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Alison - Free unaccredited online courses

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Alison - Free unaccredited online courses

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Free Online Courses & Online Learning | Alison

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Free online courses with certificates. Join 15 million graduates and empower your career. Study, learn, certify, upskill with free online learning and training

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Springpod - Gain online virtual work experience

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Springpod - Gain online virtual work experience

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It’s time to take control of your future | Springpod

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Springpod is a careers platform where students can experience the world of work and university before they apply. Rated 4.9/5 on TrustPilot.

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Oxford Home Study - free online unaccredited courses

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Oxford Home Study - free online unaccredited courses

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OHSC is proud to offer access to some of the UK's finest 100% free online courses with certificates of completion available for a small fee.

With not a penny to pay, no strings attached and no entry requirements whatsoever, anyone interested in furthering their education now has the chance to study at home for free!

Our free online courses with optional certificates are designed to be comprehensively accessible and as flexible as possible. Enhance existing knowledge, explore a new subject or take the first steps toward an exciting new career.

Regardless of your age, location and educational background, our free home study courses are open to everyone.

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free online courses with certificate of completion

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Free Online Courses With Certificates | Free Online Courses with Certificate of Completion | Free Courses Online with Certificates

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Free Online Courses With Certificates. Oxford Home Study Centre offers Free Online Courses with Certificate of Completion. If you want to grab this opportunity of Free Courses Online with Certificates dont delay.

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Essex Libraries - Free online unaccredited courses

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Essex Libraries - Free online unaccredited courses

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Essex County Council: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | Essex Local Offer

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We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use this website, remember your settings and improve this service.

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Education, Employment and Training Support

If you are 16-18 years old, live in Essex and are not in education, employment or training, an Employability and Skills Adviser can help you with your next steps. We also offer support to young people who are in home education or off school roll from (what would be)
Year 11.

If you are a young person in school or college please contact your school or college Careers Coordinator or Careers Adviser. They are responsible for working with you to find education, employment or training.

Our experienced and friendly advisers are here for you and can help you research your options and understand qualifications to make sure you have all the information you need and are confident about your post-16 plans.

We can support you into:

College

Apprenticeships & traineeships

Training opportunities

Foundation learning programmes including English and Maths

Jobs

Work with us to receive:

Careers guidance for young people who are not in education, employment or training

CV and letter writing advice

Help completing application forms

Advice around personal marketing techniques and how to access the hidden job market

Advice around interview techniques

Registering eligible 16/17-year olds for extension to child benefit claims with advice for parents and carers also provided

Up to date vacancies and training opportunities

Introductions to training providers and referral into study programs

Get in touch!

If you are unemployed, opportunity ready and not in school, college or approved training then please get in touch with our team.

Call: 0800 707 6384
Email: keepincontactteam@essex.gov.uk

Have you received communications from us recently to update your education, employment and training situation?

If so please use our survey to update your records or request support.

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Education, Employment and Training Support

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Education, Employment and Training Support If you are 16-18 years old, live in Essex and are not in education, employment or training, an Employability and Skills Adviser can help you with your next steps. We also offer support to young people who are in home education or off school roll from (what would be) Year 11.

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Essex Opportunities supports our local residents to explore career choices and provides advice for employers grow their talent.

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Register your profile, search vacancies and apply for an apprenticeship - you must be 16 or over

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Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

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The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. Find out more about us and the different ways we can support you. This service is available to people who live in England.

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Youth Employment UK is a leading organisation working to change the youth employment landscape for young people in the UK.

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Find inspiration

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by job type or subject

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Get tips on GCSE options, apprenticeships,
university, finding work and more

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Teachers - invite volunteers from the world of work to take part in career activities at your school

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Real-life career videos, advice and information to inspire your career

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Careerpilot : Plan your future work & study

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Whether you're deciding what to study, taking your exams, planning a career, or just curious, we're here to explain the world of work, with advice from people who've found the right path for them.

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Using sophisticated, but simple-to-use associations with hobbies and interests, the NTM platform brings together a powerful combination of text, video and imagery all in one rich, 3 dimensional SeeMe profile.

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Naturally Talented Me - Show employers what you're made of

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NTM has the answer. It uses artificial intelligence and an intuitive and engaging Q&A to help jobseekers identify and promote their natural talents. By combining video, images and supporting documents, NTM automatically creates a three-dimensional, visual profile that highlights each individual's full potential, helping employers to source and hire new talent more accurately.

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Frontline is a community project. It helps frontline workers and the public to quickly find details on local health and wellbeing services and to contact services through call back and referral options.

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Find health and wellbeing support in your local community.

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Active Essex

As this week is Mental Health Awareness Week, our Active Essex Mental Wellbeing Steering Group hosted a special meeting in which young people were invited along to discuss how exercise can benefit mental wellbeing. In particular the group were interested in exploring the ways in which the Essex ActivAte programme and all the organisations within this can support children who may be experiencing poor mental health, and how clubs can overcome barriers to getting active. The meeting included Active Essex team members, representatives from organisations with experience in delivering Mental Wellbeing Hubs, and two young people (Liz and Holly) who have attended clubs run by these organisations.

We hope that by speaking directly to young people and specialist organisations across the county, we can gain a deeper understanding of how to maximise the mental wellbeing benefits of physical activity, help overcome barriers to physical and mental wellbeing, and develop our understanding of how to support those with poor mental health.

Barriers to new activities

The main barriers that Liz and Holly referred to in relation to trying new clubs or activities were the competitive and aggressive nature of many sports, and fear of the unknown. After discussing these barriers, the group talked through a number of ways to overcome these barriers. These included communicating what a session will look like in advance of attendance, sharing stories from participants to put new people at ease, having a buddy system or peer support in place, and being open and understanding to every young person attending a club. In particular a number of steering group members said they had seen the positive impact of introducing a buddy system within their clubs, with children feeling more comfortable, making friends and being more open to trying new things as a result.

Activities for those with Anxieties

Interestingly, Liz and Holly suggested that group activities may actually be most suitable for someone facing a mental health struggle such an anxiety, as they would not need to be the centre of attention, therefore they suggested activities such as dance, athletics and other 'friendly' team sports such as rounders. However they also felt that there should be a variety of activities on offer, as everyone's mental wellbeing is different, so some people may enjoy independent activities, less competitive sports or a calmer environment.

Food & Mental Wellbeing

Liz and Holly quickly highlighted that eating nutritious foods can make your body and mind feel better. They did however also note that it's important to enjoy treats as a reward sometimes, and that people should not be too hard on themselves for enjoying a treat as part of a balanced diet, as putting too much pressure on yourself can also lead to mental health difficulties. When conversation moved onto eating disorders, Liz and Holly had some really powerful ideas when it came to making someone feel more comfortable, including providing a distraction to avoid making food a focus, or talking about a subject that a person is passionate about. Notably, these suggestions can also be transferred across to anyone facing mental wellbeing struggles, as activity providers can use fun activities to provide an escape for some youngsters, or to open the door to conversation.

Family Support

Within this final discussion point the group explored the importance of involving families when supporting the mental wellbeing of young people. Steering group members placed significance on inviting parents/guardians along for a chat before, after and during sessions, to build a community around a young person. As such, families can also share ideas and support one another, to help tackle social isolation and loneliness. When supporting children or families in relation to mental wellbeing, everyone agreed that it's vital that club/activity providers are able to recognise the signs of mental health difficulties and offer support, but most importantly signpost to qualified experts who can advise on the best route forward.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Liz and Holly who came along to share their views. Their input and the views of experts within the steering group will be used to inform future decision making across the Essex ActivAte programme, the wider work of Active Essex and of our partners. Off the back of this meeting, the Essex ActivAte team have already begun plans to enhance mental wellbeing support on both the Family Support page and important signposting information on the Partner Hub. The steering group will also be sharing their learning with our network of locally trusted organisations, so that every club, programme or activity session is inclusive and supportive.

Over the past week our partners have been speaking to young people at their clubs and sessions to ask how they look after their mental wellbeing. Take a look at the slides below to find out what they said...

MHW Quotes by Laura Dickinson

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Young People, Movement and Mental Wellbeing - Active Essex

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As this week is Mental Health Awareness Week, our Active Essex Mental Wellbeing Steering Group hosted a special meeting in which young people were invited along to discuss how exercise can benefit mental wellbeing. In particular the group were interested in exploring the ways in which the Essex ActivAte programme and all the organisations within...

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Southend, Essex and  Thurrock Adolescent Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS)

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Southend, Essex and  Thurrock Adolescent Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS)

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Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children's and Adolescent's Mental Health Service

Who are we?

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children's and Adolescent's Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.

The service covers Southend, Essex and Thurrock and is open to young people between the ages of 0-18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs.

Any child or young person experiencing mental health difficulties as well as any parent, guardian or professional can access the service for help and guidance.

There are lots of ways to access the service.

A child or young person can contact us directly

Any parent/guardian or professional such as a teacher, school nurse or GP can contact us on the behalf of the young person

When the service can help?

Everyone goes through ups and downs, but sometimes feelings or behaviours can start to get in the way of day-to-day living. When this happens, it might be time to seek some help.

We can support people with a range of mental health difficulties faced by young people, which can include:

Low mood

Anxiety

Obsessional thoughts

Sleep problems

Body image and eating difficulties

Behavioural and emotional difficulties

Trauma and loss

Parenting and family difficulties

These are some of the things we can help you with. If we feel SET CAMHS is not right to help your particular need, then we can put you in contact with a number of different organisations who might be more appropriate.

What the service can do

SET CAMHS offer a range of both individual and group talking therapies such as;

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

DBT (Dialectical Behavioural therapy)

Trauma focused therapies

Play based therapies

Art and creative therapies

Psycho-dynamic therapy

Family therapy

Group Therapy

Medication

Journey through the service

Waiting times may vary but we aim to see people within 12 weeks. However, if you find that things become more stressful while you are waiting to be seen, contact us as soon as possible so we are able to provide support.

Useful online resources

MiLife

MiLife; is an online help service designed by young people from Essex with useful information and links to other organisations that work with young people.

Kooth

Kooth; is an online mental health service for children and young people which offers online counselling and emotional-wellbeing support.

For a full list of NHS approved online self-help services visit the website link here.

Important contact details

To contact the service between the hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, you or someone on your behalf can;

Call SET CAMHS: Freephone 0800 953 0222

Email: SET-CAMHS.referrals@nelft.nhs.uk

If you need urgent help or out of hours help; call NELFT out of hours: 0300 555 1200

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Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) CAMHS

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Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) CAMHS service provides emotional
wellbeing and mental health advice and support for young people and
their families across Southend, Essex and Thurrock.

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Home-Start Essex is an independent local charity, which is part of the Home-Start UK network. They have a team of trained volunteers and dedicated, experienced staff who support families with young children through challenging times. They work with families across Mid, South and West Essex offering a range of support including:

Home-visiting Support

Family Groups

Well-Being Services

Telephone Support

Mothers in Mind

Behaviour Support

Baby Massage

Nursery & School Readiness

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The Voice

The Voice is a group that gives young people a chance to meet with their peers to discuss mental health, learn life skills and have fun. This year we aim to have two groups for ages 12-15 and 16-19.

The Voice helps young people develop social skills, learn about self-identity and practice new skills while in a safe space surrounded by a supportive group (and pizza)!

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The Voice helps young people develop social skills, learn about self-identity and practice new skills while in a safe space surrounded by a supportive group (and pizza)!

For more information about The Voice, including any upcoming drop-in events for potential new members, please contact voice@kidsinspire.org.uk.

The Voice was established in early 2018 to help those who may lack confidence or have feelings of anxiety.

" After joining the Voice she smiles & spends time with us instead of retreating to isolation in her room." - Mum

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Group activities and ability to socialise with peers is so important for wellbeing and personal development during adolescent years. For this reason we created The Voice, a place where young people can meet, check-in about each other's weeks and work through personal difficulties as a supportive, c

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The Wilderness Foundation aims include using the outdoors, nature and wilderness experiences to bring about measurable, positive change and improved mental health within disadvantaged and vulnerable young people and adults, enabling them to lead a healthy and active life and improve their personal sustainability, independence, belonging, self-esteem and resilience.

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The Wilderness Foundation UK engages over 7,000 people per year with the benefits and enjoyment of wild nature. Programmes develop future sustainability leaders, build resilience in vulnerable teenagers with challenging lives and mental health issues, introduce rural employment to urban youth, and bring curriculum-based sciences to life in the outdoors. We switch off technology and switch on reality.

Our Chatham Green Project is a 400-acre living classroom engaging young people with nature based activities for Primary, Secondary and SEND Schools . Subjects are taught using immersive and creative outdoor education methods. The 'Down to Earth' Community Allotments help build connections for people to nature through volunteering, where people learn and develop new skills to benefit their mental and physical wellbeing.

Out There A cademy support young people with complex needs through nature immersion. The programmes offer resilience training, personal development and therapy for youths battling family breakdown and mental health issues. Trained mentors offer one to one support to build aspiration and employability through wilderness therapy journeys.

Our Scottish programme Treun supports young people with mental health problems and complex lives. We build connections with nature and help young people build resilience coping strategies and skills for employment. Participants join wilderness trails, volunteering and employability training, whilst growing an understanding of their ecological heritage.

Since 1956, Wilderness Leadership Trails have nurtured environmentalists of the future in the most remote corners of South Africa, the UK and Europe. Immersion trails with skilled facilitation help develop deep connections to nature, building future leaders for a sustainable planet.

All programmes follow Leave No Trace Ethics and training.

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About Us The Wilderness Foundation UK harnesses the power of the wilderness and nature to transform vulnerable lives and empowers people, in return, to conserve nature.

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Free, anonymous support

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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Learn about construction with Go Construct, the skills required, career paths and what you can expect.

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How To Learn About Construction (Skills, Jobs)

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Learn about construction with Go Construct. Find out how to learn about construction, the skills required, career paths and what you can expect.

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There’s a wide range of roles and opportunities available in construction. Find out about the different routes into a career in the sector.

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Personality quiz - learn about the things you're good at and jobs which may suit you

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Personality quiz - learn about the things you're good at and jobs which may suit you

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Enjoy personality quizzes? You’ll love Animal Me! In just a few minutes, you’ll learn what animal you’re most like and the careers you may be suited to.

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Discover how the 21UP Movement empowers young people in the music industry with free access to recording studios, mentorship, and talent development.

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E-learning platform | Santander Open Academy

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Discover all the e-learning offer by Santander Open Academy: Courses, study grants, mobility grants and more - go in and sign up now!

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Decided college is the route for you but haven't put in an application? It's not too late, see the information below!

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Decided college is the route for you but haven't put in an application? It's not too late, see the information below!

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Colchester Institute - You will need to register your interest using the following link - Summer Advice 2026, Register an Interest - Colchester Institute You will then be contacted via email on the 20th August with the next steps.

During the Advice Sessions, tutors will advise you on your next steps, whilst student services and support teams will also be on hand to help you on the day.

Please be aware, some courses are already full and you must meet the entry criteria to be offered a space!

Chelmsford college - TBC

Writtle College - Although some of their courses may be full, there are still plenty of opportunities available at Writtle College. You can search courses on the following link Further education college courses - ARU or apply online using - Writtle College course application | Anglia Ruskin University

Alternatively you can attend their Late Applications Drop in Event on the 24th August from 9:30am - 5pm. No appointment needed just turn up!