Information

Information on the Community Development team's works in the District.

We encourage networking and partnership building and a large part of our work is delivered in conjunction with local partners including Early Years, Epping Forest Primary Care Trust, Essex County Council Youth service, Essex Police and local schools and colleges. The aim is to ensure access and choice for all groups and individuals within community that is long term and sustainable.

We organise many different community schemes and events to help make Epping Forest a more enjoyable and friendly place to live, e.g. holiday play schemes, youth projects and learning in the community.

If you would like to find out more about Community Development or you have a community project idea we would be keen to speak to you, phone 01992 564556 or 01992 564363.

Community Development Events

Limes Farm Environmental Youth Club

The Limes Farm Environmental Youth Club in Chigwell focuses on environmental issues both local and global using activities and practical projects to help young people to understand the importance of protecting the environment, to take pride in their own environment and empower them to make change in their community.

The project is happy to welcome volunteer leaders, please contact us if you are interested please call Chris Burr on 01992 564 363.

Nazeing Youth Club

The club aims to give young people a safe environment to chill out in, make new friends and give them the opportunity to try out new activities and learn new skills.

Monday night 6pm to 7:30pm for young people aged 8 to 14 years.

The project is happy to welcome volunteer leaders, please contact us if you are interested please call Chris Burr on 01992 564363.

Holiday Play Schemes

Stuck for things to do with the children in the holidays, fancy some peace and quiet for a day or two, then Community Development Play schemes are for you!

It's the holidays and Playschemes aim to ensure all the children have fun, learn new skills and make new friends. The playschemes are for children aged 5 to 11 years and run at various sites across the District, the whole day is jam-packed with art and craft, music, sport, drama, dance and much much more!

Play leaders are professional and committed to making the kids time at play schemes an enjoyable and memorable experience

The Community Development Team have been running playschemes in the Epping Forest District for many years, they have been Ofsted approved and have continued to grow and are valued by the community.

Just for Dads

Just for Dads, as the name implies, arranges fun events that are just for Dads and their children to enjoy. In today’s hectic lifestyle getting time out to spend with the children can be difficult enough, let alone thinking of something to do.

Just for Dads is here to help, just take a look at our events list on our website or call 01279 827505 then let us know you are coming and turn up on the day - it's as simple as that.

There is no membership fee, no contract, you have to make no promises and the events are cheap - basically there is no catch! Just come along and have fun. There are no restrictions on the age or status of the dad or guardian or whether the children are living at another address, however most events are aimed at a particular child’s age range.

We have nothing against mums, this is their opportunity to put their feet up, take some time out and simply sit and relax while dad has a great time with the children.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

The Just for DadsTeam

For more information about the group and future events please visit the Just for Dads website.

Just for Dads website (opens in a new window)

Roots & Rootlets - environmental activities for 5 to 16 year olds

The aim of Roots is to conserve and enhance the local countryside. The best and most enjoyable way to do this is through hands on practical conservation work. Practical conservation means getting your hands dirty! Building bridges, cutting down trees, planting trees and pond dipping are just a few of the practical activities you may like to get involved in.

'Rootlets' activities is for 5 to 10 year olds providing the children with the opportunity to venture outdoors, participate in arts and crafts activities and experience nature.

Epping Play Forum

Community Development supports breakfast, after school and holiday play clubs in the Epping Forest Area through the Epping Play Forum. The Epping Play Forum is run by Community Development and meets 3 times a year, giving staff from local clubs the opportunity to meet, access training, discuss ideas or problems and to find out new information. The forum is a chance to meet other managers and staff who work in out of school childcare, to find out about funding, training and to get practical ideas for activities with children.

The Forum is supported by 4Children, and has funding for joint outings for all clubs to attend. In December 2006, two clubs visited East15 Acting School for a special performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, at a convenient After School time.

If you are involved in out of school childcare and would like to find out more or come along to a Forum meeting, please contact Chris 01992 564 363 or Gemma on 01992 564556.

Job Opportunities

The Community Development team are always looking for new play staff and creche workers, if you have a childcare qualification or are keen to work with children and gain valuable experience then we want to hear from you, phone 01992 564 556 for more information.