Browsing: Community

Goldies is bringing people together this December with a free Christmas Party in Braintree, offering music, refreshments, transport and community cheer for local Sing&Smile attendees.

Coast to Calm is a new wellbeing programme funded by the South East Essex Health Inequalities Fund, offering nature-based activities, creative health support and tailored interventions for families across Southend, Rochford and Castle Point from January to October 2026.

Poppies on the Pier has been extended until Sunday 23 November after attracting more than 17,000 visitors in its first week. The installation of 110,000 hand-knitted poppies continues to draw huge crowds, with the Royal British Legion stall remaining on the pier throughout the extended run.

Sound ON, a creative partnership between Elevator Arts and South Essex Homes, is giving children in temporary accommodation across Southend the chance to express themselves and build confidence through storytelling, drama, and creativity — offering a lifeline to those who often feel unseen and unheard.

Southend will unite this November to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day with a city-wide display of civic pride, parades, and solemn reflection.

Southend’s city centre has been transformed this November with stunning poppy artwork created by CHALK of the TOWN and commissioned by Southend City BID. Local businesses volunteered their windows for the moving tribute, forming a remembrance trail that complements the breathtaking ‘Poppies on the Pier’ installation.

Southend’s Christmas in the City returns on 15th November, featuring live performances, BBC Essex hosting the big switch-on, HARP as charity partner, and rumours of a fun Elf on the Shelf Trail bringing extra festive joy to the High Street.

Residents in Southend’s conservation areas are voicing frustration over the city council’s decision to introduce multiple wheelie bins, arguing it undermines long-standing conservation rules designed to protect the city’s historic charm.

Southend police officers spent over 5,400 hours on high-visibility patrols this summer, making 105 arrests and ensuring a safe, positive atmosphere across the city’s busiest areas.

At a Glance Rock pooling has long been one of Britain’s favourite seaside pastimes – and now it’s becoming a…