What we do
St Vincent's Centre Southend is a busy community hub in Southend which runs vital services and programmes to support vulnerable people in the local community.
Daily Services
Monday to Friday Drop in - 11am - 2pm
Saturday - 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Recovery Programme
Smart Recovery Chat - Monday 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Smart Recovery Programme - Wednesday 1pm - 2pm
Our Monthly Newsletter
Foodbank Services
Our crisis foodbank supports individuals and families at a time when they are most in need and have no other means of support.
Our foodbank supplies food, toiletries, household essentials as well as nappies and baby food. Our volunteer drivers cover the Southend, Southchurch, Westcliff, Chalkwell and Leigh-on-Sea areas.
We also run a 'Knock and Drop' service on a Tuesday delivering food parcels to our most vulnerable beneficiaries. The food parcels are designed to last a week and support can be given for between one and four weeks depending on individual circumstances.
If you or someone you know needs help, please ring our centre on 01702 592980 between 11am - 2pm, Monday to Friday or complete the form by clicking the button below.
In the case of supporting agencies, please email southendsupport@svp.org.uk for a third party referral.
Vinnie’s Pick and Mix
Vinnie’s Pick and Mix is our weekly food market where people and families can come along to the centre and purchase up to 15 good quality food items for £4 per week with a fee of £1 yearly membership.
No referral is needed, just come along to the centre on a Friday morning between 10am - 11:30am.
Individual supported services
If you or someone you know is struggling, our clothing and household store can supply clothes, shoes, bedding and small household items on request.
We also have the below services, please get in touch to find out more about our services.
- Finding supported accommodation - Signposting to external agencies.
- Learning and educational guidance - Training opportunities to develop skills.
- Wellbeing service - Drop in between 11am - 2pm (Monday - Friday).
- Mental health support
- Bank Accounts (Partnership with HSBC)
- Utilities support - Appointment only,
- Smart Recovery Programme
- Counselling service
These are all reviewed on a case-by case basis and we can provide one-off payments to those in crisis and struggling.
Essex Therapy Dogs
At St Vincent's Centre, we offer a dog-friendly atmosphere. We're proud to partner with Essex Therapy Dogs, bringing regularly support to our clients through the comforting presence of therapy dogs.
Calmness: Therapy dogs help you feel relaxed and less stressed, creating a peaceful environment.
Comfort and Emotional Support: Dogs offer comfort and support, cheering you up during tough times.
Boredom Reduction: Interacting with dogs is fun and entertaining, beating boredom.
Anxiety Reduction: Dogs provide a sense of security, lowering anxiety levels.
Decrease Loneliness: Dogs offer companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness.
Reduces Depression: Spending time with dogs brings joy and comfort, lifting your mood.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Partnerships
St Vincent's centre has lots of close professional partnerships in the local community who will often make referrals on behalf of their clients. This case study is an example of a successful partnership.
This lady has been using our services for some time. She has been street homeless, and through our professional relationships and support provided to her, we were able to find her accommodation.
Her experience of homelessness had a profound impact on her mental health, and she struggled to cope. She had no belongings of her own and was in desperate need of clothing, food and many other basic necessities. SVP Southend provided her with food, clothing and other essentials like toiletries with help from the local community.
