The Big Sparks Fund will provide grants to residents, businesses and community groups who want to make a positive change within their communities.
A total of £40,000 is available in each of the four neighbourhoods across the city, the fund will be designed and delivered by those that live, work and support residents across the city.
The four localities/Wards and their neighbourhoods are
| East - Successful Projects Funded | East Central - Successful Projects Funded |
|---|
- Shoeburyness
- Southchurch
- Thorpe
- West Shoebury
|
|
| West - Successful Projects Funded | West Central - Successful Projects Funded |
- Belfairs
- Eastwood Park
- Leigh
- West Leigh
| - Blenheim Park
- Chalkwell
- Milton
- Prittlewell
- St Laurence
- Westborough
|
| East / East Central Area - (Round 2) *Voting is now closed* |
- Ward area as above in East and East Central
|
*Update - Round 2We are delivering a second round of Big Sparks activity across the East and East Central areas to ensure they are brought up to the same level of delivery, reach, and impact as the West and West Central areas. The East area initially served as a pilot, operating with a reduced level of funding and therefore not benefiting from the full programme offer that was rolled out later. In East Central, delivery was impacted by external factors that limited the level of council support at the time, affecting partnership opportunities and overall engagement. With increased funding now available and stronger local authority support in place, this second round will provide a more consistent and comprehensive offer, ensuring all areas benefit equally from the programme and achieve comparable outcomes. |
Residents, businesses and voluntary sector organisations are invited to submit ideas on how to make their neighbourhood safer, happier or healthier and support the city's vision of ageing, caring and living well. These ideas have will be reviewed by a neighbourhood panel, before going to a 'Big Vote'.
The Big Vote will be held in person at a local venue and the expectation is that those submitting a Project Idea for a vote will be available to answer supporting questions. However, if you are unable to attend this day, information will need to be provided for sharing at the Big Vote. Residents will be able to vote and the projects with the most votes will receive the funding. Projects not successful will be provided feedback. Supporting ideas that make where we live safer, happier and healthier.
We want to hear your views on how to make this project a success!
For more information about the Big Sparks Fund or for support with submitting your idea, please contact one of our Big Sparks Hosts, all their details on right.
Information on Insurance
Public Liability Insurance is not legally required under UK law. However, it is normally mandatory for venues, local councils, or funding bodies before an event can proceed especially for public open space events or those involving large crowds.
It’s considered essential for financial protection against injury, property damage, or legal claims.
Typical Costs for Public Liability Insurance
- Single event cover can start from around £25 to £76, depending on the number of attendees and risk level.
- Community group events may be covered from £66 for one-off events or £174 for multiple events.
- Coverage levels range from £1 million to £10 million, with higher limits available through specialist providers.
Important Notes
- Venue insurance does not automatically cover your event. You must have your own policy, and contractors (e.g., stallholders, performers) may also need separate cover.
- Start early: Some insurers offer instant quotes and same-day documentation, but it’s best to arrange cover well in advance.
The Big Sparks Fund will provide grants to residents, businesses and community groups who want to make a positive change within their communities.
A total of £40,000 is available in each of the four neighbourhoods across the city, the fund will be designed and delivered by those that live, work and support residents across the city.
The four localities/Wards and their neighbourhoods are
| East - Successful Projects Funded | East Central - Successful Projects Funded |
|---|
- Shoeburyness
- Southchurch
- Thorpe
- West Shoebury
|
|
| West - Successful Projects Funded | West Central - Successful Projects Funded |
- Belfairs
- Eastwood Park
- Leigh
- West Leigh
| - Blenheim Park
- Chalkwell
- Milton
- Prittlewell
- St Laurence
- Westborough
|
| East / East Central Area - (Round 2) *Voting is now closed* |
- Ward area as above in East and East Central
|
*Update - Round 2We are delivering a second round of Big Sparks activity across the East and East Central areas to ensure they are brought up to the same level of delivery, reach, and impact as the West and West Central areas. The East area initially served as a pilot, operating with a reduced level of funding and therefore not benefiting from the full programme offer that was rolled out later. In East Central, delivery was impacted by external factors that limited the level of council support at the time, affecting partnership opportunities and overall engagement. With increased funding now available and stronger local authority support in place, this second round will provide a more consistent and comprehensive offer, ensuring all areas benefit equally from the programme and achieve comparable outcomes. |
Residents, businesses and voluntary sector organisations are invited to submit ideas on how to make their neighbourhood safer, happier or healthier and support the city's vision of ageing, caring and living well. These ideas have will be reviewed by a neighbourhood panel, before going to a 'Big Vote'.
The Big Vote will be held in person at a local venue and the expectation is that those submitting a Project Idea for a vote will be available to answer supporting questions. However, if you are unable to attend this day, information will need to be provided for sharing at the Big Vote. Residents will be able to vote and the projects with the most votes will receive the funding. Projects not successful will be provided feedback. Supporting ideas that make where we live safer, happier and healthier.
We want to hear your views on how to make this project a success!
For more information about the Big Sparks Fund or for support with submitting your idea, please contact one of our Big Sparks Hosts, all their details on right.
Information on Insurance
Public Liability Insurance is not legally required under UK law. However, it is normally mandatory for venues, local councils, or funding bodies before an event can proceed especially for public open space events or those involving large crowds.
It’s considered essential for financial protection against injury, property damage, or legal claims.
Typical Costs for Public Liability Insurance
- Single event cover can start from around £25 to £76, depending on the number of attendees and risk level.
- Community group events may be covered from £66 for one-off events or £174 for multiple events.
- Coverage levels range from £1 million to £10 million, with higher limits available through specialist providers.
Important Notes
- Venue insurance does not automatically cover your event. You must have your own policy, and contractors (e.g., stallholders, performers) may also need separate cover.
- Start early: Some insurers offer instant quotes and same-day documentation, but it’s best to arrange cover well in advance.
