They say it takes a village to raise a child - and in Southend it takes a city of 1,809 dedicated council workers to keep the city safe, clean and thriving.
As part of our Our Day - 24hrs in Southend campaign, we're spotlighting four incredible frontline workers whose jobs are often misunderstood or completely unseen. These are the people who quietly keep our city moving, cared for and protected.
Today, we are proud to introduce Amelia, Ollie, Edd and Paul - four people with completely frontline different roles, but the same passion for Southend.
Amelia
Crematorium Technician - Southend Crematorium, years of service: 2
Amelia brings both technical skill and deep empathy to a role most people don't fully understand.
A former teaching assistant, she was inspired to join the crematorium after her grandfather was cremated here. Her job is far more complex and much more human than people realise.
She explains that she isn't “just” a crematorium technician:
“We are also chapel attendants, and we do garden maintenance too!”
Behind every service are strict safety checks, ID procedures and careful handling, none of which the public ever sees.
“ID checks are a very important aspect of the job that you just can't ever get wrong.”
But the emotional weight is the part people really underestimate.
“Our responsibility is always for the family, it's a horrendous time in somebody's life and I like to be there to support them.”
Amelia also sees touching moments that bring light into a dark day.
“I’ve seen people line dance and stuff. People add these touches to a funeral that make it more magical for their loved one.”
What makes her proud?
“Every day I ensure that families are supported with the care, respect, and professionalism they deserve. It's our responsibility to make sure that the public know that we are doing them proud.”
Ollie
Regulatory Services Officer - Environmental Health, years of service: 7
Spend five seconds with Ollie and it's clear: this is a man who absolutely loves his job.
Most people think Environmental Health officers “just inspect restaurants.” Ollie smiles at that assumption, because his work touches almost every aspect of public health.
From food safety to noise complaints, pest control, accidents, air quality and infectious disease, he does it all.
“No two days are ever the same.”
Much of his work happens quietly and unseen.
Ollie proudly carries a badge that allows him to make decisions that genuinely protect the public.
“Yeah, but as they say in Spiderman, with great power comes great responsibility… And what often surprises people is that much of the job happens behind the scenes.”
And while the job carries serious responsibility, he finds joy in helping people make positive changes.
“Seeing improvements and how relationships shift from resistance to cooperation, that's what makes the job worthwhile.”
What makes him proud?
“Every day we're going out to make people healthier and safer and to reduce health inequality. I love it, absolutely love my job.”
We love that you're keeping Southend safe, Ollie.
Edd
Arboricultural Officer - Parks and Open Spaces, years of service: 1
Edd has already made a huge impact in his first year protecting Southend's trees.
His job covers every council-owned tree: from woodland management to inspections, community planting, planning advice and emergency response.
“There's no defined pattern, one day I'm analysing reports, another I'm planting trees in parks.”
People often don't realise just how technical tree work is.
“No one actually understands the details of why tree planting is good. The trees we've got in the ground now are the ones taking the fight to climate change.”
Planting a new tree isn't simple either it requires careful planning, the right species, the right soil, the right long-term impact.
“We have a mantra called ‘right tree, right place.'”
His proudest recent moment was being recognised for his work with local volunteers.
“It meant a lot, a lot of our work is background work that no one really sees.”
And what drives him?
“Every time I plant a tree or manage a tree and retain it, I'm doing it for something bigger than myself.”
Paul
Investigations Officer - Internal Audit and Counter Fraud, years of service: 21
With two decades of service, Paul has seen it all and still approaches each case with fairness, patience and a sense of humour.
His work involves investigating cases that could harm Southend's finances, including benefit fraud, housing fraud, grants, procurement and more. Most of this work is invisible to the public, because most investigations only become apparent if they do indeed warrant action being taken by the council.
“People only see the tip of the iceberg.”
He also deals with situations that can be both serious and unexpectedly funny, like the day he nearly kicked down a door because he thought someone inside wasn't breathing.
“Turns out it was a five‑foot teddy bear; I was literally about to smash the door in.”
Despite long hours, often starting at 5am, Paul is deeply committed to protecting public funds.
“I love seeing cases where the council gets its money back and showing taxpayers that they're getting value for money.”
And he is grateful for his team:
“I also love that I work for a good team and have decent management who always back us up.”
Thank you to our hidden heroes.
Amelia, Ollie, Edd and Paul are just four of the many people working round-the-clock to keep Southend running, often in ways the public never sees. Their stories show the compassion, expertise and dedication powering our city behind the scenes.
Want to see more from Our Day - 24hrs in Southend?
You can also see videos and images from 'Our Day' on the Flickr channel at 24 hours in Southend.