VAEF’s vision is of a fair, vibrant and open society that encourages and is supported by voluntary and community action.
VAEF’s mission is to promote, support and develop an effective, sustainable and visible voluntary and community sector in Epping Forest.
VAEF’s work is guided by values that promote equality of opportunity, participation, co-operation, partnership and democratic involvement. We promote local voluntary and community action in order to combat poverty and disadvantage, and improve the quality of life for groups, communities and individuals.
Strategic Aims
VAEF’s mission is to promote, develop and support an effective, sustainable and visible voluntary and community sector in the District. To this end, and in order to overcome the problems faced by the sector detailed above, we will work towards the following strategic aims:
VAEF runs a number of projects in the Epping Forest district and surrounding areas.
Befriending
The Befriending Service funded by The Big Lottery aims to provide support and friendship for those living on their own or in isolation. This project was developed to address the need of the socially isolated by providing a befriending service across the Epping Forest District to the elderly aged 65 years or over and their carers and includes short respite for carers whilst social clubs operate.
Handyman
The Handyman Service is a partnership between Epping Forest District Council and Voluntary Action Epping Forest which launched in October 2012. The service is funded by EFDC and provides a handyman service to tenants of EFDC properties provided they are over 60 and or disabled and have no one else who can assist them.
Volunteer Centres Epping and Harlow
Provides a volunteer brokerage service for volunteer management advice for charities and community organisations.
Active – Day Activities for people with Learning Disabilities
An award winning service for people with learning disabilities, Essex County Council Supplier Recognition Awards 2018
Active is a multi-activity project for people with Learning Disabilities. We have a range of opportunities to choose from to suit your needs. Allotment Project, Upcycling, Catering, Conservation, Music, Arts and Crafts
Gardening
When gardens and lawns become overgrown, most of us find it a nuisance. People who are physically unable to do their gardens find it distressing, particularly those who are housebound. The aim of this service is to provide gardeners and volunteers to maintain the gardens of people who cannot do it themselves, free of charge. The work of this project contributes to independent living making clients feel much safer in their homes and less vulnerable. Clients have reported that an untidy garden can attract unwanted attention, inviting crime and making it difficult to access.
Home Safety
Fitting grab rails and key safes, securing carpets, changing light bulbs, hanging pictures, curtains, fitting toilet seats, gardening and much more!
Benefits
The benefits advice and information project is available to those whose personal circumstances make it difficult for them to access services in their area or outside of the home. A home visit can be made and information provided on benefits available to the individual along with assistance to complete application forms. The service is available to those who live in the Epping Forest District.
TimeBank
The Epping Forest Time Bank aims to help local people help each other, one hour at a time! If you already volunteer then you will make an ideal Time Bank member!! You can use your volunteer hours and bank them as credits to either get support from other people, or to put them in a Epping Forest Community Pot to help vulnerable people such as the elderly who may not have the credits to get help or support from others.
Health and Wellbeing
Voluntary Action Epping Forest is working in partnership with Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE) commissioned by Essex County Council to provide weight management programmes. The service is community-based and designed to support people to achieve a gradual, long term weight loss by weighing in at a variety of community sites, accessing the MWM online programme.
Winter Warmth
VAEF will be delivering services to residents in the Epping Forest District in support of Essex County Councils Winter Warmth Campaign. The service will provide help to those whose health and wellbeing is at risk during the cold weather. VAEF will support older and vulnerable people deemed in need in the District by providing: Food parcels, warm clothing / bedding ,small heating appliances & microwaves, fuel tokens, fitting draft excluders & curtain rails, sealing windows all of which will assist in keeping yourselves and your homes warmer.