At a Glance:
- SAVS celebrates a year of growth, innovation, and connection across Southend.
- Supported over 470 local organisations and reached more than 18,000 people.
- Delivered key projects including the Health Inequalities Fund and Centres for Warmth.
- Hosted the Southend Volunteer Awards celebrating local heroes.
- Plans to focus on collaboration, digital innovation, and resilience for the year ahead.
The Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS) is celebrating a year of growth, innovation, and connection – strengthening the city’s voluntary sector and uniting partners across Southend to build stronger, more connected communities.
SAVS is Southend’s Council for Voluntary Services, a charity that supports, connects, and champions the city’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. It provides advice, training, funding guidance and partnership opportunities to help local groups grow, collaborate, and make a lasting difference for residents.
Over the past year, SAVS has supported more than 470 local organisations, provided 235 support sessions, and reached over 18,000 people through events, training, and digital engagement. The charity also managed and delivered on significant projects, supporting vital initiatives such as the Health Inequalities Fund, Community Investment Fund, Centres for Warmth Project, and Household Support Fund.
Reflecting on SAVS performance, Chief Executive Anthony Quinn describes 2024–25 as “a year of consolidation and preparation for future challenges,” as SAVS continued to deliver on its mission to connect, empower, and amplify Southend’s voluntary sector.
“Aligning the goals of partner organisations with the priorities of local residents is essential to driving prosperity and opportunity throughout Southend,” said Anthony.
Throughout the year, SAVS has led or hosted a wide range of life-changing projects including Triple Ts Youth Clubs, Folk Like Us, Supported Volunteering, Community Builders, and Social Prescribing. Each of these initiatives tackles key local issues from loneliness and youth inequality to health challenges and mental wellbeing, while helping people build confidence, friendships, and stronger connections within their communities.
SAVS also continued to celebrate the city’s volunteering spirit through the Southend Volunteer Awards, which have quickly become a highlight of the local calendar. The event recognises the outstanding contributions of residents who give their time to support others, shining a light on the compassion and commitment that underpin community life in Southend.
Beyond its direct community work, SAVS strategic work in partnership with organisations such as Southend City Council, the NHS, Essex Police and local businesses, and national funders have brought vital investment and collaboration to the city.
Looking ahead, SAVS says it will continue to focus on collaboration, digital innovation, and ensuring the city’s voluntary sector remains strong amid economic and political change.
“With such a successful year, it is important to recognise the dedication and contributions of the SAVS staff and volunteers,” added Anthony. “Their commitment to fostering a non-judgemental, caring, inclusive, and collaborative culture is the cornerstone of our success. I am deeply privileged to be part of such a remarkable organisation.”
For more information about SAVS and its work supporting Southend’s communities, download SAVS Annual Review 2024/25 document at: https://www.savs-southend.org/savs-agm-2025/