Chatten Free School in Witham is transforming lives by providing vital work experience for autistic students with complex needs. Local businesses are urged to help create meaningful community roles.
A new enterprise hub in Essex, Hope Park, is creating vital career pathways for young adults with learning difficulties, challenging the shocking 95% unemployment rate. Discover how this project is changing lives.
Pupils at Larchwood Primary in Brentwood are shaping their school's future as junior governors, digital leaders, and eco champions. Discover how these roles build citizenship.
Generous shoebox appeal by Seymour House Nurseries brings comfort to struggling families. Home-Start Essex reports a 134% surge in demand for its vital support services this winter.
The AA has launched a new app to make breakdowns less stressful. Drivers can now report issues digitally, share their exact GPS location, and get help faster, even on dark country roads.
As 2025 ends, MP Marie Goldman reflects on the irreplaceable human spirit in Chelmsford's charities, from litter-picking to supporting veterans, proving community action beats any algorithm.
HMRC will stop sending standard letters from April 2026, switching to digital communications. Millions must ensure contact details are correct to avoid missing vital updates.
PayPal launches a free debit card with 1% cashback, challenging rivals like Amex. Nearly 30 million UK customers can join the new PayPal+ loyalty programme. Sign up now!
Beloved BBC Radio Essex presenter Dave Monk has died aged 72, one year after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Tributes pour in for the broadcaster of 40 years. Read his final, inspiring message.
Breakdown assistance in the UK is now faster and clearer thanks to new app-based services. Drivers can report a fault in under 3.5 minutes and track help in real-time. Discover the digital revolution on the roadside.
Essex Police announce a zero-tolerance Christmas campaign against drink and drug driving, with targeted patrols and stern warnings about losing your licence, job, and life.
A new Community Litter Hub opens in Wickford, Essex, supporting volunteers tackling litter. In its launch clean-up, over 300kg of waste, including hazardous materials, was removed from just 500 metres of roadside.
Lloyds Bank has executed a UK banking 'first' by completing a digital Letter of Credit transaction using WaveBL's blockchain platform, slashing processing times for businesses. Discover how this innovation accelerates trade.
Allica Bank's new digital account offers UK businesses high interest on idle cash and cashback, potentially earning firms £10,000. Discover how to boost your bottom line effortlessly.
Jake Bedson, the new manager of Brentwood Theatre, discusses his vision to modernise the venue and turn it into a creative hub for the whole of Essex. Listen to the full interview.
Santander UK issues 10 urgent demands to the Labour government, calling for a consumer-first payments strategy as fraud prevention tops public priorities. Read the full report.
Students at Mayflower High School in Billericay have been recognised for completing the demanding Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award, placing them in an elite national group. Read about their community impact and the MP's celebratory visit.
Witham MP Priti Patel visited Vaycay Luxury Travel to donate toys for Home-Start Essex's Christmas campaign, supporting local families in need. Find out how you can contribute.
Lloyds Banking Group announces 44 branch closures for 2026 as customers move online. Find the full list and see what support will be available for affected communities.
Holocaust Centre North unveils a free online archive and digital galleries, providing unprecedented global access to over 21,000 items documenting survival and new lives in Northern England.
Lloyds Bank confirms 40 branch closures in 2026, including Birmingham's Harborne, citing a shift to digital banking. See the full list of affected locations.
Halifax announces 14 bank branch closures across the UK in 2026, citing a shift to digital banking. Birmingham's Bearwood branch among those shutting. Full list inside.
NatWest is closing six high street branches on December 31, 2025, citing a shift to digital banking. Community pop-ups and mobile services will support affected customers. See the full list.
A new global coalition, ALL IN, launches in London to accelerate action against gender-based violence, calling for leadership, funding, and prevention. #EndGBV
Monzo launches a game-changing 'Double Payday' feature, giving ten customers a month the chance to double their salary, up to £10,000. Find out how to be eligible.
A former Premier League and England footballer was arrested at Stansted Airport on suspicion of attempted rape. He has been released on bail until February 2026.
Ofcom issues its largest fine of the year to Virgin Media for putting vulnerable telecare customers at risk during the digital landline switch. Full details on the regulator's action.
A mother speaks out after her daughter's manipulative abuser, Charles Benson-Clark, is jailed for 6.5 years. Read her powerful message and learn how to get support.
Discover how to use Google's 'Results About You' feature to request removal of private details like your address and phone number from search results. Take control of your online privacy today.
BT is appealing Worcester City Council's rejection of its modern digital hubs, which offer free wifi and USB charging. The final decision now rests with a planning inspector.