Epping Forest District Partners

BOSP supports children and young adults with complex disabilities or life-limiting conditions, and their families, by providing high-quality, fun, educational activities, respite, peer support and counselling.

Is an independent charity offering free and confidential support to people affected by crime.

To access support, you are welcome to self refer.

You do not need to have reported the crime tp the police and it doesn't matter when the crime took place.

First Stop is a charity helping those who are in need in the Braintree area and surrounding communities.

The aim is to help those who have/or are disadvantaged by: a history of poor mental health, carers, ex-offenders, homelessness, learning needs, senior citizens, single parents, socially isolated, substance misuse, those unemployed (whether on benefits or not) or anyone in hardship needing help.

The help they can get is by accessing:

• Affordable Counselling, 1:1 appointments
• Our Community Fridge (accessing good nutritional food and helping prevent food waste)
• CV Construction
• Education classes: Confidence courses (a choice of 4), Learn my Way (IT), Digital Confidence- using tablets and other devices (including internet safety), arts & crafts and basic skills, including budgeting and maths- all in a professional but informal way
• Accessing impartial Information, Advice & Guidance- to a range of services
• Safe c/o address 

And any other help that may be needed. Our expertise is that as a long established organisation, we can refer on to a range of services to meet an individual's needs.  

Autism Navigation Service

SUMMIT provides a bespoke Autism Navigation Service for adults without a Learning Disability that are in the process of seeking a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder across Essex and adults who have received an Autism diagnosis within the last 12 months. We can help you through the diagnostic process from the beginning and beyond.

We are independent and we work solely on the behalf of people that use our service, ensuring there is no conflict of interest with funders and other service providers.

We support you if you have been referred for an assessment of Autism, helping you to engage in the process and making sure your voice is heard.

Whilst you are waiting for a diagnosis, we can work in partnership with you to help resolve any problems you may be experiencing now, in your day-to-day life.

We also support you if you've recently been diagnosed and are experiencing barriers accessing the services you need to lead a better life.

We also provide information advice and guidance to families.

Our Autism Navigation Service is only available for adults who are 18 years and over.

How to refer

Call: 01255 429778

Email: info@summitservices.org.uk

AB4D Collaborate Essex

Ability B4 Disability

Do you want to share your voice?

AB4D (Ability B4 Disability) is an Essex wide service delivered by SUMMIT in partnership with Essex County Council (ECC).

The aim of the service is to provide a flexible platform where you feel empowered to have a voice in your local community. We discuss issues that are important to you and work together to find solutions.

AB4D is for adults with an experience of disability, their families and carers.

Your views are passed to Healthwatch Essex; Collaborate Essex Disability and Carers Forum. The forum is made up of people with an experience of disability, councillors and staff from Essex County Council.

Your views help to shape local services in Essex.

How to refer

To find out what's going on in your area, you can contact us via email : info@summitservices.org.uk, or call us on 01255 429778

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.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF), operational since 1993 is an independent Charity, our mission is to work with the people of Epping Forest District to empower, support and develop voluntary and community activity.

As an umbrella organisation we develop new initiatives to meet community needs and promote cooperation between the voluntary and statutory sectors.

We offer a range of practical support, including advice on funding, help with running a voluntary organisation and provide a comprehensive Volunteer Service to help local people access volunteering opportunities.

We also run a diverse range of community projects for isolated residents in Epping Forest, these include:

Benefits Advice
Befriending
Community Response Hub
Handyman for homeowners
Volunteer Centre
Digital Learning Sessions
Ace Activities supported day activity sessions for people with learning disabilities.