Southend-on-Sea City Council

26/09/2026

KEEPING TOGETHER ✔️

Heading to the Southend Seafront Fireworks today? 🎆 Keep your family safe with a FREE Keeping Together wristband! 💛

With big crowds expected along the seafront, the simple wristbands bought to you by Southend City BID and Essex Police provide extra peace of mind. Simply write your contact number on the back and fasten it to your child or a vulnerable adult’s wrist. If they become separated from you, whoever finds them can quickly get in touch.

Pick one up from participating venues across the city centre and seafront before the fireworks begin, including: Adventure Island UK, Beaches Bistro, c2c Rail's Southend Central Train Station, Clarke’s Fish and Chips, Funtopia and many more venues. Enjoy the spectacular display and help keep everyone together 🎇

Check out the link in our bio to the Visit Southend website for more info! ✨

25/09/2026

Southend’s children are achieving record success in their early years education.

The latest Early Years Foundation Stage Profile results show that 74.9% of Reception-age children achieved a Good Level of Development in 2025/26, placing Southend above the national average and among the top-performing local authorities in the country.

This achievement reflects the dedication of schools, early years providers, families and partners working together to give children the best possible start in life.

Read more: https://orlo.uk/zkHgF

Southend Family Centres

25/09/2026

In this episode of Southend in 60 Seconds, Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, visits the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre for the Southend Business Show, highlights positive findings from the latest SEND inspection, shares progress on the restoration of the iconic Kursaal, and looks ahead to the return of the popular Seafront Fireworks displays.

25/09/2026

📚 Have your say on the future of Southchurch Library More than 400 residents have already shared their views on proposed options for the library's future location. There’s still time to get involved, with a series of local drop-in sessions taking place over the coming week:

Thursday 29 September, 09.30 to 13.00 & 14.00 to 16.30 at Southchurch Library
Wednesday 30 September, 08.00 to 10.00 at Hamstel Best Start Family Hub
Wednesday 30 September, 18.00 to 20.00 at BelleVueBaptistChurch
Thursday 1 October, 12.00 to 14.00 at Southend City Community College
Friday 2 October, 11.00 to 13.00 at Southend Christian Fellowship - SCF Plaza

The consultation is open until 8 October. You can also find out more and complete it online at: https://orlo.uk/A6gWj

25/09/2026

We are proud to fund the all-age drug and alcohol service delivered by The Forward Trust, with a £3.7 million investment helping residents of all ages access the advice, treatment and support they need to improve their health and wellbeing. We welcome this visit to STARS Southend - Forward Trust and the opportunity to highlight the important work being done to support people affected by drugs and alcohol across Southend.

One of the biggest reasons I love doing the job I do at The Forward Trust Southend is seeing our clients and volunteers smile. 💜
Today at our event at Garon Park, Kate Middleton brought so many smiles and moments of laughter to everyone.
Just look at those lovely smiles! 😊💜
It’s moments like these that remind me why we do what we do and make it all so worthwhile.

25/09/2026

24/09/2026

🚍 New bus services coming to Southend this October

We're pleased to announce that Arriva Herts and Essex will operate the new 62A and 62B bus services from 25 October, helping improve connections between east Southend, London Southend Airport and Temple Farm Industrial Estate.

To help residents and visitors try out the new routes, travel will be FREE on both services from 25 to 31 October.

The new routes will support easier access to employment, education, retail and leisure opportunities, while helping more people choose sustainable travel options.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/7Wamp

23/09/2026

In 100 days, children in Southend-on-Sea will be protected from a lifetime of to***co addiction.

From 1 January 2027, the smoke-free generation policy will continuously raise the age of sale for to***co, meaning that today’s children and future children will never legally be sold to***co products.

65% of people in east of England support the landmark policy, and 78% of people who smoke regret ever starting.

No one wants their children to smoke, and in 100 days from now, the smoke-free generation will save our children from ever living with this regret, giving them a happier and healthier future.

While the smoke-free generation is about protecting children and young people, it's never too late to quit smoking. Free, effective support is available for anyone who wants to stop smoking.

Find out more: https://southend.everyonehealth.co.uk/self-referral/

23/09/2026

We are very excited to share that we will be holding the first of three Launch events for our Best start Family Hubs. Our first one will be at Friars Family Hub on Wednesday 7th October 1pm - 3pm. To book a space for you and your child please see the details on the poster below. Thanks you