Community Engagement

Community engagement in the work of Kids Inspire

What do we mean by ‘community’?

Community includes the relationships, bonds, identities, and interests that join people together and give them a shared stake in a place, service or culture.

Communities take many different forms, but all are made up of people who have something in common, such as living in the same area, or having common experiences, such as being supporters of the same football club

Underpinning good health

Public Health England says that community life and social connections underpin good health. Social networks are the very building blocks of wellbeing.

Young people in Essex

We know that the sense of isolation is of concern in Essex, and that loneliness can be a problem for young people. Kids Inspire is reducing isolation and loneliness amongst young people and adults by facilitating the development of confident and connected communities.

We aim to build networks made up of people (young and old) who are interested in different forms of creative expression, physical activity and building new relationships.

Events - what’s coming up?

Please join us for our first ever prom dress event where all dresses are free to a good home.

Latest news

Holiday Clubs - Circus Skills, Tea Parties and more!

A summer of fun - Holiday Clubs for children in Essex.

School Assemblies and Workshops

Our assemblies and workshops focus on spreading awareness about what we do at Kids Inspire. They also provide opportunities to have meaningful conversations with young people about their mental health.

Years 1 to 4: A Twenty-minute interactive assembly to learn about Kids Inspire and ways to manage small worries. (If you would like this to be delivered to a whole school, please get in touch!)

Years 5 and 6: A one-hour interactive workshop all about resilience and empowerment.

Workshops can be altered to the needs of your school upon request. Please note schools can book up to one assembly and two workshops per academic year. Bookings will be available to schools in Chelmsford and Colchester on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. (We aim to offer these services outside of these areas soon)

2023-24 academic year update: Essex Schools bookings are full for this year, please get in touch about booking from September onwards.

Ipswich school bookings are still open - these are available to book for Fridays only.

Enquire here about booking

For more information please email: Communityengagement@kidsinspire.org.uk

This role might suit those looking to train as /or having retired from being a teacher, youth worker, or other professional supporting children and young people.
Locations:
Chelmsford and surrounding areas
Colchester and surrounding areas
Role Summary
To support Kids Inspire staff to deliver Introduction to Mental Health assemblies and workshops in schools across Chelmsford and Colchester, Essex, with an overall aim to provide young people with empowerment and resilience tools to support their mental health.
Time Commitment:
To be available to volunteer in school hours during term time at least 4 hours per half term
Main Tasks 
•To support the Community Engagement team with preparation and facilitation of assemblies and workshops, to enable them to run smoothly and to time.
•To feel confident to raise any safeguarding concerns if required (safeguarding training will be delivered before you commence the role)
•To act as an ambassador for Kids Inspire at all times
We are looking for people who are:
•aged 18 and over
•Passionate about raising awareness of looking after our mental health
•Well-organised, reliable and punctual.
•Flexible in their approach when supporting young people
•Friendly and outgoing.
•Able to act appropriately and in-line with safeguarding protocols.
We can offer you:
•Relevant training for the role
•Regular support from our Community Engagement Team and Volunteer Manager
•Regular opportunities to meet with the wider Kids Inspire Team at events
Additional Information
•We will require two references and an enhanced DBS check.
•You will be required to undertake online safeguarding training.
•You will be required to adhere to Kids Inspire’s current policies and procedures.
Please email to apply for this unique role.
This role will suit those who are passionate about making a difference to children and young people’s mental health in their own community.
Locations*: (Basildon, Braintree, Canvey Island, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Tendring and Ipswich, Suffolk)
* Targeted priority areas identified within these Local Authority areas.
Community Champion Volunteer: Role Summary
To volunteer in your local community in Basildon, Braintree, Canvey Island, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Tendring and Ipswich, Suffolk to support the overall aim of Kids Inspire to have a positive impact on children and young people’s mental health.
Commitment: 2-4 hours per month minimum
Main Tasks 
•To support the Community Engagement team with ideas for Kids Inspire led events and projects for Children and Young People in your local community
•To support the Community Engagement team to deliver projects and events in your local community.
•To use your local community knowledge to raise awareness of Kids Inspire and inform the Community Engagement team if any opportunities to engage or fundraise with relevant organisations become available.
•To act as an ambassador for Kids Inspire at all times
We are looking for people who are:
•Looking to make a real difference to children and young people in their local community
•Aged 18 and over
•Passionate about the mental health of children and young people in the Kids Inspire community and your own community
•Well-organised, reliable and punctual
•Friendly and outgoing
•Able to act appropriately and in-line with safeguarding protocols

We can offer you:
•Relevant training for the role
•Regular support from our Community Engagement Team and Volunteer Manager
•Regular opportunities to meet with the wider Kids Inspire Team at events
•Invites to supporter and volunteer drop in events
Additional Information
•We will require two references
•You will be required to undertake online safeguarding training
•You will be required to adhere to Kids Inspire’s current policies and procedures.
Please email to apply fo this unique role.

Community Engagement Volunteers

Make stronger connections, learn new skills and organise exciting events. Training to be a Community Engagement Volunteer will help to bridge the gap for support in your local area.

A Community Engagement Volunteer can nurture, build, sustain and grow relationships between people, bringing them together for the benefit of children and young people. We are looking for new Volunteers now.