Eppings Helping Hands

Being at the end of the London Underground’s Central Line, Epping has long been popular with those looking to travel out if commuting, or travel in if visiting the capital. But Epping is much more than just  a travel hub and a keen group of locals are on hand to make sure Epping’s charms are kept in top condition, discovers Petra Hornsby.

- Petra Hornsby

EPPING is a civil parish situated in the Epping Forest District of Essex. An attractive market town with good shopping, bars and restaurants – there is much for the local resident and visitor to appreciate. The district has many attractions including, of course, Epping Forest – great for woody walks and recreation – but Copped Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge and the Epping Ongar Railway are also well worth a visit.

The district’s residents are served well by local amenities. However, like all communities, Epping and its surrounding area has its fair share of vulnerable people who perhaps find it hard to take part in all the town has to offer, not to mention finding many aspects of their daily lives a struggle. The good news is that there is a great resource available to help them to not only keep in touch with their community, but also in coping as much as possible with life’s little, and sometimes big, challenges.

The Epping-based Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) group has been operating since 1993 and has steadily expanded over the years in response to local need.

Jacqui Foile is the organisation’s chief officer and explains more about how the group works to help members of the community in need. ‘Although we provide our own core service, we are in essence an umbrella organisation offering support for various charities in the district,’ says Jacqui. ‘We have a volunteer centre that recruits local volunteers who are then placed with local charities to fulfil many different roles, such as environmental work, drivers, working with older people and even helping with the region’s animal charities as well.