Our Space to Gather is a safe space for families who care for a loved one with a learning disability which could include autism and other disabilities too. It is a space to meet other family carers, and to access a number of resources on various subjects.
We provide refreshments and of course biscuits. Periodically we will have guest speakers, from social workers to learning disability liaison nurses. If you would like a particular service to attend one of our Space to Gather groups, please do get in touch.
The most important things that we aim to do are:
o Working to make sure our families have the tools, resources and information they need to feel strong, resilient and empowered in order for them to advocate for their family.
o Working to ensure the lived experiences and voices of our families informs and influences the future landscape and opportunities for people with a learning disability, which may include autism and other disabilities too and their families in Essex.
See below the current various locations in Essex that our groups are held every other month. Read further for upcoming dates.
Join us on the first Monday of each month from the comfort of your home or on your lunch break for our virtual daytime ‘Space to Gather’.
Time: 11 am to 12.30 pm
Grab a cuppa and join us for a chat & catch up. Each month we may have new information that we will share, or you can share your lived experience (if you wish) with other family carers who care for someone with a learning disability which may include autism and other disabilities too.
If you would like to know more about a specific topic, please email us and we can theme the monthly catch ups.
If you would like to join, send us an email at info@essexcarersnetwork.co.uk or contact the office on 01255 554029 and will will send you the Zoom meeting link.
Our next date is Monday 3rd November 2025.
Future date:
Monday 1st December
Join us on the first Thursday of each month from the comfort of your home for our virtual evening ‘Space to Gather’.
Time: 6.30 pm to 8 pm
Grab a cuppa or your favourite tipple and join us for a chat, information sharing, or share your lived experience (if you wish) with other family carers who care for someone with a learning disability which may include autism and other disabilities.
If you would like to join, send us an email at info@essexcarersnetwork.co.uk or contact the office on 01255 554029 and will will send you the Zoom meeting link.
Our next date is Thursday 6th November 2025.
This month you have the chance to meet with Commissioners from the carers team at Essex County Council – To look at the key challenges carers experience following other engagement sessions. The focus of this engagement session is to review if these are correct (or if there are any others), prioritising these based on importance.
This session is designed to give you space to share your views, experiences, and ideas about Carer Support.
This informal session is a chance to:
✔️Reflect on the progress made around the existing strategy
✔️Share what’s working well
✔️Tell them what still needs to change
✔️Help shape priorities for the new strategy
ℹ️ We’ll also reflect on what ECC has heard so far and check whether they have understood your experiences correctly.
Booking is essential. Use the link button below to book your place
Future date:
Thursday 4th December
In-Person Across Essex
Space to Gather in Tendring – New plans being considered
Venue: Cadows, 24 Old Road ,Clacton- on-Sea, Essex CO15 1HX.
Time: Daytime
Join us for a cuppa and the opportunity to meet other family carers in Tendring and the surrounding areas. We have a number of resources with us, however if you would like more information about a specific subject, please do get in touch.
Please email paula@essexcarersnetwork.co.uk to find out where we will be, or watch our website, newsletters & social media for details.
Date to be confirmed.
Our Space to Gather in Chelmsford is at the Central Baptist Church, Victoria Road South, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 1LN.
We will be in Seminar Room 2. When you enter the church, seminar room 2 is directly in front, pass the reception desk.
Time: 10 am to 12pm
Join us for a cuppa and the opportunity to meet other family carers in Chelmsford and the surrounding areas. We have a number of resources with us, however if you would like more information about a specific subject, please do get in touch.
Our next meeting in Chelmsford is to be confirmed.
Dates for 2026 will be confirmed later this year
Our Space to Gather meeting in Colchester takes place from 6.45 pm to 8.45 pm at Kingsland Church, 86 London Road, Colchester, CO3 9DW.
On Tuesday 30th September, Paula was in the café — ready to welcome you! One family joined me for a cup of tea, a chat, and to ask questions.
There’s free parking on site, so it’s easy to pop along.
Space to Gather is all about connecting with other family carers, sharing experiences, and enjoying some friendly conversation in a warm and supportive space.
For more details, just drop Paula a message: paula@essexcarersnetwork.co.uk or call/text 07360690839
Future dates to be confirmed.
NEW!!
Space to Gather in Saffron Walden – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Thursday 13th November
In partnership with Kinder Essex and other organisations we will be attending this carers community catch up. Lots on offer, please come along
We have a number of resources with us, however if you would like more information about a specific subject, please do get in touch.
Email Rita rita@essexcarersnetwork.co.uk or telephone/text on 07360689075
Future dates:
To be confirmed
We are really pleased to add to our Space to Gather’s- Billericay.
Join us on Friday 14th November at Human Kind Cafe,111 High St, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9AJ.
Join us for a cuppa in the community and an opportunity to meet other family carers in the South of Essex who care for a loved one with a learning disability which may include autism and other disabilities.
We have a number of resources with us, however if you would like more information about a specific subject, please do get in touch.
Email Rita rita@essexcarersnetwork.co.uk or telephone/text on 07360689075
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location: Human Kind Cafe,111 High St, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9AJ. There are a number of car parks, however there is plenty of off street car parking. Please do check the road signs for any restrictions. The café is situated on the high street.
Dates for 2026 will be confirmed later this year.
We look forward to seeing you.
