Peer support workers help people in Colchester and Tendring stay connected to mental health care services and avoid crises. https://www.eput.nhs.uk/news/people-with-lived-experience-help-mental-health-patients-stay-engaged-with-care/ Our Peer Support Service is commissioned by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) as part of the NHS mental health services in North East Essex. Referrals can only be made by a member of the Primary Care Mental Health Team, so

2026 marks the golden anniversary of SUMMIT, celebrating 50 years of supporting people across Essex.

Do you thrive on supporting others and championing inclusion? Do you have lived experience of working alongside vulnerable or marginalised communities? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Tom has worked at SUMMIT since 2011, starting as a Bridge Builder before moving into formal advocacy and qualifying in 2016. A qualified football coach, he has also contributed to the Sports for All project and has been a key member of the Autism Navigation Service since 2014. As part of Inside SUMMIT, we spoke with Tom about his experiences and reflections after more than 12 years of working on the service.

Many GP surgeries in Tendring have now switched to using online booking systems for patients to make appointments. We would like to hear how this change has affected you.

Today SUMMIT proudly launched the Coastal Lives Foundation, a new fund dedicated to supporting local charities in delivering targeted services to benefit coastal communities across Tendring, where health inequalities and complex needs are greatest.

On 23 December 2024, our AB4D Ambassador Tania Drummond sadly passed away at the age of 45. We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in helping her fulfil her ambition to support and empower others.

SUMMIT is a partner in the SHELLS Project, a multi-agency initiative that supports adults in Tendring who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. As part of the SHELLS Project, SUMMIT provides Health & Inclusion Advocacy to help reduce health inequalities. This includes supporting adults to register with a GP, attend medical appointments, and better understand their health needs and the pathways to appropriate treatment.