To mark the five-year anniversary of the county's local community kindness project, it is being updated with a new name and fresh look.
Kinder Essex is an evolution of the United in Kind project. The new look reflects the expansion of the project over the last five years and how its purpose has changed in that time. It has been co-created alongside individuals delivering support out in communities. The update means the project remains relevant and fit for the future, so it can help even more people.
The community-led social movement is delivered by Essex Wellbeing Service. It involves 12 coaches who work across Essex to enable acts of kindness. They connect people to local groups and activities where they can meet others. The aim is to reduce social isolation and support people’s wider health and wellbeing.
Feelings of loneliness and isolation can escalate and become worse. They can impact not only a person’s mental wellbeing, but their physical health too. It’s therefore important the wider causes of ill health are addressed and not just the symptoms.
Coaches also work with local groups and organisations. This might include helping them to start a new project or extend existing services. Those looking to volunteer can connect with a coach to find local opportunities too.
Over the last five years, the project has:
- Helped more than 20,000 people across the county to become more connected.
- Encouraged nearly 46,000 acts of kindness over 5 years
- Recruited over 500 new volunteers in 2024 alone.
- Supported more than 1500 new initiatives to increase community connections over 5 years
- Assisted over 250 groups and organizations in setting up new activities in 2024.
Find out more about Kinder Essex and how you can get involved.
Partners are no longer affiliated with the United in Kind brand, channels or content shared on them.