Tea and Tots Sessions, Special Events and more – A Better Start Southend
Hey there, local parents! Are you looking for a fu...
05 May, 2023
Southend’s Local Plan: Test, Trace, Contain, Enable
The Essex and Southend-on-Sea service will support contact tracing for schools, care homes, work places and vulnerable groups.
Read more here.
Southend’s Local Plan: Test, Trace, Contain, Enable
The Essex and Southend-on-Sea service will support
contact tracing for schools, care homes, work places
and vulnerable groups.
Read more here.
Southend’s Local Plan: Test, Trace, Contain, Enable
The Essex and Southend-on-Sea service will support contact tracing for schools, care homes, work places and vulnerable groups.
Read more here.
Free Introduction to Safeguarding Training with SACC
Introductory / refresher sessions based around recognising signs and symptoms of harm and abuse; how to report concerns and confidentiality and more.
Read more here.
Southend’s Local Plan: Test, Trace, Contain, Enable
The Essex and Southend-on-Sea service will support contact tracing for schools, care homes, work places and vulnerable groups.
Read more here.
Free Introduction to Safeguarding Training with SACC
Introductory / refresher sessions based around recognising signs and symptoms of harm and abuse; how to report concerns and confidentiality and more.
Read more here.
New Coronavirus guidance to support the return to public fundraising
It is essential that fundraising organisations consider this guidance and undertake a full risk assessment to inform decisions.
Read more here
Coronavirus Test for Essential Workers
Use this service to get a free test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) now.
Book your test here.
Online Events
A Better Start Southend (ABSS) is a 10-year programme to develop and test new ways of supporting Southend’s children and families. It is about using new ways of thinking to solve some of the problems that have affected local children and families for years. The programme started life in April 2015 and is one of five Better Start areas across the country funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme supports families of under 4s and expectant parents living in six of Southend’s Wards; Kursaal, Milton, Victoria, Shoeburyness, West Shoebury and Westborough.
The Turning Tides Team at SAVS is contracted to help introduce new parents to the programme, to promote co-production and to run Parent Champion and Ambassador Training. We also offer support and guidance in many different ways to parents who are part of the programme.
Local Service Update
Learn more about A Better Start Southend and help share the benefits of the programme with your friends, family and community.
The Ambassador Role:
- Learn all about A Better Start Southend.
- Spread the word about the programme to friends, family and people you know.
- Share your experiences and knowledge of individual projects within the programme.
- Be the first to know about free activities and events in your area.
- Be your community’s connection to A Better Start Southend.
- Take part in the free programme of events.
Requests for Support
Engagement Events
A chance to take part in fun events for you and your children. Engagement Events provide an opportunity to experience the benefits of A Better Start Southend through interactive sessions.
All Engagement Events are Parent Led, meaning parents have thought of the idea and delivered the session. Previous events include Teddy Bears’ Picnics, Fun Fitness Classes, Healthy Eating Workshops and big Festive Celebrations. If you have an idea for an event, our Engagement Team will support you through the process.
Parent Forums & Coffee Sessions
Parent Forums are held each month and are a place where the voice of local parents can be heard. Guided by our Engagement Team, parents are able to discuss important local topics, vote on engagement ideas and find out information about local services. The forums are relaxed and you are welcome to bring children along, who will be looked after by our childcare volunteers.
Coffee mornings are a chance for you to drop in for a tea or coffee and a catch-up with the Engagement Team and other parents. They’re a great informal way to meet other like-minded parents.
Research & Co-production
By signing up to A Better Start Southend, we’ll be able to keep you informed about local workshops and meetings relating to children services in Southend. We’re also often approached by research projects and organisations who would like to hear the opinions and experiences of local parents.
Co-production, meaning parents being involved in the design and delivery of services is an essential part of A Better Start Southend. We’ll let you know when projects are coming up that you can be part of designing.
Governance Meetings
Parent Champions are able to attend Governance Meetings, which oversee and help to manage A Better Start Southend. By attending these meetings, parents are able to have full visibility about the services being delivered and how the programme is being managed. They are also an opportunity to raise concerns, or provide essential input thanks to their experiences of being parents.
Communications Group
If you are creative, or would like to learn new skills, then the Communications Group is for you! Projects relating to Social Media, digital, design, illustration and general creativity are worked on with parents via a monthly meeting. Previous projects include; newsletters, mascot designing, social media campaigns, radio interviews, creating Southend’s first parent and child conference and even being on BBC One.
ABSS Promotion
You’ll see the Engagement Team at various locations and events in Southend helping to promote the benefits of A Better Start Southend. We attend community events, schools, nurseries and local meetings to help spread the word. We always welcome any help from parents too.
You might also spot Pip, the mascot, out and about engaging the community.
Funding Opportunities
ABSS Promotion
You’ll see the Engagement Team at various locations and events in Southend helping to promote the benefits of A Better Start Southend. We attend community events, schools, nurseries and local meetings to help spread the word. We always welcome any help from parents too.
You might also spot Pip, the mascot, out and about engaging the community.
To find out more call the SAVS ABSS Team on 01702 356 069
Job Opportunities
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In Partnership with
Early Years Alliance
The Early Years Alliance is the largest and most representative early years membership organisation in England. Our vision is a society where every child enjoys the opportunity to learn through play. We believe families should be at the centre of policy-making and empowered to become fully involved with their child’s learning and development.
