Browsing: Community

Families First has officially launched in Southend, bringing together key organisations including the council, NHS, police and voluntary sector partners to improve early support for children and families and help prevent issues reaching crisis point.

Pinetree Care Home in Rayleigh marked the 81st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in style by throwing a 1940s afternoon tea party to remember.  The home was decorated in red, white and blue and we were joined by Lorraine Carter, for an outstanding wartime performance which our residents absolutely loved.

Residents are voicing strong concerns over Southend’s new bin collection system, questioning its impact on the city’s appearance, practicality, and overall quality of life.

The 2026 Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament comes to Leigh ahead of plans to celebrate its 5th anniversary with a debate in Parliament.

Community groups are invited to a special Funding Fair this June, offering the chance to meet major funders, gain practical advice, and build valuable connections.

Residents are invited to meet their Member of Parliament at a community event in Rochford on Saturday 28 March. The session at the Women’s Institute Hall will include an update on local work in Parliament, a Q&A, and the chance for residents to share their ideas and concerns about the area.

Life-saving Bleed Prevention Kits will now be installed at every Essex fire station following new funding from Essex County Council, making Essex the first county in the UK to achieve full coverage and expanding access to critical emergency equipment across communities.

Refuse collection crews in Southend have been praised after their quick thinking and vigilance helped police apprehend a suspected burglar in Hampton Close. The team followed their training, called 999, and kept the suspect in sight until officers arrived.

Southend has hosted the UK’s first community-led water summit, bringing together residents, campaigners, councillors, MPs and Anglian Water to focus on storm overflows, sewage discharges and bathing water quality. With £104 million investment pledged and stronger scrutiny promised, the message was clear: cleaner, safer water for Southend’s coastline.

Young people in Canvey are set to get more help and support thanks to a grant to Yellow Door Youth Work from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s (VVU) Community Grant Programme.