West Essex myself.
Please bare in mind, we aren't all about 'civil unrest' & 'global catastrophe', (although we are "prepared" for such things). A fair number of us consider prepping to be 'insurance' against life's little gremlins.
We won't judge your perspective, just don't force it down our throats.
Lots of information on the site so fill your boots.
And of course, Welcome.