FREE Fun-filled Days for Families with Children Aged 0-3 Across Southend!

June 20, 2024

Raising Southend: a Festival of Conversations is back from Wednesday 26th to Sunday 30th June with FREE events for local families expecting a child or with children aged 0-3.

Across the City, in various locations, events and activities will focus on everything from food, arts and creativity, sustainability, pregnancy, mental health and support for Dads, to fun play sessions, outdoor activities and more.

Organised by ABSS, they will be joined by many local Organisations, including SAVS and City Family, to create something for everyone and provide information to families on support available in the community.

 An ABSS Parent Champion said of the last Festival of Conversations in 2022:

“We experienced a full week of enjoyable activities, engagement, and extensive networking. The most remarkable aspect was that the event was completely free, which is a significant support given the current financial challenges many are facing.”  

This year’s Festival will include:

 Healthy Baking for Families with Dana (Friday 28 June, 12.30 – 2.30pm at Trinity Family Centre, Westcliff). Dana from Great British Bake Off 2023 will share tips and the joy of baking with little ones. FOOD Club will also be there to provide additional activities. 

Euros 2024 Fun for Dads and Little Ones (Saturday 29 June, 10.00am – 12.00pm at Trust Links Shoeburyness). Dads and their little ones can enjoy football themed fun, conversation and a delicious free brunch. 

Pregnancy, Toddler & Baby Yoga (Thursday 27 June, from 9.30am at Ultimate Fitness, Westcliff) 3 sessions of yoga are available with Yoga4All who will provide taster sessions to support gentle movement and relaxation. 

Family Fun Time at the Beach (Saturday 29 June, 12.00 – 3.00pm at Beach Hut no. 13, East Beach) The ABSS Engagement Team will provide fun outdoor activities and buckets and spades.  There will also be visits from the local beach clean heroes at Surfers Against Sewage, the Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) - unless they receive a call out! 

Sustainable Parenting Ideas Market & Fun Day (Sunday 30 June, 11.00am – 2.00pm at The Royals Shopping Centre, Southend) Families and the local community can discover family support available locally, enjoy a delicious smoothie from the pedal power Eco-bike, plus fun for little ones with the Little City play area and face painting. 

And much more! 

The full programme of events is available at abetterstartsouthend.co.uk/festival. 

Some events require booking, so head over to our website now!

For more information, contact: festivalofconversations@eyalliance.org.uk.