For families
The Essex Hub commissions structured early intervention for children, young people and adults across Mid Essex. Most families access our provision through their school, GP or local authority, who commission the Hub on the family's behalf. This page explains how to access support, and what to expect.
How access actually works
We are not a direct-to-family service. We work as a backbone commissioner: schools, local authorities, ICBs and other statutory partners contract the Hub, and we commission the right delivery partner to provide structured early intervention. This keeps governance, safeguarding and outcomes measurement in one place. It also means families don't carry the cost of the provision themselves where a funded route exists.
Routes for children and young people
Through your child's school or SENCO
If your child is struggling with school avoidance, anxiety, low mood, SEMH or SEND-related needs, ask their school SENCO or pastoral lead to contact the Hub. Schools can commission directly. EHCP-funded provision also routes through the Hub.
Through your GP, social prescriber or local authority
Where a child or young person is known to a GP, social prescriber, early help worker or local authority team, that professional can refer to the Hub and arrange a commissioned route.
Self-funded angling provision Reel Impact Angling, our delivery partner, also offers self-funded sessions directly through RIA Ltd outside the Hub's commissioning framework.
Contact us for details and we'll point you to the right route.
Routes for adults and older relatives
The Hub commissions provision for adults experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress, loneliness and life transitions including menopause.
We also commission provision for retired adults seeking connection, and specialist cohorts including adults in recovery and people living with dementia.
Adult provision routes through:
Social prescribers and primary care networks
Adult social care and community wellbeing teams
Employer-funded wellbeing programmes
Charitable and statutory partners commissioning on behalf of clients
If you're an adult or family member looking for adult provision, ask the professional supporting you to contact the Hub directly.
What we don't do
We are not a crisis service. We do not provide therapy or clinical interventions. If someone you care for is in crisis, contact Samaritans on 116 123, or in an emergency, 999.
What this means for you
- Provision is structured and outcomes-measured.
- Delivery partners are DBS-checked.
- Safeguarding sits with the Hub centrally.
- Where funded, families pay nothing.