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

  • Community Builder Good News Story: Southchurch Funding Fair
  • Community Builder July Newsletter
  • HAF Summer Bookings Are Now Open!
  • Royal Literary Fund Celebrates National Year Of Reading With Expanded Reading Round And Library Events For Adults
  • Community Builder Good News Story: COPD Thank You Celebration
  • Celebrating Year One of the Parent Voice Pilot Project!
  • Beauleigh Court Raise £200 for Folk Like Us
  • Havens Hospices celebrates volunteers who save charity over £2.2 million each year

Community Events

  • CareConnect – Supporting Those Who Support Others

    On: 9 July, 2026

    Delivered by: Headway Essex

  • STRM Online Lunch & Learn: Eating & Neurodivergence

    On: 13 July, 2026

    Delivered by: SEND the Right Message Charity

  • Warm Wednesdays

    On: 15 July, 2026

    Delivered by: SEND the Right Message Charity

  • Warm Wednesday – Teen Hygiene & Independence

    On: 15 July, 2026

    Delivered by: SEND the Right Message Charity

  • Southend Salvation Army Family Fun Day

    On: 18 July, 2026

    Delivered by: Southend Salvation Army

Training & Workshops

  • Sexual Health in the Community Training – Southend Professionals

    On: 29 July, 2026

    Delivered by: Brook Southend

  • Mental Health Awareness and Support – Trust Links

    On: 31 July, 2026

    Delivered by: Trust Links

  • Mental Health First Aid (Full)

    On: 3 August, 2026

    Delivered by: Trust Links

  • Suicide First Aid (USI Understanding Suicide Intervention)

    On: 25 August, 2026

    Delivered by: Trust Links

  • Income Diversification Training

    On: 20 August, 2026

    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

  • Community Builder Good News Story: Southchurch Funding Fair
  • Community Builder July Newsletter
  • Free Cold Water Dips & Water Safety Workshops Return for 2026!
  • Community Builder Good News Story: COPD Thank You Celebration

SAVS Training & Events

  • Southend Supports Breastfeeding’s annual Picnic in the Park is BACK – Save the Date

    On: 7 August, 2026

    Delivered by: Southend Supports Breastfeeding

  • SAVS Networking Brunch

    On: 11 August, 2026

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • Income Diversification Training

    On: 20 August, 2026

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • Strategic Grants Fundraising Training

    On: 6 October, 2026

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • Communicating your Impact Training

    On: 8 December, 2026

    Delivered by: SAVS

  • Fundraising in Tough Economic Times

    On: 2 February, 2027

    Delivered by: SAVS

SAVS Lunchinars Logo

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

SAVS Lunchinars Graphic

Community Information

  • Every Season, Every Saving: Savings Advice from Cadent
  • Protect our Water Supplies with these easy steps
  • The latest Southend Area Bus Users Group newsletter is out now!
  • Free Sexual Health Walk-In Clinic for Under 25s in Southend
  • Check an online pharmacy is registered when buying medicine online
  • Kings Road United Reform Church Room Available for Low-cost Room Hire
  • 250 free online fundraising packs available
  • HMRC Increases Volunteer Mileage Rates

Opportunities to Get Involved

  • Ovarian Cancer Symptom Engagement Survey
  • Free Cold Water Dips & Water Safety Workshops Return for 2026!
  • Changing the future of genetic health, together
  • 250 free online fundraising packs available
  • Faith Security Training
  • Calling community groups, charities and grassroots organisations: Boost your fundraising with a share of £10,000.
  • easyfundraising Donation Day
  • Call for Research Participants – Lived Experience of LGBTQIA+ Adults accessing Adult Social Care in Greater Essex

Sector Jobs

Funding Opportunities

  • National Lottery Launches Change Makers Fund £1million up to £5 million

    Funding Available: Over £100,000

    Closing Date: 5 August, 2026

  • Hinrichsen Foundation Grants up to £3,000 Promote Contemporary & Experimental Music

    Funding Available: Up to £3,000

    Closing Date: 1 September, 2026

  • Bentley Motors Advancing Life Chances National Programme

    Funding Available: Up to £5,000,Various

    Closing Date: 14 September, 2026

  • GSK IMPACT & Community Based Health grants 2027 from £5,000 to £50,000

    Funding Available: Various

    Closing Date: 19 August, 2026

  • Trees Outside Woodland Fund Grants Between £10,000 and £40,000

    Funding Available: Up to £40000

    Closing Date: 31 October, 2026

  • B&Q Foundation Grants up to £10,000 to Improve Homes for People in Need

    Funding Available: Up to £10000

    Closing Date: 14 August, 2026

  • GSK Community Health Programme – Up to £10,000 for Small Charities Tackling Health Inequalities

    Funding Available: Up to £10000

    Closing Date: 10 August, 2026

  • Worshipful Company of Weavers – Grants to Support Disadvantaged Young People and Offenders

    Funding Available: Up to £15000,Up to £5,000,Various

    Closing Date: 1 November, 2026

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