Annual Plan for 2023/24

Supporting our communities

Build on the strengths of our communities and what they can do to support themselves and help each other
Help people to make positive lifestyle choices, increasing their physical and emotional wellbeing
Focus on prevention and early intervention so residents can lead independent and active lives
Provide support and protection to our most vulnerable residents, their families and carers
Support and inspire young people to raise their aspirations

Over a two-year period, use £1m of New Homes Bonus to support residents of the district through the continued cost of living crisis by:
- Providing food security and access to essential goods across the district
- Helping community groups and organisations provide additional support to our most vulnerable residents
- Enabling physical and emotional health and wellbeing support with a focus on young people who find it difficult to access these services
Support local projects and initiatives through the Councillor Community Grants scheme
Support people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless on their pathway to independent living through supported housing and move-on accommodation

Build more resilient communities to response to emerging issues
Equip young people with the skills required to face challenging situations by delivering crucial crew workshops to schools across the district in partnership with the Community Safety Partnership
Review our Livewell Strategy to support the changing needs of our residents and wider health and care priorities
Address the health inequalities of the district through the Mid-Essex Alliance partnership by designing integrated health services in local communities and neighbourhoods
Oversee the delivery of a safer streets programme to tackle perception of violence against women and girls in the night-time economy and neighbourhood crime for identified areas in Witham
Deliver two changing places toilets in Witham and Halstead allowing people with complex needs to have greater access to public places to take part in everyday activities