Six community organisations across Southend have been awarded funding through the first SUEZ Southend Community Fund.
The £12,000 investment will support projects that reduce waste, improve wellbeing and strengthen communities across the city.
Funded initiatives range from community composting and bicycle reuse projects to wellbeing programmes, family support and community events.
The six successful projects are:
- Wellbeing at Garon Park - Community Food Waste and Composting Hub
- Trust Links - Expansion of ReRooted activities, including Repair Café sessions and community planting projects
- Just Ride - Expansion of its refurbished bicycle programme
- St Vincent's Centre Southend - Creation of a Green Pioneer Community Hub
- Project Southchurch - Support for the Frostbite Festival community event
- Friars Primary School and Nursery PTA - Enhancement of its pre-loved school uniform scheme
Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see local organisations being supported to deliver projects that strengthen communities, support wellbeing and encourage more sustainable ways of living.
"These initiatives will have a lasting positive impact for residents across Southend and demonstrate the important role our voluntary and community sector plays in bringing people together and improving lives."
The projects will use the funding in a variety of ways to benefit local residents.
Wellbeing at Garon Park will establish a new Community Food Waste and Composting Hub, enabling volunteers to recycle food waste into compost for local gardens, orchards and biodiversity projects while developing valuable environmental skills.
Trust Links will expand activities at its ReRooted community hub in Southend city centre, delivering Repair Café sessions and community planting projects that encourage reuse, reduce waste and help tackle social isolation.
Just Ride will increase its refurbished bike programme, giving unwanted bicycles from Southend's HWRCs a second life and making affordable, quality bikes available to local residents while supporting inclusive cycling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
St Vincent's Centre Southend will create a Green Pioneer Community Hub where people experiencing homelessness, poverty and poor mental health can improve their wellbeing through gardening, food growing and environmental volunteering.
Project Southchurch will use the funding to support its Frostbite Festival, a free community event that brings together local schools, businesses, community groups and residents to celebrate the festive season and strengthen community connections.
Friars Primary School and Nursery PTA will enhance its pre-loved school uniform scheme, helping families access affordable school clothing while reducing textile waste and encouraging the reuse of good-quality garments.
James Gatter, SUEZ Contract Manager, said: "We are delighted to support these community projects through the first SUEZ Southend Community Fund. The quality of applications demonstrated the incredible work taking place across Southend and the commitment of local organisations to improving lives and strengthening communities.
"We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will make."
The SUEZ Southend Community Fund aims to invest in projects that create stronger, greener and more connected communities, helping local organisations turn innovative ideas into lasting community benefits.
Photo caption (Left to right): Laura Matthews, Senior Community Liaison Manager SUEZ and Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride at Southend-on-Sea City Council