20 March 2025
It’s Achievement of the Month time again, and we’ve chosen the For All achievement from the Community Engagement category. Support groups for women, LGBT+, BME, and other liberation/equality groups. This achievement is for anyone that volunteers with support groups for women, LGBT+, BME, and other liberation/equality groups etc. For example, this could be Basildon Pride, […]
18 February 2025
Leif’s Christmas Card Fundraiser An inspirational primary school pupil from Billericay has raised hundreds of pounds for his local RSPCA by designing and selling a charity Christmas card. Leif Emanuel-Francis, nine, raises money for charity each year, and this Christmas Leif used his artistic skills to create and sell more than 120 colourful robin design […]
11 February 2025
Basildon Billericay & Wickford CVS are delighted to have been granted funding from Heart of Pitsea to continue the successful A.C.T.I.O.N (Against Crime Together In our Neighbourhood) crime awareness project. A.C.T.I.O.N initially focused on raising awareness and providing information on areas of criminal concern identified through consultation with people living and working within the Heart […]
10 February 2025
Our Achievement of the Month for February is from the Families and Youth category. Help in Scouting, Guiding, Cadets, Brigades, DofE etc. This could be for you if you volunteer as an Akela or Brown Owl, a Squadron or DofE Leader, or one of the many roles within amazing community organisations like these. To find […]
19 November 2024
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference to their local community by volunteering. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) celebrate the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK. The award is equivalent to an MBE, and is the highest award given […]
14 November 2024
We are looking for two fun and energetic part time youth club leaders to work at our Little Monsters Club (for ages 5-11) and our Youth YOUnity Club (for ages 11-17), which run at The Crown Community Centre in Crest Avenue, Pitsea every Wednesday afternoon. Our club members enjoy arts and crafts, table games, ball […]
16 August 2024
Summer Sparks BBW Volunteer Network will be attending the Summer Sparks event being run by Creative Basildon on Saturday 17th August from 11am-3pm in Northlands Park. You’ll be able to pick up the latest issue of our popular Community Connection magazine, chat to us about volunteering in your community, and find out about the Volunteer […]
29 May 2024
Just over a week to go until our Volunteer Fair on Friday 7th June (10am-2pm) in the foyer of the Basildon Centre. At the event you can find information about helping out in your community from a selection of the organisations working in the borough. Coming to the event we have: ACL Achieve Thrive Flourish […]
8 April 2024
Volunteer Activity Portal The Volunteer Activity Portal is a brand new system designed to log volunteering activity happening across Basildon borough. It has been designed to be easy-to-use and to reward volunteering through a collection of Achievements and a Community Star Score. Perks By logging your volunteering activity you will gain points that go towards […]
6 September 2023
HELP FOR UKRAINE As part of our on-going support for our new friends in Borodyanka in Ukraine we are organising our fourth collection of goods to send to help out with the reconstruction of their community. They have partly rebuilt a community facility and now need to furnish it and get it ready […]
16 August 2023
Yesterday we spent the afternoon supporting Trust Links to deliver a volunteering activity at the All About Centre in Laindon. The All About Centre is a delivery site of Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service and Barnardo’s. Families who attended the free event carried out some gardening activity in the centre’s garden, to improve the […]
18 July 2023
Twelve volunteers from Ford Credit, gave up one of their community days to help at the Papworth Trust Basildon site on Thursday 13 July. Tasks for the day included: Decorating one of the disabled toilets Repair and paint the rear and side external window frames Reduce the height of two raised beds so they are […]
8 June 2023
Help your community: Become a volunteer reservist Your local NHS is looking to for people living in Essex to sign up as a volunteer and help make a difference at one of their local hospitals. Volunteers are incredibly important to the NHS and make a valuable contribution to the quality-of-care patients’ experience. There are several […]
21 April 2023
The Big Help Out is a national day of volunteering happening on Monday 8 May, the Bank Holiday Monday of the Coronation weekend. The campaign hopes to inspire people everywhere to roll up their sleeves, and look for a way to help out in their local communities! As we become aware of ‘Big Help Out’ activity […]
27 February 2023
Spring is a time of new beginnings as the world comes back to life after the cold winter. It’s also a great time to get involved in volunteering and give back to your community. Here are some ideas for spring volunteering: Community Clean-ups: Spring is the perfect time to organize a community clean-up. You […]
21 December 2022
It is no surprise that Christmas can be a lonely time for many people. The festive season might have got you thinking about how to give back and reach out to people experiencing loneliness and Befriending is the perfect way to do this! You may have noticed a number of Befriending schemes on our Volunteer […]
18 November 2022
With the darker night’s drawing in and temperature dropping, you may be feeling more worried, anxious, frustrated, lonely or bored than normal. However, there are ways to help improve your mental wellbeing during the winter months! We have collated a few helpful tips for feeling brighter in the cold months. Create A Routine You may […]
9 November 2022
If the past few years have shown us anything, it is the power of volunteering and the importance of communities supporting each other. From picking up groceries for your neighbour to sewing masks for your local hospital, volunteering has never been so visible. But why do people volunteer and why should you volunteer? This can […]
3 November 2022
By now I am sure you have all started to feel the chill of winter approaching. For many, it can be hard to stay warm in the colder months. Add the energy price cap increase on top and the cost-of-living crisis and this winter may be extra challenging for many members of our community. However, […]
27 October 2022
Movember is a yearly initiative to raise money for the leading men’s health charity across the world. Movember focuses on three of the top issues amongst men: Mental health and Suicide Prevention, Prostate Cancer and Testicular Cancer. Since 2003, they have funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects whilst challenging social norms surrounding men’s health! […]
24 October 2022
Autumn is here and there are so many exciting spooky activities happening across Essex! Here are just a few which could keep you and your loved ones entertained this month: Langdon Pongy Potions and Smelly Spells at the Langdon Nature Reserve Visit Langdon Nature Reserve for some halloween themed family fun in the beautiful woodland […]
17 October 2022
October is Black History Month. This is a period where we highlight the often undiscussed achievements and experiences of Black people across the world. It is not just a month for learning about Black people who made a difference in the past, but also a time where we come together to celebrate the achievements and […]
14 October 2022
The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, meaning that the time of year when the flu virus thrives is right around the corner. The flu vaccine is free to many people across the UK and it is extremely important that all eligible people get their jab. The flu can be very […]
3 October 2022
If you quit smoking for 28 days, you are 5 times more likely to quit for good. Lets get started this October!
29 September 2022
Macmillan Coffee Morning 2022 is right around the corner, find out more about how to get involved in Basildon, Billericay and Essex.
What is BasildON Voices? BasildON Creative People and Places is an organisation which aims to provide more people opportunities to commission, create and participate in cultural activities in Basildon. You may have seen the beautiful new street artwork in the town centre which was organised by them! To ensure that their art program benefits all […]
13 September 2022
On Thursday 8th of September HRH Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Scottish estate in Balmoral. Her majesty was the UK’s longest-serving monarch, spending 70 years on the throne. The Queen remained a constant figure for the people of Britain, the commonwealth and the world during the period of immense social change through which […]
4 August 2022
Our Summer 22 edition of Community Connection magazine is now available to read online. This edition features articles from Basildon Heritage, Parent’s Aid, Essex Family Support Service as well as the latest volunteer opportunities, job vacancies, activities and lots more. Read it here: Community Connection Issue 19 – BBW Volunteer Network
30 June 2022
***New*** The Story Forge Games Club – Grand Opening SUNDAY, 17 JULY 2022 FROM 14:30-19:30 George Hurd Day Centre SS14 2FL Have you ever wanted to slay a Dragon or explore the vastness of space? Create your own world or command armies of loyal soldiers to march off into a great battle? Maybe you just […]
8 June 2022
Exciting News! Here at the BBW Volunteer Network we’d like to offer our congratulations to The Listening Post CIC and BOSP for being awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2022. Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering. Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through […]
25 May 2022
Do you have any plans to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? There are lots of exciting things going on across the Borough over the Jubilee weekend. Here are just some of them. You will find further event information on the Council’s Platinum Jubilee webpage.
18 May 2022
Are you looking for a job or need some careers advice? If so why not visit the Advice Store in Basildon for their small scale Careers Fair on Friday 27th May between 11am and 3pm. This event needs to be booked prior to attending. Book your space here.
11 May 2022
Dementia Action Week is taking place between 16th and 22nd May. The Alzheimer’s Society run this awareness campaign annually to encourage people to ‘act on dementia’. This year the theme is diagnosis. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss, it could be a sign of dementia. Research shows that the misconception around memory […]
4 May 2022
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event when there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health. The Mental Health Foundation started the event 21 years ago. Each year the Foundation continues to set the theme, organise and host the week. The event has grown to […]
28 April 2022
Diabetes UK, in partnership with BBW CVS are offering a FREE Awareness session 16th June 1pm via zoom to mark Diabetes Week This 1-hour session will provide basic knowledge of Type 1 and Type 2, common symptoms, risk factors of Type 2, hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, complications, and an update on prevention studies. This is a […]
20 April 2022
Our latest edition of Community Connection magazine is available to read online now! In this issue you will find articles from: Basildon Heritage on royal visits to the borough over the last 70 years Basildon Pride on what it means to be Transgender and Non Binary HeadsUp Employment Service Warp-It Reuse Service Feeding the Family […]
13 April 2022
Friday 15th April marks Micro-volunteering day. A day to highlight and raise awareness about micro-volunteering, its benefits and how you can get involved. What is Micro Volunteering? “Micro-volunteering is bite-size volunteering with no commitment to repeat and with minimum formality, involving short and specific actions that are quick to start and complete” (National Council for […]
30 March 2022
The annual Basildon Volunteer Awards celebrate the selfless help and support provided by the borough’s dedicated volunteers. For the first time since the pandemic began the awards were able to be held in-person and award nominees and their special guests were invited to attend the prestigious event generously sponsored by several Basildon based businesses and […]
17 March 2022
The FREE Weight Management programme, My Weight Matters is back up and running at The George Hurd Centre every Tuesday, 10-11:30am. No appt needed, just drop in and meet our friendly volunteers who will support you on your journey. For more info visit: http://ow.ly/vsKF50IjJhW
18 February 2022
WECAN’s TEC Mate scheme needs tec-savvy volunteers to help isolated members of the community access technology
7 February 2022
Today marks the beginning of the 21st Student Volunteering Week! Student Volunteering week celebrates student volunteering and the positive impact it can have on student wellbeing, employability and the local community.
5 August 2021
A Community Exchange, sometimes known as a TimeBank, is an informal way of volunteering within the community. In a Community Exchange, you can do a favour for someone in the community, and someone else can help you if you need it! This creates a cycle of community support, allowing individuals to share their skills and […]
28 July 2021
The July issue of Community Connection is out now! Featuring Mark Massey’s New Town Portraits from the Basildon Creative People and Places Open Lab project, the Billericay Foodbank, Baby Basics, Wickford in Bloom, a puzzle page and so much more! Find out about all the latest volunteering opportunities in the Borough, as well as local […]
1 June 2021
Its Volunteers Week and to mark the occasion we have put together this ‘appreciation station’ with messages of thanks from supporters. David Dadds , Mayor of Basildon Borough: I wish to thank all volunteers who take time from their busy lives to help out others. The last year has been partly challenging for many and […]
12 May 2021
A time to say thanks: Recognising the contribution of volunteers to communities during coronavirus Volunteers’ Week 2021 is almost here! Volunteers’ Week takes place between 1-7 June every year and is a time to recognise and thank volunteers. During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time […]
13 April 2021
On Thursday 15th April we are marking Micro-volunteering day. It provides the opportunity to highlight micro-volunteering and how it can benefit the community. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations define micro-volunteering as “bite-size volunteering with no commitment to repeat and with minimum formality, involving short and specific actions that are quick to start and complete”. […]
10 March 2021
The Office for National Statistics is hosting new virtual census support events for the communities of Essex. These virtual workshops will talk residents through both the online and paper versions of the census form, provide guidance on how to complete it, and answer any questions they may have. There will be the opportunity for participants […]
11 February 2021
This week (8th – 14th February) is Student Volunteering Week and we have marked the occasion with a Social Media Take Over! Students from Beauchamps High School in Wickford have been posting posters and videos on the Volunteer Network social media pages, to tell us about their own experiences of volunteering, as well as the […]
Our February edition of Communication is now available to view online. In this month’s edition you’ll find articles on LGBT History Month, Carers First, The Wickford Wombles and The Census and much more! Click here to view it.
3 February 2021
Organisations and groups in the Basildon Borough are invited to an online information event about Basildon Youth Zone, hosted by members of the OnSide Youth Zones team. During this one-hour meeting, you will hear all about what the Youth Zone will offer the town’s young people as well as the sustainable model it is built […]
13 January 2021
Towards the end of last year we launched our ‘Community Exchange’ (Time Bank) portal – This is where individuals can take part in informal volunteering, sharing skills with other community members or carrying out one off/ad hoc opportunities with the aim of creating a cycle of community support. You can register on the Exchange as an individual […]
Community Connection is a magazine about you, our community. We want to hear from you and feature you in our future issues. What we are looking for: The Public: Stories about your experience volunteering, spotlights on voluntary organisations or individual volunteers that made a difference in your life and inspiring stories from your community. Organisations: […]
10 December 2020
MSE Festive Big Thank You On Monday 14 December Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership is launching the MSE Festive Big Thank You to spread some festive cheer and to recognise how people across mid and south Essex have come together to fight coronavirus. How you can get involved The campaign has been […]
1 December 2020
Our November issue of Community Connection is out now! This edition features articles from BASIS, Laindon School Uniform Bank, Billericay Food Bank, Motivated Minds as well as puzzles, the latest volunteer opportunities, some Basildon history from Basildon Heritage and more! Read it here.
3 November 2020
Trustees Week: 2-6th November 2020 Trustees Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference. Sam and Tracy are Trustees at the Charity BASIS and have very kindly shared their story with us: Sam […]
22 October 2020
The October edition of our Volunteer Network E-Bulletin is out now! Inside you can find the latest volunteering and training opportunities. To sign up to receive the Volunteer Network E-Bulletin straight to your inbox every month please click here, or read this month’s issue now.
9 October 2020
Read Now! The fifth edition of our Community Connection magazine is out now! This month’s edition is full of volunteer news and local information, as well as a fun Halloween-themed puzzle page. Our volunteer spotlight this month is on the work of Parents 1st, and community groups featured include Basildon Pride, Peaceful Place and The Next […]
25 September 2020
Basildon’s local radio station, Gateway 97.8, are celebrating ten years on the air today! The station, which launched on September 25 2010, has gone from strength to strength over the past decade and has become a beacon of community in the Borough. They have celebrated countless successes over the years, from the recent Princess Royal […]
18 September 2020
Community Connection Issue 4 Our latest edition of Community Connection is out now! With a fun activity page, an introduction to the Community Exchange, lots of amazing Network News and a spotlight on our Volunteer group of the month, it is the perfect September read. If you would like to be featured in our next […]
South Essex Sew 4 South Essex Sew 4 Community is our volunteer group of the month. Established at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the group has used the power of social media to encourage local people with sewing skills to come together and sew for our key workers. The group initially responded to a […]
2 September 2020
We recently welcomed Billericay Volunteers Network (BVN) into our wider BBW Volunteer Network. After discussions with the BVN founder, Carl Roberts, it was felt an appropriate time to connect the networks together. This means that the BBW Volunteer Network will be taking over the management of the BVN group on Facebook and its associated Twitter account. We […]
Do you know a volunteer or voluntary organisation in the Borough that have gone the extra mile? We want to feature them in our Community Connection magazine. Please email us with any nominations you may have to be included in our next edition.
In August we launched our very first Virtual Volunteer Fair on our You Tube channel. The fair features videos from a selection of our local charities who are looking for volunteers to support them in running key services for the community. The fair is still live for you to view from the comfort of your […]