Browsing: Community

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.

Southend’s hidden brooks flow largely unseen beneath the city, but recent investigations along Prittle Brook reveal worrying levels of pollution, blockages and neglect. Campaigners are calling for urgent action to protect this forgotten blue space and restore its environmental health.

Residents, community groups and local businesses in Leigh, West Leigh, Belfairs and Eastwood Park can now apply for funding through the Big Sparks small grants scheme.

Local community groups are given a £1m boost from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Partnership and the Community Grant Programme from the PFCC.

A look back over Southend East and Rochford’s achievements in 2025, celebrating community wins, restored funding, improved youth provision, and strengthened local action — with optimism for 2026.

Clements Hall Leisure Centre has installed a new Poolpod 3 lift to improve accessibility for pool users, with full Changing Places facilities scheduled for 2026, with costs at £45k plus £40. This investment enhances independence, dignity and comfort for residents with mobility challenges.

More than 30 young people came together for a youth-led event exploring consent, safety, and support around violence against women and girls, including a self-defence workshop and discussions led by Essex Police and local organisations.

Carers First are raising awareness of carers’ rights this Carers Rights Day, sharing resources to help carers understand the hospital discharge process and access the support they’re entitled to. Roberta’s story highlights the challenges carers face and the importance of knowing where to turn for help.