South East Essex Alliance Update: 18/02/2025
Welcome to your latest update from the South East Essex Alliance. Hear about the latest news and great work from our Alliance and help us spread the word across Castle Point, Southend and Rochford.
Our Alliance in Action
SAVS Showcases Local Voluntary Sector at ‘S for Southend’ Exhibition
SAVS (Southend Association of Voluntary Services) are thrilled to have contributed work to the ‘S for Southend’ exhibition at the Focal Point Gallery in Southend which is running until March 8th.
The gallery is sharing works made by participants across their learning programme and in collaboration with local organisations and charities to champion the abundant creativity in Southend.
SAVS entry showcases the local voluntary sector, with a collection of inspiring photos.
The exhibition is free to visit and will be open until March 8th, find out more here.
Southend Charity Receives Donations from Essex Freemasons
Young Essex Freemasons have delivered 250 essential packs to help Southend’s homeless this winter.
The donation was made to Harp Southend, a charity dedicated to helping individuals facing homelessness, by the Essex Cornerstone Foundation, which is comprised of young Freemasons.
The pack consists of items including toothbrushes, socks, and heat blankets to provide warmth and hygiene.
Harp said “Thank you so much for this donation. These packs are perfect for our clients. They really cover three immediate needs: warmth, hygiene, and dignity which are especially crucial during the winter.”
Yarmbomb Success for Gold Geese Charity
Local business, Oh Happy Creative have been raising money for Gold Geese Charity, who support families of children with Cancer.
The team at Oh Happy Creative have made and collected hand made yellow hearts to decorate a tree in Leigh Library Gardens, the community is then encouraged to pick a heart and make a donation to the charity.
Oh Happy Creative Said “A huge thank you to everyone who supported our charity yarnbomb! Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised an amazing £464 for the wonderful Gold Geese Charity. A special shout out to all of the incredible crafters who donated their beautiful handmade yellow hearts, and to all of the 40 kind hearted people who took a heart and donated. Your support means the world and will make a real difference to families facing childhood cancer”.
There are still a few hearts remaining on the tree if you would like to take one home and make a donation.
Havens Hospices Continue Search for Art Trail Volunteers
Havens Hospices is still on the hunt for volunteers to help with its Waddle-on-Sea Art Trail which is due to launch in Southend in July.
The Charity is looking for positive and enthusiastic volunteers, aged 16 and over, to join the ‘Penguin Patrol’- a role that involves engaging with trail-goers and looking after 30 uniquely designed penguin sculptures that will be placed around the streets of Southend.
The role involves walking, so a good level of fitness is needed, as well as being an enthusiastic communicator who is confident talking to and engaging with people.
Full training and support will be provided throughout the trail.
Find out more and apply for the role here.
News & Guidance
7 Million Appointments Delivered by GP Practices in Mid and South Essex in 2024
We are pleased to share that GP Practices across Mid and South Essex delivered almost seven million appointments in 2024, representing a 5% increase from the previous year. Our region continues to exceed the national average for face to face appointments, with 75% of consultations conducted in person.
Click here for more information about accessing local healthcare services.
SAVS, RRAVS & CAVS Announce Health Inequalities Fund Recipients for 2024/25
SAVS, along with RRAVS and CAVS, are pleased to announce the organisations awarded funding through the Health Inequalities Fund 2024/25. This initiative supports innovated and collaborative projects aimed at tackling health disparities across Southend, Rochford and Castle Point, improving access to healthcare, enhancing wellbeing, and promoting preventative health measures.
You can find the full list of funded organisations and their projects here.
Upcoming Events
Shoebury Residents Association Southend City Day 2025 Community Event
As part of the Southend City celebrations, Shoebury Residents Association would like to invite you to a community event where they will be joined by around 30 local support organisations such as CAB, The police and Hate Crime Group, SAVS, Healthwatch, The Andy Mans Club, Doctors and Social Prescribers, Youth and Family Support Team, Long Covid-19 Services, Men’s Sheds, Cast Sanctuary, Send the Right Message, Family Action, Coast Watch, Our Churches, Brook Education, Age Concern, Little Heroes, Home Start and the Shoeburyness Salvation Army.
This is a great opportunity to seek out support or learn about the wonderful services available to you should you need them in the future.
There will be lectures in the small hall, such as Men’s mental health, depression and suicide prevention lead by Andy Mans Club and Sexual Health advice and support from Brook Southend.
You will be able to speak with Social Prescribers who can connect you with community based activities and services to improve your health and wellbeing and free refreshments will also be provided.
Where- The Shoebury and Thorpe Bay Baptist Church, 90 Thorpedene Gardens, Southend on Sea, SS3 9JD
When- Friday 28th February, 10am-3pm
If you are interested in holding a table or giving a lecture at this event for your group or organisation, please contact shoeburyresidents@gmail.com
Volunteer Open Day- The Jazz Centre UK
When- 9th March, 1pm-4pm
Where- The Jazz Centre, Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend
Book your free place here.
Spread your Message Through the Network
We would love to share your message and help spread the word! If you’d like to include anything in our next update which goes across Rochford, Castle Point and Southend, please email Marisa on mfiore@savs-southend.co.uk
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