WECAN – Working Together for West Essex Communities
WECAN (West Essex Community Action Network) is a partnership initiative led by two trusted voluntary sector organisations:
Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) and Rainbow Services Harlow.
Together, we are strengthening the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across West Essex — empowering local groups, connecting communities and supporting residents to live healthier, more independent lives.
What We Do
At the heart of WECAN is a simple mission:
To improve the quality of life for people in West Essex by uniting the power, knowledge, and diversity of local voluntary and community groups.
We do this by:
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Building connections between charities, community groups, businesses and public sector partners
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Supporting collaboration and innovation in the delivery of services
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Creating new opportunities for funding, training and development across the sector
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Amplifying the voice of the VCSE sector in conversations with commissioners and statutory bodies
A True Community Partnership
WECAN is a not-for-profit partnership built on long-standing relationships with local people, statutory agencies, health and care providers, and fellow VCSE organisations. Our shared expertise ensures services are better coordinated, more accessible and community-led.
Services Managed by Voluntary Action Epping Forest through WECAN
As a key delivery partner, VAEF leads on several essential WECAN projects, including:
Digital Share
Helping to reduce digital exclusion across Harlow and Uttlesford.
We provide training, donated devices and data, and one-to-one support to help vulnerable and isolated residents get online and access vital services.
Hospital Discharge Support (Whipps Cross)
Supporting safe and timely discharge from hospital.
VAEF manages referrals from Whipps Cross Hospital, helping patients return home with practical support such as welfare calls, home preparations, key safe installations and access to community services.
Our Vision
By working together through WECAN, we’re creating a stronger, more connected voluntary sector — one that listens to its communities, adapts to changing needs, and makes a real difference to people’s lives in Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford.
Want to Know More?
To find out more about WECAN, how we can support your organisation, or to connect with one of our services, please get in touch:
Email: admin@westessexcan.org
Visit: www.westessexcan.org
