Supporting, Promoting and Representing Southend’s Thriving Voluntary Sector

Proud to be Southend’s Council for Voluntary Services.

SAVS is an independent charity known as a council for voluntary service or CVS. We work behind the scenes to help local charities and community groups achieve their full potential.

We also run our own community based projects, all built on the foundation of supporting, empowering and celebrating the people of Southend.

Our Community Projects

Community News

  • Southend Supports Breastfeeding Enjoys Picnic with Families
  • Community Grant allows for continued support to local charity
  • Local Couple Share Their ‘Playlist for Life’ on BBC One with Support from Havens Hospices
  • A Flippin’ Great Success as Waddle-on-Sea Comes to a Close
  • Essex Asian Women’s Association Celebrated at Mayor’s Parlour Following King’s Award Win
  • Balmoral Community Centre: Celebrating 50 Years of Community Service
  • Jefferies Partners with Neurodivergent Safe Space to Support Local Youth Mental Health
  • SAVS Community Builder Supports Youth Engagement This Summer

Community Events

  • Cake Club Groups – Support and Solidarity for Parents

    On: 10 January, 2025

    Delivered by: Cake Club

  • Seated Yoga

    On: 20 January, 2025

    Delivered by: Hayley Zincraft

  • Stepping Stones Stroke Support Group

    On: 10 February, 2025

    Delivered by: Carol: 07722809609

  • SAVS Networking Brunch

    On: 26 August, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • Sibling Forum- Support group for those with older, disabled siblings

    On: 8 September, 2025

    Delivered by: Doris Jones

Training & Workshops

  • Level 1 Introductory Trauma Informed Practice Training

    On:

    Delivered by: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

  • Permaculture Design Course with Graham Burnett: Full Permaculture Design Course (10 Days)

    On: 22 June, 2025

    Delivered by: Trust Links

  • The Power of VBA: Stop Smoking Very Brief Advice

    On: 26 September, 2025

    Delivered by: Everyone Health

  • 4 Day Edge Moving and Handling

    On: 30 September, 2025

    Delivered by: Southend City Council

  • Evening Workshop with Helen Watts – Anxiety and Self-Harm, Little Heroes ASD Support Group

    On: 2 October, 2025

    Delivered by: Little Heroes ASD Support Group

Community Support Directory

Useful contacts to support your organisation and service users.

SAVS Networking Brunches

Meet other organisations from the Voluntary Sector every other month at SAVS.

Hosted Community Funding

View funding currently hosted by SAVS and available to Southend organisations.

Affordable Room Hire at SAVS

Affordable, accessible meeting space in central Southend.

SAVS News

  • Jefferies Partners with Neurodivergent Safe Space to Support Local Youth Mental Health
  • SAVS Community Builder Supports Youth Engagement This Summer
  • Volunteers Revamp Railway Gardens
  • Children enjoy meal together, thanks to Norman Garon Trust

SAVS Training & Events

  • SAVS Networking Brunch

    On: 26 August, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • An introduction to the Families First Partnership Programme

    On: 22 September, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS & Southend City Council

  • Online Briefing: The Southend New Local Plan Preferred Approach with Options – Session Two

    On: 23 September, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS & Southend City Council

  • An Introduction to The Independent Office for Police Conduct

    On: 1 October, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS & The Independent Office for Police Conduct

  • Families First Partnership Programme Workshop

    On: 1 October, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS & Southend City Council

  • Building a Communications Plan

    On: 6 October, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

SAVS Lunchinars Logo

FREE bite-sized learning to boost your skills and knowledge!

SAVS Lunchinars Graphic
  • How to Thrive through Change with Tools & Techniques Lunchinar

    On: 13 October, 2025

    At: 12:00 pm

  • A Guide to Critical Incident Planning & Martyn’s Law Lunchinar

    On: 16 October, 2025

    At: 12:00 pm

  • From Passion to Paperwork – CIC or charity finances don’t have to be scary

    On: 22 October, 2025

    At: 12:00 pm

  • Understanding AI in the Modern World Lunchinar

    On: 21 October, 2025

    At: 12:00 pm

Community Information

  • Patients can now self-refer to the COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU)
  • Information about Sober Essex
  • Data Protection Support Offer for SAVS Members
  • The Balmoral Centre remembers incredible volunteers and staff ahead of 50th anniversary…
  • Shoebury Matters – August 2025 Newsletter
  • Can you provide activities and healthy food sessions for school-aged pupils over the holidays?
  • Shoebury Matters – July 2025 Newsletter
  • A Better Start Southend – Stories of Impact and Farewell

Opportunities to Get Involved

  • SAVS Updated Membership Package
  • Too Much Couch Time?
  • The Southend City Activity Awards are back for 2025!
  • Your organisation could receive one of TEN £500 funding pots
  • Walk 2K This September to Help Struggling Families in Essex Every Step Makes a Difference
  • Commercial Insurance Discounts for SAVS Members
  • Free Community Support for Groups and Leaders
  • Free Activities for your Family from Southend Beaches are now Live!

Funding Opportunities

  • Cash4Clubs Opens for UK Applications

    Funding Available: Up to £2000

    Closing Date: 8 December, 2025

  • Scops Art Trust Accepting Applications for Final 2025 Funding Round

    Funding Available: Up to £30000

    Closing Date: 9 December, 2025

  • Randal Charitable Foundation Accepting Applications for 2025 Funding Round

    Funding Available: Up to £30000

    Closing Date:

  • Comic Relief Community Fund for England Opens for Applications

    Funding Available: Up to £5,000

    Closing Date: 6 October, 2025

  • Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation Accepting UK Applications

    Funding Available: Up to £10000

    Closing Date: 31 October, 2025

  • Find Your Active Small Grants fund

    Funding Available:

    Closing Date: 28 September, 2025

  • Funding for Projects that Promote a Better Understanding of the Environment and Countryside

    Funding Available: £1,000 - £5,000,Various

    Closing Date: 31 December, 2025

  • Ford Britain Grants up to £3,000 for Community & Education Projects

    Funding Available: Up to £3,000,Various

    Closing Date: 31 January, 2026

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