Love Essex Fund spotlight projects
Earlier this year, 41 projects received the Love Essex Fund for their efforts to reduce waste. This summer, the Love Essex team visited three of those projects and interviewed the founders about their work.
The spotlighted projects include East Essex Hackspace, Laindon School Uniform Bank, and Wivenhoe Library of Things. The videos offer a glimpse into the inspiring, diverse community projects that exist in Essex.
East Essex Hackspace
East Essex Hackspace is a community-run space in Hawkwell, Essex where members come together to build and repair items. Tim Neobard runs the hackspace where he regularly hosts workshops and repair cafés.
In June 2025, the Love Essex team visited one of their repair cafés, open to members of the public for free. We were amazed by the variety of items that the volunteers repaired, from lamp shades to automatic cat feeders, and even a boat propeller!
With their micro-grant from the Love Essex Fund, East Essex Hackspace bought a logic analyser to help repair electricals.
The hackspace can be found at Clements Hall Pavilion, Park Gardens, Hockley SS5 4HF. Join their Facebook group to get involved and enquire about a membership.
Watch the interview with East Essex Hackspace
Laindon School Uniform Bank
Laindon School Uniform Bank is a volunteer-led project that provides free school uniform to families. By taking donations from the local community, families have access to uniform from schools across the Basildon district. From blazers, to shirts, and even fancy dress costumes – you can find it all at the uniform bank!
For the last three years, the uniform bank has received a Love Essex Fund micro-grant for their work to reduce textile waste. Since 2019, they have saved over 57,000 items from being thrown away.
When visiting the founder, Cassie Bloomfield, the Love Essex team were blown away by her dedication to promoting the reuse of school uniforms and helping families in need.
The uniform bank is held at Manor Mission Church, Manor Rd, Laindon, Basildon SS15 6PA. Check out their Facebook page to check opening times.
Watch the interview with Laindon School Uniform Bank
Wivenhoe Library of Things
Wivenhoe Library of Things is a volunteer-led project that provides the local community with a range of items to borrow. Executive Director, Liam O'Brien, started the project to encourage neighbours to share items – particularly those that people may only use once or twice. This fantastic concept not only saves households money, but also reduces waste.
The Love Essex team visited Liam and the volunteers on the day before its launch on 19 July 2025. We were amazed by the variety of items available to borrow for a small fee; from gazebos to ladders, and even canoes!
With their micro-grant from the Love Essex Fund, they purchased a garden shredder and pressure washer, adding to their big-purchase items. Liam regularly asks locals what items they would like to see in the library, so we can’t wait to see how it expands!
Start borrowing from the Library of Things today. The address is Wivenhoe Train Station, Station Road, Wivenhoe, CO7 9DJ.
Watch the interview with Wivenhoe Library of Things
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A special thanks to Ranch Creative for the videos.
