Community Directory
Listed below are community groups and organisations who can provide advice and help for different issues. To search for organisations within a particular section, enter any part of the name of a section in the box below and click apply.
Section | Title | Description |
---|---|---|
Advice and support services | Alcoholics Anonymous |
Peer support for alcoholics who wish to stop drinking. Meetings across the Tendring District. For details of your local meeting call or visit the AA website below. |
Advice and support services | Business Debtline |
Free, confidential advice for small businesses struggling with debt. |
Advice and support services | Citizens Advice Bureau Tendring |
Free, independent, impartial and confidential advice. Any problem, from anyone. You will find useful advice and factsheets on the CAB Advice Guide website below. Advice surgeries in Clacton on Sea... |
Advice and support services | Civil Legal Advice |
Access to legal aid solicitors (if you are eligible) for free, confidential and |
Advice and support services | CM Options |
Information about options for arranging child maintenance when parents do not live together. Provided by the DWP. |
Advice and support services | Colchester and Tendring Women’s Refuge |
For women and children who are suffering from domestic abuse. |
Advice and support services | GP Care Advisors |
Assisting people to access social care, welfare benefits and self-help support to |
Advice and support services | Home Heat Helpline |
A free service to help people who are worried about paying their energy bills and staying warm. |
Advice and support services | Immigration Advice |
Immigration advice is regulated by law. You can search the OISC website for an adviser at the website below |
Advice and support services | MacMillan |
Benefits advice service for anyone living in North East Essex affected by cancer. |
Advice and support services | National Debtline |
Part of the Money Advice Trust. Providing free advice on debt by phone and online. |
Advice and support services | Outhouse East |
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Cross Dressing. Confused? Need someone to talk to? Social opportunities, support groups, café and library. |
Advice and support services | Phil Stone Consultancy Limited |
Free advice for anyone considering bankruptcy, threatened with bankruptcy, already bankrupt or suffering the effects of someone else’s bankruptcy. |
Advice and support services | Refugee Council, Ipswich |
Level 2 asylum and immigration advice 080 8808 2255 |
Advice and support services | Rehab 4 Addiction |
Rehab 4 Addiction is a free helpline for people who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction. |
Advice and support services | Royal British Legion |
Benefits and money advice for people who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, their dependents and carers. |
Advice and support services | Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) |
Telephone helpline offering 30 minutes of free advice about boundary disputes, party walls and compulsory purchase. |
Advice and support services | StepChange Debt Charity |
StepChange Debt Charity can help you find a practical solution to deal with your debt problems. Their trained advisers provide advice on all available... |
Advice and support services | TaxAid |
A charity offering up-to-date information and advice on tax matters to individuals on low and modest incomes. |
Advice and support services | Tendring & Colchester Minority Ethnic Partnership (TACMEP) |
TACMEP aims to eliminate racial discrimination and promote good race relations and equal opportunities for all. TACMEP does this by providing information, advice and support so families from... |
Advice and support services | The Law Society |
Factsheets about common legal problems and a directory of solicitors. When engaging a solicitor, don’t forget to ask about costs. |
Advice and support services | The Money Advice Service |
Free advice on managing your money, planning for retirement and coping with life changing events such as losing your job. |
Benefits Services | Child and Working Tax Credit |
If you have a Child or Working Tax Credit query contact: Tax Credit Office, Preston, PR1 4AT |
Benefits Services | Essential Living Fund |
Support for those in crisis. Provides small financial grants, furniture, food vouchers and white goods. For more information and details of the eligibility criteria, visit website below |
Benefits Services | Other benefits including Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance |
If you are out of work. or if you have been signed off sick, you may be entitled to claim other benefits. Each case will be looked at individually. |
Benefits Services | The Pension Service |
Provides information about pensions and pensioner benefits, for those planning for the future, about to retire or who have already retired. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a... |
Benefits Services | Turn2us |
Free and confidential benefit check to make sure you are claiming all that you are entitled to. |
Community safety services | ActionFraud |
Fraud and Internet crime reporting service. |
Community safety services | Crimestoppers |
The UK's only independent crime fighting charity. Call or go to their website to fill in an on-line form. |
Community safety services | Domestic Abuse |
Domestic abuse is not just physical violence: a person can be abused psychologically, sexually or financially. IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS CALL 999 National Domestic violence helpline for... |
Community safety services | Electricity |
To report a dangerous situation or power cut call the following emergency numbers Emergencies: 0800 31 63 105 or 0333 32 32 105 Do you need extra support during a power cut or do you know... |
Community safety services | Essex County Fire and Rescue Service |
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES CALL 999 To arrange a free home fire safety visit call or email using the below details |
Community safety services | Floodline |
Information about the latest flood alerts. |
Community safety services | Hate Crime |
This site is the one-stop shop for information and advice for all matters |
Community safety services | National Gas Emergency Services |
To report gas leaks: |
Community safety services | Police |
You can dial 999 in an emergency or call the non-emergency number 101 or alternatively 01245 491491 |
Drugs and alcohol services | Drug and Alcohol Team North East Essex (NEEDAS) |
A joint health and social care team that provides assessment, detoxification, care planning, residential referrals and day programmes, as well as information, advice, counselling and support for... |
Drugs and alcohol services | Frank |
Free and confidential national information service for drug users or families affected by drug use. A wide range of services and support. |
Drugs and alcohol services | Open Road |
Support for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. |
Education | Adult Community Learning |
An award-winning training provider offering a wide range of training courses and learning opportunities for adults and businesses across Essex. Centres at Clacton and Harwich. |
Education | Colchester Institute |
Colchester Institute runs a travel scheme where students can purchase a bus or train pass to travel to College at a reduced cost. |
Education | Essex County Council |
Here you’ll find information on the different types of schools and education available in Essex, including early education, adult learning and help with costs. |
Education | Schools in Tendring |
Contact details for all local schools in Tendring |
Employment | Clacton Jobcentre Plus |
For help and advice on looking for a job. 0845 6060 234 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. To cancel or change an appointment call 0845 604 3719 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to... |
Employment | Harwich Jobcentre Plus |
For help and advice on looking for a job. Open Wednesday 10.00am-1.00pm. 2.00-4.00pm and Thursday 2.00-4.00pm For further information please see The... |
Employment | National Apprenticeship Service |
Find out about apprenticeships and how to apply. |
Employment | National Careers Service |
supporting adults and young people in accessing skills, training, finance and support for learning. Also assisting young people aged 13-19 who need additional support, including young people with... |
Employment | Signpost |
Signpost is an independent charitable organisation which helps people of all ages and from all walks of life to get back into work or to move on. |
Health | Alzheimer’s Society |
Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteers provide both local information and over 2,000 services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to people affected by dementia in their communities... |
Health | Clacton and District Hospital |
Many less serious injuries and minor illnesses can be dealt with at Minor Injury Units and Walk-In centres. |
Health | Clacton Bosom Pals |
Support group for breast cancer survivors in Clacton. |
Health | Colchester General Hospital | |
Health | COPE (Community Organisation for Problem Eating) |
COPE assists people with eating disorders to recover quickly and gain control of their lives. |
Health | Epilepsy Action Tendring |
Information and support group. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, except December, from 10.30am until 12.30pm. Visitors are welcome to call in at any time. Sometimes we... |
Health | Falls Prevention Service |
Helps to reduce the risk of falls, trips and slips in the community. If you feel you are at risk of falling, you can self-refer. |
Health | Fryatt Hospital |
Many less serious injuries and minor illnesses can be dealt with at Minor Injury Units and Walk-in centres |
Health | Health in Mind |
Health in Mind helps people with a variety of mental health problems in and around Colchester and Tendring |
Health | MacMillan Cancer Support |
Provides practical, medical and financial support for people living with cancer. |
Health | Mobile Optician |
Specsavers Healthcall provides eye care services at home to those who cannot visit a high street optician unaccompanied due to physical or mental disability. Call free to check eligibility... |
Health | NHS Choices Website and 111 Service |
If you are feeling unwell you can call NHS 111 for nurse advice and health information. You should call NHS 111 if you need medical help fast, but it is not a 999 emergency. The helpline is open... |
Health | NHS Smokefree |
Information on stopping smoking and details of support. |
Health | Out of Hours GP Services |
Your GP is required to offer appointments outside of normal surgery hours for urgent treatment. This may be provided by an external company such as Harmoni. If you need to see a doctor, call your... |
Health | Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) |
If you have concerns about any part of your NHS care and related social care, you can get assistance in confidence from The Patient Advice and Liaison Service. PALS can also offer advice and... |
Health | Pharmacy and Prescriptions |
Prescription deliveries and other home services are available in your area. Contact your local doctor’s surgery or pharmacy for information. |
Health | POhWER ICAS |
If you wish to complain about the treatment you have received from the NHS, the statutory Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) may be able to help you. |
Health | Samaritans |
Provides confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings. |
Health | St Helena Hospice |
A local charity providing specialist care and support to those with a life-threatening illness and to their loved ones. |
Health | Tendring Mental Health Support |
Support, advocacy and therapeutic activities for people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities. |
Health | Tendring Specialist Stroke Services |
A registered charity providing post stroke services for the community of Tendring, with centres in Holland-on-Sea and Dovercourt. |
Health | The Family Planning Association |
A sexual health charity which gives straightforward information, advice and support on sexual health, sex and relationships. |
Health | The Independent Diabetes Trust |
Free information, quarterly newsletter and helpline. |
Health | Walk In Centre - North Colchester Healthcare Centre |
Many less serious injuries and minor illnesses can be dealt with at Minor Injury Units and Walk-in centres. |
Internet access and support | Adult Community Learning Essex (ACL) |
For details of courses |
Internet access and support | Internet Training Courses |
CVS Tendring 01255 425 692 |
Internet access and support | Libraries |
Internet access is available through your library. Information about courses on how to use computers is available through your library or Essex Adult and Community Learning. |
Internet access and support | Signpost Tendring |
Supported Internet access for benefit applications in Jaywick. |
Leisure activities | The Essex Sunshine Coast |
Tourist information website for the Tendring District. Where to stay, eating out, shopping and entertainment. |
Leisure activities | Visit Essex |
Days out, events, places to visit and places to stay in Essex. |
Older People | Age Concern Clacton |
Lunch clubs and advice. |
Older People | Age Concern Harwich and District |
Coffee mornings and lunch clubs. |
Older People | Age UK |
We believe in a world where everyone can love later life. Age UK is here to inspire, enable and support older people to help people make the most of later life. |
Older People | Ask SAL |
If you suspect a vulnerable adult is being abused, treated badly, taken advantage of or injured, call the Ask SAL helpline. |
Older People | Careline |
Careline is Tendring District Council's 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year personal alarm service, that supports almost 3,000 clients of all ages who want to live independently and safe in... |
Older People | Clacton Family Support |
A variety of support services and activities to help older people and their families and carers live with independence, choice and control. Includes support for dementia and short term memory loss... |
Older People | Independent Age |
Advice for older people, their families and carers. |
Older People | TaxHelp for Older People |
A free confidential service providing tax advice for people over 60 on low incomes who cannot afford to employ a professional tax adviser. |
Older People | Tendring District U3A |
Universities of the Third Age are democratic, self funded organisations which provide all types of educational, creative and leisure activities for older people at minimal cost, by making use of... |
Older People | The Pension Service |
Provides information about pensions and pensioner benefits. Can also provide a pension forecast for those approaching retirement. |
Older People | The Relatives and Residents Association (Essex) |
Advice and information on matters relating to residential care and the alternatives to it. |
Other public services | Affinity Water |
Emergencies, water quality, supply & leak enquiries Leakspotters 0800 376 5325 (Available 24 hours a day) Metered bill enquiries 0845 769 7985 Non-metered bill enquiries 0845 769 7982 |
Other public services | Children and Families |
For enquiries about child care and early years opportunities. |
Other public services | Essex County Council |
For general enquiries about any Essex County Council Service: |
Other public services | Essex Library Services |
Renewals, enquiries about the library service, mobile library services and your local library. |
Other public services | Post Office |
For online information on a wide range of services and products. |
Other public services | Roads and Transport |
Road maintenance, traffic management and parking, streetlights and signs and public rights of way. Also for maintenance of overgrown hedgerows, obstructed road signs, potholes, broken drain covers... |
Other public services | Schools and Education |
For enquiries about school meals, school transport, admissions and other education services provided by Essex County Council. |
Other public services | Social Services |
For people over the age of 18 who may need support as a result of age, disability or learning difficulties. 0345 603 7630 (care for adults) Advice on adopting and fostering, safeguarding... |
Other services and sources of information | Clacton Foodbank |
Run by The Salvation Army. Food is distributed from The Salvation Army Community Centre. Vouchers are available from the Citizens Advice Bureau, |
Other services and sources of information | Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) |
Supports, promotes and develops voluntary and community action in Tendring. |
Other services and sources of information | Essex Floating Support |
A free service which provides housing related support to help you manage your accommodation and live independently. |
Other services and sources of information | Extra - Support for Families (EXTRA) |
Help and support for anyone caring for children in the Tendring District to meet the challenges of parenting. |
Other services and sources of information | Gamcare |
Support with gambling addiction. |
Other services and sources of information | Gov.uk |
A list of UK public services all in one place. |
Other services and sources of information | Harwich Foodbank | |
Other services and sources of information | Royal British Legion |
Providing practical, emotional and financial support to the Armed Forces family. Help to cope with the loss of a loved one, help at home to adapt to independent living, recovery centres for... |
Other services and sources of information | Volunteer Centre Tendring |
Bringing together volunteers and volunteering opportunities in Tendring. |
Other services and sources of information | Walton and District Community Foodbank |
Providing emergency food aid to the most needy in the community. |
Services for carers | Benefits and entitlements |
Information about benefits and entitlements for you and the people you care for, including Carers and Attendance Allowance, can be found at: |
Services for carers | Carers UK |
Information and support for carers including information about benefits and |
Services for carers | Clacton Family Support |
A variety of support services and activities to help older people and their families and carers live with independence, choice and control. Includes support for dementia and short term memory loss... |
Services for carers | Essex Carers Support |
Social and support groups for carers, advice and respite care. |
Services for the disabled | Autism Anglia |
Autism Anglia provides a range of services to enable people with autism to live as independently as possible and experience choice and inclusion in society. |
Services for the disabled | Colchester Catalyst Charity |
We provide funding for support and equipment needed by people with medical conditions or disabilities who live in North East Essex/the CO Post Code, specifically where assistance is not available... |
Services for the disabled | Deafblind UK |
Support for people who are deafblind. For details of local clubs and services contact the Peer Support Team. |
Services for the disabled | Disability Essex |
To enable people with any disability to control their own lives and enjoy to the full the opportunities which society, the economy and the environment offer. |
Services for the disabled | Essex Blind Charity |
Based in Frinton on Sea. Specialist residential care and respite breaks for the elderly visually impaired; Essex Sight Centers demonstrating equipment and aids to daily living; support groups;... |
Services for the disabled | Headway Essex |
Headway Essex cares for people who have acquired a brain injury and this may be through sporting or work accidents, road traffic accidents, assault, illness or disease. |
Services for the disabled | Remap |
National charity whose volunteers design and make, or adapt equipment for Disabled people, providing it is not available commercially. Contacts for North East Essex (Colchester) Panel:... |
Services for the disabled | Scope Colchester and Tendring |
Supporting people with cerebral palsy. Based in Colchester, services provided are a day centre for 19-40 age group, 40+ club, Face to Face for parents of disabled children, summer playscheme and a... |
Services for the disabled | Tendring & District Talking Newspaper Association |
Produces a weekly "talking newspaper" called THE TENDRING TALKING TIMES containing articles, local news and matters of interest. |
Services for the disabled | Tendring Mental Health Support |
Support, advocacy and therapeutic activities for people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities. |
Shopping | Buy with Confidence |
All the businesses on the Buy with Confidence website have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way. |
Shopping | Helping Hands |
For people over 60 or who have a disability. Transport for appointments, visiting and shopping. |
Shopping | Internet Shopping |
Some supermarkets and large retail stores provide an Internet based order and delivery service. Go to the retailer’s website to find out information about their services and costs. |
Shopping | Local Deliveries |
Your local shop may run a packing and delivery service. Telephone or call into the shop to find out details. Some goods may also be able to be sent by post. |
Shopping | Supermarket Deliveries |
Some supermarkets provide a delivery and/or a free bus service. Ask at the supermarket’s customer services desk for information about their services and costs. |
Transport | Blue Badge Parking Scheme |
The Blue Badge scheme provides a national range of parking concessions to help severely disabled people travel independently, as either a driver or passenger, by allowing them to park close to... |
Transport | Bus Passes |
If you live in England and are of retirement age or an eligible disabled person, you are entitled to an English National Concessionary Bus Pass. Essex residents who are applying for an older... |
Transport | Community Link |
Provides specialist transport throughout Essex, using Essex County Council's in-house fleet and drivers. Provides daily transport for passengers to day centres, community resource centres and... |
Transport | Harwich Connexions |
Operates Community Transport for residents of Harwich, Dovercourt, Parkeston and the surrounding villages. |
Transport | Helping Hands |
For people over 60 or who have a disability. Transport to hospital appointments, visiting, doctors, dentist, chiropodist, shopping, airports etc. |
Transport | Highways |
Road maintenance, traffic management and parking, streetlights and signs and public rights of way. Also for maintenance of overgrown hedgerows, obstructed road signs, potholes, broken drain covers... |
Transport | Motability |
Operates a scheme to provide vehicles, wheelchairs and powered scooters to disabled people in the UK. |
Transport | National Rail Enquiries |
Find out train times, plan journeys and book tickets |
Transport | Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) |
Some or all travel costs can be reclaimed by people on certain benefits through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can advise on eligibility and how... |
Transport | Social Car Schemes |
Essex County Council part funds six Car-Share Schemes operating throughout Tendring District. Four of these schemes utilise the services of car owner drivers, who take people to hospitals and GP... |
Transport | Tendring Community Transport |
Provides wheelchair accessible, door-to-door transport for people of all ages who find it difficult or impossible to access conventional public transport. Services include the Colchester... |
Transport | TrainTracker™ |
Live train running information for today or timetable and fares information for the next three months (calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, calls from other operators and mobiles may be... |
Young People | ChildLine |
ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor about anything - no problem is too big or too small... |
Young People | Clacton Youth Centre | |
Young People | Coastal Community Centre | |
Young People | Inclusion Ventures |
Our aim is to improve the lives of vulnerable young people from the most disadvantaged areas of West Clacton; supporting them to discover a wider prospective, and positive future that fulfils... |
Young People | Safeguarding - Essex Social Services |
The term ‘safeguarding’ can apply to both adults and children and is about protecting them, preventing their abuse or neglect and educating those around them to recognise the signs and dangers.... |
Young People | Stourdale Youth Centre (Tendring North) | |
Young People | Sure Start Children’s Centres |
Children’s Centres support people with young children from pregnancy, through pre-school years, to primary school. They aim to help you give your child the best start in life and are a one-stop... |
Young People | Teen Talk |
Teen Talk is "Young Person Centred". We do not give advice or tell someone what to do, but offer support, space and time for a young person to work through their own issues, at their own... |
Young People | Tendring Youth Assembly |
The Tendring Youth Assembly is a group of young people from across Tendring that meet once a month to discuss matters that affect them as young people. This group is sponsored and co-ordinated by... |
Young People | The Cybersmile Foundation |
Through education, awareness and support we aim to combat the growing threat of cyberbullying and create a much safer, more enjoyable digital environment. |
Young People | The Prince's Trust |
The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. You can text us;... |
Young People | Vibe Youth Centre | |
Young People | vInspired |
At vInspired we believe that your creativity, energy and optimism can change the world. We're dedicated to helping you improve your skills, confidence and employability whilst doing the... |
Young People | Walton Youth Centre | |
Young People | YouthNet |
A lifeline, online, for young people |