Leisure

If you have more time for leisure activities or are looking for a new interest or hobby in your spare time, this page will give you a number of ideas and point you to further sources of information to help improve your lifestyle.

Here are a few examples of things you may like to consider:

> Cinema and Theatre
> Day trips and holidays
> Learning opportunities such as courses offered by Adult community learning, Open University, U3A and WEA
> Local and family history
> Lunch and social clubs
> Physical and mental benefits of exercise and sport, including suggestions for exercise
> Meeting new people and relationships
> Museums and galleries
> Pets
> Volunteering
> Working in retirement
> New technologies such as digital TV, computers and the internet

The Essex Community Directory
This is a guide as to what is available in your local area and across Essex. It contains information on clubs and groups, faith and culture and places to visit. All the information includes details about access for people who are disabled. The Directory is intended to help you to get the most out of your local community, so as to improve your quality of life as a resident of Essex.

50 Connect
They operate a content led internet channel dedicated to today's over 50's. On the site you can find a range of useful articles ranging from money saving tips, hobbies to try and 'how to' guides with technology.

Life Raft Trust
This is an emergency fund aimed at supporting cultural attractions across Essex that are suffering as a result of the economical downturn.

Discounts

Over 50's discounts
This page allows you to search for a range of local discounts that are on offer to those over the age of 50. It also lists main high street stores where senior citizen discounts are available.

Oscar senior concessions
This website is dedicated to finding discounts and information for people over the age of 50.

Over 60's English Heritage discount
Over 60's can purchase a year's membership to the English heritage for £32. This membership then gives free access to over 400 English Heritage sites such as Stonehenge, Dover Castle and Kenilworth Castle.

Social clubs

Day Centres in Essex
This links to a list of Day Centres in Essex and contains contact details for each.

Meeting groups in Brentwood  (PDF)
This document contains details of social groups in the Brentwood area.

Hobby and interest clubs in Canvey Island
This local on-line magazine gives details of hobby and local interest clubs in the Canvey Island area.

Chelmsford Social Club
This is a family run club which provides a range of activities including Carpet bowls, Bingo and Ballroom dancing.

Clacton Good Companions
This is a place for mature single people to meet up and enjoy a chat, or take part in an activity, such as a board game or indoor bowls.

Essex WI (Women's Institute)
Here you can find details of all the W.I's in Essex. If you wish to attend a meeting or find out more about a particular group contact the WI Federation Centre (based in Hatfield Peverel) on: 01245 382233.

W4W Essex
Women for women Essex is a social group that aims to provide women with fun and friends. They organise social events, produce a monthly diary and quarterly newsletter and explore different ways to support women.

Tourism and travel

Visit Essex  
This website provides information of what to do, where to stay and what to eat in Essex It also allows users to search for establishments that are accessible to the disabled.

Tourism for all
This is the UK Voice for Accessible Tourism. They are a national charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all. For example they help those with disabilities, older people, carers of young people or disabled or older relatives.

Tourism and the Disability Discrimination Act
Any service provider who provides a service to the public in the UK, whether they charge for it or not, has duties under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This page explains Service providers' responsibilities and reasonable adjustments which places in the UK can make for those who are disabled.

Travel Etiquette
This website provides advice and information on local customs within different countries. There are helpful tips on how to avoid causing offence and how to blend in with the locals.

Fit for travel
This website provided by the NHS (Scotland). It gives travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK. Remember that you should always discuss your particular needs with your own doctor or nurse.

Travel Insurance

J.D.Travel
This company provide affordable travel insurance for anyone with a serious illness or pre-existing medical condition.

For disabled people

Holidays and travel
This section on the portal provides accessible holiday and travel information for those with a disability.