Chairman's Charity

2022/2023 - Gold Geese 

Newly elected Town Council Chairman Keith Evans has officially announced local charity Gold Geese as his chosen charity for the 2022-2023 administrative year.

Gold Geese are a local charity, based in Leigh-on-Sea, providing support to under 18’s fighting cancer in Southend and the surrounding area. It is a small charity that aims to provide unique care and support, tailored to each family. This support ranges from funding for mental health therapy, food shop vouchers, toys and gifts, weekend trips away and practical help with travel to and from hospitals, providing care for the whole family, siblings and parents. 

Gold Geese raises awareness of childhood cancer signs and symptoms every September with their campaign to “Go Gold”. Local shops, schools and businesses get involved by turning everything yellow and gold for the month. 

The charity was founded by Katie Southgate, a mother to a childhood cancer patient in 2014. Luckily, the child is now living a happy life, causing madness and mayhem! Understanding what the diagnosis means and the impact it has, Gold Geese can empathise with families in the same situation.

“Leigh-on-Sea Town Council’s support is massive for our charity, we are delighted to be partnered with them for the year.” said founder, Katie Southgate.

Cllr Evans stated “I was keen to support the work of a local Leigh based charity that didn’t have access to major funding and felt that Gold Geese was a very worthy cause.” Residents can expect to see a number of charitable events and initiatives taking place over the year, including some exciting events for Christmas, to raise vital funds for this worthy cause.

For more information about Gold Geese visit their website www.goldgeese.org. Registered charity number 1182332.

2021/2022 - Phab Life

Cllr Douglas Cracknell who became Council Chairman in 2021, has chosen Phab Life as his charity for the year. Money raised during this year will be donated to support the Phabulous Cafe, in the former site of Oasis Cafe on Leigh Road, and the other work they do around the local area supporting adults and children with differing abilities.

"Phabulous is a brand new café in Leigh on Sea, but we're not any ordinary cafe. We are a training centre for local people with additional needs to gain skills, experience and confidence in the food industry! There are no sign up/training fees if you want to come work with us! We are a local charity that relies on local support, so please come and visit us soon!"

2020/2021 - The Endeavour Trust

Paul Gilson, Chairman of Leigh-on-Sea Town Council, selected The Endeavour Trust as his charity for the 2020/2021 Council Year. 

The Endeavour Trust is a charitable organisation set up in 2001 in order to restore and maintain a historic fishing boat from Leigh-on-Sea to its former glory. Endeavour is one of only two surviving Leigh-built fishing boats that went to Dunkirk and is registered with the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. The charity focuses on the restoration and maintenance of the ship as well as providing educational talks and trips for schools and groups. More information can be found about The Endeavour Trust on their website endeavourtrust.blogspot.com. The Council already has an alliance with this charity, supporting it over many years through the Council’s Grant Aid Award Scheme.

2019/2020 - Age Concern Southend

Cllr Jill Healey was elected as Town Council Chairman on 14th May 2019. Her chosen charity for the year is Age Concern Southend, which she will be supporting through a variety of councillor led events and initiatives over the year. 

Age Concern Southend has been helping older people in the Southend area since 1974, that's over 40 years of expertise in providing support, advice and services to our community. Age Concern Southend provide advice, support, befriending, transport, wheelchair hire, community clubs and leisure/social activities. 

Registered charity number 1160916

Find our more by visiting https://www.acsos.co.uk/ or calling 01702 345373. 

2018/19 - Southend YMCA

Council Chairman Valerie Morgan says, "When I was elected Chairman I realised I needed a charity to support for my year in office. I decided I wanted it to be local and to benefit young people with problems and on looking around, Southend YMCA ticked both those boxes. I hope over the year to raise some money for them and to raise their profile in the Town."

Southend YMCA work with children, young people and families providing education, accommodation, positive activities which further personal, social, cultural and moral development and health & well-being services. 

Over the year funds of £1060.95 were raised through a series of community events including Carols on Strand Wharf, a quiz night, Jazz Café event and an Easter Bunny Hunt. Valerie would like to thank all local residents who helped to raise funds for her chosen charity. Valerie was thrilled to raise such a large amount over her year as Chairman, for a charity that was close to her heart.