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:

faithandbeliefnetwork@southend.gov.uk

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:

faithandbeliefnetwork@southend.gov.uk

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

  • Free NHS Health Check with Everyone Health

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    Everyone Health is Southend City Councils commissioned health and wellbeing provider.

    We are currently offering NHS Health Checks within the Southend Area and would like to extend this offer to the your congregations.

    The NHS health check is a national program for the 40-74 year old population to help prevent or diagnose hidden cardiovascular disease. It is an important step in ensuring you stay healthy in later years.

    Each health check takes 30 minutes and covers the following:

    • Height
    • Weight
    • Waist Measurement
    • Body Mass Index
    • Blood Pressure
    • Alcohol Questionnaire
    • Smoking Questionnaire
    • Physical activity Questionnaire
    • Cholesterol Test
    • Blood Sugar Test
    • Cardio Vascular Disease risk score

    As well as the results of your health check going straight to your GP, the check also offers referral routes to lots of free services that can help if any lifestyle issues need changing.

    These could be things like Weight management, physical activity, smoking cessation, and falls prevention.

    If you would like us to come to your places of worship to hold these health checks for your congregations then please do let us know and we will be happy to arrange some dates.

    Everyone Health is Southend City Councils commissioned health and wellbeing provider.

    We are currently offering NHS Health Checks within the Southend Area and would like to extend this offer to the your congregations.

    The NHS health check is a national program for the 40-74 year old population to help prevent or diagnose hidden cardiovascular disease. It is an important step in ensuring you stay healthy in later years.

    Each health check takes 30 minutes and covers the following:

    • Height
    • Weight
    • Waist Measurement
    • Body Mass Index
    • Blood Pressure
    • Alcohol Questionnaire
    • Smoking Questionnaire
    • Physical activity Questionnaire
    • Cholesterol Test
    • Blood Sugar Test
    • Cardio Vascular Disease risk score

    As well as the results of your health check going straight to your GP, the check also offers referral routes to lots of free services that can help if any lifestyle issues need changing.

    These could be things like Weight management, physical activity, smoking cessation, and falls prevention.

    If you would like us to come to your places of worship to hold these health checks for your congregations then please do let us know and we will be happy to arrange some dates.

  • VE DAY - Ring the Bells for a Moment of Shared Celebration

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    As we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Southend-on-Sea City Council invite all churches across the city to join us in a special act of remembrance and celebration.

    On Thursday, 8 May 2025, at 6:30 PM, we ask that you ring your bells to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom during World War II.

    Your participation will help create a unified and poignant tribute across our community, echoing the spirit of unity and resilience that defined that historic day.

    Let us come together to ensure that the legacy of VE Day continues to inspire future generations.

    As we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Southend-on-Sea City Council invite all churches across the city to join us in a special act of remembrance and celebration.

    On Thursday, 8 May 2025, at 6:30 PM, we ask that you ring your bells to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom during World War II.

    Your participation will help create a unified and poignant tribute across our community, echoing the spirit of unity and resilience that defined that historic day.

    Let us come together to ensure that the legacy of VE Day continues to inspire future generations.

  • St Vincent's Kindness Kitchen - Volunteers Needed

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    Could your group spare just one Sunday evening a month to make a real difference? St Vincent’s Kindness Kitchen needs a team to purchase, cook, serve, and clean up after a warm meal for those in need. From 6:30 to 8:00 PM, you’ll provide more than just food—you’ll offer comfort, dignity and community to people facing tough times. Our fully equipped SVP kitchen is ready for you; all we need is your time, energy and compassion. Whether you’re a group of friends, a workplace team or a faith community, your kindness can bring people together over a hot meal. Will you step up and help? Get in touch today!

    DanielMC@svp.org



    Could your group spare just one Sunday evening a month to make a real difference? St Vincent’s Kindness Kitchen needs a team to purchase, cook, serve, and clean up after a warm meal for those in need. From 6:30 to 8:00 PM, you’ll provide more than just food—you’ll offer comfort, dignity and community to people facing tough times. Our fully equipped SVP kitchen is ready for you; all we need is your time, energy and compassion. Whether you’re a group of friends, a workplace team or a faith community, your kindness can bring people together over a hot meal. Will you step up and help? Get in touch today!

    DanielMC@svp.org



  • Carers relief fund

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    About this funding

    Creating Community Support for Adult Carers Who Support Other Adults in the Home

    The Community Investment Board are pleased to announce the launch of the Carers Relief Fund. This funding, from the Adult Social Care Team at Southend City Council, aims to promote new and innovative projects that enhance the wellbeing of adult carers and cultivate resilience within our communities.

    We recognise and value the essential role that adult carers play in our society, and we are committed to investing in their welfare and establishing a robust support system. By supporting carers, we can strengthen our communities and foster collective growth.

    For more information and to apply

    Carers Relief Fund – Community Investment Board (cibsouthend.org.uk)

    About this funding

    Creating Community Support for Adult Carers Who Support Other Adults in the Home

    The Community Investment Board are pleased to announce the launch of the Carers Relief Fund. This funding, from the Adult Social Care Team at Southend City Council, aims to promote new and innovative projects that enhance the wellbeing of adult carers and cultivate resilience within our communities.

    We recognise and value the essential role that adult carers play in our society, and we are committed to investing in their welfare and establishing a robust support system. By supporting carers, we can strengthen our communities and foster collective growth.

    For more information and to apply

    Carers Relief Fund – Community Investment Board (cibsouthend.org.uk)

  • Keeping Southend Healthy

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    A Community Conversation and Information Sharing event with Dr Bharat Pankhania, the Southend Public Health Team, SAVS and a panel of health professionals. This session will explore how we can all protect our health and the health of others, reduce the burden of disease in Southend and protect our communities.

    Adult and child social care practitioners, Care providers and the Voluntary Sector are invited to join us where we will;

    • Raise awareness, improve understanding and provide signposting to key support measures for protecting health and reducing infections/ communicable diseases.
    • Help Social Care practitioners, Care providers and the Voluntary Sector to have conversations with their clients/ residents and service users to support them in making decisions/ choices about protecting their health and improving their health outcomes.
    • Ensure that key learning points from the UK Health Security Agency (previously Public Health England) report into the outbreak of measles in Southend-on-Sea in 2019 have been addressed

    This will be an in-person meeting at the Civic Centre.

    If you have any questions, or you are unable to join in-person please email Roger Savage on rsavage@savs-southend.co.uk

    More Information / Book

    A Community Conversation and Information Sharing event with Dr Bharat Pankhania, the Southend Public Health Team, SAVS and a panel of health professionals. This session will explore how we can all protect our health and the health of others, reduce the burden of disease in Southend and protect our communities.

    Adult and child social care practitioners, Care providers and the Voluntary Sector are invited to join us where we will;

    • Raise awareness, improve understanding and provide signposting to key support measures for protecting health and reducing infections/ communicable diseases.
    • Help Social Care practitioners, Care providers and the Voluntary Sector to have conversations with their clients/ residents and service users to support them in making decisions/ choices about protecting their health and improving their health outcomes.
    • Ensure that key learning points from the UK Health Security Agency (previously Public Health England) report into the outbreak of measles in Southend-on-Sea in 2019 have been addressed

    This will be an in-person meeting at the Civic Centre.

    If you have any questions, or you are unable to join in-person please email Roger Savage on rsavage@savs-southend.co.uk

    More Information / Book

  • We need your help; Carers' experiences of general practice Southend Healthwatch

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    If you are an unpaid carer, what's it like having an appointment for yourself?

    Healthwatch Southend is your local voice when it comes to NHS or social care. We are a free, independent service, based in the city and we’re here to help you and listen to your experiences.


    Lots of local people have been telling about their experiences of getting a GP appointment.We know that carers have enough on their plates without having to struggle to get through on the phone.But is your appointment then meeting your needs?

    If you live in Southend and are an unpaid carer, we would like to hear your experiences of making a GP appointment for yourself and your actual consultation. We will collect all the feedback you give us and ask the NHS to make improvements where necessary. Tell us about the good things as well! This is not about the person you care for, important as they are. We want to know about you.

    Click here to access the survey link

    For more information about Healthwatch click here We need your help; Carers' experiences of general practice (healthwatchsouthend.co.uk)






    If you are an unpaid carer, what's it like having an appointment for yourself?

    Healthwatch Southend is your local voice when it comes to NHS or social care. We are a free, independent service, based in the city and we’re here to help you and listen to your experiences.


    Lots of local people have been telling about their experiences of getting a GP appointment.We know that carers have enough on their plates without having to struggle to get through on the phone.But is your appointment then meeting your needs?

    If you live in Southend and are an unpaid carer, we would like to hear your experiences of making a GP appointment for yourself and your actual consultation. We will collect all the feedback you give us and ask the NHS to make improvements where necessary. Tell us about the good things as well! This is not about the person you care for, important as they are. We want to know about you.

    Click here to access the survey link

    For more information about Healthwatch click here We need your help; Carers' experiences of general practice (healthwatchsouthend.co.uk)






  • Unite in light: One planet 2023 Video

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  • Call out ! Apply to “Unite in Light: One Planet” events program in partnership with the Sustainability Fund

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
    supporting image


    Are you and faith and belief group in Southend city or would you like to partner up with one? Do you have a project idea to “Care for the Planet”? We are here to help!

    Apply to “Unite in Light: One Planet” Eevents program in partnership with the Southend Climate Action (SCA) Community Sustainability Fund.

    The SCA Sustainability Fund provides grants of up to £100 to support faith and belief groups and community groups to create positive impact in their local community or environment.

    Following the successful “Unite in Light: One Planet” interfaith event in April, the Faith and Belief Network and Southend Council’s Climate Change team have come together to support events led by the local faith and belief groups to launch, showcase, initiate, or refresh some of their initiatives.

    If you have a project idea for an event in your faith and belief community or would like to showcase some of the wonderful work you are already doing and want to apply for some funds to support this – then we want to hear from you!

    Fill out the application form below and see if we can help bring your idea to life.

    Each application will be reviewed by a panel formed of participants of the Unite in Light event and members of and the Faith and Belief Network.


    Once you have completed your project, we ask you to provide a project summary that includes what you did, how many people were supported, what went well and what could be improved in the future. We also ask for a photo or video as evidence.



    To make an application please click below



    Click here to apply



    Are you and faith and belief group in Southend city or would you like to partner up with one? Do you have a project idea to “Care for the Planet”? We are here to help!

    Apply to “Unite in Light: One Planet” Eevents program in partnership with the Southend Climate Action (SCA) Community Sustainability Fund.

    The SCA Sustainability Fund provides grants of up to £100 to support faith and belief groups and community groups to create positive impact in their local community or environment.

    Following the successful “Unite in Light: One Planet” interfaith event in April, the Faith and Belief Network and Southend Council’s Climate Change team have come together to support events led by the local faith and belief groups to launch, showcase, initiate, or refresh some of their initiatives.

    If you have a project idea for an event in your faith and belief community or would like to showcase some of the wonderful work you are already doing and want to apply for some funds to support this – then we want to hear from you!

    Fill out the application form below and see if we can help bring your idea to life.

    Each application will be reviewed by a panel formed of participants of the Unite in Light event and members of and the Faith and Belief Network.


    Once you have completed your project, we ask you to provide a project summary that includes what you did, how many people were supported, what went well and what could be improved in the future. We also ask for a photo or video as evidence.



    To make an application please click below



    Click here to apply


  • Coastal Climate Conversations

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Southend-on-Sea City Council and Eastern Arc are excited to invite you to the first ever Coastal Climate Conversation Workshop that will take place on Friday, 21 July in Committee Room 4, Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea.

    The workshop, first of a series, will look at the potential effect of the climate crisis on disadvantaged UK coastal towns and communities and how, as a collective, we can take steps towards addressing this.

    Eastern Arc, working with Southend-on-Sea City Council, will explore the issues faced by communities and stakeholders, and how they can work with world-leading researchers within their regional universities and act on the issues. We want to think differently about the situation. Can the cost-of-living crisis act as a catalyst for change? Is it possible to change long-term global outcomes by addressing the immediate needs and concerns of both individuals and institutions?

    If you are interested to “join the conversation”, please register on the Eventbrite page.

    Coastal Climate Conversations Tickets, Fri 21 Jul 2023 at 10:00 | Eventbrite


    Southend-on-Sea City Council and Eastern Arc are excited to invite you to the first ever Coastal Climate Conversation Workshop that will take place on Friday, 21 July in Committee Room 4, Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea.

    The workshop, first of a series, will look at the potential effect of the climate crisis on disadvantaged UK coastal towns and communities and how, as a collective, we can take steps towards addressing this.

    Eastern Arc, working with Southend-on-Sea City Council, will explore the issues faced by communities and stakeholders, and how they can work with world-leading researchers within their regional universities and act on the issues. We want to think differently about the situation. Can the cost-of-living crisis act as a catalyst for change? Is it possible to change long-term global outcomes by addressing the immediate needs and concerns of both individuals and institutions?

    If you are interested to “join the conversation”, please register on the Eventbrite page.

    Coastal Climate Conversations Tickets, Fri 21 Jul 2023 at 10:00 | Eventbrite


  • Southend Active Bystander Training

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    We have a fantastic opportunity for you to receive some free training on becoming an Active Bystander. This is the second instance of this training which has returned due to popular demand.

    The training will take place on Friday 8th December in Committee Room 4A, Southend Civic Centre from 9am to 12pm. You can book your place by clicking here

    This free 3 hour interactive course is led by identity-based violence prevention charity, Protection Approaches and has been developed in partnership with Britain’s East and Southeast Asian Network (besea.n).

    The expert-led sessions see participants guided through a series of discussions to explore how they can play a role in tackling identity-based harms in their community, school, or place of work.

    You will learn:

    • What it means to be an active bystander: through group discussion the participants explore what being an active bystander means to them
    • Standing up for victims: working through a series of scenarios, participants consider and learn what they can do when they encounter prejudice, harassment, or identity-based violence such as a racist attack in a supermarket or an inappropriate comment from a colleague
    • Proactive prevention: returning to the scenarios participants reflect on the root causes of prejudice and discrimination before discussing ways they could contribute to dismantling those root causes and to building safer, more inclusive, and just communities.

    Spaces are limited so please book as soon as possible to guarantee your place.

    We have a fantastic opportunity for you to receive some free training on becoming an Active Bystander. This is the second instance of this training which has returned due to popular demand.

    The training will take place on Friday 8th December in Committee Room 4A, Southend Civic Centre from 9am to 12pm. You can book your place by clicking here

    This free 3 hour interactive course is led by identity-based violence prevention charity, Protection Approaches and has been developed in partnership with Britain’s East and Southeast Asian Network (besea.n).

    The expert-led sessions see participants guided through a series of discussions to explore how they can play a role in tackling identity-based harms in their community, school, or place of work.

    You will learn:

    • What it means to be an active bystander: through group discussion the participants explore what being an active bystander means to them
    • Standing up for victims: working through a series of scenarios, participants consider and learn what they can do when they encounter prejudice, harassment, or identity-based violence such as a racist attack in a supermarket or an inappropriate comment from a colleague
    • Proactive prevention: returning to the scenarios participants reflect on the root causes of prejudice and discrimination before discussing ways they could contribute to dismantling those root causes and to building safer, more inclusive, and just communities.

    Spaces are limited so please book as soon as possible to guarantee your place.

Page last updated: 28 Jul 2026, 02:18 PM