Big Sparks

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 £20,000 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

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.

The Big Vote opens on 21st June.

We’re excited to announce that 12 fantastic projects have been shortlisted for The Big Vote! These projects were carefully selected by a panel of local residents who reviewed all submissions with the community’s needs in mind.

1. The Christmas market
2. Fruit and Veg at the the Shoebury Ark
3. Mental health first aid training
4. Children self guided heritage walk and VJ day 80th Anniversary walk
5. Shoebury Health Fest: Co-created by Kids
6. Growing old gracefully
7. Shoebury In Bloom
8. Gunner park community orchard Essex Wildlife Trust
9. Experience Project
10. Allergy emergency care for the community
11. Tree planting in the Shoeburyness high street area
12. Rocket School

Please note the following

✅ You must live in the East Area to vote.
✅ One vote per person.
❌ Unfortunately, we cannot accept votes from outside the East Area.