Introducing a new special night especially for kids, their carers and their parents to let off some serious steam. Introducing our Sensory Zone for children to explore and enjoy! We have a great Diner serving hot and cold food and drinks throughout the session. SNAPS is the on the SECOND MONDAY of every month.

Kids Kingdom
Garon Park, Easton Avenue, Southend-on-Sea 
Tickets in advance are £4.50 please call the centre for more information 01702 462747 STARTS MONDAY 8^th FEBRUARY-6pm-8pm

SAVS Turning Tides Neighbourhood Management Project was delighted to welcome Angela Smith MP, Minister for The Third Sector, on Thursday 4th February. Angela was shown a presentation highlighting some of team's valuable work in Southend's most deprived areas.

Turning Tides recently received funding to continue the project for a further year. Turning Tides neighbourhood manager Tony Payne said: “Turning Tides has made a real difference in town centre wards of Southend. It is a great relief to hear the council’s commitment to continued funding has been agreed and we look forward to continuing the service throughout the coming year.” More info

Pic: SAVS CEO, Alison Semmence (left) & Angela Smith MP

SAVS CEO, Alison Semmence, has written a comprehensive report exploring the effects of the economic downturn on Southend's Voluntary and Community Sector. The report outlines the national situation and looks at how this is impacting locally. There is advice for VCS organisations and information for statutory partners to consider when working with Third Sector organisations.
Download the report

Could your group use a free website? www.savsmembers.org
How many people could you get your message to? The new SAVS Community Websites are now available to SAVS members FREE OF CHARGE.

These are standalone sites built & hosted by SAVS and maintained by you. Update latest news & events, add features and articles and even build photo albums. The system is extremely easy to use with no special skills required simply log in and start typing - all you need is an internet connection, we can even help you promote your new site!

Southend Mencap, Southend Credit Union and SOS Domestic Abuse Projects have been using their new sites and are very pleased with the results:

www.savsmembers.org/southendmencap
www.savsmembers.org/southendcreditunion
www.savsmembers.org/sosdomesticabuseprojects

SAVS Community Websites are available free to SAVS members, another great reason to join SAVS! For more information contact Chris Silvey publicity@savs-southend.co.uk
or visit www.savsmembers.org

Following the success of previous ‘drop-in’ police surgeries, further monthly sessions are planned at Leigh Library throughout 2010. These will take place in the ground floor of the branch library in Broadway West on Tuesdays, starting either at 10am or 3pm and running for 90 minutes.

The Leigh Library police surgeries will be provide the opportunity for local residents to meet locally-based Neighbourhood Specialist Officer, Pc 970 Leon Pezzuolo.

Word for Beginners – Friday 12 February 10.00 – 4.30pm
This short word course will enable you to learn in a relaxed and informal way, how to perform the basic tasks, such as inputting, saving work, editing, formatting etc.

By Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector, 26 January 2010

The Department for Work and Pensions has concluded that the £8m volunteer brokerage scheme, which matches jobseekers with volunteering placements, is unlikely to meet its original target.

The Commission for the Compact has hired consultants to try to persuade local authorities of the business benefits of supporting the Compact.
Accountancy firm Grant Thornton has been commissioned to carry out research to identify the economic and social benefits of applying Compact principles.
A new version of the Compact, which outlines how the voluntary and public sectors should behave towards each other, was published last month. 
Read the full article 

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