Space to Gather’s are a safe space for families who care for a loved one with a learning disability which could include autism and other disabilities too, to get together . Our Space to Gather’s are a great place 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’s, 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.
Our Space to Gather’s are in various locations in Essex and our meetings are held every other month.
Join us on the first Monday of each month from the comfort of your home, your lunch break or your car for our virtual daytime ‘Space to Gather’.
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.
If you would like to know more about a specific topic or would like to know more about something in particular, do 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 first Daytime Space to Gather is on Monday 3rd of February 2025 at 11 am to 12.30 pm.
Future dates:
Monday 3rd of March
Monday 7th of April
No meeting in May-5th Bank Holiday
Monday 2nd of June
Join us on the first Thursday of each month from the comfort of your home for our virtual evening ‘Space to Gather’.
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.
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 first Evening Space to Gather of 2025 is Thursday 6th of February 2025 at 6.30 pm to 8 pm.
Future dates:
Thursday 6th of March
Thursday 10th of April
Thursday 1st of May
Thursday 5th of June
Our next Space to Gather in Tendring is on Wednesday 22nd of January 2025 at 11 am to 1 pm.
Venue: Cadows, 24 Old Road ,Clacton- on-Sea, Essex CO15 1HX.
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.
Our next Space to Gather in Chelmsford is on Wednesday 29th of January 2025 at the Central Baptist Church, Victoria Road South, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 1LN.
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
At this Space to Gather we will be sharing with our families the new ‘Ageing Well with a Disability – toolkit for families and carers’ .
This guide has been coproduced by families from the Essex Carers Network, Essex County Council and an Independent Consultant to help you think about the ways you can support your loved one to have the best health possible as they age. Whether they live with you, or you visit them elsewhere, we know that the families know their loved one best.
Use the link button below to access the toolkit.
We looking forward to seeing you at our next meeting in Colchester on Tuesday 28th of January 2025 at 6.45 pm to 8.45 pm at the Kingsland Church, (Joel Room), 86 London Road, Colchester. CO3 9DW.
There is Free parking on site.
Come join us at our next Space to Gather! It’s a great chance to connect with other family carers, share a cup of tea, and enjoy some friendly conversation.
Future date:
Tuesday 25th of March.