Essex
Citizens Essex
Citizens Essex
Who are we?
We are Citizens Essex, a Citizens UK Chapter. Our Chapter is formed of local and strategic institutions, including churches, universities, colleges, schools and community groups from across the county.
Together, we organise to overcome injustice and win change on the things that you and your local communities care about most.
Our first local alliance founded in Colchester in 2019 and Chelmsford citizens founded in 2023. Since then we have:
- Won a campaign to create the first inclusive women-only swimming session in Colchester.
- Won improved signposting on mental health provision for young people in Colchester
- Won improved lighting and safety at Greenstead roundabout
- Provided devices for service-users of YMCA Essex to assist with digital inclusion
- Supported Southend Borough Council to become an accredited real Living Wage employer
- Secured a commitment from Essex PFCC to make streets safer around Anglia Ruskin University campus, whilst also committing to make it easier to report misogyny as a hate crime in Essex
- Won an Excellence in Teaching award for the 'Democracy in Action' module we teach at Essex University
- Delivered Ruskin Modules at Anglia Ruskin University
- Won commitment from Southend and Basildon Borough Councils for Malachi housing units
- Welcomed displaced Ukrainians through Communities for Ukraine
- And much more!
What are we fighting for?
The priority issues voted on by members in our community are:
- Transport – especially on buses – to become more reliable and safe for young people
- Better and easier access to Mental Health Support
Strategic Partners
- The Diocese of Chelmsford
- Anglia Ruskin University
Members
- YMCA Essex
- Chelmsford Citadel (The Salvation Army)
- Divine Assembly Ministries, Colchester
- Chelmsford College
- Trust Links
- Churches Together in Essex and East London
- Families in Focus
- Thurrock and Brentwood Mind
- USP College
- Kool Carers
Want to join our Chapter?
We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them and we're always looking for new members to join us!
Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Citizens UK member.
Get in touch with our local Lead Organiser, Sebastien Chapleau (seb.chapleau@citizensuk.org).