Age Concern Southend-on-Sea, an independent local charity supporting people over 50, urgently needs community support to secure the future of its vital hub, The Haven, a community centre located in a historic former department store in Westcliff, Essex. The Hub serves over 3,800 people every month, offering essential services. With an opportunity to purchase the building, the charity has successfully raised £964,000 but needs an additional £236,000 by December 2025 to make the purchase a reality.
Founded in 1974, Age Concern Southend is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults by fostering a strong, vibrant community where they can thrive. The Haven provides a variety of services and activities that support the health, independence, and well-being of its users. From social and fitness activities to health services like foot care and hearing tests, The Haven is a lifeline for older residents. It also offers a dementia day care centre, providing specialised care for those with neurological disorders and respite for their families and carers.
The building’s sale presents a serious threat to these services. If the purchase is not secured, the charity faces the possibility of rent increases, or worse the loss of The Haven altogether. This would leave many vulnerable older adults without essential support and would also impact the staff, 180 volunteers, and 25 businesses and charities that are based at the hub.
“The Haven is unique in that there are no other community centres in Southend and the surrounding areas offering such a wide range of services in one place,” said Sarah Wilson, General Manager. “The community’s need for these services is enormous, and our hub has a direct, positive impact on thousands of lives each year. Without The Haven, we risk losing a central resource for older adults in the area.”
In 2024, 48,350 people directly benefited from its services. Local support for the campaign has been overwhelmingly positive, with surveys of Southend’s residents showing unanimous backing for the purchase. Respondents highlighted the importance of The Haven in providing essential services, combating loneliness, and offering opportunities for intergenerational activities and volunteering. “The Haven literally saved my life,” said Freddie, aged 92. Another respondent, aged 69, shared, “A place like The Haven is essential to the community because it gives people a safe space where they know help is available.”
If Age Concern Southend successfully purchases the building, the charity will expand its services, enhance community engagement, improve support for vulnerable individuals and further combat social isolation among the elderly. To secure the future of The Haven, the charity is calling on individuals and businesses to help raise the final £236,000 needed by December 2025. Donations of any size are welcome and can be made using this link Donate – Age Concern Southend
Supporters can also contribute by phone, or in person. Please visit www.ageconcernsouthend.co.uk/ email Sarah.Wilson@ageconcernsouthend.co.uk or call 01702 345373.
Your help now will make a lasting difference in the lives of Southend’s older adults. Together, we can ensure that The Haven remains a vital resource for the community for generations to come.
