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

  • Kings Award for Voluntary Services Presented to Avenue Child Contact Centre
  • Southend Supports Breastfeeding- Over 100 local businesses and organisations pledge a friendly welcome to breastfeeding families.
  • Silverbirch Animal Therapy Farm Welcomes Special Visitor; Mayor Ron Woodley
  • Yoga workshop supports volunteers wellbeing
  • Gone for a Swim – at Shoebury Common Beach
  • Local charities receive vital donations with SAVS Amazon Wishlist’s
  • Free Activities for your Family from Southend Beaches are now Live!
  • Charity On The Move

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

  • Reject Reflect Reclaim

    On: 22 February, 2025

    Delivered by: The Other MA & The Beecroft Art Gallery

  • Little Heroes ASD Support Group – Coffee and Craft

    On: 13 March, 2025

    Delivered by: Little Heroes ASD Support Group

Training & Workshops

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

    On: 22 June, 2025

    Delivered by: Trust Links

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

    On: 22 June, 2025

    Delivered by: Trust Links

  • Understanding Substance Misuse in Young People and Young Adults

    On: 8 August, 2025

    Delivered by: Open Road

  • Drug Alcohol Awareness/Naloxone Training for Professionals

    On: 19 March, 2025

    Delivered by: Forward Trust

  • Organisational Strategy

    On: 13 May, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

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

  • Southend Supports Breastfeeding- Over 100 local businesses and organisations pledge a friendly welcome to breastfeeding families.
  • Yoga workshop supports volunteers wellbeing
  • Local charities receive vital donations with SAVS Amazon Wishlist’s
  • Free Activities for your Family from Southend Beaches are now Live!

SAVS Training & Events

  • SAVS Networking Brunch

    On: 22 April, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • Organisational Strategy

    On: 13 May, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • Meet the Funder: The National Lottery Community Fund

    On: 15 May, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • Monitoring and Evaluation Basics

    On: 4 June, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • An Introduction to BITC’s Job Coaching Programme

    On: 10 June, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS & Business in the Community (BITC)

  • Productivity

    On: 19 June, 2025

    Delivered by: SAVS

SAVS Lunchinars Logo

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

SAVS Lunchinars Graphic

Community Information

  • Corporate Volunteering Enquiries
  • Supplier guide to registering on the Attain eProcurement Portal
  • SVP Newsletter: March 2025
  • *NEW OFFER* Minuteman Press Southend offers FREE Graphic Design and Printing for Charities and Community Groups Locally
  • Neurological Support Pack for Teens
  • Antislavery Partnership Newsletter
  • Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
  • Free Activities for your Family from Southend Beaches are now Live!

Opportunities to Get Involved

  • Free Community Support for Groups and Leaders
  • £1,000 Funding opportunity from Tesco & easyfundraising
  • Headway Essex Brain Injury Support Group – New sessions in SOUTHEND from May 2025
  • *NEW OFFER* Minuteman Press Southend offers FREE Graphic Design and Printing for Charities and Community Groups Locally
  • Help shape the future of mental health services in mid and south Essex
  • Applications Open for the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Opportunities Fund Announcement for 2025-26
  • Picture This – Community stories through your lens
  • Free Activities for your Family from Southend Beaches are now Live!

Funding Opportunities

  • Combatting Hatred Against Muslims Fund

    Funding Available:

    Closing Date: 18 May, 2025

  • Triangle Trust Grants Supporting Young Women and Girls at Risk of Entering the Criminal Justice System

    Funding Available: Various

    Closing Date: 21 May, 2025

  • Pink Ribbon Grants up to £6,000

    Funding Available:

    Closing Date: 30 May, 2025

  • Active Southend Fund

    Funding Available:

    Closing Date: 30 May, 2025

  • Rochford Community Fund has launched!

    Funding Available:

    Closing Date: 1 August, 2025

  • Household Support Fund Open

    Funding Available:

    Closing Date:

  • Funding for Transformative IT Projects

    Funding Available: £5,000 - £20,000

    Closing Date: 7 May, 2025

  • Home Office Community Engagement Fund Reopens for UK Applications

    Funding Available: Over £100,000

    Closing Date: 28 May, 2025

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