Constellations

It is the final episode of Series One of Constellations! And we have got a special treat at the end because we've got an interview with Dominic, who is the composer who won our composition competition right when it all began, with his composition "Mission to Saturn", which is the music that you hear every single episode...

In today's episode I speak with Daniel, who is one of the founders of Anahata. Anahata is a wellbeing studio in Leigh-on-Sea in Southend, specialising in yoga, yoga therapy, pilates and mindful meditation. Today we're talking about Daniel's journey to yoga, the fabulous work Anahata is doing with the LGBTQIA+ community in Southend, and how yoga is so much more than just a physical practice.

In today's episode we are speaking to Jacqui, the founder of Jacqson Diego Story Emporium. If you live in Southend and have children or young adults in your life, chances are you already know the fabulous bookshop in the heart of Westcliff-on-Sea. What you might not know about, however, is all of the amazing projects, ideas and aims that Jacqson Diego encompasses. Thank you so much for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy learning all about Jacqson Diego!

In today's episode we are chatting to Roger, the Development Officer at SAVS. SAVS, which stands for Southend Association of Voluntary Services, supports the voluntary and community sectors in Southend in a myriad of ways, including funding support, training, promotion and general support for the sector. As well as housing different projects, such as Folk Like Us and Supported Volunteering, both of whom we interviewed earlier on in this series.Like many people in the voluntary sector, Roger's journey started when he began volunteering himself over 5 years ago, and his passion for supporting and sharing the fantastic work of the voluntary community in Southend shines through in the interview!

In today's episode we talk to April, Community Officer at Southend United Football Club Community and Educational Trust. As you'll find out when you listen to the episode, it was a real pleasure for Sharen and me to find out about some of the brilliant things going on, as well as talking to April about representation, being accepting of different people and how many good organisations and good people Southend City is privileged to have. Without further ado, let's get stuck in..!

In today's episode we chat to Danielle, the Urban Engagement Officer for Essex Wildlife Trust. As we discuss, Essex Wildlife Trust is devoted to protecting all wildlife, including the wildlife that is found in urban landscapes and the recovery of nature in those areas. Listen on to find out more about the different projects happening this year, including the Urban Wildlife Champions project…

In today's episode we chat to Alison, Director of Elevator Arts in Southend. She talks to us about how vital collaborative working is, how she launched a Community Interest Company during a global pandemic and much more.Listen on to hear our chat!

In today's episode we're speaking with Michaela, the head of services at Thurrock and Brentwood Mind. Keep listening to find out about some of the fantastic groups and activities that are on offer to the community to help support with Mental Health. Thurrock and Brentwood Mind offer a range of services from gardening clubs to the building of Crisis Houses to create a haven for those who need immediate help.Let's get going and find out about the crucial work Micheala and her team do to support the people of Thurrock and Brentwood.

Today's episode comes with a content warning: please note that we will be discussing sexual health, and services pertaining to sexual health. If this is something you would rather not listen to, please pause the episode now.In today's episode we're speaking with Rutendo, Health Promotion Coordinator from Brook Sexual Health Southend. We talk about all of the great things offered by Brook Southend, including instant HIV and syphilis testing, free condoms, inclusive training and so, so much more!

In today's episode we are chatting to Emma, the Team Lead for the Southend branch of Carers First. Carers First is a national charity which began in the early ‘90s, supporting unpaid carers. The Southend branch was set up less than a year ago, in Autumn 2021. Emma talks about how many carers don't recognise themselves as carers, and how Carers First aims to help them feel recognised for the amazing job they are doing, giving them a boost and supporting them in whatever ways they can.Keep listening to find out more about all the great services Carers First offer, and how you can refer yourself or a friend or family member. 

In today's episode we are chatting to Chris, who is a trustee and volunteer at Hardie Park in Stanford-Le-Hope. Chris talks to us about all of the fab things going on at Hardie Park, as well as speaking about his role as a trustee. Listen on to find out more about Hardie Park and find out how you can get involved!

In today's episode we meet Carol who is one of the wonderful volunteers who works in the cafe at Hardie Park in Stanford-Le-Hope. We find out how Carol became a volunteer, how it has changed her life, and why if you haven't tried volunteering yet, you should give it a go! Without further ado, let's get stuck in! 

In today's episode we're speaking with Liz, the community development officer for Southend libraries. As well as chatting about the overall offer and services available at Southend libraries and our love of books, we also chat about the Room of Loss, which explores the growing movement encouraging people to speak more openly about the subjects of bereavement and dying. Since the pandemic started, we have all seen the huge increase in deaths, and in turn that has led us all to think a little more about death as a subject. This week is Dying Matters Awareness week, so it felt fitting to release this episode as communities across the country come together to talk about these topics.

In today's episode we meet Debbie, and speak to her about Age Concern Southend.Age Concern Southend are based in Westcliff, and they provide advice, support and much more to the older people in the area. In 2019 Age Concern Southend launched their community hub in the two story Grade II listed building on Hamlet Court Road, at the site of the old Havens Department store. We've mentioned Havens Community Hub several times before as it is one of our favourite places to go in Southend! It is always bustling with various activities, with classes, workshops, a fab cafe and so much more, providing a space for people to meet and find out what is going on locally. As mentioned in previous episodes, we do apologise, for any bumps or background noises during the recording - the hub gets very busy!Keep listening to find out more about Age Concern Southend and all of the brilliant services they offer…

In today's episode we are speaking to Catherine, the Community Fundraiser for Southend in Sight. Southend in Sight is the only charity in Southend which provides support for those living with sight loss. They offer technical guidance, IT advice, emotional support, regular social activities and much more. If you live in Southend you may well have seen their fabulous charity shop which is located on Hamlet Court Road.As in some of our previous interviews, we recorded this episode at the lovely Havens Community Hub in Westcliff - it's one of our favourite places to go in Southend because it is warm, welcoming and is always bustling with friendly faces and activities! We apologise, however, because this means that there are a few bumps during the recording, as well as the hum of chattering folks in the background as it was particularly busy when we visited!

In today's episode we meet Ruby, who is the Project Coordinator for By Your Side, and Kim, who is the Strategic Lead for Health and Social Care at Thurrock CVS.By Your Side supports elderly and vulnerable people to settle in back home after being discharged from hospital. As we discuss, this project offers truly individualised care for each person, and is making a tremendous difference to the lives of people in Thurrock. Listen on to hear about how By Your Side offers a unique, human touch to those in the project… 

In today's episode we chat to Jamie about Thurrock Food Network.Thurrock Food Network was born from the coronavirus lockdown, when there was a huge sense of community spirit throughout the UK, and here in Thurrock many groups, individuals and businesses contributed what they could to support their local communities.This growing network helps individuals in Thurrock to access food, resources and more, as well as providing an amazing sign-posting service to the projects, charities and groups in Thurrock.Let's get started!

In this episode I talk to Val, Music Specialist at Musicality, Therapeutic Music Intervention. We recorded this episode at the wonderful Havens Community Hub in Westcliff - which the Constellations team adores - but as you will be able to tell from the recording, it was extremely busy whilst we were visiting!We apologise for the bumps and extra noises throughout the episode, but do make sure you listen all the way to the end, as Val talks about her plans for the future, her journey from a sole trader to a Community Interest Company as well as sharing some touching stories about the power of therapeutic songwriting. There's also an extra special treat at the end of the episode...

In today's episode, we are talking to Ilda, the founder of Welcome to the UK, based in Southend. Welcome to the UK began as a friendship group for people starting a new life in the UK, and over time evolved into a registered charity, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Ilda and the amazing team of people who have supported her along the way.

In today's episode we talk to Jacqui, Community Development and Engagement Manager for ngage, one of the brilliant projects at Thurrock CVS.We chat about supporting community engagement, the importance of collaborative communities and involving residents with decisions, and Jacqui's personal journey into the non-profit sector. 

Today we're talking about working in the open - we'll delve into exactly what open working is, give examples of it being used and then chat about the benefits of us all working in the open. So, cards on the table. I've sprung this episode on Sharen! I wanted to give the ability for you guys to learn alongside us on this topic. It's one I've been researching a lot since I had the idea of starting Constellations, and I just love the idea of it...

In this episode we catch-up with Lee from Folk Like Us. Folk Like us is a community project aimed at the over 55s in Southend, helping to tackle loneliness and isolation by providing a variety of different activities, including home visits, supporting individuals to access services and learning new skills. Tune in to find out more! 

This episode is being released on March 8th - international women's day.We thought it was fitting to release our chat with Lizzie from Cake Club. Cake Club is definitely not just for women - it is for the whole family - but it has supported so so many women, as well as the Southend community as well! Not to mention the fact that it is women-run…Lizzie and her team have provided a vital service to families since setting up Cake Club, and as I discuss during the chat, I personally feel ever so grateful for the support provided through the community for my own family, during the pandemic. 

In this episode we meet Carolyn, founder of We Are Creatives Thurrock. Carolyn shares her personal journey to founding We Are Creatives, as well as her aims to use art and culture to decrease discrimination, reduce prejudice and connect the people of Thurrock.We hope you enjoy! 

In today's episode, we are talking all things volunteering with Rachel from Supported Volunteering, one of the many fabulous projects at SAVS.Supported Volunteering is an amazing resource in the community, helping people find their way into volunteering, improve their mental well-being and supporting them to create pride and joy in Southend.We loved catching up with Rachel and finding out more about the project. Listen for more!

Welcome to the first episode of Constellations, the podcast connecting charities, communities and causes in the Essex unitaries of Thurrock & Southend.In this episode we are chatting to Niki, the gallery curator at The New City Gallery, a pop-up gallery in Southend. Niki is a champion and facilitator of arts within the local community. She's a photographer herself, as well as being an encouraging voice to the artistic community, both those just starting out, as well as more established artists.Enjoy!

Welcome to the second episode of Constellations, the podcast connecting charities, communities and causes in the Essex unitaries of Thurrock & Southend.In this episode we are talking to Karen, CEO of SNAP, who support families with children and young people who have a special need or disability. We found out how SNAP adapted their services in the pandemic, and have been celebrated for their innovative ways of working.We really enjoyed finding out all about SNAP and we hope you do too!

Welcome to the very first episode of the Constellations Podcast!In this episode, Libby & Sharen have a chat about what the aim of Constellations is, how it came to be, and what is coming up on the next few episodes...