Southend Faith and Belief Network

As part of the Engagement and Participation Team here at the Council, when the pandemic started to reach more locally we knew that we had to engage with as many people as we could in a short space of time. Our Faith and Belief communities have been an invaluable source of support to the residents of Southend throughout the pandemic from sharing messages to congregations, assisting with covid testing and vaccinations, supporting vulnerable families in need and generally ensuring that people have felt less isolated and valued.

Southend’s Faith and Belief Network Leaders have been meeting fortnightly to discuss issues such as safety compliance, the health and wellbeing of community members and have generally been getting involved in projects happening across the Council as well as working solidly to support their own congregations.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this group and watching the relationships between our Faith, Belief and community groups flourish over this past year – despite all the adversity that covid has challenged Southend with. I have been overwhelmed at the sense of togetherness, passion and drive for a united Southend throughout these troubled times.

I look forward to working with our Faith and Belief groups even more closely over the coming months and years and would encourage anyone who is unfamiliar with who your faith and Belief neighbours are to find out about what is happening in your local community. Introduce yourself!