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Essex

Citizens Essex

Who are we?

We are Citizens Essex, a Citizens UK Chapter with a local alliance in Colchester and others developing in Chelmsford and Southend.

Our Chapter is formed of 14 churches, mosques, universities and community groups.

Since our founding in 2019, we have:

  • Won a campaign to create the first inclusive women-only swimming session in Colchester.
  • Secured vital funding for youth work in Essex.
  • Got North East London NHS Foundation Trust to improve signposting for mental health provision for young people in Colchester.
  • Listened to 1,000 people to identify a common agenda to hold the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to account.
  • Secured refunds to Essex Uni students from a cancelled First Bus route.
  • Secured improved lighting and safety at Greenstead roundabout in Colchester.
  • Provided devices to assist with digital inclusion for service-users of Colchester FoodBank and YMCA Essex
  • Won a commitment to becoming a Living Wage Accredited employer from Southend Borough Council.
  • Won a commitment from Essex PFCC to make streets safer around Anglia Ruskin University campus in Chelmsford.
  • Won a commitment from Essex PFCC to making it easier to report misogyny as a hate crime in Essex and to build people's confidence to do so.
  • Secured commitment from Southend Borough Council to give consent to an application to sponsor a refugee family from Syria.
  • Won an Excellence in Teaching award for the 'Democracy in Action' module we teach at Essex University.

What are we fighting for?

The priority issues voted on by members in our community are to work together for:

  • A fairer Essex
  • A safer Essex
  • A healthier Essex
  • An accessible Essex
  • A welcoming Essex

This has included:

  • Mental health support.
  • Funding for youth services.
  • Accountability for police on issues in the community.
  • Welcoming refugees.
  • Safer neighbourhoods for local people.
  • Working towards fair wages for carers.
  • Working towards accessible housing for the homeless.

Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Citizens UK member.


Members

  • The Diocese of Chelmsford
  • University of Essex
  • Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford
  • Essex YMCA
  • The Salvation Army in Essex
  • Colchester Methodist Circuit
  • Colchester Foodbank
  • Southend Community Sponsorship
  • CAST, Southend
  • Divine Assembly Ministries, Colchester
  • Bridgeway Mission

Want to join our Chapter?

We’re always looking for new members! Get in touch with one of our local Community Organisers using the form below.

Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Citizens UK member.

Keep in touch


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