ECVYS members run groups all over Essex and vary massively in content, style and delivery. Check out the interactive map to find a group near you
Did you know that if your group/club is affiliated to one of our larger organisations then you are an ECVYS member too!
This includes youth groups from
Essex Scouts (Over 800 Groups)
Chelmsford Diocese (Over 600 Churches)
Essex Boys & Girls Clubs (Over 110 Affiliated clubs)
Girl Guiding ( Over 200 groups)
Essex County Football Association (Over 250 clubs)
….and more!
Click here to find out about ECVYS membership
Here is a list of all Member groups with links to the Web pages, any queries please contact officeadmin@ecvys.org.uk
Representing Voluntary Youth Organisations in Essex, Southend and Thurrock
(CIO: Registered charity number 1178954)
| Member | Services Offered | Contact Details |
| Accuro (Care Services) | Accuro is a small, vibrant local charity providing a range of specialist services for children, young people and adults with a disability across West Essex. Our services enable our members to take part in a wide range of social and leisure opportunities, which help to reduce social isolation, build confidence and encourage independence. | https://www.accuro.org.uk/ |
| Achieve, Thrive, Flourish (ATF) | Since 2012, ATF has been working with communities, and young people at risk of exclusion to provide a safe environment, increased opportunity and enhanced wellbeing. Through building a sense of togetherness and teaching life skills through sport, art, heritage and culture, we have seen a positive impact on anti-social behaviour in the areas we work. We work with a broad range of partners including residents, schools, councils, The Probation Service, sports organisations and housing associations. Working together, we deliver inspiring programmes and opportunities for young people aged 5 to 11 and 12 to 24, as well as inter-generational activities. Together we continue to build bridges between communities and increase cohesion | https://www.atfcommunity.com/about-atf |
| Barnardo’s | Barnardo’s offer practical and emotional support so young people can enter adulthood with the confidence they need to achieve their full potential. | www.barnardos.org.uk |
| Bar’N’Bus Trust | Bar ‘n’ Bus Youth Work seeks to engage and support young people in multiple contexts – e.g. in school, on the streets, in a structured programme. We want young people to know that each area of their life is important and offer easy access to support when and where they need it. In practice this means that a young people may meet workers on detached youth work session who needs additional support and arrangements can be made for them to link with a Bar ‘n’ Bus mentor within their school or catch up with a worker during a lunchtime session. In this way we can ‘hold’ young people at different stages of their lives, responding to the changes in their needs. | Home – Bar’N’Bus Trust (barnbus.org.uk) |
| Boys Brigade Chelmsford Battalion | The Boys Brigade have faith in young people and provide opportunities for children and young people to learn, grow and discover in a safe, fun and caring environment which is rooted in the Christian faith. | http://www.bbni.org.uk/ |
| Braintree Foyer | A modern support housing development providing self catered rooms and support services to young people aged 18-35 experiencing homelessness | www.saha.org.uk |
| Brentwood Catholic Youth Service | Catholic retreat house, with a young adult residential team who can offer retreats for young people. The Walsingham House retreat team offer retreats for school groups from Year 5 to Year 13, and parish Confirmation groups. | https://bcys.net/WHAbbotswick/ |
| Buffy Bus | Buffy Playbus are running SEND. sensory, craft and play activities in Saffron Walden & Great Dunmow. Buffy has sensory toys and equipment with a range of craft activities on-board. Under the guidance of trained playleaders, children will be able to explore and use their imaginations to gain new skills and build confidence. All children must be accompanied by an adult | http://buffybus.com/ |
| CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) | CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex. We work from our head office in Colchester and from outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. | https://caraessex.org.uk/ |
| Carers Choices | We provide a range of services that enable Carers of all ages to receive respite from their caring responsibilities. In addition, we support Carers to access Carers Assessments and other resources available to them. | https://carerschoices.org/ |
| Chafford Hundred Community Church | They offer a variety of services to schools that help to address young people’s personal development, aspirations and emotional wellbeing | https://mycommunitychurch.org.uk/community/projects/ |
| Christian Youth Outreach | CYO is a community of people working together to support schools across the Colchester area in the pastoral and spiritual care of their pupils, to help them grow in life, hope and faith. | https://www.cyocolchester.org.uk/ |
| Colchester Korban Project | Colchester Korban Project is a Christian charity providing supported housing for 16 – 25 year olds who have found themselves in crisis. We offer young people a home, support and guidance as they prepare themselves for independence. Korban was started by several churches as their response to youth homelessness in this area | https://www.korban.org.uk/ |
| Colchester Youth Enquiry Services | YES is a youth charity organisation that has been delivering services for young people across the North-East Essex region for over 30 years. They engage with over 200 young people per year through the charity’s housing, teen pregnancy and mental health counselling services | https://www.yesyouthenquiryservice.org/ |
| Diocese of Chelmsford | For a friendly chat, or further information, call us on 01206 710771, use the ‘Contact Us’ option, or pop in to see us at 9 Trinity Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JN | http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/ |
| Essex Boys and Girls Clubs | EBGC offer support and advice to get the club started and then provide ongoing development programme where clubs can engage and grow. As part of the development process clubs are able to access the wide range of resources that EBGC have to offer. These include: Training and qualifications for young people, volunteers and staff Young Leader Programme Club activities Advice on policies and procedures International trips General club support | https://www.essexboysandgirlsclubs.org/ |
| Essex Youthbuild | Essex Youthbuild is a Chelmsford-based charity offering construction and employability skills training to young people aged 14-19. Welcome to Essex Youthbuild. Chelmsford-based construction & employability skills training. | https://www.essexyouthbuild.co.uk/ |
| Families in Focus (Essex) | We are a leading independent parent led registered charity providing holistic support to families of children with disabilities and special needs (aged 0 to 25) across Essex, who require advice, information and support, particularly at times of change, challenge and crisis. Our service is accessible to all families from Essex whatever their background, as long as at least one child or young person in the family between the age of 0 to 25 has a disability or special need. We aim to give caring, practical and confidential support whilst empowering families, in a non–threatening way, to consider the choices available to them and make the best use of available services. Our services are seen as essential, invaluable and tailored to meet the needs of our families in an accessible, proactive and positive way. | https://www.familiesinfocus.co.uk/ |
| Gateway Community Media | The Radio Club is a youth group which is available to 11 to 18-year-olds with an interest in media. Radio Club have an allocated 1-hour slot on a Saturday morning; which is broadcast under the guidance of experienced youth workers. | https://www.gateway978.com/volunteering/radio-club |
| Girlguiding Essex North East | Girlguiding Essex North East stretches from Ingatestone to Harwich, from Burnham on Crouch to Great Yeldham with members ranging from the newest Rainbow to our team of volunteer leaders and commissioners and all those in between. largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in the UK. Guiding enables girls and young women to develop their potential and to make a difference to the world. | https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/ |
| Girlguiding Essex South East | Girlguiding South East’s area covers Southend, Rochford, Rayleigh, Castle Point, Basildon, Billericay and South Woodham Ferrers. Guiding enables girls and young women to develop their potential and to make a difference to the world. | https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/ |
| Girlguiding West | Girlguiding West’s area covers Chelmsford, Braintree, Halstead and Maldon districts, Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford districts, Colchester and Tendring districts, Brentwood and Thurrock. Guiding enables girls and young women to develop their potential and to make a difference to the world. | https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/ |
| Hamelin Trust | Hamelin Trust support families and the community across Essex via day and community outreach service. They offer development, independence and high quality personalised care for young people and adults with learning disabilities. They also have a respite offer for families in need of a much valued break, safe in the knowledge their loved ones are being cared for by a talented, trusted and dedicated team | https://hamelintrust.org.uk/ |
| Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service | HBBS is a local ‘not for profit’ organisation which was founded in 1989. They offer a professional and confidential counselling service to local adults, young people and children. | https://www.hbbscounselling.org/ |
| Homestart CJC | Home-Start Colchester an independent local charity committed to making a real difference to the lives of local children and families. Home-Start Colchester is responsive to need, designing support to make a difference and help families remain independent and intervention to support children to achieve their full potential. | https://www.home-startcjc.com/ |
| Home-Start Essex | Home-Start Essex is a leading family support charity working across Essex to build the confidence and skills of parents/carers to achieve healthy and positive outcomes for children. Our work comprises a long-established volunteer home visiting service, offering emotional and practical help to families experiencing difficulties, alongside a range of family groups, well-being programmes, courses and events. We work with families with at least one child under the age of five, and offer some events for families with children up the age of 8yrs. We are early years specialists, and work closely with the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service. What makes our charity special, is that all our volunteers are either parents/carers themselves or have relevant experience of working with children. | https://home-startessex.org.uk/ |
| Inclusion Ventures | Homestart CJC aim to improve the lives of vulnerable young people from the most disadvantaged areas of Clacton, Jaywick and Colchester. | https://www.inclusionventures.co.uk/ |
| InterAct | An innovative, enterprising, local Essex based charity that delivers support where needed most – in the heart of the community. We are forward-thinking and fast-paced. Our work is challenging and the environment can be pressurised but… we enjoy it! We work together, we support each other and we celebrate success. We invite you to be part of InterAct. Promoting creativity and empowerment InterAct is dedicated to improving the emotional well-being and opportunities of young people and young adults with disabilities, primarily learning disabilities/difficulties and autism, and individuals, families and communities who experience barriers through disability, challenging mental health, other disadvantage and social difficulties. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their life aspirations. We work in local communities across Essex promoting inclusion, increasing participation and independence. The main focus of our work – improving the emotional well-being and life opportunities for: Teenagers/young people/young adults with a learning disability and additional needs, and their parents/carer, focusing on supporting the whole family. People who experience barriers through disability, challenging emotional and mental health issues, other disadvantage and social difficulties | http://www.interact.org.uk/ |
| Kaos Youth Club | To act as a resource for young people living in the area of Rochford district council and the surrounding areas, by providing advice and assistance and organising programmes of physical, educational and other activities as a means of: (a) advancing iN life and helping young people by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals; (b) advancing education; (c) providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for young people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of Life of such persons. | https://www.kaosyouthclub.co.uk/ |
| Kids Inspire | Kids Inspire provide mental health and trauma recovery support for children, young people and their families. Through a range of therapeutic and community activities we promote resilience, self-awareness, and relationship building to empower more positive life choices. Our Mission. To ensure that all children in the UK receive specialist support to become healthy adults who lead complete and fulfilling lives. | https://www.kidsinspire.org.uk/ |
| KYDS | Their experienced team of volunteers run workshops and rehearsals in acting, singing and dance for young people. By taking part, youth members develop valuable skills which will help them in later life, such as confidence, teamwork, leadership, responsibility and communication | https://kyds.org.uk/about/ |
| Lads Need Dads CIC | Based in Tendring, North East Essex, Lads Need Dads CIC is an award winning Not-For-Profit Community Interest Company, set up to prevent potential problems and address existing ones where boys are missing a father-figure in their lives. We do this by providing: ·A male-led group Mentoring Programme · Bush-craft survival training and outdoor activities · On-going support and life-skills training · Volunteering opportunities · Leadership and Peer mentoring | https://ladsneeddads.org/ |
| Lambourne End Outdoor Centre | Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning is passionate about developing people, with a particular focus on young people. Using their unique blend of adventure, farm and environmental activities they aim to inspire people to make a positive contribution to their lives and their communities. In a safe, welcoming, yet alternative environment they will encourage people to stay healthy to have fun learning, build their confidence, raise their self-esteem and experience a sense of achievement | https://www.lambourne-end.org.uk/ |
| Mistley Kids Club | Mistley Kids Club is an after-school and holiday club for children between the ages of 4 and 16 (18 if your child has any additional needs). | https://www.mistleykidsclub.co.uk/about-us |
| MNEMind | MNEMind believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. They work across the Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring districts and work with children from the age of 5. | https://mnessexmind.org/about-us/ |
| Motivated Minds | Motivated Minds design and facilitate sustainable mental health and wellbeing solutions. Their focus is both preventative, as well as offering a range of services to meet the needs of those suffering from mental ill health, as well as offer support for those who would like to enhance their life chances. Their aim is to reduce stigma of mental ill health and support individuals through positive psychological / behaviour change, enabling them to live happier and healthier lives. They offer a variety of services across schools, workplaces and directly in the community | https://www.motivated-minds.co.uk/ |
| MyOTAS (formerly Takiwatanga) | MyOTAS was originally set up by a group of parents of autistic children, as a way to provide support to others seeking a kind, non-judgemental space, to discuss their problems and gain help with all the red tape restricting their child’s access to the services they need. The trustees now include a children’s Occupational Therapist, a Primary School Teacher, an FA registered Football Coach and a variety of other professionals and parents of SEN children. MyOTAS also run activity sessions for autistic children and those with social anxiety and/or sensory issues, centred around providing a calm space for the children to make friends, develop life skills and learn how to recognise and regulate their emotions. Sessions take place within Wickford, but welcome parents and children from anywhere in Essex to come along. Children do not need a formal diagnosis to access our services | https://myotas.org/ |
| Open Door | We are a Christian charity who are passionate about ensuring everyone has access to the right support and a listening ear. In a cafe style setting we offer informal and individual support. | https://opendoorservices.org/ |
| Outhouse East | Outhouse East provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ people in Essex. Their mission is to develop and promote a sustainable, fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people can achieve their full potential. | https://theouthouse.org.uk/ |
| PACT for Autism | PACT for Autism is a Harlow based Charity providing support for the families of autistic children, autistic adults and people with similar conditions. Our key services include our Support / Information Line, monthly meetings for parent, carer and professional support, and a variety of activities, detailed on our events calendar, including our popular autism talks and training series. | https://www.pactforautism.org.uk/ |
| Proximity Schools | Through mentoring, the MADE course, alternative education programmes, and supporting parents; Proximity Church offer a holistic support pathway. This pathway enables individuals to reach their full potential and have hope for a bright future. | https://www.proximitychurch.co.uk/about |
| Rainbow Rural | Rainbow Rural centre is based on Sallet’s farm, which is our family run organic farm. We have set-up Rainbow Rural to run alongside the working farm to enable us to provide meaningful access to our community of able, disabled and disadvantaged. Rainbow Rural is a registered Care Farm, and provides a unique view of animal care, conservation, horticulture, equine therapy, wild life monitoring, where your food comes from, rural skills, the list is very long! | https://www.rainbowrural.co.uk/ |
| Rainbow Services | Rainbow Services works for change to alleviate the effects of disadvantage, deprivation and social exclusion through imaginative projects that support, enable and develop people and organisations, and which stimulate beneficial change in the Harlow community and beyond. Established in Harlow in 1999, we achieve this aim with the following delivery: | https://rainbowservices.org.uk |
| Red Balloon Foundation | Red Balloon Foundation work on a variety of projects supporting churches and communities in the pursuit of helping children, youth and families belong, believe and become all that they were designed to be. | https://www.rbf.org.uk/ |
| Renew Counselling | Offer low-cost, and sometimes funded, professional counselling to the community and surrounding areas and strive to offer a service that rivals an expensive private practice, but at an affordable price. | https://renew.org.uk/ |
| Roots to Wellbeing | Enable, empower and support the community by providing safe, inclusive, person centred activities that nurture growth. | https://www.rootstowellbeing.org/ |
| SCAFT | To relieve the social, emotional, mental, physical and educational needs of Carers and their families in the county of Essex through the provision of support, person and group centered interventions, advice, guidance and sign posting to other services as appropriate | https://scaft.org/ |
| Sea Change Sailing Trust | The Sea Change Sailing Trust provides residential opportunities for young people and vulnerable adults to learn and develop in a unique environment living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel | https://seachangesailingtrust.org.uk/ |
| Southend YMCA | Southend YMCA is an outstanding registered charity and housing provider based in Southend On Sea and working throughout Essex. We work with children, young people, families and the wider community providing high-quality education, outstanding accommodation and positive activities and projects. These aid personal, social, cultural and moral development as well as improved health and wellbeing | https://www.southendymca.org.uk/ |
| SPARK | Spark will create opportunities for young people to receive emotional support, whenever it is needed, to enhance their wellbeing. | https://worthunlimited.co.uk/spark |
| Special Needs and Parents Ltd (SNAP) | SNAP – Special Needs And Parents – is an Essex charity for families with children and young people who have any special need or disability. SNAP’s aims are to inform, encourage and support parents and carers so that they can grow in strength and knowledge and become better equipped to give the best possible help to their children. | https://www.snapcharity.org/ |
| Springfield Youth Group | Springfield Youth Group is a not-for-profit organisation, run by a committee and team of volunteers Youth Workers. All are DBS checked and drawn from the Springfield, Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park communities. Safeguarding, First Aid and Mindfulness courses are being undertaken in the coming weeks to further ensure the safety and well being of everyone involved. | http://yourcommunityhub.co.uk/springfield-youth-group-a-place-to-belong.php |
| Teen Talk Harwich | Supporting young people aged 11-25 in the Tendring area | http://www.teentalkharwich.co.uk |
| The Change Project | We’re committed to preventing conflict in relationships whatever form that takes. It could be a parent experiencing aggressive behaviour from a child, a partner experiencing controlling and abusive behaviour, or a couple having arguments and fights. Whatever your age, background or sexual orientation we can help you resolve the problems in your relationships. | https://www.thechange-project.org/ |
| The Children’s Society | Together we will listen to young people, give them a voice, and campaign for the change they need. Your gift will contribute to our vital work with children across the country, giving young people hope, and a reason to believe in a brighter future. | https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/east |
| The Cirdan Sailing Trust | The Cirdan Sailing Trust. Challenge & Adventure. The Cirdan Sailing Trust specialises in enabling groups of young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged in some way, to experience the challenge and adventure of life at sea on large sailing vessels. We also run voyages suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Gold residential’s, along with Individuals who would benefit from this time onboard http://cirdantrust.org/ | http://cirdantrust.org/ |
| The Ministry of Parenting | Colchester-based company that works with children, young people, parents, professionals, and organisations. Their main activities are the delivery of a range of parenting groups/workshops, young peoples workshops, one to one parent coaching and professional parent programme training. | https://theministryofparenting.com/ |
| The Next Chapter | Children and young people are affected by domestic abuse too. Our Children’s and Young People’s Team include Pre-school Practitioners, Creative Therapist and Children’s Support Workers. We can provide a range of services including emotional support for children and young people, parenting support, family work, pre-school education, school holiday activities. We also undertake some work in the community in partnership with local schools and other agencies. Raising awareness of domestic abuse is a very important part of our work. In primary and secondary schools as well as in higher education, we talk to young people about healthy relationships and how to recognise the signs of abuse. | https://www.thenextchapter.org.uk/ |
| Thurrock and Brentwood Mind | Are a mental health charity founded in 1980, and since then have been developing and delivering high quality services with, and for, people with a mental health problem living in Thurrock. | https://thurrockandbrentwoodmind.org.uk/ |
| Tile Kiln Church | Come and enjoy a fun-filled adventure of discovery – enjoy games, crafts, stories, drama, songs and silliness and learn more God’s wonderful world! | https://www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk/ |
| Tiptree Youth Outreach Project | Tiptree Youth Project Outreach (TYPO) is a Christian charity based in Tiptree in Essex. They offer a forum where young people can feel safe, have fun, get active, explore ideas and make friends. | https://www.typo.uk.net/ |
| Trust Links | Trust Links is South East Essex’s local independent charity for mental health and wellbeing. We offer therapeutic gardening, recovery classes, social activities, employment training, and more to people living with mental health conditions. | https://www.trustlinks.org/ |
| Victim Support | Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. Our purpose is to provide specialist help and services, to support people to cope and recover until they feel they are back on track with their lives. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/resources/essex/ | https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/resources/essex/ |
| Wilderness Foundation UK | TurnAround Essex Youth ages 15–21 who struggle with family, social, and personal problems find a new way of living through the Wilderness Foundation’s six month long TurnAround programme Participants typically face multiple barriers to success, such as poverty, abusive or ineffective families, drug and alcohol abuse, school failure, and youth offending orders. Through outdoor adventures | https://wildernessfoundation.org.uk/venues/essex/ |
| YCT Support | We provide talking therapy counselling from a number of community venues too in West Essex and North and East Hertfordshire. We work with 5 – 25 years in Harlow , and 11 – 19 years old in locations across East and North Hertfordshire. For professionals. YCT offers counselling, supervision, consultancy, training days/programs and workshops https://yctsupport.com/services/ | https://yctsupport.com/services/ |
| Yellow Door | Are an independent charity offering Information, Advice, Advocacy, Emotional and Practical Support, Education and Counselling, and Activities to young people between 11 and 25. | https://www.canveyislandyouthproject.org.uk/ |
| Young Art Kommunity | Young Art Kommunity (YAK) is Firstsite’s young-people peer-led group which meets weekly to organise events and activities within the gallery and the wider community. | https://firstsite.uk/your-visit/learning-activities/young-people/yak/ |
| Young People’s Counselling Service | Being a young person isn’t always what it is cracked up to be. Life can become very stressful and tough, you may experience difficulties that you feel unable to solve and find yourself feeling and thinking in a way that is very concerning and distressing. At YPCS we offer a safe and confidential environment for young people who are ready to take the opportunity to look at their difficulties and life experiences. We do not give advice or a prescription for living, we aim to help the young person in discovering their own solutions and ways of coping so they gain the confidence in their own ability and develop the skills that will aid and support them through this difficult period and throughout their life. Within counselling there is an opportunity to talk with somebody who will not judge you, will be respectful of your view and will value what you say. We do not judge or measure the difficulties a young person may present with. The significance to us is the mere fact that a young person is experiencing concern and distress of any kind and has taken the initial step to contact our Service. | http://www.ypcs.org.uk/ |
| Zinc Arts | Zinc Education is an Ongar based charity working with vulnerable adults, children and young people. | https://www.zincarts.org.uk/education |
Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services 