THIRTY-TWO Southend charities have joined forces to help tackle food poverty in the city ahead of an expected surge in demand amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Charity representatives met at Porters Civic House to launch “Southend Alliance”, a new initiative to help different charities collaborate more effectively.

The charities teaming up could mean that when one has a surplus of food, it can be shared with other groups to ensure it is not wasted.

Echo: Southend Mayor Stephen Habermel praised the charities for their efforts to help the city's citizens.Southend Mayor Stephen Habermel praised the charities for their efforts to help the city's citizens. (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Another main aim of the alliance is to signpost services available to people who might not know they are eligible, such as foodbanks. 

It is hoped greater awareness of the organisations available will help ease rising demand from Southend families amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Daniel Cauchi, centre manager at the St Vincent De Paul Centre in Short Street, is one of three trustees tasked with bringing the charities together. 

He works with Natasha Corpus from Southend Foodbank and David Preston from the South Essex Community Hub.

“We’re all trying to do the same thing, help people,” Daniel said.
Echo: Alliance facilitator Elizabeth Stocks will organise a forum for charities to meet.Alliance facilitator Elizabeth Stocks will organise a forum for charities to meet. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

“But we need to have all our food services mapped out. It’s about finding what people need and where in our community, so we can deliver it.

Whichever charity has excess food at the end of the day can share it with other charities which need it for the people they support. We’re working together to provide not just food, but a pathway for our community.”

Echo: Dawn Gilbert and Liz Robinson from Christian organisation Life Streams represented one of 32 charities taking part.Dawn Gilbert and Liz Robinson from Christian organisation Life Streams represented one of 32 charities taking part. (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Elizabeth Stocks has been employed to facilitate the alliance and organises forums for charities to meet to discuss ideas.

She said: “With the cost-of-living crisis, more people are going to need help, so they need to know where to go. We need to promote the provisions that already exist to help us meet the increasing demand.”

In a speech at the launch, Southend mayor Stephen Habermel said: “The Southend Alliance serves as a compass, guiding us to areas where support is required and enabling us to extend a helping hand where it is most needed. It goes beyond charity. It’s about building a community where individuals feel supported and valued.

“This connectedness is what makes Southend truly special.”