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Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) has 22 Community Champions dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of their local communities.
Community Champions work closely with EFDC officers, who support them in developing initiatives and securing funding to improve local resources.
Chigwell
Among these champions is Lynne Moir, Chairperson of the Limes Farm Community Group, which she founded in 2020. The group organises numerous activities aimed at supporting residents, including:
- Community Café every Monday at the Limes Centre
- Bereavement Café on the 2nd Friday of every month at Victory Hall
- Memory Café on the last Friday of each month at Victory Hall
- Warm Place/Social Place every Thursday at Victory Hall
- Team Rooms every Tuesday at Victory Hall
- My Weight Matters sessions every Tuesday at Victory Hall
- Epping Forest Affordable Counselling services on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Victory Hall
- Limes Farm Colts—a free football initiative for children and young people every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
In addition to these programs, Lynne has established a Community Pantry, available on Tuesdays 10am to 1.30pm and Thursdays 10am to 2.30pm at Victory Hall. Supported by funding from Chigwell Parish Council and Essex County Council, the pantry allows customers to purchase up to 20 items of household goods and food for a £5 donation, with no eligibility criteria. Currently, the pantry serves 60 members, and this number is expected to grow.
Nazeing
The Community Champions network extends beyond Limes Farm, with Nazeing Community Champions hosting lunchtime clubs for Hyde Mead House residents and coordinating monthly social events.
Roydon
The Roydon Community Champion organises community fish and chip nights and seasonal fairs.
Ongar
The Ongar Community Champions actively participate in town festivals and are now planning the Ongar Christmas Lights event.
Waltham Abbey
In Waltham Abbey, 6 Community Champions collaborate on activities such as community catch-ups and litter picks, while volunteering at the Epping Forest Foodbank and the Bereavement Café.
Loughton
A new Champion has also been recruited to join for the Oakwood Hill, Loughton area to support Safer Streets and Public Health initiatives. They join Patricia Nweke who is also a Community Champion for Loughton.
400 hours per month
EFDC also have Community Champions in Willingale, Buckhurst Hill, Abridge, Sheering and Theydon Bois.
Collectively, these dedicated volunteers contribute an impressive average of 400 hours per month, actively supporting EFDC-led activities such as previous RideLondon events, Stay Safe and Well initiatives, and outreach for dementia support programs. Many are trained as Rest Centre Emergency volunteers, ready to assist in emergencies throughout Essex.
More information
For more information about the Community Champion initiative or to explore volunteering opportunities, contact Wendy Cockbill at wcockbill@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or Michelle Pickett at mpickett@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.
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