relax.

Our support is person centered, setting achievable goals with the person we support, working in partnership with local agencies to achieve the best outcomes.

We support clients with the following needs: mental health (depression & anxiety), dementia, social isolation, neurodiversity, brain injury and stroke survivors.

Essex Respite & Care Association (ERCA) provides support covering the following activities: 

• Prompt with self-care tasks.
• Support to achieve personal goals.
• Support to have your voice heard.
• Company and conversations.
• Stimulation of memory.
• Sitting service.
• Support with housework and laundry.
• Meal planning and preparation.
• Shopping.
• Attending appointments.
• Prescription collection.
• Visits to restaurants and cafes.
• Attending plays, cinema, concerts, social activities.
• Walking, yoga, swimming and cycling.

Home-Start Essex aims to give families with at least one child aged under 5 the best possible start in life by supporting parents and caregivers to feel less isolated, to build their confidence in themselves and their parenting and to find ways to manage the challenges they face. We build trusting, helpful relationships with families and deliver a range of flexible support to meet their individual needs, including volunteer-led home visiting, family groups, wellbeing services, school-readiness, and behaviour support programmes.

We’re more than just a café; we’re a charity with a vision.

At Human Kind, we trust in the inherent kindness and generosity of people, allowing individuals to express the qualities in their own way, knowing the ripple effect of their actions can and will be far reaching.
The vision and purpose of our charity café is to create a world where all experience a lasting sense of belonging, providing safe, welcoming spaces where we support everyone in connecting, sharing, and experiencing kindness.

Our commitment to connecting the Billericay community extends beyond serving great, freshly sourced vegetarian and vegan food.
We offer:
Activities for all age groups, including Mum, baby & bump mornings, after school activities, crafting
sessions and supper clubs.
A “human library” of experts from local organisations, who are able to offer advice, from Mental Health issues, benefits advice, technology help.
Sessions run specifically for those living with long term health conditions such as living with dementia, and their carers.

Come and explore our space, meet new people, and share experience

We provide compassionate, evidence‑based therapy, and support to individuals, families, and professionals designed to foster healing, resilience, and wellbeing.

Key Services Offered:
- Therapy for adults, couples and families - compassionate therapy in a confidential, safe space—offering healing and improved mental health.
- Trauma‑informed, evidence‑based support - our therapists understand trauma’s impact and can support clients with effective strategies to address the root causes of distress.
- Online and in‑person sessions - flexible delivery options to meet varying client needs and circumstances.

The Guiding Light Mental Health Charity is dedicated to illuminating the often unseen struggles of those battling mental health challenges. Founded by Ben Holmes, a recovery advocate and neurodiversity champion, the charity aims to offer hope, connection, and fulfilment to individuals facing mental health issues. Through raising awareness, building genuine connections, and providing support, The Guiding Light strives to break down stigma and empower individuals to rediscover meaning and joy.

In addition to its core mission, the charity has recently launched a new support group, expanding its reach and resources to better assist those in need. By fostering a compassionate community, The Guiding Light ensures that no one has to face their mental health journey alone.

The charity is also actively campaigning for improved mental health support and accessibility. They have initiated a petition calling upon Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Rt Hon Wes Streeting to take immediate action to address the mental health crisis by implementing stronger policies, increasing funding, and ensuring accessibility to mental health services for all. Every signature amplifies the call for meaningful policy changes, sending a clear message that mental health can no longer be overlooked.

For more information or to get involved, please visit guidinglightcharity.org.uk.