United in Kind (formerly WECARE)
Project Duration: 2019–2021 – Funded by: Essex County Council
United in Kind was a two-year community initiative aimed at tackling social isolation and loneliness across West Essex. Funded by Essex County Council, the programme supported individuals at risk of loneliness through both group and one-to-one interventions. Activities ranged from digital confidence sessions to social walking groups and exercise, all designed to build community connections and resilience.
Key goals included:
- Raising awareness of loneliness and how communities can help;
- Identifying and supporting people at risk;
- Building community-led networks and sustainable support systems;
- Providing targeted help for individuals with complex needs.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, United in Kind Coaches played a central role in local Community Hubs—offering emotional support, collecting prescriptions, and shopping for vulnerable residents. Notably, the team launched United in Kind Radio, an online station broadcasting messages of kindness and connecting isolated residents.
Project Highlights (2020–21):
- 203 volunteers engaged
- 126 individuals completed awareness training
- 1,641 individuals and 212 groups supported
- 84 new community groups established
A partnership with RCCE and Provide also led to the creation of a new accredited Asset Based Community Building workshop, hosted by ACL, enabling residents to learn how to create sustainable local initiatives.
Case Study:
One resident, grieving and shielding during the pandemic, was referred for support. A United in Kind Coach provided immediate aid and ongoing emotional support, helping to transform the client’s quality of life over 12 months.
Mental Health Discharge Service (MHDS)
Led by Voluntary Action Epping Forest on behalf of WECAN
Service Ended: June 2024
The Mental Health Discharge Service supported individuals in West Essex at critical points of transition—either being discharged from inpatient mental health care or stepping down from primary or secondary care. Over its three-and-a-half years of operation, the service provided one-to-one practical and emotional wellbeing support to over 360 people and carried out nearly 3,000 interventions.
A key aim was to enable safer, swifter discharges and reduce time spent in acute care. The service also piloted a signposting initiative in partnership with EPUT to help ensure that people returning home had the right support in place to prevent relapse or readmission.
An NHS Discharge Coordinator noted:
“With your timely intervention, we were able to safely discharge the client and reduce her stay by 35 days.”
Bereavement Support in the Community
Led by Voluntary Action Epping Forest on behalf of WECAN
Service Ended: June 2024 – Funded by: Assura
This person-centred bereavement support service offered one-to-one emotional support for individuals registered with GP practices in Harlow, Epping, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, and Chigwell. Clients were supported through up to six tailored sessions, using coaching techniques, grief workbooks, and self-reflection tools to help them better understand and manage their grief.
Between June 2023 and June 2024, the service supported 133 individuals with the help of 20 trained volunteers. Progress was tracked using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), with many clients reporting significant emotional improvement.
One client shared:
“After being stuck in dysfunction for five years following my mum’s sudden death… my support worker has worked miracles with me.”
GPs and patients alike valued the accessible, co-produced approach of the service, which offered practical and emotional tools to promote long-term wellbeing.
To discuss commissioning opportunities or proposals please email admin@westessexcan.org and one of our directors will call you to explore the potential or a collaboration/partnership.