Southend-on-Sea City Council is launching ‘Our Day’ on Monday 19 January.
This will be a 24hr focus to showcase the incredible work that frontline workers do every single day - and every hour throughout the year - to keep our city safe, supported and thriving.
The day will feature frontline workers sharing their personal stories from across the city, showing the breadth of public services and far more than a 9-to-5 operation. From supporting our residents to keeping streets clean, supporting local businesses, and responding to emergencies, much of this work happens quietly - or hidden in the background - but it never stops.
Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "Our Day is about celebrating the people and services that make Southend work 24/7, 365 days a year. Every pound of council tax helps fund essential services that residents rely on - from social care and waste collection to libraries, parks and community safety. This focus on frontline workers, showcases some of the 'hidden heroes' across our city and the impact of what they do every day for our communities.
"We know people care deeply about their city, and this is a great opportunity to see the dedication and passion that goes into making Southend one of the best places to live, work and visit. I am so proud of the work that they do to keep our city moving."
Colin Ansell, Chief Executive of Southend-on-Sea City Council, added: "Behind every service is a team of dedicated people working hard to make life better for residents. Our Day is a chance to shine a light on all those frontline workers that show their dedication day-in, day-out making a real difference."
Tara Poore, Chair of the Southend City Partnership and CEO of City Family, said: "Our frontline workers are the heartbeat of Southend - often working quietly behind the scenes to keep our city safe, clean and supported. Our Day is a fantastic way to recognise their dedication and remind everyone how vital these services are to daily life. It's also a chance to show the real people behind the roles and celebrate the pride they take in serving our community."
Residents can follow the frontline worker focus on the Council's social media channels throughout the day using #24HrsInSouthend, where frontline teams will share photos, videos and stories from behind the scenes.
Local public services touch every part of daily life - from the moment our streets are gritted and bins are collected in the early morning, to the care provided for older residents and the maintenance of parks and roads throughout the day. 24hrs in Southend is a chance to show where council tax goes and why these services matter for everyone in Southend. It's also part of the Council's journey towards City Day on Saturday 7 March, celebrating Southend's identity and the pride we share in our city.
How to get involved
Follow the Council on social media:
- Facebook: @SouthendCCOfficial
- X: @SouthendCityC
- Instagram: @southendcityc
- LinkedIn: Southend-on-Sea City Council
Join the conversation using #24HrsInSouthend and celebrate the services that keep our city moving.