New SOS hub opens in Takeley to support residents

A new Social Outreach Service (SOS) hub has opened in Takeley to support residents.

Drop-in sessions will operate at the village’s Old School Community Centre on the second Thursday of the month.

Organisations including Mind in West Essex, housing association Peabody, Terrence Higgins Trust, Phoenix Futures, drug and alcohol recovery service Open Road, Essex Sexual Health Services and the Uttlesford Community Safety Partnership will offer cost-of-living, mental health, housing and addiction services advice.

The first session was attended by High Sheriff of Essex David Hurst, who surprised Uttlesford District Council’s community safety officer, Angi Greneski, with an award in recognition of her contribution to and involvement in the Reaching Rural Communities project.

The initiative has been running since 2022 and delivers wellbeing, crime prevention and fire safety advice to rural and farming communities across Uttlesford.

Angi was delighted to receive the award but was keen to acknowledge the support and help from partners, especially PC Kerry Rowson at Essex Police.

The new SOS service in Takeley follows the launch of sessions at Saffron Walden Community Link, held on the last Thursday of each month. For more information, see www.uttlesford.gov.uk/social-outreach-service.