This will take about 10 minutes to complete and we appreciate you taking the time to do this.

CLICK HERE FOR the survey

If you have any queries, please email info@rravs.org.uk.

Residents and organisations across the district can apply for grants of £2,000 to £5,000 for not‑for‑profit projects that enhance wellbeing and improve quality of life in Rochford.

To be eligible, projects must:

• Benefit Rochford communities and be delivered within the district
• Demonstrate community involvement in their design and delivery
• Show sustainability and long-term value
• Support the Council’s community, health and environmental priorities and align with the Castle Point and Rochford Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Councillor Mike Webb, Rochford District Council’s Chair of the Communities, Wellbeing & Housing Committee said “We are incredibly proud to support projects that strengthen community spirit and improve the lives of people across the district. The Community Fund offers a valuable opportunity for local groups to turn great ideas into meaningful action, and I look forward to seeing the positive initiatives that emerge this year.”

Applications close on Friday 31 July 2026. Full eligibility criteria and application guidance are available at www.rochford.gov.uk/funding.

For more information, contact the Community Services Department on 01702 546366 or email funding@brentwood.rochford.gov.uk.

What’s needed from applicants:

• Strong management and decision-making arrangements.
• A plan to run the building responsibly under the terms of a lease.
• Proposals that support wider cultural, economic and social activity in Rochford.
• A commitment to keeping the space open and accessible to a wide range of people.
• A clear approach to protecting and improving the Freight House as a community asset.
• Evidence the project can operate without ongoing Council funding, including realistic income, costs and risk management.

How it could work
The Council welcome different delivery approaches, including a single organisation running the whole building, a main tenant working with smaller tenants, partnerships, phased approaches, or a shared model. They recognise there may be early-stage risks—please set out any support or transition arrangements you would need.

Subject to the Council completing investment works and preparation to reopen the whole building, the aim is to have a tenant in place from September 2026. In parallel, the Council is exploring the potential transfer of the building to Rochford Parish Council to hold it for the future; if this goes ahead, the successful tenant will be expected to work with the Parish Council.

Key dates:

• Expression of Interest opens: 30 April 2026
• Submission deadline: 14 June 2026

For full details, application pack, timeline and instructions on how to submit, visit: www.rochford.gov.uk/TheFreightHouse

What is a Discovery Day?
It’s a safe, relaxed space designed to bring people together. Every voice matters, and everyone is welcome. Whether you want to speak up, share an idea, or just sit back, listen, and see what it’s all about, there is a place for you.  Key topics we’ll explore together include:
Moving more and finding ways to feel healthier.
Wellbeing and keeping ourselves feeling good.
Local opportunities and activities already happening near you.

Why Should You Come Along?
Because nobody knows your community better than you do! This isn’t just another standard meeting-it’s a genuine opportunity to:
Connect: Meet new people who care about the local area.
Celebrate: Build on what is already fantastic about Rochford.
Create: Turn shared ideas into real, positive opportunities for the town.

Please Note: This specific Discovery Day is focused entirely on Rochford town itself (rather than the wider district), ensuring we focus heavily on the hyper-local issues and opportunities that matter most to you. Come along, bring yourself, and leave feeling connected, heard, and inspired. We can’t wait to see you there!