Community News – RRAVS | Rayleigh and Rochford District Association for Voluntary Service

RRAVS Community Directory

admin — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 18:04:32 +0000

The RRAVS Community Directory gives information about the services and support that RRAVS members provide. Please click on the link to find out what services they can help you with: https://rravs.org.uk/community-directory/

RRAVS Community Feedback

admin — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:14:10 +0000

As a Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) it’s our role to support, promote and represent all of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in the Rochford District. RRAVS are proud to support the Rochford District and would like to take this opportunity to reach out to our members, colleagues and contacts to find out more about what you think of the services we provide. The survey looks at what is working well, where there are gaps, things that are missing, and any areas for improvement.

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.

Carers Voices Newsletter

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:46:54 +0000

Download the latest Carers Voices newsletter below and find further information here: https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/carers-voices/

Expressions of Interest now open: Freight House lease

admin — Wed, 06 May 2026 10:33:09 +0000

Rochford District Council is inviting community organisations, cultural groups and social enterprises to put forward ideas for the future of the Freight House, one of Rochford’s best-known buildings, located next to Rochford Station. They are looking for an experienced, ambitious tenant to bring the building fully back into use and establish it as a vibrant, sustainable community space.

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

Council Agrees Next Steps for Mill Hall and Freight House

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:48:03 +0000

Rochford District Council has outlined immediate plans for two key local community venues following a recent committee meeting:

Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre: The Council will continue managing the venue directly for now, focusing on cutting costs, boosting income, and exploring long-term operational partnerships.
Freight House: A two-month extension has been granted to explore a potential Community Asset Transfer with Rochford Town Council and hold deeper discussions with two leading external operators.

Dedicated task groups have been set up to oversee both projects and report back within two months. Residents are also invited to share their thoughts on local services and assets via the upcoming Council Budget Survey opening this month.

Holiday Activity & Food Programme

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:52:53 +0000

The Essex ActivAte summer programme provides a wide range of free and low-cost holiday activities for children and young people across Rochford and Castle Point, helping them stay active, healthy and engaged throughout the school summer holidays. Funded through the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and delivered by Active Essex in partnership with local providers, the initiative supports young people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing while school is out.

The programme offers a diverse mix of sports, creative workshops, enrichment activities and food education sessions. Young people can take part in activities such as football, multi-sports, swimming, performing arts, outdoor games, arts and crafts, sensory play and team-building challenges. Alongside these activities, participants receive a nutritious meal, helping to ensure that children have access to healthy food during the holidays.

Essex ActivAte primarily supports children who receive income-related Free School Meals, while additional places may be available for young people from low-income working families or those who may be vulnerable to inactivity or social isolation. By providing safe, supportive and engaging environments, the programme helps reduce barriers to participation and gives families valuable support during the long summer holidays.

Download details of the activities below.