From 31st March 2025, SAVS’ work with ABSS will come to an end, due to the end of the ABSS grant. This includes our Parent Champion programme. A new ‘Southend’s Parent Voice’ pilot project will be developed to continue the learnings of the ABSS Parent Champion programme.
To learn more about ABSS programme changes beyond 31st March 2025, visit the Beyond ABSS webpage.
SAVS Engagement team support parents to get involved with the ABSS programme. This means parents can not only take part in ABSS projects or access ABSS services, but also means parents have an opportunity to become Parent Champions for the ABSS programme. This allows them to be actively involved in conversations, helping to design and develop ABSS services through working together with partners. The Engagement and Co-Production project has collaborated with 108 Parent Champions, engaging thousands of families in the ABSS programme since 2017. The knowledge and insights from parents, alongside the support of SAVS, has successfully shaped ABSS services.
New Parent Champions are no longer being recruited. Existing Parent Champions are supporting ABSS and are being supported by SAVS in their next steps.
SAVS, in partnership with Southend City Council, will launch a new initiative, opening out opportunities for parents to share their lived experience and be part of conversations that shape decisions in Southend’s communities. Coordinated by SAVS, ’Southend’s Parent Voice’ will be open to parents of children aged 0-11 years old from across Southend. To be a part of conversations that could shape decisions for the community, please contact Project Coordinator, Michelle Gray, for more information: MGray@Savs-southend.co.uk
Additional volunteering opportunities will be available via Southend Volunteer Hub.
If you have any questions or concerns around family services in Southend, please contact City Family’s Information and Guidance Service where their friendly Navigators will be able to assist you.
Call: 01702 844188
WhatsApp/Live Chat: 07507 242398
Email: yfsouthend@cityfamily.org.uk
or visit www.cityfamily.org.uk
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:30am – 7:00pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:30am – 3:00pm