Outlook Issue 29 – Spring 2014

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YOUR OFFICIAL SOUTHEND-ON-SEA BOROUGH COUNCIL MAGAZINE www.southend.gov.uk

There’s a buzz of excitement at

THE FORUM Southend-on-Sea PAGE NINE

Help for the homeless reaches new heights CENTRE PAGES

WIN a meal for two at Southend Airport’s 1935 restaurant PAGE SEVEN

ISSUE 29 Spring 2014

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Staying Steady classes for anyone who has fallen or fears falling Staying Steady is a community-based programme run by the College, designed to introduce balance, strength, confidence and enjoyment to older people who may have fallen, or have a fear of falling. The programme runs for 16-weeks, with one session each week.

Sessions are delivered in community settings in Southend. As well as attending the weekly session, participants are expected to complete home exercises twice weekly for the duration of the programme.

■ Who is it for?

The programme delivers group exercise sessions to older adults who have had, or are at risk of having, a fall.

Generally for over 65s but others may be considered (please ask). You must be living in, or be registered with a GP in Southend Borough.

■ How can I get involved?

Contact the College on 01702 445700. You will answer a brief questionnaire to confirm the course is right for you before enrolling on the programme.

■ How much does it cost?

Each session lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs £1 to attend (this includes complimentary refreshments after the physical activity session).

■ What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing and supportive footwear.

■ What happens at a session?

Sessions consist of a warm-up, some physical activity and a cool-down, followed by 30 minutes of chat over tea and biscuits. There is scientific evidence that the exercises used in the sessions help to increase endurance, strength, flexibility and balance, and help you feel more confident when out and about.

All exercises will be adapted to each individual so that no exercise is too easy or too difficult for anyone. There are seated alternatives available for all exercises.

In the first and last session we will do some basic tests and questionnaires to help us measure your progress.

■ Who delivers the sessions?

Sessions are delivered by a Postural Stability Instructor who has completed specialist training to deliver Falls Prevention exercise classes. They will help you identify your goals and make sure you exercise in a safe and supported environment.

■ Carers Carers are welcome to attend and assist if necessary but you must inform the College upon enrolment.

■ What happens after the programme?

Classes will be held at the following venues on a weekly basis.

Each client will have 16-weeks tuition:

At the end of the 16-week programme, you should be familiar with physical activity and be feeling more confident when out.

WEDNESDAYS Southchurch Centre 11.30am-1pm

We will help you to stay fit and active by identifying other physical activity opportunities both with the College and with other providers in your area.

THURSDAYS Leigh Centre 10.15am-11.45am

Depending on your improvement, you may be asked if you would like to attend a further session.

If you require further information about the programme or want to enrol, please contact:

01702 445700 www.southend-adult.ac.uk

FRIDAYS Southchurch Centre 10.30am-12pm

CMS Administration Southend Adult Community College Ambleside Drive Southend on Sea SS1 2UP Minicom: 01702 618100 Email: cmsadmin@southend-adult.ac.uk

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By Council Leader Councillor NIGEL HOLDCROFT

Spring 2014 N E W S & F E AT U R E S A budget to make a real difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/5

THE LAST few months have seen a lot of hard work to deliver a budget for the coming year which meets the further austerity cuts demanded by Central Government – but continues to invest in essential services.

I am delighted that we have been able to freeze Council Tax once again – the third time in four years – and to avoid extra car parking charges, leisure fees or crematorium charges.

In addition, as a result of a combination of good housekeeping and progressive thinking, we are taking forward a range of exciting new initiatives to include the development of the Airport Business Park to create employment opportunities; the allocation of funding to tackle the derelict blocks in Victoria Avenue; continued spending on road repairs and resurfacing, and a rolling programme of replacing street lights with LED lighting so that we can cut electricity costs but keep our street lights on through the night.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council oversees spending in excess of £500 million across the town each year and it touches the day-to-day lives of us all. I am confident that our spending plans are focused on the issues our residents find most important and will deliver both good quality services and value for money.

Despite challenging times, Council staff continue to gain external recognition for their ability and performance. More than 30 teams across the organisation have either won or been shortlisted for national awards in the past 12 months.

I would like to thank them for their continuing efforts and also offer my particular congratulations to two of my colleagues on MBEs awarded in the New Year’s Honours – Carol Compton, Manager of the Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service, for her services to children and families, and Councillor David Norman for his services to adult education.

Sadly this is my last Leaders Column as I will be standing down in May after seven years in the job and a total of 14 years as a Southend Councillor. It has been an honour to have the opportunity to contribute to the progress made by the town and Council.

I wish my successor every success.

This magazine can be provided in alternative formats such as Braille, audio-tape or in large print. For a copy of this magazine in another format, or to order more copies, please call 01702 215000 ext 5601 or email youroutlook@southend.gov.uk.

Garden stimulates peace of mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Pier’s popularity rises with success of TV chefs . . . . . . 7 Older people learn how to stay steady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Visitors flock to £27m Forum Southend-on-Sea . . . . . 9

CONTENTS

Forging ahead with investment despite challenging times

Park gets a fitness facelift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 What do we spend your money on? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Help for the homeless reaches new heights . . . 12/13 Dispelling the myths about adoption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Improving our children’s health and wellbeing . . . . . 15 Shared Lives: opening the door to a family home . . 16

DO IT ONLINE! Smartphone users – scan the QR code below with a barcode scanner app to access our website.

Being old doesn’t have to mean lonely . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Jobs set to take off with airport business park plan . . 18 Streets Ahead scheme helps hundreds of families . . . 19 What’s On Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20/21 Know your Councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22/23 Volunteers are the key to success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Outlook is written, designed and produced by Smith Davis Press in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. The information contained in this publication has been accepted from the contributors in good faith, and whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of going to press, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, misrepresentations or subsequent changes. Whilst all possible care is taken in the preparation of this publication, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting as a result of the material contained herein can be accepted by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, the authors or the publisher. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council does not endorse any of the products or services advertised within this publication. Printed by PCP.

Say it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

for Southend Outlook is printed on recycled paper. When you have finished with this publication please help the environment by passing it on to a friend or recycling it.

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£2.5m helps create and protect jobs SOUTHEND has been successful in bidding for nearly £2.5 million of business growth funding through two regeneration schemes which are set to create nearly 200 jobs.

As part of the Government’s City Deal project, the Borough has attracted a £650,000 grant from Central Government which will be match funded by £685,000 locally. The money will be used to support job creation and create employment space on the key Victoria Avenue corridor.

In addition, the Council has received £1.8 million from the Regional Growth Fund to deliver business support and growth programmes.

A business support website is being set up and grants will be available for small to medium-sized businesses on a match fund basis.

The funding will also pay for the appointment of three Business Engagement Officers who will work with companies to show how they can benefit from the grants.

The aim is to create 192 new jobs by March 2016 while safeguarding 363 others.

Junction due for an upgrade A BUSY highway junction is to undergo £4.75 million of improvements.

The Tesco roundabout work, at the intersection of the A127 and Nestuda Way, will include more lanes and traffic lights to smooth the flow of vehicles.

The improvements will help to accommodate the traffic growth expected as more businesses are attracted to the town and jobs are created.

Many are as a direct result of the new Southend Airport Business Park, which is accessed via Nestuda Way. The Government has backed the plans and is providing £3.2 million grant funding towards the scheme, which is set to start in July and be completed by March 2015.

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Budgeting to make F

RONTLINE services have once again been protected and a whole host of capital and job-creating projects are coming on line as part of a forward-thinking Council budget.

For the ninth year in a row, incredibly difficult decisions have had to be made to deliver £7.3 million savings to balance the books.

However, the authority has done everything possible to minimise the impact on essential frontline services, while Council Tax and car park charges have been frozen – helping residents and businesses and encouraging visitors.

Meanwhile, the Council is pushing forward with a £60 million capital project PROTECTED: which is supported by Impact on Government funding and essential frontline grants, to deliver improved services, such as facilities and boost growth those for vulnerable locally over a four year period. adults, will be minimised.

Projects include: A £12.2 million investment in early years provision, including expanding primary school places at Hamstel and Darlinghurst.

Investing £10 million into developing the Airport Business Park, to create more than 4,000 long-term job opportunities (see page 18). £8 million investment in the Council’s Decent Homes Programme to ensure the Council’s social housing stock is maintained at the highest standards and residents’ homes are comfortable, warm and modern. £6.72 million worth of highway improvements across the town reducing the potential for potholes as well as significant support for the A127 Tesco Junction improvements (see below, left).

A £2.65 million programme to replace streetlights with more energy efficiency and sustainable LED technology (see right).

Significant investment of more than £710,000 in branch libraries to further improve accessibility, including improved WiFi services, as well as

MedTech plan to create skilled jobs AN EXCITING joint venture will see Southend take its place as an international leader in the development of medical technology.

The Council and its partners are looking to develop land west of Southend Airport as a Medical Tech campus. It will form part of the new £10 million Airport Business Park.

The project has Department of Health backing and is set to attract national and international specialist companies and create highly skilled employment opportunities.

Plans are being drawn up with the University of Anglia Ruskin, Chelmsford City Council and Harlow Council.

Once given the

Instrument maker Reese Nye sharpens a pair of scissors. green light, it will be up and running within five years.

In addition, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has secured a European Regional Development Fund grant for a £5.24 million MedTech support programme.

That will enable the authority to provide grants and practical

and academic expert advice for small to medium sized companies in the East of England.

Part of the programme includes a £500,000 Proof of Concept Fund, which will assist businesses in carrying out cutting edge testing and feasibility studies of ideas and inventions and prototypes.

Extra money for repairs Council highways staff have won praise for the quality their work – and for being so polite.

EXTRA Council money is being allocated to road resurfacing and footpath renewal in Southend.

The Council has agreed to maintain the existing level of spend for the next year and has also pledged to increase its own investment to £2 million in each of the

two subsequent financial years – increasing the overall spend to £3.5m per year.

Six million pounds, including Government grants, has been spent over the last three years to improve the condition of roads and footpaths. So far

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e a real difference developing a new library in Shoeburyness (see page 9).

Council Leader Nigel Holdcroft said: “This is the ninth year running where we have had to deliver significant savings.

However, we have been able to safeguard core frontline services by reviewing and reassessing how these are delivered.

“To help our residents and businesses during these tough financial times, we are freezing Council Tax for the third time in four years, as well as freezing parking charges and leisure charges.”

Despite the challenges, the Council continues to make its mark nationally and is achieving much through its successful, ongoing partnership work.

He added: “We are also looking to the long term by investing in the economy – in jobs and careers in Southend.

“The economic conditions are now right to stimulate further economic activity and regeneration. Some of this investment will be recouped over the medium term – such as in the Airport Business Park and regenerating Victoria Avenue – and some is also supported by grant income.

“We have achieved a developmental budget in austere times.”

INVESTMENT: The council plans to spend £12.2 million on early years provision including extra school places.

WITH the next elections being held on 22 May, Southend residents are being urged to respond to household electoral forms that are sent out to homes – as they are necessary to register to vote.

Householders who do not reply could be removed from the Electoral Register, losing their chance to vote and may find it difficult to obtain credit.

If residents are happy with their details as printed on the form, they can confirm them by using the free and secure internet or telephone service.

If residents need to change any details on the form, these should be amended and returned by post using the envelope provided. For further information go to www.southend.gov.uk/vote

LEP submits its draft plan

LED lights will be brighter and cheaper PLANS have been unveiled to illuminate the Borough with new multi-million pound low energy street lights which will improve safety as well as save money.

The Council has agreed to spend £2.65 million replacing all streetlights in the Borough with LED bulbs, which should save almost two-thirds on energy bills.

The brighter white light the bulbs produce will also improve the quality of images produced by CCTV and make it easier for drivers to spot potential hazards on roads at night.

The move comes as many other local authorities in Essex are turning off some streetlights to save on money.

Lighting Engineer Paul Godward with one of the new LED streetlights.

as ‘polite’ highway workers win public praise this year, 18 roads and 11 footpaths have been resurfaced and more are yet to be done.

Zulfiqar Ali, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Strategic Highways and Traffic Manager, said: “A comprehensive condition survey has just been completed and its findings will form the basis of our future maintenance and

Don’t lose the right to vote

improvement plans centred around maximum effect and value for money. This is a public priority and the investment reflects the concerns of residents and businesses.”

Feedback from local people about the work carried out so far has been positive. One resident wrote about the resurfacing teams: “They are polite, helpful, very pleasant – and

Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

they smile. Whenever we left the house they ensured our safety by escorting us around parked lorries, or stopping traffic so we could drive out.

“We have been impressed and delighted with the work they have done and mightily impressed with their team spirit and their respect for the residents.”

THE South East Local Enterprise Partnership has submitted a draft plan to the Government outlining its economic strategy for the next seven years.

The body which includes Southend-on-Sea Borough Council along with public and private bodies throughout Essex, Kent, Medway and East Sussex, was set up to benefit the local economy.

Among the plans submitted is a bid for funding to further improve key junctions on the A127 linking Southend with the new Airport Business Park.

There are also proposals for a new studio school, which will combine workbased skills with education for pupils aged 14 to18.

Members of the public can view the draft plan by visiting www.southeastlep.com

£8m facelift AN £8 MILLION facelift is planned for a vital gateway into the town in a bid to revitalise its appearance and attract new businesses.

The money will fund improvement work on Victoria Avenue, which is blighted by derelict or unused buildings.

Members of the Council’s Economic and Tourism team will work with current landlords and property owners to resolve the problem.

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Southenders Stimulating new garden offers real

PEACE OF MIND A ON THE CHAIN GANG: Stuart Burrell prepares to show off his skills while handcuffed to the Rage Rollercoaster.

Don’t tie me down...

Oh go on then, but I’ll still give you the slip CHAINED to his desk he could never be, for the Council’s Private Sector Strategy and Planning Manager, Stuart Burrell has an amazing skill – he is a world record-breaking escapologist.

By day the Harry Houdini fan grapples with housing and landlords, but by night and in his spare time, he gets to grips with handcuffs and straitjackets.

A member of the Southend Sorcerers Society, Stuart can turn his hands, quite literally, to most things – although he admits he took up escapology because he was rubbish at card tricks.

Shuffle he certainly can, and contortion is second nature to him, so he has no trouble in recreating Houdini’s famous chair escape – a trick performed by his hero in Southend in 1911.

Stuart has used his

unique skills to raise money for Help for Heroes – slipping out of handcuffs while riding the town’s Rage Rollercoaster and getting out of a straitjacket while on the Big Wheel.

To top it all he tied up the world record for escaping from handcuffs by slipping free from his heavy-duty manacles a staggering 301 times in 60 minutes.

The married 37-year-old keeps the secrets of how he does it all close to his chest, but he is happy to share his love of escapology so he regularly gives talks on the subject and is staging an exhibition called ‘Houdini – A History Of Escapology’ at The Forum Southend-onSea on 9 May. The exhibition is a fantastic chance for people to escape from their armchairs to enjoy the mix of photographs, installation art and performance.

Dynamic young people elected TWO dynamic young people have been elected as the new Southend Youth Mayor and Deputy.

Mary Otasowie and Gabriella Terry won the most votes at a Southend Youth Council meeting and were ceremonially presented with their chains of office by the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Brian Kelly. They will serve in their

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prestigious new roles for six months. Mary and Gabriella, both aged 17, are the first to be elected and take office under the Youth Council’s new voting procedures.

Instead of the two-week election campaigns held in previous years, they delivered their persuasive speeches to capture the votes of Southend Youth Council members immediately.

N INNOVATIVE sensory garden has been created to help residents living with dementia.

The Walkway to a Longer Life garden opened in March and is now available for people with the lifechanging condition to visit.

Based at St Martin’s Residential Care Home in Westcliff, it boasts an array of flowers and features to stimulate the senses. A figure-of-eight pathway around the spacious green area has been painted yellow and areas are provided for activity, reminiscing and socialising.

The garden is run by The Southend-on-Sea Darby and Joan Organisation and was created with the help of £270,000 Department of Health funding. It has been designed by Sean Butler – of garden design company Cube 1994 – working with staff and relatives from St Martin’s and the Southend-onSea Borough Council’s Dementia Manager, Chris Harris.

As well as incorporating the best design principles for dementia care and research, it is hoped the garden will become a national example of best practice.

The Council’s Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, Councillor Lesley Salter, said: “We hope it will be of lasting benefit to those living with dementia

in Southend and will set a national standard for others to follow.”

The garden is designed to help with challenging behaviour often associated with dementia, and to help trigger memories and stimulate senses with fragrances and colours.

Features include a scented garden, wildflower meadow and “villagegreen” – complete with bus stop and post box – and a social area with garden games.

Councillor Salter added: “Staff will monitor behaviour changes in residents who use the garden to assess how it is helping them and to evaluate the project’s success.”

STIMULATING SENSES: Ralph Cottle, 95, with carer Cassandra Sharp in the innovative garden.

App leads the way for explorers VISITORS will soon be able to use a phone app to help them explore and learn about an area of historic woodland covering parts of Leigh-on-Sea, Hadleigh and Castle Point.

The free app will feature information about the Daws Heath and Belfairs

Living Landscape as well as games, maps, trails and stories from local people. It is due to be launched for both Android and Apple smartphone users at the end of April.

Funding has come from MaxiGreen, an EU programme aimed at maximising green heritage, following a successful bid by the Council and Essex Wildlife Trust.

To find out more, visit www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/ belfairs

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CELEBRITY CHEFS:

COMPETITION

Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty have raised the pier’s profile through their Food Fight Club.

WIN

A MEAL FOR TWO

at Southend Airport’s Holiday Inn

Tasting success

ON THE PIER

S

OUTHEND Pier is busier than ever – with 37,000 more visitors last year than in 2012.

That means a total of 283,468 people took in the sights and attractions of the world’s longest pleasure pier during 2013.

Figures were boosted by the first full season of events at the Royal Pavilion at the end of the 1.34-mile pier which is catered for by its own narrow gauge railway.

The popular Channel 4 cookery programme – Jamie and Jimmy’s Food Fight Club – also added to the recipe for success.

The show, which is set in a refurbished café on the pier, features TV cooks Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty serving up the best of British food.

The show has also attracted some

special celebrity guests, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Gary Barlow, Alan Carr and Jonathan Ross.

Acting Group Manager for Economy and Tourism, Emma Cooney, said: “The show was a big attraction because people wanted to come and see the café where it was filmed – and possibly spot a celebrity. A second series has been aired now, so we are expecting another influx of people in the spring and summer as interest grows again.”

Meanwhile, the pier has also proved to be a popular starting point to married life for loved-up couples.

A total of eight couples decided to tie the knot on the pier in 2013 – the first year Civil Ceremonies went ahead at the venue – and 12 weddings have already been booked for 2014.

Easter, Early May and Spring Bank Holiday

Collection Dates

OUTLOOK has teamed up with the area’s new four-star Holiday Inn to offer readers the chance to win a meal for two at its striking restaurant overlooking London Southend Airport.

The 1935 Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is situated at the top of the five-storey venue and boasts panoramic views across the airport terminal and runway.

Diners can enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Essex countryside – and perhaps watch a plane take off or land.

To be in with a chance of winning one of the three meal-for-two prizes up for grabs, answer the following question: Southend Airport is served by two commercial airlines. Can you name one of them?

There is a clue to the answer on page 18 of this issue of the magazine.

Send your answer on a postcard, with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Holiday Inn Competition, Media and

Normal collection day Easter Bank Holiday Friday 18th April Monday 21st April Tuesday 22nd April Wednesday 23rd April Thursday 24th April Friday 25th April Early May Bank Holiday Monday 5th May Tuesday 6th May Wednesday 7th May Thursday 8th May Friday 9th May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 26th May Tuesday 27th May Wednesday 28th May Thursday 29th May Friday 30th May

Communications, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Civic Centre,Victoria Avenue, Southend–on-Sea,SS2 6ER. Or you can email: outlook@southend.gov.uk The closing date for entries is 30 April 2014.

Terms and conditions apply – visit www.southend.gov.uk/ outlook for more information.

While sending your entry, please let us know what you like and what you would like to see more of in future issues of Outlook magazine.

Terms and Conditions: ● Two people per table. ● Prize includes food only. ● Bookings must be made in advance and are valid up until 30 June 2014. ● Vouchers are not transferable and have a saleable value of 0.001p.

Revised collection day

Days late

Saturday 19th April Tuesday 22nd April Wednesday 23rd April Thursday 24th April Friday 25th April Saturday 26th April

1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late

Tuesday 6th May Wednesday 7th May Thursday 8th May Friday 9th May Saturday 10th May

1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late

Tuesday 27th May Wednesday 28th May Thursday 29th May Friday 30th May Saturday 31st May

1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late

For more information call 01702 215006 or visit www.southend.gov.uk/recycling Apply for it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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Chance to have your say on NHS services SOUTHEND residents are being offered the chance to help shape the future of vital health services.

Southend Clinical Commissioning Group (SCCG) and Healthwatch Southend both exist to make sure local people get the health service they need – and both want feedback from service users.

SCCG is responsible for planning, buying and managing NHS services for everyone in Southend.

Sadie Parker, SCCG Executive Lead for Primary Care and Engagement, explained:“We don’t directly provide all the NHS services in the local area but we are responsible for making sure they run effectively and for assuring quality of care.

“We look after hospital care, care in the community by nurses and therapists, emergency care by out of hours doctors and ambulance services, and NHS services for mental health.

“As a new organisation we want people to know who we are, what we do and how they can work with us to improve NHS services in Southend.”

Full details of the work of SCCG and how to influence its work are available at www.southendccg.nhs.uk Performing a different, but equally important role, Healthwatch Southend is an independent organisation set up to help people who need information about health or social care services, who want to see services improve, or who need help to make a complaint or raise concerns.

Healthwatch Manager, John Keay, said:“The free Healthwatch system aims to identify what services are available, how people can get the help they need and what their options are.”

He added:“Sometimes the ideas and opinions of the people who use services are not heard. If you tell Healthwatch Southend what you think of a service we will use your comments to influence the people who make those decisions.”

Details of how to access services provided by Healthwatch Southend and how to comment on health services are available at www.healthwatchsouthend. co.uk or by telephone on 01702 220104.

8 Outlook SPRING 2014

Pioneering care project forges ahead A NEW scheme to encourage a multi-disciplinary approach to caring for elderly people is paying dividends just a few months after its launch.

Last November, the Government announced that Southend was one of just 14 local authorities selected to take part in the Integrated Care Pioneer Project.

The project aims to bring together the work of all agencies involved in elderly care and focus it on three main issues: preventing elderly people from ending up in hospital; getting them out of

hospital as soon as is reasonably possible; and helping them to stay in their own homes rather than going into residential care.

Katharine Marks, Head of Adult Services at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, said the pilot project was already producing good results following the establishment of a single point of referral (SPOR) system.

“SPOR is a team involving occupational therapists, nurses and social workers who carry out assessments to identify the support elderly people need to remain

safely in their own homes.

“By sharing information we can provide a much more holistic response involving all the care agencies instead of each one making their own arrangements, which not only offers a better level of service and care, it can also save money.”

Katharine said the SPOR system was already having an impact, with admissions of elderly people to hospital over the Christmas and New Year period being well managed and with no avoidable delays in hospital discharge.

Learning how to

STAY STEADY A

S PEOPLE get older they often become a bit unsteady on their feet and, as a result, run the risk of injury from a fall.

Now, in a bid to reduce the risk of injury from a fall and give confidence back to those who may have fallen, Public Health has commissioned Southend Adult Community College to run postural stability courses, called Staying Steady, to help older adults stay sure-footed.

The course offers a programme of exercise tailored to match the increasing fitness and confidence of those taking part.

These classes are proven to be effective in restoring balance, strength and confidence to older people who have fallen or may not be steady on their feet.

Each session is led by a Postural Stability Instructor who has had specific training.

The classes differ from other keep fit and active lifestyle courses in that they are tailored specifically to improve balance.

College Principal Stephen Lay said “As well as the benefits from

the exercises, the sessions offer an opportunity for people to talk about their concerns and get information on preventing further falls.

“They can discuss the things they can practise at home.”

Anyone aged over 65 who has fallen or is concerned about falling can contact the college on 01702 445700 to find out more information.

So far around 30 people have completed a Staying Steady course. Stephen added: “This can also open doors for some older adults who would never come into the college.

We recently had a couple who sat in our café after a Staying

Postural Stability Instructor Valerie Herron with service user Joan Butcher, 83.

Steady class and expressed an interest in learning about computers. We have been able to help them do just that.”

For further information see page two.

Mini-strokes: how to spot the signs FAST SUFFERING a major stroke can have a devastating impact on someone’s life. It can lead to a wide variety of serious medical problems and is the third largest cause of death after heart disease and cancer.

Health experts say that more than 150,000 people in England have a stroke eachy ear – but many thousands more experience a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), otherwise known as a ‘mini-stroke’.

It is estimated that a TIA occurs in about 35 per 100,000 people each year in the UK – and about one in five people who have a stroke will have had a TIA in the past.

In itself, a TIA does no permanent damage and the symptoms soon disappear. However, a TIA

indicates that someone has a tendency to form blood clots in their blood vessels or heart and, therefore, has a higher than average risk of developing a larger blood clot which may cause a stroke or heart attack in the future.

So it’s important to recognise the symptoms of a mini-stroke and to get medical help – FAST: F – Facial Weakness. Has the person’s face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

A – Arm weakness. Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?

S – Speech disturbance. Is their speech slurred?

T – Time. Time to call 999 if you see any of these signs – the person needs to go to hospital immediately.

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BETWEEN THE LINES:

The Forum’s alive

Library user Hayley Wells reads with her daughter Alice.

with a buzz of excitement L

IBRARY user numbers have increased following the opening of the all-in-one arts, knowledge and cultural venue, The Forum Southend-on-Sea. The £27 million library and academic centre, based in an ultra modern structure in Elmer Square, is also proving popular with many visitors who are packing out lectures and turning out in serious numbers to view exhibitions.

And in more good news, the iconic building, which houses the first fully-integrated academic and public library anywhere in the UK, has also been highly commended in the prestigious National Placemaking Awards in the Best Use of Arts, Culture or Sport category.

Visitor figures increase after gallery move VISITOR numbers have been climbing since the Focal Point Gallery settled into its new space at The Forum Southend-on-Sea in Elmer Square.

A hugely successful launch season saw South Essex’s only publicly funded gallery for contemporary visual art stage family art weekends, a reading group, artist talks and exhibitions.

Interim Director Joe Hill said:“Focal Point Gallery’s move to The Forum Southend-on-Sea has enabled us to continue bringing exciting and internationally respected art to the town while creating more opportunities for us to connect with the local community.” For details about upcoming events, visit focalpoint.org.uk or email focalpointgallery@ southend.gov.uk

Library Services Manager Simon May said: “There is a real buzz about The Forum Southend-on-Sea, both among visitors, the people working here and from colleagues both nationally and across the continent.

“We have already noticed an increase in library users, while lectures – such as the inaugural event featuring Professor Brian Cox – are packed out and attracting people from far afield.”

The Forum Southend-onSea, which is a partnership between the Council, the University of Essex and Southend College, forms the centrepiece of the future of library services in Southend.

Update on the future of the library service A SERIES of proposals have been adopted by the Council, which emerged from the lengthy and wide-ranging review that sets out the vision for the next 15 years.

The plans include developing an east hub library on a new site in Delaware Road, Shoeburyness, plus replacing Friars and Thorpedene Libraries. In addition,Leigh and Kent Elms will both become hub libraries with a mix of paid and volunteer staff.

Southchurch and Westcliff Libraries will be managed by the community. As part of the review, £750,000 is being spent on boosting IT facilities and installing WiFi at outlying libraries to keep them as up-to-date as possible and reflect their evolving role in the community.

For more details about becoming a volunteer in the Borough turn to the back page of Outlook.

Diskettes give group a lot to talk about VISUALLY impaired people are able to experience the joy of books and socialise at the same time thanks to an innovative library project.

The Diskettes Reading Group, which is run in

DISCUSSION: Nancy Varty gets to grips with another audiobook on her digital CD player.

conjunction with Southend Blind Welfare Organisation and the Royal National Institute for the Blind, meets once a month at The Forum Southend-on-Sea. Each member receives a digital talking book CD player and a number of audio format titles to review.

When they meet, members discuss the books they have listened to and socialise with like-minded people.

Nancy Varty, who is registered blind and has been attending the group for several years, said: “There are quite a few of us who attend the group. We all have our own opinions on the books and at times the discussions get really energetic.

“They are lot of fun and I have got to know many of the people as good friends.”

Sometimes a good book can be the best medicine PEOPLE can now take advantage of a range of uplifting novels, non-fiction books and poetry titles at Southend libraries.

The mood-boosting books, all selected by readers, are available as part of the national Reading Well Mood Boosting books scheme.

Poor mental health and wellbeing is costing the NHS

Apply for it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

£14 billion a year, according to the latest Department of Health figures.

Libraries are keen to work with health professionals and other agencies to help spread the word about this innovative free resource.

For more details visit the website www.theforumsouthend.co.uk

SPRING 2014 Outlook

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Outlook p10

12/3/14

15:30

Page 1

Commitment confirmed as

PARK GETS A FITNESS FACELIFT NEW outdoor gym equipment costing £26,000 is being installed at Eastwood Park as part of the Council’s on-going commitment to opening up sport and exercise to all.

Paid for by the Cory Environmental Trust, there will be 22 pieces of equipment ranging from a ski stepper and a power push, to a health walker and parallel rails.

They all come complete with instruction panels and QR codes so users can access videos.

Four other Southend parks – Priory, Shoebury, Southchurch and Friars – already have equipment and fitness trails.

The Council’s vision for sport and leisure involves working with partners like Cory, the Change4life campaign, the NHS and schools as activities and sports are offered through the Borough’s four leisure centres and in community facilities like church halls.

Activities are wide-ranging and designed for all ages.

Sports offered include cycling, disability judo, wheelchair tennis, touch rugby, dodgeball and rush

hockey as well as the usual sports like badminton, tennis, swimming, football and rugby.

To support sports and physical activities, the Council offers anAdVantage Card to Southend residents, which gives discounts and reduced rates on a range of services.

For as little as £1 depending on the category, card holders can get discounts of between 10 and 50 per cent off certain activities at leisure centres, Southend Pier, Cliffs Pavilion and Belfairs Golf Course. ● For further details and information on how to apply for the AdVantage Card, go to southend.gov.uk/advantagecard or call 01702 215011.

Local resident Shelley Drake using ‘the ski’ equipment in the park. INSET: Shelley using the lateral pulldown machine.

Learn to Ride sessions

Children’s Holiday Course

13 April/11 May/22 June Suitable for all ages. Book an hour 1:1 training with one of our accredited instructors. Haven’t got a bike? Borrow one of ours!

7 and 8 April/ 27 and 28 May Take part in this Bikeability Level 2 course and develop your riding skills.

Suitable for 9-14 year olds.

Simply Stride to Cycle

Tweed Ride

3 and 8 May If you wish to ride further and faster and reduce aches and pains when cycling, the Simply Stride and Cycle techniques enable better quality of movement, empowering you to move well, live well and feel great.

29 June Come and join us for an opportunity to get dressed up in your finest tweed or vintage inspired outfit for this unique bike ride – a spiffing time to be had by all!

Look out for our bike maintenance sessions – ladies, men’s and parent and child!

For further details or to book your place, please check out our website www.cyclesouthend.co.uk or email us cyclesouthend@southend.gov.uk or give us a call on 01702 215595/215338.

10 Outlook SPRING 2014

Sporting legacy leads the way to better health

S

OUTHEND is leading county-wide efforts to maintain the Olympic legacy and encourage more people to enjoy exercise and get fit.

Public Health representatives now serve on the ActiveSouthend and ActiveEssex boards as part of a more joined up approach, which covers not just traditional sporting activities but also encourages physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

NHS Health Trainers offer free one-to-one support with diet, weight control, quitting smoking and reducing stress levels.

Available to anyone over 16, Health Trainers offer one-off meetings as well as six-point personal plans to help people achieve their own wellbeing goals.

GPs are now referring people for exercise as part of a 12-week tailored programme run from Southend Tennis and Leisure Centre.

Twice-weekly sessions can help

with depression, obesity and medical issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Councillor Derek Jarvis, the Chairman of ActiveSouthend said: “We’re now acting together to try to get more people taking exercise and Southend is at the forefront of that in terms of leadership.

“We have to use the interest generated by big sporting events like the Commonwealth Games, Wimbledon and the Tour de France to spur people on to look at their own exercise levels.

“It’s about constantly banging the drum to encourage people to be more active and look at their diets.

“I do believe that now we’re more joined up, it’s magnifying our efforts and that together we are making headway.” ● To contact the NHS Health Trainers, call 01702 461377 or email Service Coordinator Susie Tyer at susie.tyer@ parkwoodhealthcare.co.uk

Outlook p11

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How we spend your money

W

ith a total budget for 2013/14 of £433 million, Southendon-Sea Borough Council is the equivalent of a major business – one which operates a staggering range of services.

So where does the money come from and how has the Council spent it over the past 12 months?

The Council's income for 2013/14 was made up from a number of sources including Central Government grants, rents and income from services – together making up about 86 per cent of the total.

The remainder – about £61 million – came directly from local residents in the form of Council Tax, with a further £11million added to that figure to help fund the Essex Police and Fire authorities.

Many of the most costly functions of the local authority are statutory responsibilities such as schools and education,

£150m

£40m £30m £20m £10m

Education (inc Academies)

£143.5m

Older People Social Care

£29.2m

Adults With Learning Difficulties

£15.4m

Public Health

£8m

Fostering & Adoption

£6.3m

Rubbish Collection

£4.5m

Parks & Trees

£4m

Waste Disposal

£3.9m

Concessionary Fares

£3.5m

Highways Maintenance

£3.4m

Parking

£3.1m

Libraries

£2.8m

Street Cleansing

£2.3m

Pier & Foreshore

£1.8m

Voluntary Sector Support

£0.9m

Town Centre

£0.1m

£0m adult social care, health and housing.

The bar chart gives you some idea of the key service areas and how much the Council spent to meet those statutory responsibilities in 2013/14.

The figures include all the costs of running those services – and providing all the staff and other infrastructure to support them.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Nigel Holdcroft said: “The Council has had to make extremely difficult decisions as a result of significant reductions in funding from Central Government in recent years.

“However, despite the financial constraints we continue to strive to make Southend-onSea a better place to live, work and visit.”

Helping to make your life simpler Living simply is something we all aim for, whether it’s a walking stick to help with our mobility, or a long shoe horn to help us with putting on our shoes or even a spring clean, small things can make a very big difference.

Southend Independent Living is here to increase your confidence with our wide range of aids to assist with daily living as

well as useful products that will help give you a new lease of life!

We’re based in Southend, are wholly-owned

by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and can provide free local delivery to residents in the borough. Visit our website or call 01702 212021 for a catalogue.

01702 212021 Open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Pay it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

We sell a range of chairs designed to make it easier for you to stand.

They are available in a range of colours and are made out of durable material, easy to clean and height adjustable.

www.southendindependentliving.co.uk SPRING 2014 Outlook

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Outlook p12&13

12/3/14

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Going for gold as Council and its partners tackle

Essential Living Fund offers extra assistance

HOMELESSNESS H

ELP for the homeless in Southend is reaching new heights as the Council and its partners aim to achieve the Government’s gold standard for services and support.

Charity partner HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project) has just opened an 18-bed shelter with day centre and training facilities at York Road (see full story below).

Works starts soon at Southchurch Road on 49 low-cost flats and houses. That project, involving the Council and housing association partner The Guinness Trust, should be completed by March 2015.

Multi-agency case conferences have been introduced for people like entrenched rough sleepers who have complex needs. The idea is to make sure their individual needs, in some cases detox programmes, are met.

The Council’s Private Sector Housing Team is using additional enforcement powers to target unscrupulous landlords who persist in exploiting vulnerable tenants.

One landlord has already been prosecuted for breaching multiple occupation regulations and fined almost £20,000.

MORE help is being offered to people in Southend now the Counciladministered Essential Living Fund (ELF) has been expanded into new areas.

Nearly 1,900 people and families have already been provided with help to obtain furniture, bedding, white goods, general living expenses (fuel and food) and household furnishings since the scheme started in April 2013.

From February this year, the scheme has also offered:

Phill Warren, the Council’s Community Housing Manager, said: COMING SOON: “We’ve worked closely with HARP Head of Procurement, and other stakeholders on developing Commissioning and Strategic our new Homelessness Prevention Housing, Jacqueline Lansley Strategy and we continue to make and Group Strategy and funding bids together to improve Planning Manager Daniel outcomes for homeless people in Baker at the site for 49 Southend. low-cost flats “Our combined services mean our and houses.

Housing Options team take great pride in the fact that we have not placed any clients in bed and breakfast accommodation for several years, instead using our own hostels.

“We’ve recently taken up the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Gold Standard Challenge and joined forces with Basildon and Thurrock Councils to review our services and will be looking forward to that challenge and using it to make further improvements to our service.”

‘HARP helped to give me a second chance’ H

OMELESS charity, HARP, has opened its new £2.3 million centre – providing night shelter and day centre services under one roof in Southend for the first time.

A renovated former hotel on York Road, the Bradbury Centre now has more single en-suite bedrooms than were previously available in its 18-bed emergency hostel, the only night shelter in the town.

A LASTING LEGACY: Project Worker Vicky Stacey and Volunteer Coordinator Alison Williams enjoy a cuppa in the café.

12 Outlook SPRING 2014

Save time – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE: Service Manager Diane Ainslie outside the centre.

A revitalised day service designed to help the most vulnerable rebuild their lives is run by professional, caring staff who provide hot meals and food parcels, access to health facilities and training, advice and guidance.

Chief Executive Gill Garwood said: “The new centre will provide a safety net for the young and the vulnerable in our town who find themselves homeless and without a future.

“It will provide a supportive SINGLE EN-SUITE: Private Rented Sector Coordinator Nicola and caring environment to enable Collis in one of the new rooms. them to learn the skills they need to support themselves.”

In the past 12 months, HARP HARP to create a lasting has helped 1,500 people turn their legacy for the homeless and lives around and find secure the vulnerable people of housing. The charity won a Southend.”

Southend Business Award and One service user, the Southend-on-Sea Borough Colin, said: “I was left in Council Partnership Award. the gutter but HARP Its new centre has been helped to pick me up paid for through grants, and gave me a second donations, trusts, sponsorship chance.” If you would and the sale of former HARP like to support HARP properties. Southend-on-Sea with a donation visit Borough Council supported the www.harpsouthend.org.uk centre with a £50,000 Empty and click on Donate Now or Homes Grant. send a cheque to HARP HARP Property Manager Nicky 4th Floor, Dencora Court, Houston said: “The generosity of our Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2BB. supporters has made it possible for or call 01702 615000.

Cookery courses and recipe books for those getting food vouchers/ parcels through the scheme.

Fresh fruit and vegetables for those who receive food parcels from The Storehouse.

A recycled bike scheme for those receiving Jobseekers Allowance and actively seeking work.

Home decorating vouchers to help people moving into a new property.

Travel cost assistance for people whose parents or children living in the Borough are admitted to hospitals outside the Borough for an expected period of at least four weeks.

Monthly advice from a member of the ELF Team at the Shoeburyness Share Scheme – a project committed to improving the lives of people in the community.

TIME TO TUCK IN: Volunteers Patsy Link and Karen Baker in the kitchen.

The ELF Team work closely with a number of charities and local businesses.

For full details of all the scheme offers, go to southend.gov.uk/ elfforessex or call 0300 7900 124.

SPRING 2014 Outlook

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Outlook p12&13

12/3/14

16:58

Page 1

Going for gold as Council and its partners tackle

Essential Living Fund offers extra assistance

HOMELESSNESS H

ELP for the homeless in Southend is reaching new heights as the Council and its partners aim to achieve the Government’s gold standard for services and support.

Charity partner HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project) has just opened an 18-bed shelter with day centre and training facilities at York Road (see full story below).

Works starts soon at Southchurch Road on 49 low-cost flats and houses. That project, involving the Council and housing association partner The Guinness Trust, should be completed by March 2015.

Multi-agency case conferences have been introduced for people like entrenched rough sleepers who have complex needs. The idea is to make sure their individual needs, in some cases detox programmes, are met.

The Council’s Private Sector Housing Team is using additional enforcement powers to target unscrupulous landlords who persist in exploiting vulnerable tenants.

One landlord has already been prosecuted for breaching multiple occupation regulations and fined almost £20,000.

MORE help is being offered to people in Southend now the Counciladministered Essential Living Fund (ELF) has been expanded into new areas.

Nearly 1,900 people and families have already been provided with help to obtain furniture, bedding, white goods, general living expenses (fuel and food) and household furnishings since the scheme started in April 2013.

From February this year, the scheme has also offered:

Phill Warren, the Council’s Community Housing Manager, said: COMING SOON: “We’ve worked closely with HARP Head of Procurement, and other stakeholders on developing Commissioning and Strategic our new Homelessness Prevention Housing, Jacqueline Lansley Strategy and we continue to make and Group Strategy and funding bids together to improve Planning Manager Daniel outcomes for homeless people in Baker at the site for 49 Southend. low-cost flats “Our combined services mean our and houses.

Housing Options team take great pride in the fact that we have not placed any clients in bed and breakfast accommodation for several years, instead using our own hostels.

“We’ve recently taken up the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Gold Standard Challenge and joined forces with Basildon and Thurrock Councils to review our services and will be looking forward to that challenge and using it to make further improvements to our service.”

‘HARP helped to give me a second chance’ H

OMELESS charity, HARP, has opened its new £2.3 million centre – providing night shelter and day centre services under one roof in Southend for the first time.

A renovated former hotel on York Road, the Bradbury Centre now has more single en-suite bedrooms than were previously available in its 18-bed emergency hostel, the only night shelter in the town.

A LASTING LEGACY: Project Worker Vicky Stacey and Volunteer Coordinator Alison Williams enjoy a cuppa in the café.

12 Outlook SPRING 2014

Save time – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE: Service Manager Diane Ainslie outside the centre.

A revitalised day service designed to help the most vulnerable rebuild their lives is run by professional, caring staff who provide hot meals and food parcels, access to health facilities and training, advice and guidance.

Chief Executive Gill Garwood said: “The new centre will provide a safety net for the young and the vulnerable in our town who find themselves homeless and without a future.

“It will provide a supportive SINGLE EN-SUITE: Private Rented Sector Coordinator Nicola and caring environment to enable Collis in one of the new rooms. them to learn the skills they need to support themselves.”

In the past 12 months, HARP HARP to create a lasting has helped 1,500 people turn their legacy for the homeless and lives around and find secure the vulnerable people of housing. The charity won a Southend.”

Southend Business Award and One service user, the Southend-on-Sea Borough Colin, said: “I was left in Council Partnership Award. the gutter but HARP Its new centre has been helped to pick me up paid for through grants, and gave me a second donations, trusts, sponsorship chance.” If you would and the sale of former HARP like to support HARP properties. Southend-on-Sea with a donation visit Borough Council supported the www.harpsouthend.org.uk centre with a £50,000 Empty and click on Donate Now or Homes Grant. send a cheque to HARP HARP Property Manager Nicky 4th Floor, Dencora Court, Houston said: “The generosity of our Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2BB. supporters has made it possible for or call 01702 615000.

Cookery courses and recipe books for those getting food vouchers/ parcels through the scheme.

Fresh fruit and vegetables for those who receive food parcels from The Storehouse.

A recycled bike scheme for those receiving Jobseekers Allowance and actively seeking work.

Home decorating vouchers to help people moving into a new property.

Travel cost assistance for people whose parents or children living in the Borough are admitted to hospitals outside the Borough for an expected period of at least four weeks.

Monthly advice from a member of the ELF Team at the Shoeburyness Share Scheme – a project committed to improving the lives of people in the community.

TIME TO TUCK IN: Volunteers Patsy Link and Karen Baker in the kitchen.

The ELF Team work closely with a number of charities and local businesses.

For full details of all the scheme offers, go to southend.gov.uk/ elfforessex or call 0300 7900 124.

SPRING 2014 Outlook

13

Outlook p14

12/3/14

15:35

Page 1

More than 30 children in Southend have found families through adoption in the last 12 months.

ADOPTION: time to dispel a few myths M

YTHS surrounding adoption are being dispelled as Southend-onSea Borough Council urges more people interested in offering children the chance to have their own family to come forward.

Adopters must be over 21 and can adopt if they are single, married, or in a same sex relationship – they just need to have the space for a child.

More than 30 children have been placed for adoption from Southend in the last 12 months, but there are many more children needing a family.

The Council is looking for people who can meet the needs of children of all ages who may also have a range of complex needs or need to stay together with their siblings.

Jo Hines, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Adoption Team Manager, said: “It is a challenge to find the right adoptive families for each and every individual child but we are committed to doing all we can to find them happy, permanent homes and will offer the support that’s needed to the families for this to work.

“There are many myths surrounding adoption that put people off considering it in the first place so we are keen to dispel those

For more information...

and we would urge anyone thinking about adoption to come forward, talk to us and get any questions answered.

“The sense a child gains from belonging to a family is immense so to offer the chance of family life to a child is beyond measure.”

For further details please call 01702 212938 or go to www.southend.gov/adoption

The Adoption Team is staging information events at the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue on: ● Tuesday, 15 April, 5.30pm–8.30pm, in the Charter Suite. ● Wednesday, 14 May, 11.30am–3pm, in Committee Room 3. ● Tuesday, 10 June, 5.30pm–8.30pm, in the Charter Suite. ● Tuesday, 15 July, 8am-11.00am, in the Civic Centre.

COULD YOU FOSTER A TEENAGER? Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Can Offer You:

24 hour telephone support Dedicated supervising social worker Peer support groups for you and your family Fostering network membership

call

Commitment to your ongoing training & development Organised events & activities Be seen as a true professional

01702 212938

or email: fostering@southend.gov.uk to find out more

www.southend.gov.uk/fostering

14 Outlook SPRING 2014

Outlook p15

12/3/14

15:36

Page 1

Schools praised for boosting

PUPIL WELLBEING S

EVEN schools have been recognised for their efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of their pupils.

Work in areas such as emotional health, healthy eating and increasing physical activity opportunities has led to the seven being the first in Southend to receive Enhanced Healthy Schools Status.

The award is one step up from Healthy Schools Status held by most of the Borough’s schools.

Projects included creating an improved dining experience including healthier, tastier lunch menus; increased support to help children feel happier in school; more out-of-hours clubs; playground gym trails; lessons in ‘keeping safe’ and worry boxes used to let children share their concerns in confidence.

ACTIVE FUN: Pupils Joey, Josephine, Martha and Joseph, all five years old, on the schools gym trail.

Healthy Schools Advisor Lisa Holloway said: “We are very proud of these seven schools for going the extra mile when it comes to health awareness and for achieving this accolade. There are many more who are currently working on their action plans.

“We hope this will inspire other schools to do the same and look

forward to many more receiving the same praise.”

The first schools to achieve Enhanced Healthy School Status are: Barons Court Primary, Chalkwell Hall Infants, Earls Hall Infants, Hamstel Infants, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, St Mary’s Church of England Primary and West Leigh Infant School.

Healthy hearts PRIMARY school children are being encouraged to lead healthier lifestyles through an initiative teaching them about heart health.

Some 1,400 pupils at 18 schools are involved in the Active Heart project, which sees them take part in free, fun physical and educational activities.

The project was funded by an £8,000 Healthy Heart Grant from Heart Research UK and delivered by community group Active Life For A Healthier You in partnership with Southendon-Sea Borough Council.

Raising standards SCHOOLS’ aspirations to be good or outstanding are being supported by a new initiative aimed at raising standards.

The Southend Challenge involves all 52 schools in the Borough and will see them working in groups to help each other deliver school-to-school support, develop improvement strategies and to pool resources.

So much more to see besides the seaside.

Don’t miss out on what Southend has to offer.

Whatever attractions you’re here to see, Arriva’s hassle-free Southend bus service will get you where you want to go.

Adult £3.60 Child £2.50

There’s no need to worry about parking or petrol, and with our great value multi-journey tickets, you can hop on and off whenever and wherever you like all day long. It’s even easy to purchase saver tickets, just buy them from your driver.

For more information and enquiries call 0844 800 4411† or visit our website.

£7.50* *Valid all day for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children travelling together.

†Calls charged at 5.11p per minute from a BT landline.

Mobile and other providers’ costs may vary.

arrivabus.co.uk/ southend

Tell us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

SPRING 2014 Outlook

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Outlook p16

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HAPPY FAMILIES: Shared Lives carer Natalie Lieberman with her children – Daniel and Talia – and extra ‘family member’ Mandy Walsh.

Shared Lives: opening the door to a

FAMILY HOME

CASE STUDY: ‘The best job I have ever had...’

F

NATALIE Lieberman has been providing respite care under the Shared Lives scheme for the past seven years.

She welcomes adults with learning difficulties into her Shoeburyness home for a few days – or a couple of weeks – at a time, to give their own carers a break and a chance to recharge their batteries.

Natalie, who has two teenage children, has someone staying with her for about 15 nights each month and her guests become part of the family, joining in all the normal day-to-day events.

She said:“Some of them have college or day centre placements and come back to me at the end of the day. Others stay here with me during the day and join in the usual activities like going shopping or going for walks. In the evenings and at weekends they come with us to things like the cinema or bowling.

“My family are used to it and it is good for my children to mix with people from all walks of life. I enjoy helping other people who need just a bit of support and encouragement to help them feel part of society.”

Natalie, who used to work in a care home, said it took about a year to qualify as a carer for the Shared Lives scheme with a series of interviews and checks including a DBS disclosure – previously known as CRB. She added:“I get so much from being with the people I support. It’s the best job I have ever had.”

OR someone with learning difficulties, one of the hardest things to do is to strike out into the world on their own and create their own place in the community.

Adults with learning difficulties are as entitled to lead independent lives as anyone else, but they need extra help and support to achieve that.

Southend’s Shared Lives project was set up in 2005 to provide a range of services for people who need individual support to enable them to live in the community as valued members of society.

The scheme works by matching an adult who has learning difficulties with a family or individual carer, who accepts them into their own home. The carers treat those placed with them as an equal member of their household and provide a range of support and help,

depending on the person’s assessed needs.

Councillor Lesley Salter, Executive Councillor for Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “The scheme promotes independence and supports the placed person to achieve the goals highlighted in their assessment.

“The carer’s role is wide and varied and involves encouraging people to make choices and to exercise their rights in a positive manner.

“The placed person is provided with a ‘family home’ and included in the family lifestyle to ensure they don’t feel isolated, but an equal member of the household.”

Shared Lives provision includes everything from full-time support and accommodation to occasional respite support – providing a few days break for the family of someone with learning difficulties. For further information please call 01702 215008.

It’s their job to make it work OTHER help available for people with learning difficulties within Southend includes the Making It Work scheme which finds job placements for people.

The scheme goes the extra step by also providing full training and support to the point of working alongside someone in their new job until they have sufficient confidence to go it alone.

Community Inclusion Employment Support Worker Kim Morris explained:“People are referred to us by the local social work teams and we assess them to see if they are suitable for employment. If they are, we try to find work for them. We find the job, support them in getting to and from the place of work and sometimes

16 Outlook SPRING 2014

work alongside them in the job until they feel they have the confidence to carry on on their own.

“Even then we are at the end of the phone for them or the employer if there is a problem.”

Making It Work helps find jobs in either the paid or the voluntary sector for about 80 people each year.

Kim added:“We have placed people in a wide variety of positions although paid employment is more difficult to secure than in the voluntary sector where we have very good links.

“Some of our most recent job placements have included charity shops, a fancy dress shop and in a launderette.”

For further information please call 01702 215008.

Outlook p17

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Former That’s Life presenter Esther Rantzen set up a new service for older people – The Silver Line – after suffering loneliness following the death of her TV producer husband Desmond Wilcox. The Silver Line is now helping other older people – including many in Southend – to find a new purpose in life.

Why being old doesn’t have to mean you’re lonely L

INDA Prince knows all about the effects of loneliness. “It’s a terrible thing,” she admitted, “I’m 61 and sometimes feel totally isolated.

I have been living on my own for about eight years now,” the former PA went on to explain. “I have no family, no close friends and am not originally from Southend, so there was literally no one I could call on for help or a chat if I was feeling down.”

Fortunately for Linda, some months ago she spotted an article in a national newspaper which was written by TV presenter Esther Rantzen. The former That’s Life frontwoman described how lonely she was and how it had led her to launch a service called The Silver Line aimed at helping people in the same situation.

Linda said: “It was a very interesting read. Esther is a lady with a family and a career but also lonely – and very much in my situation. It led me to look into The Silver Line service and I soon realised what a brilliant idea it was.”

The Silver Line is a free, confidential, 24-hour a day helpline for older people. It supports vulnerable people, signposts them to projects and services and breaks through the stigma of loneliness and isolation.

Volunteers now regularly call Linda to check she is okay and strike up a conversation. In addition, she can also call them at anytime of the day and night for a chat if she is feeling low.

“It has helped me realise I am not unique in this situation.

There are thousands of us ‘oldies’ in the same situation and that is why The Silver Line really helps. It reaches out to people. I have a regular call from them to see if I am okay, what I have been up to and just for a general chat. They are there 24/7 including Christmas Day and that means a lot.”

Linda – who also benefits from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Home Library Service – has now taken the next step and is gearing

THE NEXT STEP: Linda Prince has volunteered to help promote The Silver Line in Southend after her loneliness was eased by contact with its volunteers.

up to be a volunteer herself. She said: “Esther Rantzen called to wish me Happy New Year and during that conversation I volunteered to give out leaflets and raise awareness of the project.

“The people who bring me books and DVDs through the Home

How green is my Borough?

SOUTHEND has been rated the second greenest place to live in the UK. It scored 28 out of a maximum 30 points in the UK Vitality Index – a national health check of every large town and city outside London.

The indicators measured were recycling levels, energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The overall top ranked greenest town is Bournemouth, which gained top marks. Southend came in equal second with Ipswich – ahead of Hull,

Gloucester and Exeter – in the study carried out by property consultant LSH. Councillor Tony Cox, Executive Councillor for Transport, Waste and Public Protection, said:“The UK Vitality Index certainly highlights Southend as a leading UK town in terms of its environmental credentials.

“With the support of residents, we’ve increased recycling by 16 per cent in just five years, diverting some 12,000 tonnes more waste away from landfill and saved around £1.2 million.”

View it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Library Service have agreed to help and are passing on the leaflets to other clients who are in the same boat as me.” ● For more details about The Silver Line call the helpline on 0800 470 8090 or visit the website www.thesilverline.org.uk

It’s an honour FORMER Mayor David Norman is planning a family party at a Southend restaurant when he picks up his MBE. Singled out for recognition in the New Year’s Honours List, the councillor for Victoria Ward will also take his family with him to Buckingham Palace for the ceremony.

David was awarded the MBE for his services

to adult education and in particular his 20 year association with Ruskin College, Oxford, where he has been Chairman of the governing body for the past 10 years.

He was first elected to the Council as a 21-yearold in 1965 and was the Borough’s Mayor in 2011-12.

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STOP, LOOK, LISTEN – and learn to stay safe CHILDREN are being taught the importance of keeping safe on the roads to prepare them for their move from primary to secondary school.

Officers from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Road Safety Team are visiting primary schools to talk to Year 6 pupils about judging the speed of traffic, the correct way to cross roads and planning safer journeys.

The Moving On Up scheme also looks at why 12 to 15 year olds are the highest group of road casualties and how the statistics can be reduced.

It builds on from Walk It! pedestrian training sessions being delivered to Year 5 pupils which emphasises the message of ‘stop, look, listen and be bright, be seen’.

Pupils are taken on a short, supervised walk in their local area to talk about stopping

Road Safety Officer Peter Swanwick teaches pupils of Leigh North Street Junior School how to cross the road.

distances, distractions such as mobile phones and how to find safer places to cross the road.

Peter Swanwick, Road Safety Officer, said:“This is a key time to

reiterate road safety messages to pupils because this is the age when they become more independent and start to make more journeys on their own,

such as to secondary school.”

To contact the Road Safety Team call 01702 215003 or visit www.southend.gov.uk/roadsafety for more details.

Jobs set to take off...

P

LANS to create thousands of jobs by attracting high-tech companies to the area are moving forward.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is progressing with its proposals for a new business park to the east of Cherry Orchard Way. The Council is working to optimise funding opportunities to put alongside its own land investment and up to £10m towards enabling groundworks and infrastructure.

The 70-acre site lies in the Borough of Rochford District Council and is allocated for business park development through the Joint Area Action Plan which is due to be adopted in the autumn. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council owns around 55-acres of the proposed business park.

Innovative and efficient energy solutions for the Business Park are also being explored.

An easyJet plane takes off from London Southend Airport close to the proposed business park development.

18 Outlook SPRING 2014

Council Leader, Councillor Nigel Holdcroft said: “The proposals for the Airport Business Park pose exciting new opportunities for Southend.

“The park will incorporate businesses and an innovation centre for medical technologies as part of the ground breaking Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus.

The proposed MedTech Innovation Centre will allow specialist businesses to work more closely with medical experts at the university and the hospital.

“We hope to recruit an experienced development partner to work with Southendon-Sea Borough Council and aim to see movement on the site by this time next year.”

The plans follow the success of London Southend Airport, which enjoyed its busiest ever year last year and is served by easyJet and Aer Lingus.

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‘‘’’

Our team is doing a fantastic job... and they are passionate about helping families to turn their lives around.

TEAMWORK: Southend residents Tricia Pinder, right, and Emma Jones on the Firebreak course.

Hundreds of families

ARE STREETS AHEAD A

ROUND 300 Southend families have already benefited from help as part of the Government-funded Streets Ahead programme – with the Council pledging to have referrals for at least a hundred more in the coming weeks.

A team of 15 key and community workers are supporting families to overcome complex issues ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to antisocial behaviour, crime and unemployment.

Projects like a community gym, support for job seekers and specialised youth provision

have been set up as part of the programme.

Also launched was a Firebreak course at Hawkwell Fire Station featuring firefighter training which aimed to boost the confidence, teamwork and decision-making skills of 15 long-term unemployed adults. The course ended with a passing out parade.

Carol Compton, the project’s lead and Group Manager of Southend-on-Sea Borugh Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service, said: “We’re confident of achieving our target of supporting 420 families in the next few weeks

but want to go further than that and support even more.

“Our team is doing a fantastic job engaging with the community and they are passionate about helping families to turn their lives around.”

Carol, who has worked at the Council for 18 years, has just been to Buckingham Palace with her family to pick up the MBE she was awarded for outstanding service to children and families. For further information please call 01702 534300.

Health and education care plan overhaul gives parents more say WORKGROUPS have been set up to coordinate the implementation of new Education Health and Care (EHC) Plans due to come into effect later this year.

In the biggest overhaul of the special educational needs (SEN) system in a generation, the shake-up will see the end of existing SEN statements and learning difficulties assessments in a bid to bring together the work of schools, health services and local authority social care departments.

SEN Group Manager Sandra Bingham, who is leading the preparation work, said the aim was to bring all available information together to allow for better decision-making and to

give parents a much greater say in care plans. She said:“We need to make sure we capture all the information and share it with all the agencies involved to allow for a much more informed package of support.

“In Southend, planning has already begun with the establishment of a multi-agency Project Board, including parent and carer representatives, to oversee developments.

“There are six workstreams and groups that report to the Board and they are looking at all aspects of the changes including new ways of working, development of the local offer for parents and how personal budgets might work.”

Sandra added that the Project

Book it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Board had already prepared a full report on the implementation of EHC Plans and was confident the new system would be operational by the Government imposed deadline of September this year.

The new set up will also see statutory protection for people with special educational needs extended to age 25, with local authorities required to publish details of the support available for disabled children and young people and those with special educational needs.

In addition, parents or young people with education, health and care plans will have the right to a personal budget – allowing them to make their own decisions about the care package they receive.

West Leigh by-election results are in A NEW councillor is now representing West Leigh Ward after winning a by-election.

Conservative Georgina Phillips polled 743 votes, Liberal Democrats were in second place. UKIP came third with Labour in fourth.

Mrs Phillips, who was brought up in West Leigh and has lived in the area all her life, replaces former Mayor Gwen Horrigan who stepped down because of ill health.

Mrs Horrigan, who was a Councillor for more than 20 years, was awarded the MBE in 2005 for her community work.

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What’s On Sea Sat 29 March

CONTACT DETAILS

■ VICTORIAN LIFE &

■ Southend Events www.southend.gov.uk/events

■ Events Team Tel: 01702 215119

R.A. Jones Room, Prittlewell Priory, 10am-1pm A workshop session for adults that explores Victorian life, and the development of technology around the home. In many ways, the Victorians were very much like ourselves – keen on the latest technology gadgets, from recorded sound to taped communication – the Victorians developed new ways and inventions. Find out more in this fascinating session. Booking is essential. £10 includes a tea/coffee and biscuit.

■ The Forum Southend-on-Sea www.theforumsouthend.co.uk

Sat 29 March

■ Southend Museums www.southendmuseums.co.uk or call 01702 434449 For Southchurch Hall please call 01702 467671 ■ Belfairs Park & Nature Reserve www.facebook.com/EWTBelfairs or call 01702 477467 ■ Plaza Centre Tel: 01702 215011

■ Contact 01702 292286 EXT 181/182 www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk (under community) ■ Armed Forces Day www.facebook.com/Armed.Forces.

Day.Southend Road closure information is correct at time of going to print. Please see www.southend.gov.uk/roadclosures for further information.

Until 3 April

■ MAKE & DO Various Libraries Story and craft event for under 5’s and their parents and carers.

Until 10 April

■ SQUIRREL SQUAD Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 10am-12pm Belfairs Pre-school club for under 5s. Join us for nature and wildlife-themed activities.We will be exploring the fabulous outdoors along with arts, crafts, music and a snack. Advance booking is essential. Children must be accompanied. £5 per child, £3 per sibling.

Until 30 April

■ STORYRHYMES Various Libraries Family Time – Stories and nursery rhymes for children under 5s and their parents and carers.

Until 4 May

■ FAMILY SUNDAY Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 1pm-3pm This new monthly session is a chance to have some woodland fun with your kids. A range of activities, crafts, trails and games, all with a wildlife theme. Advance booking is essential.

Children must be accompanied. £5 per child, £3 per sibling.

Until 22 June

■ CLASSIC CAR BREAKFAST City Beach, Southend seafront.

Sundays 9am-1pm 30 March, 27 April, 25 May, 22 June. A new series of Sunday Breakfast Classic car displays on the seafront, with around 20 car enthusiasts bringing their much loved vehicles to show off on a Sunday morning.

Pre-booked vehicles 25 years or older.

20 Outlook SPRING 2014

TECHNOLOGY

IN FOCUS: An exhibition featuring the work of local photographers takes place at the Central Museum from 5 April to 19 July.

■ WOODLAND MANAGEMENT WALK/TALK Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 10am-1pm Join the Woodland Ranger. Advance booking is essential. Donation £4.

Sat 5 April – 19 July

■ PHOTOGRAPHERS IN SOUTHEND 1870-1970 Central Museum A photographic exhibition highlighting the work of local landscape, portrait and studio photographers working in Southend between 1870 and 1970.

Sun 6 April

■ BLUEBELL WALK Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 10am-12pm Advance booking is essential. Donation £4.

Sun 27 April

■ CRAFT FAIR Prittlewell Priory, 10am-3:30pm Fancy something crafty? Then come along to Prittlewell Priory for our Craft Fair.

Adults £3.Children go free, includes a hot drink from the Visitor Centre.

Sat 3 May

Tues 15 April – 17 April

■ EASTER CRAFTS Prittlewell Priory, 10am-3pm A fun family event where children can make their own chocolate egg holding Easter basket, create a daffodil windmill and an Easter finger puppet. Activities £3 per child.

Fri 8 April – 5 May

■ ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES EXHIBITION Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier, 10am The Only Fools and Horses Exhibition returns to the Southend Pier’s Royal Pavilion for an exciting second year! The exhibition will include original film sets, memorabilia costumes and much more.

■ SPRING BIRDWATCHING WALK Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 10am-1pm Advance booking is essential. Donation £4.

Wed 23 April

Sun 13 April

Fri 25 April

■ ST GEORGE’S DAY PARADE Chancellor Road, Church Road, Royal Terrace and Pier Hill, 10:30am There will be road closures between 10:30am and 2pm.

Sun 27 April

■ LUNCHTIME RECITALS – FIDELIO SINGERS Civic Centre, 12pm-1pm ■ JOANNA SMITH AND

RODERICK ELMS – PIANO DUET Plaza Centre, 8pm Tickets £8.50, Concessions £7.50, Concert Club Members £6, Concessions £5.

■ COMPOST CREATURES Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 10am-12pm Learn about composting, which creatures love it and how to make your own. Advance booking is essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Donation £5.

Sat 3 May – 5 May

■ SOUTHEND GARDEN SHOW Garon Showground, 6am Spring Garden show with plant and garden shopping village, indoor craft and shopping and a “how to”theatre”.

Sun 4 May

■ INTERNATIONAL DAWN CHORUS DAY

WALK & BACON BREAKFAST Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve,4:30am-7:30am Dawn bird-spotting walk, followed by breakfast at the Woodland Centre. Advance booking is essential. Donation £8.

Sun 4 May – 5 May

■ DISCOVER WILDLIFE! Prittlewell Priory, 11am-4pm Come and find out all about the wonders of wildlife.There will be live creatures, bird spotting walks, minibeast hunts, pond dipping, and much, much, more! £1 to attend.

Bandstand highlights AND ALL THAT JAZZ...

SOUTHEND Bandstand summer programme runs from April to July with performances in Priory Park. Highlights include Southend Jazz Co-operative, Westcliff High School for Girls Jazz Band and D’Ukes Ukulele Band.

Performances 3pm to 5pm.

Please note that parking in Priory Park is limited.

Sun 20 Apr Sun 4 May – Mon 5 May Sun 11 May, Sun 18 May Sun 25 May – Mon 26 May Sat 31 May, Sun 1 Jun Sat 7 Jun – Sun 8 Jun, Sat 14 Jun – Sun 15 Jun Sat 21 Jun – Sun 22 Jun Sat 5 July – Sun 6 July Sat 12 July – Sun 13 July Sat 19 July – Sun 20 July

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A GUIDE TO KEY SPRING EVENTS IN SOUTHEND

Fri 9 May

■ HOUDINI World Record holding and award-winning escapologist and historian Stuart Burrell takes you on a journey from the beginnings of escapology to the emergence of Harry Houdini and his many British tours, including a visit to Southend in 1911,through to the 21st century.

Sat 10 May

■ EMBROIDERY FOR BEGINNERS R.A. Jones Room, Prittlewell Priory, 10am-1pm Find out about embroidery, and have a go yourself – materials are supplied.You will learn about the most useful stitches and begin your journey towards creating your own embroidery masterpiece! Booking is essential. £12.00 includes materials and tea/coffee and biscuits.

Tues 13 May

WILDLIFE MAGIC: Children will have the chance to discover local natural wonders at Prittlewell Priory on 4 and 5 May.

■ WILDFLOWER AND ID SURVEY Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 11am-3pm Learn to identify the beautiful wildflowers of Belfairs Woodland and Nature Reserve with botanist Tim Pyner. Donation £20.

Wed 14 May

■ LUNCHTIME RECITALS – RICHARD EVANS

& NAOKO INONUE – PIANO DUET

Civic Centre, 12:15pm

Wed 11 June

Fri 23 May

■ LESLIE HOWARD – PIANO Plaza Centre, 8pm The highly renowned pianist Leslie Howard has given recitals and concerto performances throughout the world, with a repertoire embracing the whole piano repertoire.

Tickets £10, Concessions £9. Concert Club Members £8, Concessions £7.

Wed 28 May – 30 May

■ TUDOR CRAFTS Southchurch Hall, 11am-3pm Find out all about Tudor life, create a beeswax candle, write with a quill pen and enjoy other Tudor themed activities.£3 per person for activities.

Thurs 29 May

■ LUNCHTIME RECITALS – PIANO QUINTET Civic Centre, 12:15pm

Sun 15 Jun

■ RACE FOR LIFE Garon Park, 6am Show cancer who’s boss by taking on a 5k or a 10k Race for Life event. Run, walk or dance your way through the course and help us say “cancer we're coming to get you”. www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Fri 20 June

■ RED PRIEST Plaza Centre, 8pm Tickets £10, Concessions £9, Concert Club Members, £8, Concessions £7.

■ LIVING LANDSCAPE WALK Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 10am-3pm Led by the Woodland Ranger, find out about this special area. Approx. three miles; not suitable for small children. Advance booking is essential.

Donation £4.

Sun 22 June – 27 June

Sat 7 June

■ LEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL Leigh & Leigh Old Town Now in its 23rd year, this is one of the largest Folk Festivals in the county, with music, dance, film and comedy. www.leighfolkfestival.com

■ VENTURE CUP POWER BOAT RACE From England to Monaco with the “hot start”of race going from the end of Southend Pier in the morning (time to be confirmed).

Sun 8 June

■ SOUTHEND HALF MARATHON Various Locations There will be various road closures due to this event.

Sun 8 June

■ PARACHUTE REGIMENT

LAYING UP AND DEDICATION OF STANDARDS AND PARADE

Chancellor Roads, Church Road, Royal Terrace and Pier Hill, 10:30am There will be road closures between 10:30am and 2pm.

■ CRICKET FESTIVAL Royal Artillery Way There will be a temporary 30mph speed restriction.

Fri 27 June – 29 June

Fri 27 June – 29 June

■ ARMED FORCES DAY Marine Parade, 10am to 6pm Chalkwell Park (27th) Schools camo day with tag rugby,Southend High Street (28th) – national Armed Forces Day with stalls,parade, open air service and 10 hour concert,Southend seafront (29th) with teams competing in beach rugby,stalls and displays of HISTORY ALIVE: military vehicles.Come and

Find out about Tudor life at Southchurch Hall from 28-30 May.

show your support to the British Armed Forces, past present and future!

Sat 5 July

■ FRONTLINE SOUTHEND R.A.Jones Room,Prittlewell Priory,10am-1pm An adult workshop that examines Southend and district through the first, second and potentially, third World Wars. Using documentation and by examining original artefacts, you will gain an understanding of the way in which the wars impacted the town and its people. Booking is essential.£10 includes tea/coffee and biscuits.

Sat 5 July

■ SHOEBURY FAIR 2014 Gates open 11am – Fair closes at 5pm Old Hinguar Playing fields, George Street, East Beach, Shoeburyness.

A fun family day out for all ages with free entry.

Activities, entertainment, food and lots more going on all day.The Celebration Arena with performances from a local cheerleading troupe, Shoeburyness Extended Schools Gymtastics, Fencing and Karate Clubs, Shoeburyness High

Schools Seaside Crusaders, Shoeburyness Army Cadets and much more. Other attractions include vintage bus rides, huge inflatable area and kiddie friendly rides and trampolines. Free Entry.

Wed 9 July

■ LUNCHTIME RECITALS –

SOUTHEND PIANO TRIO Civic Centre, 12:15pm

Sun 13 July

■ SOUTHEND BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CHOIRS Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier, 3pm An afternoon performance by the Southend Boys and Girls Choirs. Performed in the Royal Pavilion at the Pier Hear.

Ticket prices £8,this includes a train return ride on the Pier train.(Please add half an hour to the time to allow for the train ride.Trains leave the shore end on the Pier on the hour and the half hour).

Sun 20 July

■ LONDON TO SOUTHEND BIKE RIDE In aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Around 4,000 cyclists follow a route from London into Southend,finishing at Priory Park,Southend.

COUNCIL DIARY ■ Health & Wellbeing Board: Wednesday 26 March, 2.30pm ■ Audit Committee: Wednesday 26 March, 6.30pm ■ Development Control: Wednesday 9 April, 2pm ■ Council: Thursday 17 April, 6.30pm ■ Annual Council: Thursday 8 May, 3.30pm ■ Borough Elections: Thursday 22 May ■ Development Control:

Wednesday 28 May, 2pm ■ Council (Appointment of Committees: Thursday 5 June, 6.30pm All meetings are held at the Civic Centre,Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea. Details of all Council meetings are available at www.southend.gov.uk/ councilmeetings.Youth Council meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, 5pm-7pm.

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To find out which Ward you are in please visit www.southend.gov.uk/whereilive

The Council normally has 51 Councillors elected to represent you. There are 17 wards, each with three elected members.

See the map to find out which councillors represent you.

Your Councillors BELFAIRS WARD

BLENHEIM PARK

Cllr Stephen Aylen (Ind)

Cllr Fay Evans (Con)

Cllr Lesley Salter (Con)

Cllr James Courtenay (Con) Cllr Graham Longley (LD)

Cllr Duncan Russell (LD)

16 Woodside, Belfairs, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4QU Tel: 01702 527747 cllraylen@southend.gov.uk

192 Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3QX Tel: 01702 558657 cllrevans@southend.gov.uk

4 Chadwick Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8LS Tel: 01702 432364 cllrsalter@southend.gov.uk

24 Surbiton Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4NS Tel: 01702 611669 cllrcourtenay@southend.gov.uk

15 Lindisfarne Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3NR Tel: 01702 480713 cllrrussell@southend.gov.uk

CHALKWELL WARD

28 McDivitt Walk, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UD Tel: 01702 520234 cllrlongley@southend.gov.uk

EASTWOOD PARK WARD

Cllr Richard Brown (Con) Cllr Stephen Habermel (Con) Cllr Ian Robertson (Con)

Cllr Trevor Byford (Con)

Cllr Andrew Moring (Con) Cllr Chris Walker (Con)

16 Cherrybrook, Thorpe Bay SS1 3QZ Tel: 01702 584003 cllrbrown@southend.gov.uk

2 Badgers Close, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0AP Tel: 01702 437274 cllrbyford@southend.gov.uk

554 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3EL Tel: 01702 585957 cllrmoring@southend.gov.uk

256 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood SS9 5XL Tel: 01702 528027 cllrwalker@southend.gov.uk

6 Leas Gardens, Southend-on-Sea SS0 8JL Tel: 01702 478354 cllrhabermel@southend.gov.uk

68 Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay SS1 3AU Tel: 01702 584580 cllritrobertson@southend.gov.uk

KURSAAL WARD

LEIGH WARD

Cllr Louise Burdett (Con)

Cllr Judy McMahon (Lab)

Cllr Anne Jones (Lab)

Cllr Alan Crystall (LD)

Cllr Barry Godwin (LD)

Cllr Peter Wexham (LD)

41 Shillingstone, Southend-on-Sea SS3 8BY Tel: 01702 430309 cllrburdett@southend.gov.uk

37A Pleasant Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2HQ Tel: 01702 462489 cllrmcmahon@southend.gov.uk

2 Hastings Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2DR Tel: 01702 460952 cllrannejones@southend.gov.uk

16 Cliff Parade, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1AS Tel: 01702 474047 cllrcrystall@southend.gov.uk

63 Steyning Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4TW Tel: 01702 212879 cllrgodwin@southend.gov.uk

119 Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SH Tel: 01702 715981 cllrwexham@southend.gov.uk

MILTON WARD

PRITTLEWELL WARD

Cllr Dr Maria Caunce (Con) Cllr Julian Ware-Lane (Lab) Cllr Jonathan Garston (Con)

Cllr Mary Betson (LD)

Cllr Mike Grimwade (LD)

Cllr Ric Morgan (Ind)

Fairlight Lodge, 37 Park Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PQ Tel: 01702 430684 cllrcaunce@southend.gov.uk

11 Byfield, Eastwood SS9 5TG Tel: 01702 212861 cllrbetson@southend.gov.uk

94 Eastwood Old Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4RS Tel: 01702 520642 cllrgrimwade@southend.gov.uk

5 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0RP Tel: 01702 432361 cllrmorgan@southend.gov.uk

37 Nelson Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3HX Tel: 01702 472144 cllrware-lane@southend.gov.uk

22 Outlook SPRING 2014

23a Clifftown Parade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DN Tel: 01702 335017 cllrjgarston@southend.gov.uk

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SHOEBURYNESS WARD

SOUTHCHURCH WARD

Cllr Mike Assenheim (Ind) Cllr Roger Hadley (Con)

Cllr Anne Chalk (Ind)

Cllr David Garston (Con)

Cllr Ann Holland (Con)

Cllr Brian Kelly (Con)

76 Elm Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9RD Tel: 01702 291720 cllrassenheim@southend.gov.uk

94 High Street, Shoeburyness SS3 9AS Tel: 01702 295449 cllrchalk@southend.gov.uk

237 Maplin Way North, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3NY Tel: 01702 584278 cllrdgarston@southend.gov.uk

7 Silchester Court, Silchester Corner, Gt Wakering SS3 0PX Tel: 01702 580855 cllrholland@southend.gov.uk

10 Withypool, Shoeburyness SS3 8BH Tel: 01702 585015 cllrkelly@southend.gov.uk

33 Mountbatten Drive, Shoeburyness SS3 8UY Tel: 01702 294945 cllrhadley@southend.gov.uk

ST LAURENCE WARD

ST LUKES WARD

Cllr Mark Flewitt (Con)

Cllr Ted Lewin (LD)

Cllr Adam Jones (Con)

Cllr Brian Ayling (Ind)

Cllr Sally Carr (Con)

Cllr Paul Van Looy (Ind)

11 Borman Close, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UJ Tel: 01702 510463 cllrflewitt@southend.gov.uk

19 Little Thorpe, Thorpe Bay SS1 3RN Tel: 01702 586359 cllrlewin@southend.gov.uk

23 Mucking Hall Road, Barling Magna SS3 0NH Tel: 01702 219912 cllrjones@southend.gov.uk

108a Ennismore Gardens, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5RB Tel: 01702 461840 cllrayling@southend.gov.uk

42 Marcus Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3LA Tel: 01702 586231 cllrcarr@southend.gov.uk

54 Arlington Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4UW Tel: 01702 615658 cllrvanlooy@southend.gov.uk

THORPE WARD

VICTORIA WARD

Cllr Alex Kaye (Con)

Cllr Mike Stafford (Ind)

Cllr Ron Woodley (Ind)

Cllr Margaret Borton (Lab) Cllr Ian Gilbert (Lab)

Cllr David Norman (Lab)

470 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3ED Tel: 01702 588432 cllrkaye@southend.gov.uk

85 Maplin Way, Thorpe Bay, SS1 3NL Tel: 01702 297648 cllrstafford@southend.gov.uk

91 Tyrone Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3HD Tel: 01702 588662 cllrwoodley@southend.gov.uk

85 Rochester Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0NJ Tel: 01702 212862 cllrborton@southend.gov.uk

41 Vernon Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2NG Tel: 01702 212897 cllrdnorman@southend.gov.uk

WEST LEIGH WARD

132 Central Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4DZ cllrgilbert@southend.gov.uk

WEST SHOEBURY WARD

Cllr Nigel Holdcroft (Con) Cllr Georgina Phillips (Con)

Cllr John Lamb (Con)

Cllr Tony Cox (Con)

Cllr Liz Day (Con)

Cllr Derek Jarvis (Con)

7 Sylvan Way, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3TU Tel: 01702 214008 cllrholdcroft@southend.gov.uk

77 Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SJ Tel: 01702 483908 cllrlamb@southend.gov.uk

Flat D Mill Lodge, West Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9DP Tel: 01702 297039 cllrcox@southend.gov.uk

5 Withypool, Shoeburyness SS3 8BH Tel: 01702 586185 cllreday@southend.gov.uk

Flat 1, Gunnery House, 2 Chapel Road, The Garrison, Shoeburyness SS3 9SL Tel: 01702 292744 cllrjarvis@southend.gov.uk

63 Marine Parade, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2NQ Tel: 01702 480634 cllrphillips@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Cabinet

WESTBOROUGH WARD

Cllr Paul Collins (LD)

Cllr Martin Terry (Ind)

Cllr Dr Vel (Ind)

219 Green Lane, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5QN Tel: 01702 512239 cllrcollins@southend.gov.uk

66 Victoria Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TF Tel: 01702 619655 cllrterry@southend.gov.uk

61 Thorpebay Gardens, Thorpe Bay SS1 3NP Tel: 01702 711299 cllrvelmurugan@southend.gov.uk

Tell us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

■ Nigel Holdcroft (Leader) ■ John Lamb (Deputy Leader with special responsibility for Regeneration and Enterprise) ■ Derek Jarvis (Culture and Tourism) ■ James Courtenay (Children and Learning) ■ Lesley Salter (Adult Social Care, Health and Housing) ■ Tony Cox (Public Protection, Waste and Transport) ■ Andrew Moring (Corporate Support Services) ■ Jonathan Garston (Planning) SPRING 2014 Outlook

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UP SHE GOES: Volunteers Steve Wiggins and Mike Ronan who help out at the Cliff Lift.

VOLUNTEERS KEY TO SUCCESS C

OMMUNITY-MINDED volunteers and groups are being urged to come forward as Southend-on-Sea Borough Council offers experience-building opportunities across a range of services.

From libraries and museums to support for young people and those with learning disabilities, highly trained staff in diverse settings support volunteers who want to improve their skills.

Groups willing to take over the

running of Southchurch and Westcliff libraries in partnership with the Council are being sought as well as volunteers to staff them.

Information events to highlight the recruitment drive have already been staged.

Sharon Wheeler, Southend-onSea Borough Council’s Strategy and Planning Manager – Culture, said: “The Council wants to work with groups to ensure the libraries continue to play a key role in their communities.

“We will provide support for the

libraries and help groups develop and grow into this partnership.

“Other changes will see both Kent Elms and Leigh supported by local volunteers to sustain the service so the Council is keen to speak to anyone who might be interested in volunteering at all these library branches.” Around 40 volunteers already enjoy rewarding work at the Borough’s four museums and the Cliff Lift, which needs extra volunteers to help out when services start up again in May. Duties vary from issuing tickets,

acting as House Stewards at Prittlewell Priory and greeting visitors at the Central Museum and Planetarium.

For information about volunteering at the Cliff Lift and in museums, email tonimair@southend.gov.uk ● To find out more about volunteering at libraries, call Sharon Wheeler on 01702 212038 or email libraryvolunteers@ southend.gov.uk or go to www.southend.gov.uk/ volunteering

RESIDENTS help make communities safer APART from having a police officer permanently stationed outside your home, one of the most effective ways of reducing crime and making your community safer is to be part of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

With around 650 schemes already in operation across the Borough, Southend residents have already shown their enthusiasm for the voluntary project which aims to deter criminals, raise awareness of the risk of crime, boost community spirit and encourage neighbourliness.

But there are still areas with no Watch Scheme in place and if you're keen to see one in your neighbourhood– with benefits including reduced crime, lower home insurance premiums and even a rise in property prices – then it’s easy to get the ball rolling.

Neighbourhood Watch Administrator Mick Holland works in partnership with the police and the Council to encourage people to get involved.

“If you live in a street which

24 Outlook SPRING 2014

Local resident Sandra Harrington chats to Neighbourhood Watch Administrator Mick Holland at a meeting to launch a Watch Scheme in the Eastwood area of Southend. dosn’t have an existing Neighbourhood Watch Scheme then the first thing you need to do is to assess the level of interest by contacting your neighbours,” he said.“I can provide a simple flyer to push through the letter boxes of homes in your street which gives details about the scheme and the benefits it can bring.

“A tear-off strip allows people to

say if they are interested in being part of Neighbourhood Watch and once you have sufficient interest we can organise a meeting to get things started.

“After that, it is up to the organisers of the scheme to decide how they operate, as long as it is within the law.

“Neighbourhood Watch is not a vigilante organisation and we do

not allow street patrols.The idea is to improve community safety and to prevent or reduce crime by acting in a neighbourly manner.”

Full details of how to set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme are available at www.southendwatch.org.uk or you can contact Mick on 01702 464199 or 07799 008801 or by email at southendnhw@aol.com.