Laindon Link roadworks coming | Toys R Us is returning... to the town centre | Where to make new friends | Latest jobs in Basildon

You made it to Friday, Basildon!

Hope you’ve had a good week so far. In today’s newsletter, we’ve got some important updates, new jobs and a lot of new fun activities for adults happening locally.

Before jumping in, please enjoy this beautiful photo of a sunset walk in Canvey Island (only about 20 mins away)

P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please email them to [email protected]. Every single email is read by a real person :-)

Weather in Basildon next week

According to the Met Office weather forecast, we can expect a very cloudy week ahead

P.S Did you know you can sail from London Tilbury to several beautiful destinations around the world?

What's new?

Toys R Us Returns (this time, to the town centre)
The beloved toy retailer is making a comeback in Basildon this November, opening inside the TG Jones store (formerly WH Smith) in the town centre. Get ready to relive the magic!

🚧 Roadworks Alert – The junction between Laindon Link & Great Knightleys
From 7 Oct – 2 Nov, works will remove the existing slip lane and reconfigure access to the new development. Bus stops at Laindon Link and Hempstalls will be suspended 29–31 Oct. Plan ahead!

Basildon Activity Awards 2025 – Nominations still Open
If you know someone making a difference through sport or physical activity, you can nominate them (individual, club, school, or organisation) here
📅 Nominations close: Sunday 28 Sept, 11:59pm
🎉 Awards night: Wed 12 Nov 2025
👉 Nominate here: www.basildon.gov.uk/basildonactivityawards

Jobs

P.S: If you know someone who’s looking for an apprenticeship or a job, feel free to forward this newsletter to help them in their job search

Training/Apprenticeships

Groundwork Apprentice – Euro City, Billericay
Kennel Lane, CM12 9RR | Apprenticeship | Full-time
Learn the essentials of groundworks: excavation, drainage, foundations & more – full training provided!
Apply via [email protected]

Apprentice Business Administrator (Wickford)

Compliance apprentice needed to verify and vet clients through the onboarding process to ensure compliance with the regulatory guidelines and minimising risk to the company.

• 41.5 hours/week

• £16,292

• Start date: 21st October 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Business administrator (level 3)

Apply here

Accounts manager apprentice (Wickford)

Needed to sell advertising to international luxury brands with the opportunity to earn commission and dramatically increase your basic salary.

• 35 hours/week

• £13,741

• Start date: 3rd November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Accounts chartered accountant (SS12)

You will be working with other fellow student accountants also studying AAT/ACCA/ICAEW

• 35 hours/week

• £13,750

• Start date: 13th October 2025

• Duration: 3 years

• Training: Accountancy or taxation professional (level 7)

Apply here

Apprentice IT Support (Basildon)

Duties include running of the “workshop.” e.g reloading of machine operating systems and hardware diagnostics, etc

• 37.5 hours/week

• £15,704

• Start date: 6th October 2025

• Duration: 1 year 6 months

• Training: Information communications technician (level 3)

Apply here

Helpdesk Apprentice (SS15 3WN)

This role involves direct communication with our clients, primarily via phone and email, and is essential to ensuring our customers receive a consistently high level of service

• 37.5 hours/week

• £14,722

• Start date: 22nd October 2025

• Duration: 1 year 6 months

• Training: Information communications technician (level 3)

Apply here

Chef Apprentice (Harvester, SS14 3TJ)

• 30 hours/week

• £15,600

• Start date: 6th October 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3months

• Training: Production chef (level 2)

Apply here

Apprentice Bench joiner(Basildon)

Seeking an enthusiastic and driven IT & Web Development Apprentice

• 40 hours/week

• £15,704

• Start date: 1st October 2025

• Duration: 2 years

• Training: Carpentry and joinery (level 2)

Apply here

Customer service Apprentice (Bear Estate agents, SS16 4HA)

Assisting in ensuring tasks required throughout the company are completed efficiently.

• 35 hours (9am - 5pm)

• £14,918

• Start date: 16th Sept 2025

• Duration: 1 year 1 month

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Apprentice surplus broker (SS13 1EG)

Communicating with businesses and negotiating purchases and sales of excess stock.

• 35 hours (9am - 5pm)

• £13,741

• Start date: 16th August 2025

• Duration: 1 year 1 month

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Apprentice dental nurse (SS14 2EZ)

A local dental practice is looking for an apprentice dental nurse to start an exciting career in dental nursing

• Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm

• £11,778

• Start date: 24th September 2025

• Duration: 1 year

• Training: Dental nurse (GDC 2023) (level 3)

Apply here

Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Apprentice – Basildon
Work alongside experienced pros to keep heavy vehicles running safely and smoothly. Hands-on, early start, and a chance to learn it all.

• £18,000/year | Mon–Fri 7am–4pm

• Start: 3rd November 2025

• Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship

• 3 years

• Apply: View Details

More Local-ish Jobs

Kitchen Staff & Team Members – Runwell Club, Wickford
Part-time, Fridays & weekends | Newly refurbished clubhouse.
📧 [email protected]

Chef – Flamingo Bistro, Billericay
Experienced chef needed for homemade dishes. Flexibility for weekdays/weekends.
📧 [email protected] | Apply in person (35 High Street, Billericay).

Play Centre Team – Monkey Madness
Looking for friendly staff. Skills like face painting or childcare experience are a bonus.
📧 [email protected] | DM on Facebook/Instagram.

Phonics Teacher – Robot Reg (Basildon, Billericay, Wickford)
Part-time | Start Nov 2025 | Deliver fun phonics classes for under 5s. Must be energetic, engaging & available school hours.
📧 [email protected]

Commercial Cleaner – Stanford-le-Hope
5–6 days/wk | Must drive | Training provided | Flexible shifts.
📧 [email protected]

Care Assistants – Hales Group (Essex)
£13.20/hr + mileage | Guaranteed hours | Must drive.
📞 James 07436 222187 | 📧 [email protected] | Apply

Carers – Beaumont Home Care (Brentwood, Billericay, Chelmsford)
Day/evening/weekend shifts | Real Living Wage + paid travel | Drivers only.
📧 [email protected]

Carers – Bluebird Care Essex West
£15/hr weekdays | £16/hr weekends | Must drive.
📞 01277 230763

Support Worker – Wickford
Sunday shifts (9–5) in 7-bed mental health home | Extra hours available.
📧 [email protected]

HGV Class 1/2 Drivers – Tilbury & Surrounding
£17–20/hr PAYE | Ad hoc shifts | Multi-drop essential.
📞 Logirec 01375 515014

FLT Counterbalance Driver – Rainham
£16.21/hr | Mon–Fri | 7–4:30 | Temp-to-perm.
📱 WhatsApp Marc 07815 700455 (quote FLT657)

🏭 Industrial, Warehouse & Trades
Recycling Operative – Basildon
£12.21/hr | Mon–Fri 7–5 | Picking line role. Training & progression.
📞 01268 567000

Warehouse Operative – Wickford
£12.21/hr | Mon–Fri 9–6 | Picking & packing | Weekly pay.
📞 01268 567000 | 📱 WhatsApp 07917 890067

Warehouse Operatives – London Gateway (Corringham)
£12.21/hr | Weekly pay | 7–3 or 2–10 shifts | Own transport needed.
📱 Text “London” to 07377 792109

Embroidery Machine Operator – Basildon
Full-time, permanent | Friendly company.
📞 01268 762430 | 📧 [email protected]

Wood Machinist – Essex
£17–18.50/hr DOE | Full-time, permanent | Weekly pay.
📧 [email protected]

Maintenance Operatives – Leigh-on-Sea
£12.21/hr | 4-on-4-off shifts (6–6) | Cleaning aircraft wheels/brakes + assembly.
📧 [email protected]

Hire Administrator – Basildon (Construction Hire)
Up to £28k | Full-time, permanent | Immediate start.
Apply

Administrator (Operations Support) – Basildon
£30–33k | Full-time, office-based | Strong MS Word schematics skills required.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 01268 971950

Council Tax Billing Officer – Basildon
£20/hr | Remote available | Must have CIVICA Open Revenues/local authority billing exp.
Apply

Paper Round Deliverer – Basildon & Southend Echo
Aged 13+, to deliver newspapers locally (Hockley, Hullbridge, Rayleigh, Runwell, Thundersley). Mon–Fri, before 12pm.
📧 [email protected] | Apply Form

Forklift Drivers – Tilbury & Stanford-le-Hope
Shifts available, pay up to £14.34/hr, full-time contracts after 12 weeks.
📱 Text “FORKLIFT” + Name to 07866 944 899

Yard Controller – Stanford-le-Hope (London Gateway)
£14.58–£16.62/hr + OT, full-time, shift rotations, outdoor role. Own transport required.
Apply Here

Vehicle Parts Fitter – Basildon
£12.50/hr | Mon–Fri | Must have mechanical/automotive experience.
📱 Text “tractor” to 07967104188

Cleaner – Grotbags Cleaners (Essex)
Mon–Sat, 9:30–2:30. Must drive & provide references.
📧 [email protected]

Self-Employed Cleaners – Brentwood
£14–£17/hr | 9:30–2:30 | Flexible, choose your own jobs.
📱 +44 7802 528602 | 📧 [email protected]

Cleaner & Bar Staff – The Nags Head, Billericay
Cleaner (5 days/wk) + Bar staff roles available.
📞 01268 711875 (ask for Jimmy/Justine)

Cleaners – Wetherspoons, Basildon (new pub)
10 hrs/wk | 6–8am shifts | Free breakfast after work.
Apply by 24th Sept: Apply Here

Kitchen Assistant – Harvester Five Bells
Part-time role supporting kitchen team. No experience required.
Apply Here

Team Members – Subway, Billericay
Full & part-time | 16+ | Flexible hours.
📧 [email protected]

Reablement Care Workers – Essex (Hales Group)
£13.20/hr + mileage | Guaranteed hours | Must drive.
📞 James 07436 222187 | 📧 [email protected]

Sales Executive – South Woodham Ferrers
£28–35k + commission | Mon–Fri | Family-run business.
📧 [email protected]

Administrator – Basildon/Pitsea
£25–27k | Mon–Fri | Admin support in environmental services.
📞 01268 971950 / 07930 381354 | 📧 [email protected]

Maintenance Coordinator – Southend (Property Co.)
£26.5k+ | Office-based | Customer & subcontractor liaison.
📞 01268 971950 / 07930 381354 | 📧 [email protected]

Warehouse Operatives – Basildon
£13.68/hr | Mon–Fri 3–9pm | Ongoing work.
📞 01795 371009 / 07930 614877 | 📧 [email protected]

Pallet Repairs Operative – Thurrock
£16.65/hr | Mon–Fri rotating shifts | Counterbalance licence required.
Apply Here

Production Operative – Fire Protection Manufacturer (Essex)
Mon–Fri, 9–4 | £12.21/hr | Welding/paint spraying/Forklift bonus.

Front of House – Carpenters Arms, West Horndon
Email: [email protected]
Join the team at this busy local pub. Friendly, reliable staff needed – immediate start!

Where to find new friends (Young people)

FREE Fun & Teatime at Briscoe every Wednesday, 4:30 to 5:30pm
✔️ Football, board games, crafts & more
✔️ Warm snack included
✔️ Fun for the whole family – parents welcome too!
📍 Briscoe primary school, Felmores End, Basildon SS13 1PN | 📞 Kelly: 07701 365822

FREE Family Fun at Laindon Library
Story Sack sessions bring stories to life with props, play, and creativity…perfect for little ones! Runs 09:30–11:00 on 29 Sept & 6, 13, 20 Oct. Free to attend…book here: Story Sacks Laindon.

Sports & Activities at James Hornsby
Every Thursday, 5–7pm for ages 12–24. Try football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness with snacks and a friendly vibe. Contact Jay: 07794 329833.

Messy Madness at Monkey Madness
Let your little one explore messy play & crafts without the clean-up! £7 per session (includes soft play) or £40 for term. Call 01268 288 211 to book.

Leapsprogs for Toddlers
Fun sessions for ages 18 months–5 years every Thursday, 10:30–11:30am at Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX.

Forest School Fun in Basildon
FREE drop-in nature sessions for ages 0–11 at Beechwood Community Garden, Brontë Drive. Every 3rd Thursday of the month..den building, crafts & outdoor fun! Apply here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ragoxdffo0qfrOJBRwzPn0x0MmtcRCJFqB2L9fZjQDJUQU5LSTY0VzM0QzQzSzBFRTJVMVZRTFNLSC4u&origin=QRCode

Friday Games, sports, music for 12 - 15 yo’s at Sporting Village
Aged 12–15 and stuck for something to do after school? Head to the Youth Club at Basildon Sporting Village for games, sports, music, and good vibes — all for just £2.50 a session!
🕓 Every Friday | 3:45 PM – 6:00 PM
⚽ Football, fitness, chill zones & more
💬 Meet new mates, stay active, have fun
🔗 Find out more

Join the Scouts

Be part of something life-changing! Scouts offers 4 to 25-year-olds the chance to build confidence, learn life skills, and explore the world through fun, adventure, and teamwork. From leadership to communication, young people grow in every way – and even go on to save lives, land jobs, and make a difference in their communities. Join them here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/

Free 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

Multisports + food for 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

Support for young people

Expresso Yourself Drop-In – Every Friday
For ages 11–17 needing a safe space to talk, chill & get support. Friendly Youth Workers + NHS Mental Health Practitioners.
📍 Southernhay Youth Centre, SS14 1FN | 🕒 3–4:45pm (term time)
No booking – just turn up!
📞 Ashley Gillam: 07824 867553 | ✉️ [email protected]

BoxSmart Youth Programme – Starts 25 Sept
Ages 11–17 | 12 weeks of boxing, martial arts & life skills.
📍 5-Elements Academy, Basildon | 🕒 Thursdays, 4–5:30pm
Includes training, teamwork & support with real-life challenges.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 07713 161164

Free Skills Bootcamps – ACL Essex
12-week flexible courses for ages 19+ to boost your skills & land a job interview. Perfect for upskilling or a career change!
🔗 Book online

Where to make new friends (adults)

FREE Fitness Class at Bounce Billericay

Want to kickstart your fitness journey while boosting your mental wellbeing? Come join us for a fun, inclusive PT session — tailored for all abilities!

🗓 Thursdays, 10:30am
📍 HK Dance Studio, Hardings Elm Road, CM11 2UJ

Cuckoo’s Disability Disco

Every Tuesday from 6–8pm at The White Swan, The Broadway, Wickford SS11 7AD.

• £3 entry

• Carers go free

• Wheelchair accessible toilets

A fun, inclusive night for everyone – see you on the dancefloor!

Ladies Netball – Join the Fun!
Looking for a laugh, fitness, and friendly competition? Join our social netball league at St Clere's School, every Wednesday night (7–10pm). All abilities welcome!
👉 Register here: play-netball.co.uk

Family Passel Women’s Wellbeing Group
Every Tuesday (7 Oct 2025 – Feb 2026, excl. school holidays)
📍 Swan Mead Community Hall, SS16 4AH | 🕙 10am–12pm
A welcoming space for women to boost mental wellbeing through conversation & physical activity.
📞 0800 020 9819 / 07727 337298 | ✉️ [email protected]

FREE Yoga & Meditation in Laindon 🧘
Join a calming hour of gentle stretches followed by soothing Nidra Yoga meditation—perfect for beginners! Mon 29 Sept, 12–1pm at King Edward Community Centre, SS15 6GY. Mats supplied, just bring water & socks. Book here

✂️ Men’d Model Making – Every Fri
Join the Happy Hub Basildon at 12pm for friendly, creative fun. Unit 11, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon SS14 1AE

🚴 Group Cycling – Every Wed 12:35pm
Beginner or pro – all welcome! Led by Sarah.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village, Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon SS14 3GR
🔗 Book via the Everyone Active app or via https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/basildon-sporting-village/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMLvBhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB3WDVhVlZzckFVaHVCVGtFAR5gmK2LL7TyBgN0mkV4WJzJLJI4f7wrWbKOcV9cf0mSNBoaiFuctKH9fXDdTg_aem_lU626z6jQts5F_MY8TmSKw

Free Seated Exercise Classes at Fryerns Library

Boost your strength, flexibility and mobility without leaving your chair (yes, really). Perfect for the senior community or anyone wanting a gentler workout with maximum social vibes. Tuesdays, 14:15 – 15:00. Free @ Fryerns Library, Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 2NN

Book your spot: Essex Libraries Website
📧 [email protected]
Or just pop into the library and sign up in person.

Group Wellness Sunrise & Sunset Yoga, Basildon Sporting Village

Breathe in, stretch out, and maybe spot a heron while you’re at it. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s a yoga class for you.

📍 Basildon Sporting Village – Athletics Track Pitch

☀️ Sunrise Yoga
Tuesdays until 30th Sept | 06:15 – 07:15

💥 Free for YOU+ members
💥 £5 for Move+ members
💥 £10 for everyone else

Bring your own mat if you can.
🔗 More Info & Booking

Quiz night every Thursday at Beehive, Southernhay, Basildon.

Gather your quiz team and put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win this fantastic prize. Whether you’re a trivia master or just in it for the laughs, there’s no better reason to join us! Every Thursday at 8 PM

Zumba Love Essex – First Class Free!

This fun, welcoming dance fitness group has raised £35,000+ for local causes and performed everywhere from Basildon’s 70th birthday to surprise flashmobs!

Classes:
• Mon & Thurs – 9:30am, Ballards Walk
• Sat – 10am, Steeple View
• Tues – 7pm, James Hornsby
• Wed – 7pm, Ballards Walk

First class free | Kids go free | Discounts for seniors, carers & more
£4.50 per class (£3.50 with pass) | Seniors: £3.50 (£3 with pass)
More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Zumba @ The Paddock
📅 Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7–8 PM | Saturdays: 10–11 AM
📍 Kentview Road & The Paddocks Community Halls
💷 Just £5 per class. Message to book

Knit, Natter & New Friends at Happy Chatters!
Whether you’re a pro with the needles or curious to learn, the Happy Chatters group is the perfect Friday morning meet-up.
📍 The Happy Hub, Eastgate Centre (by Asda)
🕥 Fridays | 10:30–11:30 AM
Bring your yarn and enjoy a good chinwag with lovely people.

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

• Every Friday, 11:15am

• King Edward Community Center, King Edward road, Laindon. SS15 6GY

• Book via [email protected] or via this link

Free coffee morning

Just drop in. Every Friday 10am - 2pm. Noak Bridge Christian Center, Wash road, SS15 4BE.

Social Community Football Games

Join a group of young men from Basildon for evening football on Mondays at Basildon Sporting Village & Woodlands School. Great way to keep fit and be part of the community.

• Times: Monday 7:30 PM (9-a-side), Wednesday 7 PM (6-a-side)

• Fee: £7 per person per game

• Contact: WhatsApp 07723 615546

Sewing group

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 Road Laindon Essex SS15 6PA

Make new friends by volunteering

Volunteer call - Saturday 27 September

Are you able to help this week? Looking for volunteers in all roles. Please email [email protected]

Essex Police is looking for volunteers

Join the Essex Police Recruitment Team to learn about becoming a Special Constable – volunteer police officers with full powers and responsibilities.

Meet the team, ask questions, and find out how you can make a real difference while wearing the same uniform and carrying the same kit as regular officers.

Enquiries: [email protected] 🔗 Book your spot online 

Support for Adults

Elderly Care Advice Drop-In – Date Change
Now on Mon 29 Sept, 9:30–11:30am at HumanKind Café, 111 High St, Billericay CM12 9AJ (usually 4th Monday monthly). Speak with Lucy for friendly advice on care options. No appointment needed. Upcoming dates: 27 Oct, 24 Nov, 22 Dec.

🏃 Active Essex Foundation Training
Free & subsidised workshops in sport, safeguarding, mental health first aid, CBT, bystander intervention & more. Open to professionals & volunteers. Info: activeessexfoundation.org

🤰 Free Antenatal Sessions – Oct/Nov 2025
Friendly workshops led by peer supporters covering wellbeing, birth prep, and baby care.
📍 Laindon: 2, 9 & 16 Oct (12–1:30pm) – King Edward Community Centre, SS15 6GY
📍 Basildon: 6, 13 & 20 Nov (12–2pm) – Trenham Community Centre, SS13 1HW

Community Wellness Café
Thursdays, 9:30am–2pm at Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX. Enjoy tea, friendship, wellness support & community activities. Contact: [email protected].

Happy Feet Toenail Clinic
Get your toenails trimmed safely at King Edward Community Centre every last Tuesday of the month, 12:30–2:30pm. £12 per session, card payments accepted. No appointment needed…call 01268 294334 if on blood-thinning medication.

Need Someone to Talk To?
Basildon Mind offers a private counselling service with trained professionals. Call 01268 284130 to book an appointment.

Research Opportunity

Research Opinions is looking for women in England to take part in a year long study discussing their attitudes and behaviours towards lifestyle, health and exercise. Incentive: Up to £400. Apply here

That’s it for this week, Basildon!