Southend Faith and Belief Network

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Southend-on-Sea Faith and Belief Network

Who are we?

Members of the network are representatives of the local faith and belief congregations, groups, and projects, Southend City Council staff, and representatives from partner agencies we have over 100 subscribers to our page getting regular news from the Faith community and communications from Southend City Council, NHS, 3rd sector organizations and invitations to our monthly meetings organizations subscribe to keep informed.

What do we do?

We bring together faith groups and public services committed to

  • pro-actively build relationships and trust between faith groups and public services

  • creating opportunities to raise awareness and share learning and knowledge between different faith communities, and within the public services

  • seeking opportunities to bring people together to serve the community, particularly the most disadvantaged

We meet monthly to share good practice, hear from invited speakers and support each other in activities which support the above commitments.

Content

On this page there is a wide range of resources for faith groups, from funding opportunities specifically for the faith community, to community initiatives, events, links to useful information as well as news relevant to the faith community feel free to add your event, your place of worship into our map and subscribe to join our monthly meetings and get our newsletters.

News : The latest information for Faith and Belief groups.

Have your say! : Tell us your views, surveys, and funding applications!

Map : Add your place of worship and contact details, other can use this information to reach out, find out where you are or worship!

Events : Subscribers can add their events and invite others.

Who can join?

The network is open to faith and belief leaders, congregational members, community leaders, projects members inspired by their faith and beliefs and professionals and agencies wanting to supporting the network’s aims and objectives.

Background story

The council has a long history of working with the diverse faith and belief community in Southend which is making an immense contribution to the wellbeing of residents in Southend. They provide spiritual guidance and also get involved in serving the most disadvantaged in Southend, from food, housing and employment based activities, through to using their assets to host play groups, sports clubs and social and community events.

The Southend Interfaith Working Group was set up to support this work but when the when the pandemic started in 2020 we had to engage with as many people as we could in a short space of time. The more agile and peer-based Southend Faith and Belief Network was born out of this with weekly then monthly meetings. It proved again the role our faith and belief communities play as an invaluable source of support to the residents of Southend, 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 more valued.

The work of Southend’s Faith and Belief Network has naturally evolved since then. The members have been meeting monthly to discuss issues such as safety compliance, the health and wellbeing of community members, support for the Afghanistan and Ukrainian families in Southend on Sea, where they have been able to support their community needs and have generally been getting involved in projects happening across the City as well as working solidly to support their own congregations.

The tragic events related to the death of Sir David Amess in 2021 brought us together as a network with ideas such as the 1000 Conversations, the 2022 Unite in the Light event at the Cliffs Pavilions (23 plus congregations represented) and Eid in the Park with over 4k residents attending. We come together many times as a group, to be a powerful, united voice and group and the Southend City Council joined the Essex Faith Covenant.

In 2023 the network followed through with Unite in Light: One Planet event bringing together congregations to showcase how they look after the environment informed by their faith and belief.

The network keeps on growing and sharing ideas so please do reach out to find out more by emailing:

To read about how the Council handles your data please visit our Privacy notice: Southend-on-Sea City Council Privacy Notice

Southend-on-Sea Faith and Belief Network

Who are we?

Members of the network are representatives of the local faith and belief congregations, groups, and projects, Southend City Council staff, and representatives from partner agencies we have over 100 subscribers to our page getting regular news from the Faith community and communications from Southend City Council, NHS, 3rd sector organizations and invitations to our monthly meetings organizations subscribe to keep informed.

What do we do?

We bring together faith groups and public services committed to

  • pro-actively build relationships and trust between faith groups and public services

  • creating opportunities to raise awareness and share learning and knowledge between different faith communities, and within the public services

  • seeking opportunities to bring people together to serve the community, particularly the most disadvantaged

We meet monthly to share good practice, hear from invited speakers and support each other in activities which support the above commitments.

Content

On this page there is a wide range of resources for faith groups, from funding opportunities specifically for the faith community, to community initiatives, events, links to useful information as well as news relevant to the faith community feel free to add your event, your place of worship into our map and subscribe to join our monthly meetings and get our newsletters.

News : The latest information for Faith and Belief groups.

Have your say! : Tell us your views, surveys, and funding applications!

Map : Add your place of worship and contact details, other can use this information to reach out, find out where you are or worship!

Events : Subscribers can add their events and invite others.

Who can join?

The network is open to faith and belief leaders, congregational members, community leaders, projects members inspired by their faith and beliefs and professionals and agencies wanting to supporting the network’s aims and objectives.

Background story

The council has a long history of working with the diverse faith and belief community in Southend which is making an immense contribution to the wellbeing of residents in Southend. They provide spiritual guidance and also get involved in serving the most disadvantaged in Southend, from food, housing and employment based activities, through to using their assets to host play groups, sports clubs and social and community events.

The Southend Interfaith Working Group was set up to support this work but when the when the pandemic started in 2020 we had to engage with as many people as we could in a short space of time. The more agile and peer-based Southend Faith and Belief Network was born out of this with weekly then monthly meetings. It proved again the role our faith and belief communities play as an invaluable source of support to the residents of Southend, 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 more valued.

The work of Southend’s Faith and Belief Network has naturally evolved since then. The members have been meeting monthly to discuss issues such as safety compliance, the health and wellbeing of community members, support for the Afghanistan and Ukrainian families in Southend on Sea, where they have been able to support their community needs and have generally been getting involved in projects happening across the City as well as working solidly to support their own congregations.

The tragic events related to the death of Sir David Amess in 2021 brought us together as a network with ideas such as the 1000 Conversations, the 2022 Unite in the Light event at the Cliffs Pavilions (23 plus congregations represented) and Eid in the Park with over 4k residents attending. We come together many times as a group, to be a powerful, united voice and group and the Southend City Council joined the Essex Faith Covenant.

In 2023 the network followed through with Unite in Light: One Planet event bringing together congregations to showcase how they look after the environment informed by their faith and belief.

The network keeps on growing and sharing ideas so please do reach out to find out more by emailing:

To read about how the Council handles your data please visit our Privacy notice: Southend-on-Sea City Council Privacy Notice

  • Carers Week - 9th - 15th June

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    Carers Week is a national campaign to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution unpaid carers make to our community.

    There are an estimated 18,000 people in Southend who identify as carers, including young carers, working carers, and carers from diverse backgrounds, and we all have a role to play in recognising and supporting them. Carers Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness, share support options, and strengthen our approach to identifying and supporting carers in our work.

    👥 Webinars for Professionals

    Essex County Council is also hosting a series of short Supporting Carers webinars (30 mins each) to help professionals understand how to better identify and refer carers:

    Mon 9 June | 10:00 am – Support for Young Carers

    • Tues 10 June | 10:00 am – Support for Adult Carers
    • Wed 11 June | 10:00 am – Supporting Carers of People with Dementia
    • Thurs 12 June | 11:30 am – Advocacy Support for Carers
    • Fri 13 June | 1:00 pm – Employers Support for Carers

    📌 Book your place here: Supporting Carers Webinars

    🖥️ Online Events for Carers

    There’s a brilliant lineup of free online events throughout the week for carers to attend. Please share with anyone who may benefit:

    Mon 9 June | 11:00 am – Hospital Discharge: A Carer’s Roadmap

    • Wed 11 June | 12:00 pm – Work & Employment: Become a Workplace Champion
    • Wed 11 June | 1:30 pm – Work & Employment: CV Transferable Skills
    • Wed 11 June | 7:30 pm – Working Carers Evening Drop-In
    • Thurs 12 June | 11:00am – Young Carers: Are You Seeing Young Carers?
    • Fri 13 June | 11:00 am – Older Carers: Active Minds, Active Bodies

    📌 Book your place here: Carers Week | Carers First

    Events from Carers First taking place in Southend, including:

    • Find Equality and Balance as a Carer (with author Sara Challice) – online
    • Carers Golf & Crazy Golf Experiences
    • Carers Coffee Morning & Info Session
    • Young Carers Speak Out - online
    • Community for Carers Fair

    📌 Book your place here: Groups and Events for Unpaid Carers in Southend | Carers First

  • 18th July: Aspirations Celebration for 100th Programme Graduate

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    Aspirations is delighted to announce that we will be celebrating the accomplishments of our attendees, including our 100th graduate, this July.
    We will have 4 post-graduates to join us and share their inspiring journeys with Aspirations. This event is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who are rebuilding their lives.
    In addition, we are offering free stalls to relevant services at our celebration. If your service would be interested in having a stall, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
    Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a buffet will be provided.
    We eagerly anticipate your presence as we celebrate the successes of the individuals we support. These achievements not only transform individual lives but also contribute positively to our community and the ongoing efforts against the war on drugs in our city.

  • 7th June: Southend Street Pastors - 20th Birthday Party!

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    Starting during the Airshow Weekend in May 2005, we have been serving Southend ever since. We will be celebrating at a BIG 20th Birthday Service on Saturday 7th June!

    Please come and join us at St. John’s Church (Church Road, SS1 2AL) from 1pm – 3pm The service will be followed by light refreshments For catering purposes: RSVP by 31st May to secretary.southend@streetpastors.org

  • YGAM -The Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust: Volunteers Week 2-12th June - Free training

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    YGAM is the UK's leading charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms amoung young people. They offer fully funded training to help spot the signs of gaming and gambling harm. They have a number of free online sessions available during Volunteers Week that are tailored for different groups including Faith Leaders.

    Tailored Reflections for Different Communities

    In our Community & Faith Leaders workshop, we explore how different traditions and community values can help frame conversations about harm and resilience:

    • In Christian communities, gambling can often be invisible, yet its spiritual and emotional impact is profound. The training offers a pastoral lens, informed by scripture and care, for engaging young people around the values of wellbeing, stewardship and community support.
    • In Muslim groups, youth safeguarding through prevention is key. While gambling is prohibited in Islam, many modern harms are embedded in apps and games. This session provides practical tools to recognise these risks and respond in a way that upholds dignity and collective care.
    • In Jewish contexts, teachings such as those from Maimonides reflect a long-standing concern about the social and cognitive consequences of gambling. This workshop helps educators and family leads navigate these challenges with cultural and religious understanding.
    • For South Asian and Hindu organisations, discussions may focus on family dynamics and intergenerational silence. The training helps break these barriers, offering a space to support young people while respecting culture, tradition, and family healing.
    • We do also cover communities such as Asylum seekers and refugees, Gypsy Romani Travellers, and LGBTQ+
  • The Hangout - new venue for children 0-18

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    The Hang Out Venue is a wonderfully relaxed welcoming social enterprise in the heart of Southend. We are designed so children of all ages (0-18) can gently stretch their boundaries with the reassurance of their adult close by.

    One or two hour hangout sessions can be booked online and walk-in’s are welcome. We also do birthday parties and available for hire

    With three rooms of activities and comfortable tables, chairs and sofas, it’s very much a versatile space, with a home from home vibe. There is truly something for everyone!

  • Super Bodies! NHS Campaign around reducing antibiotic use for kids

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    With summer around the corner, the NHS in Essex is sharing guidance for parents and carers on common illnesses that often start circulating at this time of year.

    While illnesses like coughs, sore throats and earache are extremely common in young children, many parents and carers don’t realise that children’s ‘super bodies’ are designed to fight off many common illnesses, without the need for antibiotics.

    To help carers and parents to support their children through illness, NHS Mid and South Essex, in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council, is launching the ‘Super Bodies’ campaign. This provides a family-friendly guide on the simple things parents and carers can do to treat common illnesses at home, as well as helping them to spot the signs of a more serious illness, and knowing when and where to go for medical help.

    Parents and carers of young children can visit the ‘Super Bodies’ website page for information on treating coughs, earaches and sore throats at home, as well as finding a list of more serious signs and symptoms to look out for.

    They can also find out when they need to stay home, when to visit a pharmacy, their GP, or call NHS 111 - or when to call 999 or attend A and E.

  • IDAHOBIT at St Marks Church, Hamlet Road, SS1 1QA - 17th May from 1.30 pm

    Share IDAHOBIT at St Marks Church, Hamlet Road, SS1 1QA - 17th May from 1.30 pm on Facebook Share IDAHOBIT at St Marks Church, Hamlet Road, SS1 1QA - 17th May from 1.30 pm on Twitter Share IDAHOBIT at St Marks Church, Hamlet Road, SS1 1QA - 17th May from 1.30 pm on Linkedin Email IDAHOBIT at St Marks Church, Hamlet Road, SS1 1QA - 17th May from 1.30 pm link
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    IDAHOBIT - International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

    Come along to St Marks Church in Southend where Chaplain Sam Mackie will host a day that includes time and space for reflection, a social space for chat and/or games as well as a space for people to organise and advocate together for justice. All welcome.

  • Volunteers needed for the Aspirations Charity Shop on the London Road in Southend

    Share Volunteers needed for the Aspirations Charity Shop on the London Road in Southend on Facebook Share Volunteers needed for the Aspirations Charity Shop on the London Road in Southend on Twitter Share Volunteers needed for the Aspirations Charity Shop on the London Road in Southend on Linkedin Email Volunteers needed for the Aspirations Charity Shop on the London Road in Southend link
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    Aspirations/Carries Outreach is Southend-based Charity that offers recovery programmes for women experiencing addiction in Southend, support services for women who sell sex that can provide a route out of that cycle, as well as support services for families impacted by addiction. They have a charity shop on the London Road and need volunteers to help.

    An enhanced DBS check is required for all volunteers which is funded by Aspirations. Anyone who would like to volunteer should get in touch via their contact page on the website Contact Us

  • Drug and Alcohol Recovery Opportunities Fund Announcement for 2025-26

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    • Do you have an idea for a project to support and inspire individuals in drug and alcohol recovery?
    • Are you interested in increasing awareness of and access to drug and alcohol treatment and recovery support?
    • Could your group, charity or organisation be a part of making Southend’s drug and alcohol recovery community more visible?
    • Have you got an idea for a project that will bring exciting and meaningful activities to our local recovery community, or those working towards recovery from drug and alcohol issues?
  • Independent Living and Occupational Therapy Services

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    Southend City Council has a full Adults Occupational Therapy offer which you can see here:

    Occupational Therapy

    Southend Adult Services can help people with physical disabilities and long-term conditions to get the most out of life. Our vision is for more people to live independently in their own homes in Southend, but some people may require additional support to achieve this.

    We want to enable people to stay living safely at home for as long as possible. If you are struggling with any areas of living independently, there are a range of solutions to help you.

Page last updated: 05 Jun 2025, 12:40 PM