M&S Clacton

The foodbank is operated under the umbrella of The Trussell Trust. Non perishable food is donated by members of the public, schools, supermarkets and local businesses. Volunteers then sort and check the food items. Clients are referred to the service by agencies such as Citizens Advice, Social Services,Job Centre etc. Clients attend a foodbank session and present their voucher. Whilst their food parcel is being prepared volunteers sit alongside the client and offer support where necessary or just a listening ear. We very much want to make the client feel comfortable and welcome during what is normally a difficult time for them.

For nearly 45 years, Tendring Eldercare has been supporting older people and those living with dementia, helping them to remain active, connected, and valued within their community. Established in 1982, the charity was created to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, and provide practical support to those who need it most. At the heart of our work is our Wellbeing and Respite Day Centre in Clacton-on-Sea. This provides a safe, welcoming place where clients can spend time with others, take part in activities, enjoy home cooked meals, and receive support in a relaxed and friendly environment. For many people, attending the centre is the highlight of their week and plays an important role in maintaining their confidence and independence. We offer a wide range of activities designed to support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. These include music, gentle exercise, arts and crafts, quizzes, reminiscence sessions, and themed events. All activities are carefully planned to be inclusive, especially for those living with dementia. Alongside this, clients have access to personal care support, bathing facilities, and visiting professionals such as hairdressers and chiropodists. Tendring Eldercare also provides vital support for carers. Many family members care for loved ones full time and often feel tired, isolated, and under pressure. Our day centre gives carers valuable time to rest, attend appointments, or focus on their own wellbeing, knowing that their loved one is safe, supported, and enjoying their day. Transport is an essential part of our service. Many of our clients are no longer able to drive and have limited access to public transport. Through our transport provision, we ensure that people who might otherwise be housebound are able to attend regularly and remain socially connected. We work closely with families, health professionals, local organisations, and community groups to ensure our clients receive joined up support. We also engage with schools and volunteers through intergenerational and community projects that help reduce loneliness and build understanding between generations. As demand for dementia and eldercare services continues to grow, our Clacton centre now operates at full capacity. To respond to this need, we have secured a second building in Brightlingsea and are preparing to open a new Wellbeing and Respite Day Centre. This will allow us to support more individuals and carers who are currently unable to access our services. Above all, Tendring Eldercare is a people focused charity. We know our clients well, respect their life stories, and treat every individual with dignity and kindness. We celebrate milestones, support families through difficult times, and create an environment where people feel safe, welcome, and valued. Our impact is seen every day in the friendships formed, the confidence regained, and the relief felt by carers who know their loved ones are well cared for. Tendring Eldercare exists to ensur

CADOWS caters for adults of all ages from the North Essex area who have learning, mental or physical disabilities, whether by birth, road accident or stroke. Our work is completely self sufficient and is run by unpaid volunteers, it does not receive any grants. The items the clients make under skilled supervision, plants the clients grow in our greenhouses and items donated, are sold to cover our running costs. CADOWS owns its own land & building, we are open 09.00 - 15.00 Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. CADOWS invited another charity Essex Blind Charity to share its premises on a Thursday. Demand for our services has risen dramatically over the last year, we currently have 40 clients. We charge clients the nominal sum of £3 a day to help with costs, including tea, coffee and biscuits, which are served three times a day with cakes in the afternoons. The subs total about £5,000 a year but the running costs for the minibus we use to collect and return our clients amounts to £4,000 a year and our utility bills and public liability insurance comes to another £6,000 plus other miscellaneous bills so it is a continual struggle by a bunch of unpaid volunteers helping to give some respite and help to others less fortunate. Six or seven times a year we take the clients on outings paid for by the volunteers. CADOWS is split into three sections, the wood workshop where the more able clients make wooden garden furniture which is sold in our little shop at the front of the building (which also sells goods donated by the public), the greenhouses where some of the clients tend plants to sell in our shop, and the main workshop where clients do various tasks for hospitals, children's nurseries and other organisations. We are not paid to do this work but we have managed to procure the tasks as long as we pay for the materials. They also make birthday cards and various soft furnishings for sale in the shop. The aim of CADOWS is three fold: to manage clients back into a working environment by learning new skills so they can become part of the main workforce, by giving the clients a better quality of life by interacting with others whilst doing worthwhile work and to the ones who live at home some respite for their parents. All support we receive to continue our vital opportunities for adults with learning disabilities is greatly valued by our team of hard-working and dedicated volunteers.