There are lots of activities available after school, weekends or during holiday times. Some of these are free and some, if you are 13 or older, can earn you money.

 

You must be 13 years old before you can get a part-time job. If you are under the mandatory school leaving age there are certain rules about what work you can do, where you can work, when you can work and how long you can work.

 

Essex Dance Theatre

 

Sportessex is the official body for sport in Essex and is recognised by Sport England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Our role is to ensure that everyone in Essex has the opportunity to take part in sport at the level that they want to. We believe that you should be able to fulfil your sporting ambitions however big or small, so whether that's winning gold in the Olympics, kicking a ball around with your friends or swimming your first length of the pool, sportessex is here to help you. If we can convince you to do more of this, more often and get you that bit fitter on the way then we'll be all the happier for it!

Sportessex is also passionate about volunteering and we want to help more people get into coaching and other opportunities in sport. Our ambition is simple - for the people of Essex to see the best, be the best or simply do their best without barriers.  

If you are a club or new to sport or would just like to try something new, the sportessex website will tell you what is available in your area and also has extensive information for and about sporting clubs across the county. This includes an ever increasing menu of disability sport opportunities.

 

Essex Outdoors offers dozens of exciting and adventurous activities across Essex and beyond. Choose from archery, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, sailing and much more. 

There are four centres across the county, at Bradwell, Danbury, Harlow and Mersea, as well as a mountain centre in South Wales. All of the centres run educational and developmental courses for young people and adults.  There are also School Holiday Activity Days for young people.

 

There are a number of country parks open to the public in Essex. Some are run by us and some by district councils. Country parks offer a wide range of activities such as off-road cycling, fishing, walking and exploring. Visit Essex provides a list of all country parks in Essex with brief details of what’s available at each.

 

Your local district or borough council runs leisure centres and swimming pools. They may also offer free swimming for under 16s.

 

You can make new friends, discover new activities, develop skills, learn to map read, go camping, volunteer in your community and so much more when you do DofE.  If you achieve the Gold Award you also get to go to St James's Palace.  Find a centre in your area for more information.

 

For an online directory of activities, clubs and support groups in addition to things to do and places to go, visit Essex Young Life.

 

If you already play a musical instrument, Essex has some youth orchestras and music groups which you might want to join. You can also learn to play an instrument.

 

There are various groups for young people who are interested in local politics and taking part in making decisions which influence community projects. There is the Young Essex Assembly whose members are the voice of all young people in the county. They campaign to make a positive difference to their lives.

 

Your local library provides books for free and runs events for children and young people during the summer holidays. You can also read up on subjects you have a special interest in. 

 

Being a volunteer gives you a chance to do something new and to contribute to your community. We have lots of volunteering opportunities you may enjoy. V inspired connects 16-25 year-olds with volunteering opportunities in England. Iwill is designed for young people by young people to improve the perception of volunteering and to showcase the achievements of Essex young people.