Making lasting improvements
Levelling Up means making sure that all our residents have the education and skills they need to find good quality employment, can take pride in where they live and have the opportunities to make lasting improvements to their lives.
We're investing £22 million of funding and alongside our partners are working to improve job opportunities, provide new skills training, invest in education, literacy, business and community support.
Support for skills and career development
If you are an Essex resident looking for a new job, considering a career change or thinking of re-training or improving existing skills there is support available for you. Visit the ACL Essex website to find information on Adult Education courses and apprenticeships. Or head to Essex Opportunities to find information and advice on jobs, careers, skills and training.
Learn more about some of the opportunities we've supported:
Save with community supermarkets
The Essex community supermarkets offer people who may be struggling with food bills the opportunity to purchase food and household essentials at reduced prices.
We have seven open locations in Basildon, Colchester, Harlow, Chelmsford and Clacton, with one in every district to be launched by the end of the year. Find out more about community supermarkets.
Holiday childcare and activities
The cost of childcare can be a huge barrier to accessing employment, especially during the school holidays. If you need support with childcare during this time visit our ‘Essex ActiVate’ webpages and see if you qualify for our free holiday and activity programme that is delivered across Essex.
Free family fun with ParkPlay
Other ways to get active include our new ParkPlay programme, run for free at select local parks. 12 ParkPlays are currently running.
Read more about ParkPlay on the Active Essex website.
Advice and support for families of children and young people with SEND
Visit our Essex Local Offer website which has just celebrated its first birthday. The site allows you to find out about a wide range of help available for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Over 22,000 visitors used the website in the last month and we have over 400 support services listed that you can take advantage of to support you and your family. Through our Essex Local Offer roadshows we are also able to engage with you face to face if you would prefer. 1000 families have already chosen to attend a roadshow to find out more about the help and support available.
Supporting literacy and numeracy
Staff and volunteers at your local library can offer support with your child’s numeracy and literacy. Find your local library. If you are keen on developing your maths confidence, you can do so with our free Multiply programme.
Families can also access support from the National Numeracy website. The free family maths toolkit provides a range of ideas and free activities to help families enjoy maths together.
Developing digital skills
Developing digital skills in today’s modern world is essential. We want to make sure everyone has the skills and access to infrastructure they need to get the most out of new technology. From supplying digital devices to databanks and our social tariff campaign, visit our Digital Essex website to learn more. You can also access an interactive map of free digital support, including free SIMs and data vouchers, digital skills sessions and access to Wi-Fi and public network computers at libraries.
Cost of living support
We’ve produced a summary of our services, which may be able to help if you are struggling with the cost of living. This includes support with energy, childcare and household costs. Visit our cost of living support page.
Plan for the future
You can access our free guide for anyone living in Essex who has a physical disability, impairment or long-term health condition. It covers making connections, housing options, support for armed forces and veterans and getting into work.
Travel costs support
In parts of Essex you can book our low cost fully electric taxi service, Digigo. The service is completely free to concessions after 9am on weekdays and at all times on weekends. Find out more about booking with Digigo.