Southend on Sea Council Drug and Alcohol Commissioning team are excited to announce the Small Opportunity Fund Programme.  Non-profit organisations and community groups are invited to apply for up to £9,500 for a project or activity that will help build a visible recovery community or provide individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol in Southend-on-Sea with meaningful activities.

 The fund aims to: 

• Raise awareness of drug and alcohol recovery communities, recovery support, and where people can get help
• Create community spaces and activities for individuals working towards recovery from drug and alcohol issues
• Improving perception of individuals and services involved in recovering from drug and alcohol substance misuse
• Encouraging drug and alcohol recovery through community groups and activities, as well as Southend’s specialist support offers
• Supporting the recovery of individuals experiencing drug and alcohol issues by offering positive community-based or social activities

By getting more people into recovery and supporting recovery success, we hope to reduce drug and alcohol related deaths and near misses whilst raising the visibility of inspiring individuals who have changed their lives for the better.

Application form opens 00:00 31st May 2026 and closes midnight 23:59 on 21st June 2026.

You can find the form here: Drug and Alcohol Recovery Opportunities Fund – Application Form – Fill in form

MEET THE FUNDER EVENT

 We will host two sessions to Meet the Funder / Q&A events where we will announce the full details of the application process and answer any questions.

Dates available:

• Thursday 4^th June 3-4pm
• Wednesday 10^th June 11 am-12 noon

 If you would like a to attend one of our Meet the Funder events or have any questions, please contact AmyMcKenny@southend.gov.uk to be sent a calendar invite to one of the events, please specify preference.