Mind in West Essex

Mind in West Essex Independent local mental health charity covering Uttlesford, Harlow, and Epping Forest areas of Essex, UK.

We believe that with the right support everyone has the potential to take steps that will improve their quality of life. Please explore this site to find out more about the range of activities, therapies and opportunities that are available. As an organisation we are committed to ensuring those with mental health problems are respected and included in their local communities. We are affiliated to

National Mind and adhere to the Mind Quality Standards. This ensures that our services are offering best practice and are sensitive to local needs. Our main office bases are currently in Harlow and Great Dunmow; however therapies and activities take place in venues throughout local communities across West Essex. Our Board of Trustees are all volunteers drawn from the local community. Our services are delivered by a team of 44 staff, 75 volunteers and 85 people who work for us on a self- employed basis. We actively encourage involvement by people who have a personal experience of mental ill health in all aspects of our organisation. Please do let us know if you have ideas of additional ways we could use this site to support those affected by mental ill health.

Someone recently told us Low Cost Counselling "changed my life." Here is what some of our other recent clients shared ab...
07/09/2026

Someone recently told us Low Cost Counselling "changed my life." Here is what some of our other recent clients shared about how it helped them (see slides).

Our Low Cost Counselling is currently available for £20 per session. It's fully confidential and you don't need a GP referral.

👉 To find out more, call us on 01371 876 641, email [email protected] or visit: mindinwestessex.org.uk/services/counselling-and-therapeutic-support/low-cost-counselling/

Our befriending pop-up sessions are back at Saffron Walden and Dunmow libraries next week!Befriending is a free service ...
04/09/2026

Our befriending pop-up sessions are back at Saffron Walden and Dunmow libraries next week!

Befriending is a free service connecting adults who want more social connection in their life with trained volunteers for regular conversation and friendly company.

You can find out more by dropping into Saffron Walden Library on Monday (Sept 7th) and Dunmow Library on Thursday (Sept 10th), between 10am and noon on both days.

Ask questions about the service, sign up yourself or someone else for support, or find out about volunteering as a befriender.

📆 We'll be holding sessions at the 2 libraries each month for the rest of the year (see slides for dates).

👉 You can also find out more about Befriending and a referral form (you can refer yourself) here: https://www.mindinwestessex.org.uk/services/community-services/befriending-support/

We have 2 new opportunities to join the team here at Mind in West Essex. Peer support Mentor and Sanctuary Support Worke...
03/09/2026

We have 2 new opportunities to join the team here at Mind in West Essex.

Peer support Mentor and Sanctuary Support Worker roles are open to applicants.

Head to our vacancies page for more info on each of these roles.

If you're interested in creative writing, we have an upcoming 6-session course in Harlow and a new online group that may...
03/09/2026

If you're interested in creative writing, we have an upcoming 6-session course in Harlow and a new online group that may be for you!

Please email our course facilitator Sam at [email protected] if you are interested in either of these (they are both free - details below).

🗒🖊 Our popular Write, Revive & Rebuild: Creative Writing for Wellbeing programme is returning this month at our Harlow hub!

This 6-week course is designed to introduce you to the benefits of using creative writing techniques as therapeutic tools.

The course will take place on Mondays, 10:30am - 12.30pm, from 14th September to 19th October, at Mind Sanctuary in Potter Street, Harlow.

💻 We are also starting a monthly online group where you can develop your creative writing skills in an inclusive, supportive and encouraging environment.

It’s for anyone who is interested in experimenting with various styles and genres of creative writing.

This is a friendly, non-judgemental space created to boost your self-confidence and help you hone your writing. Dates / time TBC.

Being active doesn't have to look a certain way. The best activity is one that works for you, your needs and your abilit...
02/09/2026

Being active doesn't have to look a certain way. The best activity is one that works for you, your needs and your abilities.

Finding ways to move can support both physical and mental wellbeing, whatever your starting point.

This September, we're celebrating that being 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 and the power of inclusive opportunities to help everyone enjoy the benefits of movement.

Mind in Essex and Active Essex are here to support you: https://www.mindinessex.org.uk/move-for-your-mind/

💙 Mind in Essex is a partnership of local Minds across the county: Mind in West Essex, South East and Central Essex Mind, Mid and North East Essex Mind, Basildon Mind, Thurrock and Brentwood Mind

Join us as we walk, jog, run or dance 5km for mental health at our Merry Minds Festive Fun Run at The Water Gardens Harl...
01/09/2026

Join us as we walk, jog, run or dance 5km for mental health at our Merry Minds Festive Fun Run at The Water Gardens Harlow this November!🎄❄

Whether you’re a Dasher or more of a Prancer, everyone is welcome to take part at their own pace.

Yule be supporting our services, raising mental health awareness and sleighing stigma with every step as we jingle all the way to the finish line!

On the day, there will also be:
❄ Raffles and prizes
❄ Children’s activities
❄ Merry Minds medals for all participants

Once it’s all wrapped up, why not stay for a bite to eat, a warming drink or some Christmas shopping at The Water Gardens?

‘Tis the season to be jolly so throw on an elf outfit or festive fancy dress and get merry with us – it’s going to be a cracker of a day!

🎄👉 MindInWestEssex.org.uk/shop/merry-minds-2026/
(Discounted prices are on offer for a limited time, so do yours-elf a favour and get your tickets today)

During the summer school holidays, our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) have been supporting transition days for new co...
28/08/2026

During the summer school holidays, our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) have been supporting transition days for new cohorts of Year 7 students starting secondary school in September.

As part of these transition days, MHST have incorporated our Think & Thrive programme - delivering 2 sessions over 2 days, focussing on understanding and managing anxiety around the move to secondary school.

This is our second year running the programme, and we are delighted that 9 secondary schools across Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford took part this year: Davenant, Passmores, Mark Hall, Stewards, Sir Frederick Gibberd, Burnt Mill, Ongar Academy, Saffron Walden County High and Forest Hall.

It has been fantastic to work alongside these schools to help young people feel more confident, prepared and supported as they take the next step in their education.

A huge thank you to all the staff involved for helping us make the transition to secondary school a positive experience for so many young people!

Don't miss our Qualified Mental Health First Aider training next month! Over 2 days, you will be trained to provide firs...
26/08/2026

Don't miss our Qualified Mental Health First Aider training next month!

Over 2 days, you will be trained to provide first-level mental health support and early intervention - whether it's in your workplace, a volunteer role, or the community.

After completing the training, you will be certified for 3 years and have access to exclusive resources, ongoing learning, and 24/7 digital support.

You'll gain:
✅ The knowledge, awareness and skills to spot signs of a person experiencing poor mental health;
✅ The confidence to start a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate help;
✅ The support to feel empowered and motivated to carry out the role.

📆 September 23-24 (2-day course)
⏰ 9am-5pm both days
📍 Mind Sanctuary, Prentice Place, Potter Street, Harlow CM17 9BG

Find out more and book your place: https://mentalhealthtraining.org.uk/mhfa-two-day/

Everyone needs a little support sometimes. Whatever you're dealing with, the Harlow Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) is here fo...
24/08/2026

Everyone needs a little support sometimes. Whatever you're dealing with, the Harlow Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) is here for you.

Drop in each month for FREE practical advice, guidance and support from a range of agencies and organisations, all in one place!

You can find us at the Harlow Job Centre from 10am to noon on the last Thursday of every month, starting this week (August 27th).

From money matters and housing issues to mental health and finding work, MAC Harlow can help.

It is completely free and everyone is welcome - you don't need an appointment or referral.

📆 The last Thursday of each month, starting 27th August
⏰ 10am-12pm
📍 Harlow Job Centre, Beaufort House, Crown Gate, Harlow CM20 1NA

Harlow MAC is a partnership between Essex County Council, Department for Work and Pensions - DWP, Mind in West Essex, Citizens Advice Harlow, Harlow Council, Rainbow Services (Harlow), Changing Pathways, Safer Places Domestic Abuse Support Services, Streets2Homes, Peabody, Phoenix Futures Essex, Open Road - Harlow Centre Essex Police - Harlow District

📣 Calling all elves! 🧑‍🎄❄Our festive fun run is back (with a few changes) this November – so mark your calendars and be ...
21/08/2026

📣 Calling all elves! 🧑‍🎄❄

Our festive fun run is back (with a few changes) this November – so mark your calendars and be there with bells on!

🎄 Merry Minds Festive Fun Run
📆 Sunday, 29th November 2026 (fun run starts at 10am)
📍The Water Gardens Harlow

As ever, it’s all about getting into the spirit of the season and having a jolly good time in aid of an important cause.

We’re very excited to be working with The Water Gardens this year and we’ll be sharing more details soon.

So, start planning your elf outfits or festive fancy dress because it’s going to be a cracker of a day!

Address

Mind Sanctuary, Prentice Place, Potter Street
Harlow
CM179BG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441371876641

Website

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