£2500 funding for your business website | £360 for students | Free lunch ckecks | Jobs in Basildon

Good morning, Basildon!

It’s been Ms Bee from the Basildon Hive newsletter here, bringing you all the latest news, opportunities, and events happening in Bas Vegas this week.

Before we delve in, enjoy this photo of the new cute little piglets born at the Barleylands farm 2 nights ago.

What’s new in our area?

There’s a new gymnastics centre opening at Festival Leisure! 🤸‍♂️

Big news for parents of little gymnastic enthusiasts - Festival Leisure Park is getting a brand-new gymnastics centre! Better Gym Gymnastics Centre opens this Sunday, March 2, and they’re kicking things off with FREE taster sessions (but you’ll have book ahead).

Here’s what’s on offer this Sunday:

• 9:00-9:45 AM: Tiny tumblers (Ages 3-4)

• 9:45-10:45 AM & 10:45-11:45 AM: Bigger kids (5+)

They’ll be teaching all the flips, rolls, and skills to turn your kid into the next Olympic legend :-). Email [email protected] to book.

💡 Town center lights are being upgraded

If you’ve ever felt like Basildon Town Centre could use a bit more sparkle, good news…it’s getting a lighting upgrade! There probably will be some temporary disruption while they upgrade the lights. Everything should be wrapped up by Spring (according to the Council’s post on Facebook). Any questions, pls send to [email protected].

Free NHS lung check for over 55’s

If you’re 55-74, live in the Billericay/Wickford area, and have ever smoked, you can get a FREE NHS lung check. Why bother? Because catching problems early = staying healthier for longer. And did we mention it’s FREE? If needed, they’ll even send you for a CT scan to make sure everything’s in top shape. Call 0300 300 1557 or check out eoelunghealthcheck.nhs.uk to book.

❤️ Line the Streets for Roman & Darcie

A special community send-off is happening this Saturday, March 1, for Roman and Darcie who passed under tragic circumstances earlier this year. The funeral procession will leave Little Searles around 11:30-11:45 AM, and the family is asking people to line the streets to show their love and support. You can check out the procession route here.

If you can’t make it inside, no worries—there will be big speakers set up so you can still take part. After the service, the family will be at The New Jolly Friar from 2:30 PM if you’d like to stop by and offer condolences.

Let’s show up and give them the heartfelt farewell they deserve. 💙

Weather in Basildon

Getting warmer this week, folks (according to Met Office weather forecast). Expect sunshine every day!!

Job Opportunities in/around Basildon

• Membership Advisor, Everyone Active, Basildon Sporting village (job specifications in the poster below this section) Send your CV to: [email protected]

• Various apprenticeships at Everyone Active. Check them out here.

• Part-Time Cleaner, Wickford/surrounding areas.  Ivy’s Cleaning Services is looking for a part-time cleaner to keep homes and offices spotless! Must have experience, a DBS check, and your own vehicle. Flexible hours (9-5, occasional early mornings) with commission incentives and full training provided. Location: Wickford & surrounding areas. Apply via [email protected]

• Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructors (various locations in Essex). From £12.21 per hour. Turn your love for the outdoors into a paid gig this summer! Essex Outdoors is hiring seasonal instructors—perfect for students. No experience needed; full training and possible accommodation included. Apply: Essex Outdoors Website

•  Part-Time/Full-Time Cleaner, SS16 (and surrounding areas). A cleaning role starting in April, with the option to increase to full-time! Flexible hours, great for those working around school schedules. Must be pet-friendly, detail-oriented, and own a reliable vehicle. Full training provided, fortnightly pay + mileage covered. Apply: [email protected]

• Trade Counter Assistant/Driver – Eurocell (Basildon). Eurocell in Pound Lane, Basildon (SS15, SS14 3GL) is hiring a Trade Counter Assistant/Driver. Salary: £26,698 - £30,298 per year + benefits. Apply: Eurocell Job Listing

• Finance Assistant – West Horndon, Essex. Looking for a Finance Assistant with at least 2 years’ experience, ideally in freight or beverage logistics. Duties include purchase ledger, credit control, customer queries, and admin tasks. Competitive salary, training opportunities, and flexible full-time or part-time options. Office-based role with free parking & great transport links. Apply: [email protected] or Call: 01245 210 329

• Freight Forwarding Apprenticeships – Festival Leisure, Basildon. Salary: £14,722.50 per year. Global Freight Connections offers two apprenticeships (16+). Learn road, air & sea freight, customs, and logistics. Duration: 1 year 9 months Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:30 Apply: Freight Forwarding Apprentice – Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK

• Inside Sales Freight Executive – Basildon. Handle quotations, bookings, client calls, and sales follow-ups. Hybrid working available. Requirements: 2+ years experience in the freight sector Apply: Email CV to [email protected] or call 01245 210 329

• Housekeepers – BasMind, Basildon. Salary: £22,815 per year (pro rata). Maintain cleanliness at Crisis House, restock supplies, and report maintenance issues. Weekday Role: 20 hours per week (Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm) Weekend Role: 8 hours per week (Saturday & Sunday, 10am-2pm) Apply by 28 February 2025: Send completed forms to [email protected]. More info: Basildon Mind

• Recovery Support Worker – BasMind, Basildon. Salary: £17,047 per year + OLF Help young adults navigate mental health recovery by connecting them to local services. Hours: 22.5 per week, occasional evenings and weekends Contract: Fixed term until September 2025 Apply by 28 February 2025: More info & application: Basildon Mind

• Assistant Football Coaches – Football Fun Factory, Basildon. Seeking enthusiastic coaches to support local youth programs in Basildon. Apply: Email [email protected]

• Nursery Deputy Manager – Grays. Salary: £29,000 per year. Montessori nursery seeks a Level 3+ childcare professional for a full-time, permanent role. Hours: 40 per weekApply ASAP: Send CV to [email protected]

• Care Team Members - Beaumont Homecare

  Seeking 3-4 individuals

  Requirements: Kind, honest, committed, empathetic, reliable

  Apply by sending CV to: [email protected]

• Security Officer – Basildon (SS15 6GB) | £12.50/hr
  Full-time role with rotational day and night shifts. Extra pay for training and apprenticeship completion. SIA license or security experience preferred, but full training provided. Must have a full UK driving license and own transport. Benefits include pension, holiday pay, and employee discounts.
  Apply: Online here (Job ref: 1G4S / G131)

• Drainage Engineer, Basildon. Looking for a hands-on role where you can make an impact? We’re hiring a Drainage Engineer to tackle challenges and keep things running smoothly. Apply here

• Sales Administrator – Basildon. Salary: £24,000 - £25,000 per year (DOE) Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5 pm Benefits: 25 days holiday + bank holidays, stakeholder pension, discretionary profit bonus. Apply here: Sales Administrator - Noble Recruiting

Activities for kids

• Yoga for children. Thursdays (free), Northlands Park Family Centre, Basildon. Ages 4 - 4:45pm 6-12 year olds. Reserve a place here https://www.yoga4all.co

Teens

• King Edward Teenage Teatime Community Hub. Every Friday 5 - 7pm. Multisports, Dance, Football, Karaoke, Crafts. Snacks and refreshments provided. Free. Every Friday at King Edward Community Centre, Laindon. SS15 6GY. Contact 07701365822 or [email protected] for more info

• Xplore, Youth Group at Manor Mission Church. Thursdays 8 - 9pm

• Indoor cricket activities and games (Ages 8 - 16). Fridays, 5 - 6pm. (Starting January 24th 2025). JAMES HORNSBY SCHOOL SPORTS HALL LEINSTER ROAD, SS15 5NX. To register, scan the QR code below

• Tots Football Fun sessions. Their exciting inflatable pitch also adds to the magic, creating a safe and fun environment where these special moments happen. Join us and be part of the joy every week! Noble Hall, Wat Tyler Park - Thursday: [https://booking.thefootballfunfactory.co.uk/event/555]

Support for Adults

• £360 Education Essentials Bursary for students. If you're 16-19 and in full-time education, you could get a £360 bursary to help with travel, supplies, and other costs.

  ✅ Who’s Eligible?

  Enrolled in college or sixth form (18+ hours/week) Live 2+ miles from your school/college From a low-income family or on Universal Credit. Apply via: www.basildon.gov.uk/EducationBursary

• Startups and charities can now get up to 75% funding for a custom, professionally designed website through the Website Funding Program. A strong online presence helps attract funding, investors, and drive growth. Apply via: impacthive.co.uk/website-funding

• Private counselling service with Basildon Mind. Call 01268 284130 to make an appointment.

• SEND Support Roadshow – Essex Local Offer. Parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can access expert guidance and local resources at a free support roadshow.

  📅 Date: Tuesday, 11 March 📍 Location: Holiday Inn, Basildon, SS14 3DG. More info: Search for support, groups and activities | Essex Local Offer

Networking for Adults

• Wickford Memorial Parkrun turns five on Saturday, March 1, and everyone is invited to join the celebration. Whether you're a longtime participant or a first-timer, it's a great chance to connect with the community, stay active, and enjoy the park.

  Councillor Jack Ferguson praised the event for bringing people together and promoting well-being.

  📅 Date: Saturday, March 1
  ⏰ Time: Meet at 8:45 AM
  📍 Location: Wickford Memorial Park
  🎭 Optional Fancy Dress: Anything that starts with "W"

• Fobbing Farmers Market – Sunday, March 2

  Support local businesses and enjoy a variety of fresh produce, handmade goods, and more at Fobbing Farmers Market, Gables poultry farm, Waterworks lane, SS17 9HT.

  📅 Date: Sunday, March 2
  ⏰ Time: 9 AM – 3 PM

• Steepleview Community Quiz Night – Saturday, March 15

  The Steepleview Community Association Quiz Night is back! Sponsored by Home Instead Basildon, this fun-filled evening includes a raffle and prizes for the winning team.

  📅 Date: Saturday, March 15
  ⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
  📍 Location: Steepleview Memorial Hall, Basildon SS15 4EQ
  💰 Entry: £5 per person
  🍽 Bring your own food & drinks

  Pay at the door or book in advance by contacting Carol at 07972 698292.

• Join The BIG Sing Community Choir in Basildon

  Looking for a fun way to meet people and lift your spirits? The BIG Sing welcomes all ages and backgrounds—no experience needed, just a love for singing! First session is free! Sign up here: www.big-sing.com/join-US

• Creative’s Coffee Morning

  Join local artists for coffee, pastries, and creative conversation at Towngate Theatre. Meet fellow creatives, share your work, and explore opportunities with the Participation Officer.

  📅 Monday, 10 March | ⏰ 10:00 AM
  📍 Upper Foyer, Towngate Theatre
  🎟 Free to attend

  More info: towngatetheatre.co.uk/creative-coffee-morning

• Learn to knit, crochet or sew on Thursday mornings (10am - 12noon). Venue: The pavilion, Great Berry. £4 per class. Further information, call Ann 07802161021

• Coffee Morning Mondays, 10am - 12pm. Manor Mission Church, ​Manor Mission Church Manor Road Laindon Essex SS15 6PA

• Beechwood community garden meet-up! Visit for a cuppa and to chat about what we are doing or see the new garden!  No experience required just pop along any Thursday in February 1:30-3:30pm.

• Hope Explored is a 3-Week Journey on Purpose.

  WHAT: A laid-back course exploring hope, peace & purpose - perfect for spiritual seekers and the faith-curious! No Bible knowledge needed, no pressure to participate.

  WHEN & WHERE: Tuesdays @ 7:30pm St John's Church, Forest Glade, Langdon Hills, SS16 6RX

  THE VIBE: • Casual hangouts with refreshments • Watch some videos • Chat if you want, or just listen • Zero pressure - try one session and decide! • Totally FREE!

  Ready to explore? Contact Nikki: 📧 [email protected] 📱 07720 089260

Other Opportunities

• The Active Essex Foundation are on the lookout for passionate boxing providers to deliver the BoxSmart On The Ropes programme across #Colchester and surrounding areas! 🥊 If you are committed to making a positive impact on young lives through the power of sport, #AEF want to hear from you! This is a fantastic, funded opportunity to support and engage young people, helping them build confidence, discipline, and resilience. Email [email protected] to register your interest. Learn more about the #BoxSmart programme: https://ow.ly/AM9250V26cl

• South Essex College is looking for a company that is willing to take an apprentice for the LGV 1 and LGV 2 apprenticeships, reach out to [email protected] or 07455 73774 1 as they have funding for this

• Basildon Mind is looking for help liners to provide invaluable first-hand support to local people in need of our support. Please visit our webpage on www.basmind.org or call us on 01268-284130 for all/full details.

• Project 58.7, Feeding the Homeless with Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Basildon – Project 58.7 provides hot meals throughout the year to any adults in need and to the homeless. They are currently looking for volunteers to help during the evenings between 6pm and 7pm. For more details, please contact Jill on 07860 784287.

• Keepfit4Christ Sports Club are non-religious, non-profit, and non-governmental club helping people's wellness and well-being. They are looking for any volunteers that are interested in table tennis who can be available as a stand-in. Sign up here: https://bbwvolunteernetwork.co.uk/.../cover-staff-14938 If you take up this volunteering opportunity you could work towards the Volunteer Activity Portal achievement Sport Coach, in the Health, Wellbeing and Sport category.

Business Opportunities

• The Garden Ornament Centre near ROCHFORD Essex has 3 full truckloads of Rolife, Rokr and Robotime model kits and Book Nooks at knockout prices. The Garden Ornament Centre, Rectory cottage, Hall Road, ROCHFORD, Essex SS4 1PD 01702 546193 OPEN DAILY FROM 10 am TO 5 pm. Make them an offer if you’re interested in buying wholesale. See full post

That’s all folks, till next time!