Hi there 👋🏽👋🏾
Welcome back!
As you may know, our goal is to shake things up and prove that newsletters can be fun, interesting, and worth opening. We want this to be something you enjoy reading, not something that just gets lost in the kerfuffle.
This newsletter is made with you in mind. For those of you seeing this for the first time…welcome, and thanks for giving us a chance. For our regulars, welcome back.
The next bit is going to sound like we’re beating the same drum, but we’re going to say it anyway… if there’s something you’d love to see more of, hear about, or even something you’d prefer to skip, just give us a shout. We’re listening.😁
Awareness days
Staying in theme from the last two months, we didn’t want to focus on just one thing. Every month brings its own mix of events and awareness campaigns, and August is no exception. We thought we’d share a few that stood out to us.
This month includes World Breastfeeding Week, celebrating and supporting breastfeeding families; Cycle to Work Day, encouraging people to leave the car at home and enjoy the health and environmental benefits of cycling; and International Youth Day, a chance to recognise the energy, achievements and potential of young people in our communities.
Ways you can get involved and make a difference:
World Breastfeeding Week (1st-7th August)
Support a local breastfeeding group or family by offering encouragement or practical help.
Help create a breastfeeding-friendly environment by being understanding and respectful in public spaces.
Cycle to Work Day (6th August)
Swap one car journey for a bike ride, even if it’s just part of the way.
Give your bike a quick safety check and plan a new cycling route to work or around your local area.
International Youth Day (12th August)
Volunteer with a local youth group, sports club or community project.
Encourage a young person by recognising their achievements or helping them develop a new skill or confidence.
Welcome to the Spotlight; Showcasing a few of the exciting events and sessions that are happening across Southend this month.
Music in the Park
Saturday 1st - Aug/ Jackie Wilson Says
Sunday 2nd - The Waterside Choir
Time 3pm-4.30 pm
Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend, SS2 6NB
The ever popular free Music in the Park continues at Priory Park. The bandstand will come alive with top local bands and musicians! No chairs will be provided so please bring your own or a blanket. There is also limited parking at the park so where possible use public transport, walk or cycle.
**Performances can be cancelled at short notice in the event of bad weather or illness**
Southend Supports Breastfeeding- Picnic in the Park
Friday 7th August
Priory park (on the green behind the Priory)
11am - 1pm
FREE
Join SAVS, Hartbeeps and Cake Club for a family friendly picnic in the park. Bring a picnic, blanket and sunscreen and join in the interactive and sensory play.
Feel Good Festival 2026
Saturday 8th August 2026
Garon Park Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex,
10:30am - 4pm
FREE entry
Everyone Health presents the annual Feel Good Festival, a charity fundraiser designed to improve the health and wellbeing of our community. Entry to the event is free and you’ll find lots of fun, free activities inside. Suitable for all the family there’s lots to do for kids and much of interest for adults.
Big Screen 2026: Sing
Saturday 15th August 2026 (films showing from the 1st August)
The Forum, Southend, SS1 1NB
3pm
Join Focal Point Gallery at Elmer Square for our annual Big Screen Summer Cinema!
Early arrival is advised to find yourself a comfortable area to sit, to avoid disappointment as we will be operating a first come, first served policy. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on the pavement or grass, respectively. Extra bins will be available, and toilets and water fountains are located inside The Forum building. Free event.
Summer Reading Challenge – Read To The Beat !
From Sat 18th July to Sat 29th August
All Southend Libraries
Mon- Fri 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm
Sat 10am - 1pm
FREE
Turn Up The Volume On Reading This Summer! ‘Read to the Beat!’ the music-themed Summer Reading Challenge 2026.
With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels. Books are FREE to borrow from the library. Children can sign up at their local Southend Library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way.
Other dates for the diary 📝
State of Her: A retrospective Heidi Wigmore
30th May - 23rd August
Beecroft Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend, SS2 6EX
The Librarians
Saturday 1st of Aug
Southend Libraries, The Forum Southend- Elmer Square, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1NS
A story can be told in more ways than you can imagine. FREE event.
Around the World: Italy
Thursday 20th of August
10am - 3pm
The Victoria Centre, Southend- 362 Chartwell Square, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5SP
Join The Victoria Centre every Thursday throughout August for Summer of Fun: Around the World, a series of family-friendly events celebrating culture, colour, music and creativity from different parts of the world.
Southend Fire Station Open Day
Sat 22 August 2026
10am
Southend Fire Station, Sutton Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5PX
Join in the fire station open day!
A fantastic opportunity to meet the crew, explore the station, and learn more about the work to keep our community safe. There will be plenty of activities for all ages!
Weekly /regular events in our communities and around the city
Frazzled UK -New
Every Monday 19:00-20:00
Attic café, 48 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-sea, SS1 2ES
Meetings where you can share, listen and be supported in a confidential space.
Book your space online hereWelcome to the UK -Teens Business Club
Friday 4:30pm -5:30pm
1st Floor Victoria Shopping Centre,
362 Chartwell Square, Victoria Plaza,
Southend, SS2 5SP
Email: office@welcome2theuk.com
Tel: 01702 808 579
Parkinson’s UK- Westcliff Support Group
First Thursday of each month between 2pm - 4pm
Meetings for information and mutual support
United Reform Church, 91 Crownstone Road, Westcliff-on Sea, SS0 8LH
Southend Vineyard, Community Cafe
Every Saturday 12.30 pm -3.30pm
The Bridge, 6 Warrior Square Southend,SS1 2JE
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks on sale , crafts and also toys for little ones
Men-Mingle
Wednesday’s 9:00am -11:00am
St. Luke’s Hub, 1 Cluny Square, Southend, SS2 4AFA friendly support group for men who may be experiencing isolation, navigating mental health struggles, or looking to connect with others in the local community.
Tel: 01702 463927
Photo of the month- Where were we?
Guess the location…any ideas?
Last month we were at Southchurch library- did you guess right?
Community poll -
Inspired by the sunshine 🌻🐝💛
Get involved
Pride in Place Comes to Shoeburyness
Shoeburyness has been chosen for the Government’s Pride in Place programme, bringing the opportunity for up to £20 million of investment over 10 years.
The community-led project will give residents, businesses and local groups a chance to help shape improvements to the area, with a focus on spaces, facilities and projects that matter most to local people.
If you have any ideas we encourage you to share them through the link below, and help shape the future of Shoeburyness.
Useful Links
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