Mind in West Essex

Mind in West Essex 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.

We are all sending the amazing Naomi Oiku our best wishes for the London Marathon on Sunday! You've got this, Naomi - ev...
24/04/2026

We are all sending the amazing Naomi Oiku our best wishes for the London Marathon on Sunday! You've got this, Naomi - every mile you run and every pound you raise is making a real difference for mental health 💪👏

đź«¶ Naomi says running has helped her mental health and she knows how important it is to have access to the right support when you need it. She decided to use the challenge of her first marathon to fundraise for us and encourage other people to seek that support.

💙 We’re so grateful to everyone who has donated to Naomi’s fundraiser so far. As an independent and local charity, all funds raised for us stay in West Essex – so you’re supporting your friends, family, neighbours and community.

👉 You can read more about why Naomi is supporting us and give her some extra motivation on Sunday by donating here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/naomi-oiku

Connecting with someone through a friendly chat can really help to ease stress and feel calmer - for both of you!Our bef...
23/04/2026

Connecting with someone through a friendly chat can really help to ease stress and feel calmer - for both of you!

Our befriending volunteers make sure people in their local community don't go without that vital social connection.

If you're looking for a rewarding way to de-stress, why not bring calm, connection and companionship to someone's life?

đź’™ Get involved today! Find out more here: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/community-services/befriending-support/

Or email volunteering@MindInWestEssex.org.uk

🗣 “It was amazing! Honestly I came in quite sceptical, because I haven't found a lot of techniques to be helpful, but I ...
22/04/2026

🗣 “It was amazing! Honestly I came in quite sceptical, because I haven't found a lot of techniques to be helpful, but I was blown away by this.”

This was the experience of one person who completed the Tend VR programme last year. That’s why we’re delighted to make Tend available for everyone who is eligible. 🎉

⚡No GP referral, no waiting list
📝You can book a free intro session or learn more here: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/counselling-and-therapeutic-support/virtual-reality-mindfulness/ or by emailing talking@MindInWestEssex.org.uk

❓What is Tend?
Tend is an innovative mindfulness-based programme delivered through a VR headset (provided by us) that immerses you in a calming virtual world.

Designed for low mood and anxiety, it offers mindfulness, breathing exercises, thought awareness, and guided meditations to improve your mood, reduce your stress and manage your anxiety, helping you build practical skills for a better life.

❓Interested?
You can start with a free introductory session to get familiar with VR, and see if this is right for you.

If you continue with the course, it costs just ÂŁ25 per session. There will be 8 weekly 45-minute sessions, taking place at one of our hubs in Harlow or Uttlesford, at a time that best suits you.

Find out more:
đź”— Visit: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/counselling-and-therapeutic-support/virtual-reality-mindfulness/
📨 Email: talking@MindInWestEssex.org.uk

Gain practical tools for your mental wellbeing with Tend at Mind in West Essex.

Introducing… Naomi Oiku! She is running the London Marathon this weekend and fundraising for us 🙌Running has played an i...
21/04/2026

Introducing… Naomi Oiku! She is running the London Marathon this weekend and fundraising for us 🙌

Running has played an important role in supporting Naomi’s mental health, so she decided to use her place in the iconic event to support our charity.

đź’™ Read her story and spur her on by donating here: MindInWestessex.org.uk/fundraising/our-fundraisers/

We're hosting Uttlesford Mobile Community Supermarket  at Uttlesford Community Hub in Dunmow this morning!Drop in for fo...
21/04/2026

We're hosting Uttlesford Mobile Community Supermarket at Uttlesford Community Hub in Dunmow this morning!

Drop in for food and household supplies at low prices - and some free grocery items too - to help you stretch your household budget a little further. It's open to everyone.

📍45 Stortford Road, Great Dunmow CM6 1DQ

Movement feels easier when you don’t do it alone. Whether it’s inviting a colleague for a walking meeting, doing a worko...
16/04/2026

Movement feels easier when you don’t do it alone. Whether it’s inviting a colleague for a walking meeting, doing a workout class with a friend, or getting the family moving in the evening, those shared moments can make activity feel more natural and enjoyable.

A few minutes together, stepping outside, stretching, or simply moving between tasks, can lift your mood, ease stress and help you reset after a busy day. When you combine connection with movement, you’re not just being active, you’re supporting a healthier, happier mind.

Together with Active Essex , we're here to support you.
đź”— MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/community-services/move-for-your-mind/

15/04/2026

Are you struggling with low mood, feeling anxious or stressed?

Tend VR, a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) programme, goes beyond relaxation, helping you break free from negative thinking.

It is launching at local Minds across Essex today.

Details:
⏰ 8 weekly 45-minute VR sessions at a time that suits you
📱 You’ll also receive free access to Tend’s mobile app, offering short mindfulness practices
⚡ No GP referral, no waiting list
đź’™ Support from our staff throughout the course

You can try it for free! Find out more here: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/counselling-and-therapeutic-support/virtual-reality-mindfulness/ - or read on....

âť“ What is Tend and how could it help me?
- Using a virtual reality headset, Tend immerses you in a soothing virtual world, helping you break free from the thoughts that lead to low mood and anxiety.

- You’ll gain practical mindfulness techniques to help you manage negative thoughts and feelings of anxiety.

- Tend’s course is highly interactive and engaging - but without the pressure of talking to someone else.

âť“ Interested?
- You can start with a FREE introductory session to get familiar with VR, and see if this is right for you.

- Continuing the course costs just ÂŁ25 per session, with each weekly session taking place at one of our hubs in Harlow or Uttlesford, at a time that best suits you.

- Find out more: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/counselling-and-therapeutic-support/virtual-reality-mindfulness/

Gain practical tools for your mental wellbeing with Tend at Mind in West Essex.

Our free Peer Support service connects people through shared lived experience and inspires hope that recovery is possibl...
14/04/2026

Our free Peer Support service connects people through shared lived experience and inspires hope that recovery is possible.

You're guided by trained Peer Support Mentors, who have faced their own mental health challenges and found a way forward.

If you're struggling with things like depression, stress, anxiety, bereavement or a lack of motivation, you don't have to face it alone.

đź’™ You can refer yourself, or someone else. Find out more here: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/community-services/peer-support-services/

Feeling constantly on the go? Work, family, finances and everyday pressures can drain your energy before you even notice...
10/04/2026

Feeling constantly on the go? Work, family, finances and everyday pressures can drain your energy before you even notice it.

But small bursts of movement, like a walk between meetings or a stretch before the school run, can help clear your head and boost motivation. It doesn’t need to take long, and it doesn’t need to cost a thing. Move with a colleague, a friend or the family and take back a moment for you.

Your balance is waiting.

Together with Active Essex, we're here to support you: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/community-services/move-for-your-mind/

Looking for a meaningful way to give back locally? A friendly chat can brighten someone’s day more than you might think....
09/04/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to give back locally? A friendly chat can brighten someone’s day more than you might think.

Our befriending volunteers provide regular social connection for people in the community who may not always have someone to talk to. Just one hour a week can have a real impact.

You don't need experience, just a little spare time. We'll give you training and ongoing support.

Interested?
Email volunteering@mindinwestessex.org.uk or freephone 0800 755 5173 or find out more here: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/community-services/befriending-support/

📣 We are delighted to share that KGK Genix have chosen us as their Charity of the Year for 2026! They will be fundraisin...
08/04/2026

📣 We are delighted to share that KGK Genix have chosen us as their Charity of the Year for 2026!

They will be fundraising for us throughout the year, and we'll be working with them on a few exciting things... Keep an eye out for more on that soon. đź‘€

Some of the KGK Genix team already kicked off the year with a 10,000 steps a day challenge to raise money for us.

They have more fundraising activities planned and you can support their efforts on their JustGiving page: JustGiving.com/page/kgk-genix-mind-in-west-essex

đź’™ If you'd like to choose us as your charity of the year, get in touch with our team at community@mindinwestessex.org.uk

It was another busy school term for our children and young people Mental Health Support Team (MHST)!🎒🚌We've been involve...
31/03/2026

It was another busy school term for our children and young people Mental Health Support Team (MHST)!🎒🚌

We've been involved in Children's Mental Health Week sessions, Uttlesford Starting Reception Roadshows, New City College Mental Wealth Festival, parents' evenings and more.

Here are a few snaps from our team... 📸

đź’™ Our MHST work with more than 90 schools across Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford. Find out more here: MindInWestEssex.org.uk/services/mhst/

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

http://mentalhealthtraining.org.uk/, http://mindinwestessex.org.uk/, https://link

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