RRAVS | Rayleigh and Rochford District Association for Voluntary Service

Are you worried about your gambling, or the gambling of someone else?

admin — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:46:36 +0000

The way we talk about gambling shapes how we understand it and how we respond. For too long, the national conversation has been led by industry narratives that minimise harm and place blame on individuals. But gambling harm is not just a clinical diagnosis or a personal problem. It is a systemic, population-level issue that affects millions of people, both directly and indirectly. By shifting the language, we shift the lens.

Download more information below which includes local support for those affected (scroll down).

FREE Securing Large Grants Workshops

admin — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:15:01 +0000

Securing large grants for £50,000+ for medium and large voluntary organisations is an important part of any fundraising plan.
This workshop will provide top tips on making a strong case for large grants, who provides these grants and a deep dive into one of the main
large grant funds.

Increase your chances of securing a large grant by attending this free, specialist workshop!
All workshops are 10:00 – 1:00pm

Rayleigh Parish Centre, Rayleigh 4th June
Chelmsford Rugby Football Club, 9th June
Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon – 23rd June
Colchester Rugby Club, Colchester, 1st July
West Essex, Date TBC

Book your FREE place here: https://www.activeessex.org/your-essex-community/securing-large-grants-workshops/

Webinar – Legal Structures and the EPortal

admin — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:22:13 +0000

This MS Teams webinar introduces the key governance structures available to voluntary and community groups, including the differences between unincorporated and incorporated models, different charity and membership structures, and Community Interest Companies. Participants will gain an understanding of the benefits and considerations of each option, along with practical next steps when forming or developing an organisation.

The session also includes a demonstration of the Your Essex Community E‑Portal, highlighting the governance tools and resources available to support your organisation.

MS Teams, Thursday, 21 May, 12:00 pm – Click here to book a place

Easyfundraising

admin — Thu, 07 May 2026 14:36:00 +0000

When you shop online with Tesco in May, you can earn your chosen good cause a chance to receive one of five £1000 unrestricted funding pots. Easyfundraising partners with over 8,000 retailers who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice. It won’t cost you any extra, the cost is covered by the retailer.

This campaign runs across the whole of May so the good causes in your network have lots of time to get involved. It’s open to community groups, voluntary organisations, charities, CICs, social enterprises, sport organisations, schools and education settings, churches and faith organisations.

Find out more: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/how-it-works/

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

A Joint Vision for Civil Society in Greater Essex

admin — Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:16 +0000

At this time of major system change across Essex, our sector needs a shared voice. RRAVS are proud to support A Joint Vision for Civil Society in Greater Essex is a practical tool for partnership and invitation for change.

Download and read the vision below and add your support: essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk/a-joint-vision/

If you have any questions, then please contact info@rravs.org.uk or policy@essexcf.org.uk

Rochford Jobs, Skills and Volunteers Fair

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:46:49 +0000

Enhance your skills, boost your career and explore the latest opportunities.

Are you looking to boost your career, enhance your skills or look for volunteering opportunities? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with local employers, training providers and voluntary organisations all in one place. The Rochford District Employment, Skills & Volunteers Fair will take place at The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh SS6 7ED on Tuesday 2nd June from 12.30pm – 3.30pm.

Meet potential employers and explore job and volunteering opportunities
Discover training programs to enhance your skills
Access health and wellness resources to support your well-being

Download the poster below

Community Funding Fair

admin — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:24:44 +0000

Friday, June 5 • 1 PM – 3 PM, Belle Vue Baptist Church, Belle Vue Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2QZ

This event is designed to bring together funders and community organisations from across our local area. We know that many local organisations are doing outstanding work but can often feel underrepresented when it comes to accessing funding opportunities.

The fair will provide a valuable opportunity to:

Meet funders face-to-face
Learn about current and upcoming funding opportunities
Gain practical advice on strengthening funding applications
Build connections across the local voluntary and community sector

Funders exhibiting include:

National Lottery Heritage Fund
Fowler, Smith & Jones Trust
Shared Space Boost Fund
Community Investment Board
People’s Postcode Lottery / Trusts
Historic England
National Lottery Community Fund
…and more!

Whether you are a small grassroots group or a more established organisation, we would be delighted for you to join us. Feel free to pass the event link to further organisations!

Please order your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-community-funding-fair-tickets-1986526831228?aff=oddtdtcreator

Emergency First Aid at Work

admin — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:45:54 +0000

Emergency First Aid at Work | Wednesday 29^th July 2026 | 9am – 4pm
We are running another Emergency First Aid At Work sessions on Wednesday 27th May 2026 to be held in the Cloister Room, The Parish Centre, Rectory Garth, Rayleigh, SS6 8BB, from 9am until 4pm with a break for lunch (not included), tea, coffee and water will be available.

This course covers the role of the first aider, CPR, use of a defibrillator, choking, caring for an unconscious person, shock, seizures, bleeding, burns, scalds etc. It is all classroom based and is equivalent to a level 2 qualification. You will receive a certificate at the end of the course.

First come, first served. Price is £50.00 per delegate, non refundable however the name of the delegate can be changed.

Please email for further information or alternatively click on the date below to book a space.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981702062214?aff=oddtdtcreator

Up to £5,000 available – open for applications next week

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:57:42 +0000

Rochford Community Fund opens for applications next week. Rochford District Council, in partnership with Active Essex and the Castle Point and Rochford Health and Wellbeing Board, will open applications for the 2026 Rochford Community Fund on 1 April, inviting local groups and residents to bid for support to bring impactful community initiatives to life.

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.