Essex Freemasons delivered a county-wide programme of festive support, from care home concerts to parties for vulnerable children, showcasing their evolving community role. Discover how they're making a difference.
Former England and West Brom striker Andy Carroll, 36, is due in court accused of breaching a non-molestation order. Get the latest details on the case.
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Worcester City Council approves converting a house into a children's care home on Woolhope Road, overriding neighbours' concerns about parking and neighbourhood character.
Health leaders in mid and south Essex urge residents to call NHS 111 for urgent dental appointments, avoiding busy emergency departments. New direct booking system speeds up access to care.
Health leaders in mid and south Essex advise calling NHS 111 for urgent dental issues like severe toothache. New direct booking system provides faster access to 700,000 extra appointments nationwide.
Find out which pharmacies in mid and south Essex are open on Christmas Day for essential medicines and advice. Use the NHS 'find a pharmacy' service for urgent help.
Find out which NHS pharmacies are open on Christmas Day in mid and south Essex for essential medicines and health advice. Check times and locations here.
Hospital staff working on Christmas Day across Mid and South Essex receive hampers as a thank you. The festive treats recognise their dedication and sacrifice.
Network Rail begins vital track replacement near Ingatestone station over five weekends from Jan 10. Expect bus replacements and level crossing closures. Check before you travel.
Major changes to Chelmsford's Chelmer Valley Park and Ride, including reduced hours and new fares, will start in 2026 to improve value for money. Read the full details.
Young adults leaving care in England will receive free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests up to age 25. A new pilot also offers paid NHS internships and guaranteed interviews.
Discover how dedicated staff from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are working over Christmas to bring joy and support to patients in wards and care homes across Essex.
Maldon Fields hosted its inaugural Christmas memorial service, offering a reflective space for remembrance. The event was fully booked and raised £5,000 for Farleigh Hospice.
Chocolatier crafts giant edible coins of Henry VIII and Queen Victoria to celebrate a new banking hub in Essex. Discover the sweet link between cash, history, and Christmas tradition.
Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford receives a £100,000 Army Benevolent Fund grant to enhance dementia care, activities, and quality of life for its elderly veteran residents.
Head chef Andy Pridmore and deputy Sarah Pell prepare festive feast for 31st year at Cedar Falls care home in Spalding. Read their heartwarming story of dedication.
Residents of Edgbaston Manor care home welcomed Harper Bell School pupils for a day of carols and shared memories, reviving festive traditions. Discover this heartwarming intergenerational story.
Hospitality tech firm Lolly launches a year-long partnership with Essex charity Kids Inspire, pledging funding, volunteering, and awareness-raising for children's mental health. Discover how you can support.
Chatten Free School in Witham is transforming lives by providing vital work experience for autistic students with complex needs. Local businesses are urged to help create meaningful community roles.
Moya Cole Hospice partners with Molly Lou Candles to launch its first-ever scented candle. At £25, each sale donates £10 directly to patient care. Available online now.
A new enterprise hub in Essex, Hope Park, is creating vital career pathways for young adults with learning difficulties, challenging the shocking 95% unemployment rate. Discover how this project is changing lives.
Pupils at Larchwood Primary in Brentwood are shaping their school's future as junior governors, digital leaders, and eco champions. Discover how these roles build citizenship.
Generous shoebox appeal by Seymour House Nurseries brings comfort to struggling families. Home-Start Essex reports a 134% surge in demand for its vital support services this winter.
Moya Cole Hospice held its annual Light Up a Life remembrance services at Manchester Cathedral. Families shared heartfelt stories of outstanding care, lighting candles for loved ones.
New research reveals a stark generational gap in readiness for dementia care, with men over 45 feeling significantly less prepared. Nationwide and Dementia UK urge those affected to seek support.
Doris Griffiths, 101, celebrated her birthday by turning on the Christmas lights at her Chingford care home, The Spinney, with special guests: two Humboldt penguins. Read about the magical winter wonderland event.
As 2025 ends, MP Marie Goldman reflects on the irreplaceable human spirit in Chelmsford's charities, from litter-picking to supporting veterans, proving community action beats any algorithm.
Beloved BBC Radio Essex presenter Dave Monk has died aged 72, one year after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Tributes pour in for the broadcaster of 40 years. Read his final, inspiring message.
George Evans marks his 100th birthday, joining five other centenarian veterans at Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford. Discover their incredible stories of service and longevity.