EFYC

31/08/2026

Looking for a place in education or training this September? 🎓

Do you know a young person aged 16 to 18 who left school in 2025 or 2026 and doesn’t yet have a place in education or training for September?

Our Employability and Skills team can help young people explore their options and find the right next step.

Support is available with:
• Finding courses or training
• Exploring job opportunities
• Building confidence and skills
• CV and letter writing

If you need support or would like to update your plans for September, get in touch:

0800 707 6384 📞
[email protected] 📧

Or visit the link in the comments 👇

31/08/2026

Young Essex Assembly elections are open 🗣️

Do you know a young person who wants to have their say on the things that matter to young people in Essex?

The Young Essex Assembly, or YEA, is the elected youth council for Essex. Every two years, 78 young people from across the county are elected to represent the views and experiences of other young people in their area.

Being part of the YEA gives young people opportunities to meet decision makers, get involved in projects and consultations, raise issues that matter to them and help shape decisions that affect young people across Essex.

It is also a chance to meet new people, try new experiences and develop skills including confidence, teamwork, leadership and public speaking.

As one YEA member put it:

“I found my voice in a crowd.”

Applications are now open for the next Young Essex Assembly.

Applications close 31 October 2026 🗓️

If you know a young person who might be interested, find out more and apply using the link in the comments 👇

For more information:

[email protected] 📧

31/08/2026

Have you seen The Essex Youth Map?
The Essex Youth Map brings together information on youth clubs, groups, and activities across Essex, making it easier than ever for young people to find opportunities close to home - from sports and creative arts to social spaces and new experiences.

It also acts as a valuable tool for parents, carers, and professionals, offering a clear overview of what’s available in each local community.
Scan the QR code to find out more, or click here: https://ecvys.org.uk/youth-groups/

We are part of the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit Youth Resource Network, listening to young people, signposting young people to youth provision and identifying gaps in provision.

If you run or know of a youth group that isn’t yet on the map, please email email [email protected] (Youth Resource Networker for Epping Forest ) so it can be added on for you.
The more groups we showcase, the more young people will be able to access the opportunities, connections, and experiences we provide as youth workers, that continue to make a real difference.



Everything Epping Forest Jack Petchey Foundation Epping Forest District Council ECVYS - Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services Youth Unity CIC Dr Neil Hudson Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit

30/08/2026

22/08/2026

We are proud that knife crime is falling in Essex. The Violence and Vulnerability Partnership works together on prevention, intervention, enforcement and education. Find out more at our website and together we can keep Essex safe.

19/08/2026

🎉Essex Youth Map hits 100,000 views🎉
The Essex Youth Map – that showcases groups and activities available to young people in Essex has hit 100,000 views!
The Essex Youth Map was created in response to what young people told us through an earlier VVU/ECVYS Youth Voice Listening Project – where young people said that they did not know what is available to them locally.
The Essex Youth Map is a free interactive online resource created by ECVYS, with support from Essex VVU, to help youth workers and others support young people to find local youth clubs, activities and youth provision in their local area across Essex.
The map is kept up to date by Essex VVU Youth Resource Networkers ensuring the information is timely and relevant to young people seeking new opportunities in Essex.
Visit the map by scanning the QR code to find out more, or click here: https://ecvys.org.uk/youth-groups/

Dr Neil Hudson Everything Epping Forest Jack Petchey Foundation Epping Forest District Council ECVYS - Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services Youth Unity CIC Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit

17/08/2026

🏛️ Epping Forest Youth Council Visits Parliament & the Supreme Court ⚖️

Last month, our Youth Councillors enjoyed an exciting and inspiring trip to UK Parliament and the Supreme Court, learning more about how decisions are made and how laws impact our everyday lives.

The group explored the historic Houses of Parliament, gained an insight into the UK's democratic processes, and discovered more about the role of the Supreme Court in upholding justice and the rule of law.

The highlight of the day was the opportunity to take part in a debate in Courtroom 3 of the Supreme Court, where our Youth Councillors considered and debated the topic of euthanasia. They demonstrated excellent research, confidence, critical thinking, and respect for differing viewpoints throughout the discussion.

We are incredibly proud of how thoughtfully and professionally they represented young people from Epping Forest. 🌟

A fantastic day of learning, discussion, and civic engagement that will stay with them for years to come.

🏛️⚖️💙
UK Parliament The Supreme Court Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit
Dr Neil Hudson Everything Epping Forest Jack Petchey Foundation
Epping Forest District Council ECVYS - Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services Youth Unity CIC

15/08/2026

Looking for something to do in Essex over the next few days?

From live music and theatre workshops to heritage open days and family activities, there is plenty happening across the county.

Simple Things Festival: A free countryside music festival featuring live bands, circus skills, food, bars, craft stalls and family fun on Friday 15 August 🎵
Workshop for Script Writers Learn how to overcome writer's block, approach theatres and understand how actors interpret scripts. The day also includes a table read of For The Children by Ellie Hyde on Friday 15 August🎭
Finchingfield Post Mill and Mountnessing Post Mill Heritage Open Day Explore two of Essex's historic post mills as part of Heritage Open Days on Saturday 16 August 🏛️
Jaywick Martello Tower Summer Talks: Railways and Scenery in New Zealand Join Adrian Wright for an illustrated journey across New Zealand by rail on Tuesday 18 August 🚂
Essex Music Hub Rock and Pop Workshop A fun, high energy day of music, rhythm, song and dance for primary age children, ending with a performance on Tuesday 18 August 🥁

Find out more about these events and discover even more things to do in Esse, visit the link in the comments below.

15/08/2026

Supermarket trolleys at the ready! Youth councillors took on a Supermarket Sweep style challenge raising vital supplies for a local foodbank.

13/08/2026

🌳 Looking for a fun, free activity this school holiday?

Join us at our Play in the Park sessions – completely FREE with no booking required! 📆Sessions will be running from 20 July to 28 August 2026.

Designed to keep children active, engaged, and entertained throughout the holidays, these sessions are a fantastic opportunity for local families to get outdoors, make new friends, and enjoy quality time together.

Parents, carers, grandparents, and little ones are all welcome – children must be accompanied by an adult.

There’s something for everyone, including:
🎾 Outdoor activities
🏀Sports equipment
🎨 Colouring and arts & crafts

Many sessions also feature the Dr Bike team, offering free bicycle safety checks and minor repairs for children’s bikes. 🚲 These appointments can take up to 30 minutes and must be booked in advance.

These sessions are made possible with support from local Town and Parish Councils, and Qualis

Come along, get active, get creative, and enjoy the community spirit of Play in the Park! 💚

🔗Find your local session: https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/leisure/play-in-the-park/

Epping Town Council Waltham Abbey Town Council Chigwell- Parish- Council Buckhurst Hill Parish Council Ongar Town Council North Weald Bassett Parish Council Nazeing Parish Council Loughton Town Council Sheering Parish Council