SUEZ Southend Community Fund awards funding to six local projects making a lasting difference
The £12,000 fund will support grassroots organisations delivering practical solutions to local challenges, with a particular focus on projects that bring people together, promote sustainability and improve opportunities for residents. The six successful projects reflect the diversity and strength of Southend's voluntary and community sector, ranging from environmental initiatives and community wellbeing programmes to support for families and inclusive recreation projects.
Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see local organisations being supported to deliver projects that strengthen communities, support wellbeing and encourage more sustainable ways of living. These initiatives will have a lasting positive impact for residents across Southend and demonstrate the important role our voluntary and community sector plays in bringing people together and improving lives."
Among the recipients is Wellbeing at Garon Park which will establish a new Community Food Waste & Composting Hub, enabling volunteers to recycle food waste into compost for local gardens, orchards and biodiversity projects while developing valuable environmental skills. Trust Links has secured funding to expand activities at its ReRooted community hub in Southend city centre, delivering Repair Café sessions and community planting projects that encourage reuse, reduce waste and help tackle social isolation. Meanwhile, Just Ride will increase its refurbished bike programme, giving unwanted bicycles from Southend's HWRCs a second life and making affordable, quality bikes available to local residents while supporting inclusive cycling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Funding has also been awarded to St Vincent's Centre Southend, which is creating a Green Pioneer Community Hub where individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty and poor mental health can improve their wellbeing through gardening, food growing and environmental volunteering. Project Southchurch will use the funding to support its Frostbite Festival, a free community event that brings together local schools, businesses, community groups and residents to celebrate the festive season and strengthen community connections. Finally, Friars Primary School & Nursery PTA will enhance its pre-loved school uniform scheme, helping families access affordable school clothing while reducing textile waste and encouraging the reuse of good-quality garments.
Collectively, the projects are expected to benefit hundreds of local residents, delivering a wide range of social, environmental and economic benefits. These include reducing waste, promoting sustainability, improving mental and physical wellbeing, supporting families facing financial pressures and creating opportunities for volunteering, learning and community participation.
James Gatter, SUEZ Contract Manager said: "We are delighted to support these outstanding community projects through the first SUEZ Southend Community Fund. The quality of applications received demonstrated the incredible work taking place across Southend and the passion of local organisations to improve lives and strengthen communities. We look forward to seeing the difference they make in the months and years ahead."
The SUEZ Southend Community Fund aims to invest in projects that create stronger, greener and more connected communities, helping local organisations turn innovative ideas into lasting community benefits.