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communitree
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There are many organisations in Harlow working to offer support, but often people don't know what is out there until they are in crisis.
At Harlow Hive, we have worked to produce a way of increasing awareness of the variety of services available and how to access them. Our aim has been to make this as clear and engaging as possible, and we are very proud of how the communtiree has come together. Follow the branches to a specific area of help and click on the organisations' logos to find out more.
Every organisation featured has been recommended by people we have surveyed in Harlow - either at The Bounty Club, Harlow Foodbank, on a street stall or online. It's come from the people, for the people, so that you can find the right support for you.
Harlow Advice Centre
Harlow Advice Centre
Providing free, confidential and independent legal advice to Harlow residents on issues including benefits, housing and debt.
Harlow Advice Centre
1st Floor
Central Library,
Cross Street
Harlow
CM20 1HA
Tel: 01279 704002
http://www.harlowac.org.uk/main.html?http://www.harlowac.org.uk/
Financial & Legal
Harlow Advice Centre
Providing free, confidential and independent legal advice to Harlow residents on issues including benefits, housing and debt.
Harlow Advice Centre
1st Floor
Central Library,
Cross Street
Harlow
CM20 1HA
Tel: 01279 704002
http://www.harlowac.org.uk/main.html?http://www.harlowac.org.uk/
Harlow Save Credit Union
From ISAs to loans, for a small fee, Harlow Save Credit Union offers a range of services to guide members to financial wellbeing.
Unit 66, The, Harvey Centre Approach, Harlow CM20 1XS
01279 451 234
info@planesaver.co.uk
https://www.harlowsavecu.co.uk/contact-and-support
Citizens Advice Harlow
Free, confidential, independent and impartial advice for people in Harlow, covering issues which include: benefits, work, debt and money, consumer, housing, family, law and courts, immigration and health.
If you have an general enquiry you can call their enquiry line Monday to Friday 10.00am to 1.00pm: 01279 770189
Floor 2, Westgate House,
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1YS
Housing
Peabody
Offering advice and support to anyone in need, on a range of issues including housing related problems and those threatened with homelessness, as well as benefit claims/issues, getting support for drug and alcohol problems, support with managing rent arrears/debt, mental health support, financial advice, budgeting support and social inclusion.
0300 1233456
efsco-ordinator@peabody.org.uk
https://www.essexmap.co.uk/places/peabody-free-advice-service-harlow/
Streets2Homes
A charity based in Harlow, Streets2Homes provides a safe place for those facing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
With a focus on social justice and concern for people, Streets2Homes works hard for people, and also link people with other services that can help them.
The day centre is open from 9.30am -2pm Monday to Friday providing essential services such as shower facilities, clean clothes, food etc. advice, support and practical assistance.
The office is open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday for appointments.
Streets2Homes
2A Wych Elm
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QP
01279 430011
Streets2homes@streets2homes.co.uk
Shelter
A national charity, Shelter’s main focus on housing issues and support, including homelessness, private renting, eviction, repairs and housing conditions, tenancy deposits, mortgage arrears and repossession and council housing. They also provide advice on benefits and money problems.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/
Harlow Council
If you are homeless in Harlow, in order to get some support from Harlow Council, you need to contact them as soon as possible. If you are not currently homeless but think you may lose your home in the next 8 weeks, it is best to fill in the online form.
Currently homeless – call 01279 446655
Find the form here:
For other housing issues, please visit https://www.harlow.gov.uk/housing-and-garages
Harlow Council
Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, College Square, Harlow CM20 1WG
Addiction
Open Road
With new premises in the town centre, Open Road is an established Drug and Alcohol Recovery support charity which supports people experiencing addiction and the people in their lives.
Unit 55, The Harvey Center, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1XR
Telephone: 01279 434621
https://www.openroad.org.uk/our-services/our-centres/harlow-centre/
Essex Recovery Foundation
Join recovery spaces, take part in community spaces and raise your voice on your road of recovery with Essex Recovery Foundation. Recovery spaces and Walk and Talk events take place regularly.
Find out more through dan@essexrecoveryfoundation.org
https://www.essexrecoveryfoundation.org/
Cocaine Anonymous
A fellowship of addicts who come together to support the freedom of sobriety, the only condition of membership is the will to quit. At the time of writing, there are three different groups that meet in Harlow.
https://meetings.cocaineanonymous.org.uk/meetings/?tsml-day=any&tsml-district=essex
Phoenix Futures
Supporting people with Alcohol Addiction and its impacts, Phoenix Futures runs a number of programs, including with housing, in the community, with residential treatment and in the justice system.
Essex Alcohol Recovery Community
Call us on 01376 316 126
Clothing
Bump to Five
Bump to Five provides donated items, including nappies, pre-loved clothing, cots, buggies and other equipment to families in need—for children up to the age of five.
If you feel you need the service, you will need a referral. This can be done by several agencies, including schools, children centres and Rainbow Services Community Hub which you can contact on 01279 927005. A full list of referral agencies can be found here.
Open Monday-Thursday 10-2.
MRCT Centre, 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
https://mrct.org.uk/bump-to-five/
School Uniform Exchange
A pre-loved school uniform shop, it has high quality used school items which you can buy at minimal cost.
Open Monday and Wednesday, 10-2.
MRCT Centre, 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
Mental Health
Food
Other Support
Action for Family Carers
Are you an unpaid carer? Or does your child have caring responsibilities for you? Action for Family Carers provides information, advice, employment, counselling, befriending, activity groups and respite day care across the county. They also work with young carers in schools and provide activity groups outside of school.
Find out more about their services and refer yourself/your child, here.
Roots to Wellbeing
Offering opportunities and activities to support people to find better physical wellbeing and mental health, Roots to wellbeing work with adults and young people. They also provide groups for families, including Reach Pre-School Family Village which takes place weekly at The Stow, as well as SEND groups for children.
Their offering changes. Please follow them on Facebook.
https://www.rootstowellbeing.org/
Butterfly Effect Wellbeing
Supporting people through help, guidance and signposting, Butterfly Effect aims to support people with mental illness and suicidal ideation. Not clinically qualified but with staff/volunteers trained in mental health first aid and suicidal awareness, the support they provides aims to keep people safe while they are waiting to get help from further services. They offer a range of groups and activities including wellbeing groups, reiki, drumming and gong baths.
Latton Bush Centre, Harlow,
07760 288198
butterflyeffectwellbeing@yahoo.com
https://www.butterflyeffectwellbeing.com/book-online
St Claire’s Bereavement Café
Aiming to connect local people to support each other through grief – whether recent or a long time ago. Providing online communities and in-person meet ups, St Claire’s Bereavement Café offers a safe place to meet others, share experiences and resources, ask questions and make new friends.
Currently the closes in-person cafes are in Sawbridgeworth, Hastingwood and Epping.
You can also contact the GriefLine on 01279 945089, every weekday 8-5, and up to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
https://stclarehospice.org.uk/how-we-can-help-you/bereavement-support/bereavement-cafe/
Maybury Open Door
Creating a friendly and welcoming place for adults of diverse needs to socialise and find friendship, Maybury Open Door offers a range of activities which vary from day to day – including Bingo, arts and crafts, pool, singing, cooking – along with the chance to have a healthy and happy lunch.
Open three days a week across two locations:
Tuesdays and Fridays 11-3:30 Maybury Centre, Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XR
Thursdays 11-3:30 Harefield Church, Burgoyne Hatch, Momples Road, Harlow, CM20 3EH
https://mrct.org.uk/maybury-open-door/
Integration Support
Supporting migrants and refugees to feel more at home in their communities, Integration Support provides a range of different services including interpreting, English learning, advice and guidance, a women’s group and a Saturday family play club.
A drop in service currently takes place every Monday, 10-2 at the MRCT Centre, 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
https://integrationsupport.org.uk/
Essex Sexual Health Service
Offering free information, support and treatment to people for their sexual health needs, to help them to be safe, healthy and protected. Services include contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests and STI tests.
1 The Stow, Harlow CM20 3AH
0330 003 1212
https://essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk/
Essex Child and Wellbeing Service
With the aim of ensuring all families are supported from before children are born up to 19 (25 with SEND), Essex Child and Wellbeing Service provide access to free sessions. In Harlow, these take place across three centres. The best place to catch up with their changing timetable is Facebook.
Tree House Family Hub, Parnall Road, Harlow CM18 7NG
Potter Street Delivery Site, Harlow, CM17 9EU
Meadows Children Centre, Harberts Rd, Harlow CM19 4DL
www.essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk
0300 2470122
Tess Dimentia
Tess Dementia
Providing support to people experiencing dementia and their families, Tess Dementia’s main project is the Memory Café, which gives people a place to socialise and find support. It also offers a place to find support and advice, private conversations and occasional speakers.
Tess’ Memory Café – every Monday, 1-3
Moot House, The New Hall, The Stow, Harlow, CM20 3AG
tessdementialclub@gmail.com
07525719300
Stroke Association
Harlow Stroke Support Group offers a friendly safe space for stroke survivors and carers. They also arrange home visits and help with respite care, benefits, and anything else needed. Rehab sessions are also provided.
A range of social and rehab sessions are available, as well as monthly carers groups and an under 60s group. Chair based exercise and speech and language sessions are also available.
Great Parndon Community Association, Abercrombie Way, Harlow, CM18 6YJ
Contact Jean Miley
01279 308313
http://harlowstrokesupportgroup.org/index.html
Rainbow Services Community Hub
Rainbow Services’ Community Hub offers a range of services for people affected by crisis situations, as well as information on community and social activities, volunteering and health screening.
The Community Hub is open Monday to Friday between 10am – 2pm. You can visit one of their outreach sessions or contact them by telephone on 01279 927005 or email harlowcommunityhub@rainbowservices.org.uk
They are regularly at the MRCT Centre, 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
https://rainbowservices.org.uk/projects/community-hub
Changing Pathways
A local domestic abuse charity, Changing Pathways provides free confidential support and advocacy to people experiencing domestic abuse and stalking. Online support includes concern for others.
Helpline available Mon-Friday 8-5: 0330 333 7 444 between
For 24 hour help, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Harlow Save Credit Union
From ISAs to loans, for a small fee, Harlow Save Credit Union offers a range of services to guide members to financial wellbeing.
Unit 66, The, Harvey Centre Approach, Harlow CM20 1XS
01279 451 234
info@planesaver.co.uk
Citizens Advice Harlow
Free, confidential, independent and impartial advice for people in Harlow, covering issues which include: benefits, work, debt and money, consumer, housing, family, law and courts, immigration and health.
If you have an general enquiry you can call their enquiry line Monday to Friday 10.00am to 1.00pm: 01279 770189
Floor 2, Westgate House,
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1YS
https://www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk/
Open Road
With new premises in the town centre, Open Road is an established Drug and Alcohol Recovery support charity which supports people experiencing addiction and the people in their lives.
Unit 55, The Harvey Center, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1XR
Telephone: 01279 434621
https://www.openroad.org.uk/our-services/our-centres/harlow-centre/
Hope Faith Courage
Text area
Phoenix Futures
Supporting people with Alcohol Addiction and its impacts, Phoenix Futures runs a number of programs, including with housing, in the community, with residential treatment and in the justice system.
Essex Recovery Foundation
Join recovery spaces, take part in community spaces and raise your voice on your road of recovery with Essex Recovery Foundation. Recovery spaces and Walk and Talk events take place regularly.
Find out more through dan@essexrecoveryfoundation.org
Harlow Council
If you are homeless in Harlow, in order to get some support from Harlow Council, you need to contact them as soon as possible. If you are not currently homeless but think you may lose your home in the next 8 weeks, it is best to fill in the online form.
Currently homeless – call 01279 446655
Find the form here:
For other housing issues, please visit https://www.harlow.gov.uk/housing-and-garages
Harlow Council
Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, College Square, Harlow CM20 1WG
Streets2Homes
Streets2Homes
A charity based in Harlow, Streets2Homes provides a safe place for those facing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
With a focus on social justice and concern for people, Streets2Homes works hard for people, and also link people with other services that can help them.
The day centre is open from 9.30am -2pm Monday to Friday providing essential services such as shower facilities, clean clothes, food etc. advice, support and practical assistance.
The office is open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday for appointments.
Streets2Homes
2A Wych Elm
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QP
01279 430011
Streets2homes@streets2homes.co.uk
Peabody
Peabody
Offering advice and support to anyone in need, on a range of issues including housing related problems and those threatened with homelessness, as well as benefit claims/issues, getting support for drug and alcohol problems, support with managing rent arrears/debt, mental health support, financial advice, budgeting support and social inclusion.
0300 1233456
efsco-ordinator@peabody.org.uk
https://www.essexmap.co.uk/places/peabody-free-advice-service-harlow/
Shelter
A national charity, Shelter’s main focus on housing issues and support, including homelessness, private renting, eviction, repairs and housing conditions, tenancy deposits, mortgage arrears and repossession and council housing. They also provide advice on benefits and money problems.
Harlow Bipolar Support Group
Support groups are free and anyone affected by bipolar, including family, friends and loved ones. Are you waiting for a diagnosis? You can still contact the group to find out more about bipolar and related conditions such as cyclothymia.
Aged 18+ welcome. If you are 16 or 17, please bring a parent/guardian.
Groups are facilitated by volunteers affected by bipolar in some way.
If you're interested in joining the meetings please email supportgroups@bipolaruk.org with "Harlow 3rd Tuesday support group" as the subject line. Latton Bush Centre (blue room), Southern Way, Harlow, CM18 7BL
Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7pm - 8pm
YCT
A counselling and therapeutic support charity, YCT specialises in supporting children and yong people aged 5-25, as well as the families and professionals who work with them. The aim is to support each person/group through challenging times to feel hopeful about their futures.
Phone: 01279 414 090 Email:admin@yctsupport.com
YCT House, Maddox Road, Harlow Essex CM20 3GA
Roots to Wellbeing
Offering opportunities and inclusive activities to support physical wellbeing, mental health, personal empowerment and social inclusion, Roots to Wellbeing also offers a counselling service.
Get in touch with them to find out more: support@rootstowellbeing.org
Sunflower Community Project
The Sunflower Community Project provides a range of groups and services to help people to open up and improve their health and wellbeing. A safe space to explore, understand and accept your thoughts, feelings, emotions and actions is achieved through 1:1 counselling, online or face to face, and through groups.
Check out their groups through their calendar, or contact them for 1:1 sessions admin@sunflowerproject.org.uk, 07868 202681
Mind Charity
Mind offers a range of services including counselling, mental health coaching and crisis support.
Get in touch through The Wellbeing centre 10-11 Corner House, Bush Fair,
Harlow CM18 6NZ
01371 876 641
admin@mindinwestessex.org.uk
NHS West Essex Talking Therapies
In partnership with the NHS, Vita Health Group offers short term psychological therapies including talking therapies to adults aged 16+, who live and are registered in Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping Forest. They offer a monthly free drop in service in Harlow Library on the last Tuesday of the month, 12:30-2:30.
Or you can get in touch with them via digital assistant, phone or online form on this link.
https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/west-essex/
Vita Health Group
Vita Health Group In partnership with the NHS, Vita Health Group offers short term psychological therapies to adults aged 16+, who live and are registered in Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping Forest.
They offer a monthly free drop in service in Harlow Library on the last Tuesday of the month, 12:30-2:30.
Or you can get in touch with them via digital assistant, phone or online form on this link.
https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/west-essex/
Roots to Wellbeing
Offering opportunities and activities to support people to find better physical wellbeing and mental health, Roots to wellbeing work with adults and young people. They also provide groups for families, including Reach Pre-School Family Village which takes place weekly at The Stow, as well as SEND groups for children.
Their offering changes. Please follow them on Facebook.
Get in touch with them to find out more: support@rootstowellbeing.org
Changing Pathways
A local domestic abuse charity, Changing Pathways provides free confidential support and advocacy to people experiencing domestic abuse and stalking. Online support includes concern for others.
Helpline available Mon-Friday 8-5: 0330 333 7 444 between
For 24 hour help, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
https://changingpathways.org/
Bump to Five
Bump to Five
Bump to Five provides donated items, including nappies, pre-loved clothing, cots, buggies and other equipment to families in need—for children up to the age of five.
If you feel you need the service, you will need a referral. This can be done by several agencies, including schools, children centres and Rainbow Services Community Hub which you can contact on 01279 927005. A full list of referral agencies can be found here.
Open Monday-Thursday 10-2.
MRCT Centre, 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
Harlow Community - School Uniform Exchange
A pre-loved school uniform shop, it has high quality used school items which you can buy at minimal cost.
Open Monday and Wednesday, 10-2.
MRCT Centre, 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
The Bounty Club
The Bounty Club is a social supermarket, where you can sign up and buy a mix of low cost fresh and longer life foods, essential household items and more.
You can access Harlow Foodbank Monday-Friday, 10-2, on the ground floor of the Harvey Centre, in the old Wilko’s building – 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
Community Embrace - UK
Community Embrace collects and distributes donated and surplus food and other items through a community pantry.
Through food, it brings together community and connects people of diverse backgrounds to advance cohesion and integration.
As standard, it’s opening times are 12:45 to 2pm Saturday and Sunday – but keep an eye on their Facebook for updates
The Play Barn, Great Pardon Community Association, Staple Tye, Harlow, CM18 6YJ communityembraceuk@gmail.com 07800 839 033
The Bridge Church
The Bridge Church, Harlow, has a community fridge in the main hall, as a way for the community to share surplus food and connect. Anyone is welcome to use it and to donate. It also has a food share initiative.
Get in touch with them to find out more. Email: office@thebridgechurch.org.uk Phone: 0208 505 5001 The Bridge Church, Purford Green, Harlow, CM18 6HP
Berecroft Community Association
The Berecroft Community Association runs a community foodbank for residents in Berecroft and the surrounding area. For more information, please contact them: berecroft@gmail.com
Harlow Foodbank
Harlow Foodbank provides emergency food for people in crisis in Harlow and the surrounding areas. In order to get a foodbank parcel, you will need to have a voucher from a referrer, like a GP, school, councillor and other professionals. Rainbow Services Community Hub can also issue a voucher – call on 01279 927005.
You can access Harlow Foodbank Monday-Friday, 10-2, on the ground floor of the Harvey Centre, in the old Wilko’s building – 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
Integration Support
Supporting migrants and refugees to feel more at home in their communities, Integration Support provides a range of different services including interpreting, English learning, advice and guidance, a women’s group and a Saturday family play club.
A drop in service currently takes place every Monday, 10-2 at the MRCT Centre, 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
Maybury Open Door
Maybury Open Door
Creating a friendly and welcoming place for adults of diverse needs to socialise and find friendship, Maybury Open Door offers a range of activities which vary from day to day – including Bingo, arts and crafts, pool, singing, cooking – along with the chance to have a healthy and happy lunch.
Open three days a week across two locations:
Tuesdays and Fridays 11-3:30 Maybury Centre, Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XR
Thursdays 11-3:30 Harefield Church, Burgoyne Hatch, Momples Road, Harlow, CM20 3EH
https://mrct.org.uk/maybury-open-door/
Action for Family Carers
Action for Family Carers
Are you an unpaid carer? Or does your child have caring responsibilities for you? Action for Family Carers provides information, advice, employment, counselling, befriending, activity groups and respite day care across the county. They also work with young carers in schools and provide activity groups outside of school.
Find out more about their services and refer yourself/your child, here.
Essex Sexual Health Service
Essex Sexual Health Service
Offering free information, support and treatment to people for their sexual health needs, to help them to be safe, healthy and protected. Services include contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests and STI tests.
1 The Stow, Harlow CM20 3AH
0330 003 1212
St Claire’s Bereavement Cafe
Aiming to connect local people to support each other through grief – whether recent or a long time ago. Providing online communities and in-person meet ups, St Claire’s Bereavement Café offers a safe place to meet others, share experiences and resources, ask questions and make new friends.
Currently the closes in-person cafes are in Sawbridgeworth, Hastingwood and Epping.
You can also contact the GriefLine on 01279 945089, every weekday 8-5, and up to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
https://stclarehospice.org.uk/how-we-can-help-you/bereavement-support/bereavement-cafe/
Tess Memory Cafe
Providing support to people experiencing dementia and their families, Tess Dementia’s main project is the Memory Café, which gives people a place to socialise and find support. It also offers a place to find support and advice, private conversations and occasional speakers.
Tess’ Memory Café – every Monday, 1-3
Moot House, The New Hall, The Stow, Harlow, CM20 3AG
tessdementialclub@gmail.com
07525719300
Stroke Association
Harlow Stroke Support Group offers a friendly safe space for stroke survivors and carers. They also arrange home visits and help with respite care, benefits, and anything else needed. Rehab sessions are also provided.
A range of social and rehab sessions are available, as well as monthly carers groups and an under 60s group. Chair based exercise and speech and language sessions are also available.
Great Parndon Community Association, Abercrombie Way, Harlow, CM18 6YJ
Contact Jean Miley
01279 308313
http://harlowstrokesupportgroup.org/index.html
Butterfly Effect
Butterfly Effect Wellbeing
Supporting people through help, guidance and signposting, Butterfly Effect aims to support people with mental illness and suicidal ideation. Not clinically qualified but with staff/volunteers trained in mental health first aid and suicidal awareness, the support they provides aims to keep people safe while they are waiting to get help from further services. They offer a range of groups and activities including wellbeing groups, reiki, drumming and gong baths.
Latton Bush Centre, Harlow,
07760 288198
butterflyeffectwellbeing@yahoo.com
SERICC
text area
Rainbow Services Community Hub
Rainbow Services’ Community Hub offers a range of services for people affected by crisis situations, as well as information on community and social activities, volunteering and health screening.
The Community Hub is open Monday to Friday between 10am – 2pm. You can visit one of their outreach sessions or contact them by telephone on 01279 927005 or email harlowcommunityhub@rainbowservices.org.uk
They are regularly at the MRCT Centre, 41 Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XP
Essex Child & Family Wellbeing Service
Essex Child and Wellbeing Service
With the aim of ensuring all families are supported from before children are born up to 19 (25 with SEND), Essex Child and Wellbeing Service provide access to free sessions. In Harlow, these take place across three centres. The best place to catch up with their changing timetable is Facebook.
Tree House Family Hub, Parnall Road, Harlow CM18 7NG
Potter Street Delivery Site, Harlow, CM17 9EU
Meadows Children Centre, Harberts Rd, Harlow CM19 4DL
www.essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk
0300 2470122
