Southend-on-Sea City Council
We’re expanding our impact in Southend by partnering with Southend-on-Sea City Council – through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund – to support organisations like Garon Park Youth Club, Eastwood Community Centre, and St Edmunds’ Hall. Through a series of community-focused projects, young people in the area are gaining valuable skills and accreditations while helping to revitalise key local spaces, supporting the area’s growth and fostering brighter futures.
Here’s a round-up of our work here so far.
Part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Garon Park Youth Club
Garon Park Youth Club’s mission is to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of the Southend community, offering a safe and secure environment for recreation and leisure activities.
We helped to revitalise the youth club by redecorating the main hall, bar, and café areas, creating an inviting atmosphere for community events and encouraging youth engagement. Additionally, young people designed and built planters to improve the exterior space. This has breathed new life into the club, making it more attractive for local hire and providing valuable skills for young people in the area.
St. Edmunds Hall
St. Edmunds. Hall, a community-run charity in a deprived area of Southend, provides affordable space for a variety of local groups, including youth programmes, fitness classes, and cultural events. With a focus on supporting the community, we refurbished the hall’s main areas, including the stage, reception, and meeting room, to create a fresh, inviting space. This renovation worked to ensure the the hall was more appealing to current users, attract new ones, and boost revenue, ensuring its long-term sustainability and continued service to local groups.
“We’re thrilled with the redecoration of St Edmunds Hall – it looks bright and welcoming in its new grey and white colours. The professional team transformed our tired community space, which serves one of the most deprived areas in Southend. This renovation is already drawing positive feedback from our users, and we hope it will encourage even more local groups to hire the hall, allowing us to keep prices affordable for those in need. We’re grateful for the opportunity to offer a refreshed space that brings joy to so many.”
Sally Carr, Chair of Trustees, St Edmund’s Hall, Southend
Eastwood Community Centre
Eastwood Community Centre provides a wide range of services, including preschool, drama, fitness classes, youth activities, and events for all age groups.
We refreshed the centre by painting and refurbishing key areas, including the lounge, corridors, toilets, and stage, creating a welcoming space for the community and enhancing its appeal for future hires. This revitalisation will encourage more local groups to use the space, increase revenue, and support the centre’s continued growth and success.
“We would like to express how thrilled we are with the incredible transformation at the centre, praising Andy and Mina for their exceptional work. The team’s efforts have brought new life to the centre, and we look forward to showcasing the results”.
Venue Manager, Eastwood Community Centre, Southend
