Free adult networking events | Local competitions | Local jobs

Good morning, Basildon

Hope you’ve made the most of the lovely weather we had this week :-)

Gentle reminder that in March, we’re donating 50p for every new subscriber so please take 2 secs to suggest a local charity to donate to here:

Now, enjoy with me this photo of this cute abandoned kitten (Floof) found abandoned under a bush with his sister and mother. Floof is looking for a new home locally and will be chipped, neutered and vaccinated and you can visit to check him out. Homecheck and adoption fee applies. Apply here if you’re interested

Weather in Basildon next week

This week’s Met Office weather forecast says next week will look a bit grey-er than this but still mostly dry

What's new?

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance opened a new charity Shop on Southernhay
The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance has opened a charity shop in Basildon at 79 Southernhay, SS14 1EU. They’re looking for volunteers to help run the shop, with till training provided on weekends and opportunities to assist with stock processing. Shifts are flexible, and anyone aged 17+ is welcome!

To get involved, call +44 1268 904448 or email [email protected].

Busy Car Park This Weekend at the Basildon Sporting Village
On Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd March, a Gala event will take place, making the car park busier than usual from 1 PM. The main pool will be closed from 12:30 PM, but all swimming lessons and the teaching pool remain unaffected. Please allow extra time if visiting the gym or leisure centre

Local-ish jobs

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

Experienced TIG welder urgently needed. Details:

• £20 per hour

• Monday to Friday | 8 AM - 5 PM

• South Woodham Ferrers (Own transport required)

• Temp Ongoing position

• To apply: 📩 Email: [email protected] or Call: 01702 987900

Skilled Carpenter – Project 275

If you’re a talented carpenter with your own tools and transport, Project 275 wants to hear from you! They have a full schedule and is looking for a carpenter who can hit the ground running.

• Must have own tools & vehicle

• Immediate start available

• High standard of workmanship required

Contact: 07776 178946 | [email protected]

Forklift Drivers – Stanford-Le-Hope

If you have experience as a forklift driver and an up-to-date license, this could be the role for you!

• Positions available for FLT counterbalance, PPT, Bendi & Flexi

• Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM

• Pay: £13 per hour

• Must have own transport and at least 6 months’ experience

Text "bendi" to 07853 177904 or call 01268 937399

Multiple Roles Available – Wickford/Basildon

Looking for work? There are several positions open across different industries:

• TIG Welder – £14-£18 per hour (depending on experience)

• Forklift Driver/Yard Operative – £12 per hour

• 3.5 Tonne Van Driver – £20,000 per year (4 days per week)

• Purchase Ledger – £13-£14 per hour (temp-perm)

• Picker/Packer & Loader/Unloader – £11.44 per hour

📩 Send your CV to [email protected]

Insurance Sales Lead Generators – Billericay (Hybrid)

If you have a knack for sales, this is a great opportunity to earn a solid salary with an uncapped bonus!

• Hybrid working (1 day in the office every other week)

• £22,200 + commission

• Outbound calls to qualify leads & boost sales

• Multiple positions available

📞 Call Shannon – 01268 762430 to apply!

Part-time After School Club Practitioner

Looking for a fulfilling part-time role working with children? Join the after-school club team!

• Term-time only, working with children aged 4-11

• 3 PM – 6 PM shifts

• Up to £16 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications

📩 Send your CV to [email protected]

Customer Assistants – Buzz Bingo (Basildon)

Do you enjoy working in a lively environment? Buzz Bingo is hiring friendly and enthusiastic team members!

• 25 hours per week

• Pay: £11.72 per hour + employee benefits

• Location: 129-131 Southernhay, Basildon SS14 1DH

📩 Apply: Buzz Bingo Careers

Recycling Operatives – Basildon

If you’re looking for hands-on work with a stable schedule, this could be perfect for you!

• Monday to Friday, 7 AM – 5 PM

• Pay: £11.44 per hour

• Work for a well-established recycling company

📞 Call 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067 to apply.

Cleaner – Lidl (Basildon, Essex)

Lidl is hiring dedicated cleaners to keep their stores in top condition.

• £12.40 - £12.60 per hour

• 30-35 days holiday (pro rata), pension scheme & 10% in-store discount

• Additional pay for bank holidays and night shifts

📩 Apply: Lidl Careers

Jet Washers – Ingatestone (Immediate Start)

Enjoy physical work and don’t mind getting a bit muddy? This hands-on role might be just what you’re looking for!

• Must be over 18 and have your own transport

• Hours: 7:15 AM – 4 PM

• Pay: £15 per hour

• Wet gear provided for all-weather work

📞 Call 01277 637065 to apply.

Passenger Assistant – Special Needs Transport

Make a difference by helping transport SEN and vulnerable passengers to school and day centres.

• Work in a safe and flexible environment

• Assist the driver in company vehicles

• Patience and empathy are key for this role

📩 Apply: Passenger Assistant Role

Weekend Shop Assistant Billericay

Gibsons Finest Meats is looking for a weekend shop assistant with a passion for food and great customer service! They need a positive hard-worker to:

• Serve customers with a smile

• Use the till (training provided)

• Set up and maintain fresh food displays

• Make kebabs & sausages

• Keep the shop clean

Weekend availability required (alternating Saturdays/Sundays possible). If you’re interested, call: 01268 952196 | www.gibsonsfinestfoods.co.uk

Apprentice youth worker

• Location: Arts Outburst, Grays, Essex

• Duration: 18 months

• Details & Application: www.artsoutburst.co.uk/youthworkapprentice

• Contact: 01375 386247 | [email protected]

Apprentice Butcher

• Location: Summerhill Garden Centre, CM11 2UJ

• To complete a 2/3 year onsite course that includes butchery, pie production, sausages and ready meals for sale, and retail skills

• If you’re interested, call: 01268 952196 | www.gibsonsfinestfoods.co.uk

Apprenticeship Opportunity: Level 3 Asbestos Analyst

• Lab UK in Basildon is hiring a Level 3 Asbestos Analyst Apprentice.

• Hands-on role combines lab and site work, testing materials for asbestos content while earning a nationally recognized Level 3 Laboratory Technician qualification.

• Paid work experience + valuable skills

• Requirement: 18+, full UK work rights, UK resident for 3+ years, valid driving license

• Apply: Asbestos Analyst Apprentice (Level 3) - LAB (UK) Ltd - Basildon | Tiro Careers

Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship – Festival Leisure area

• 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

Trainee Steelfixers Needed

• Location: Medway & Basildon (pick-up points available)

• Mon - Fri, 6/7am (pick up) - 4pm

• You will complete a steelfixing NVQ and be paid £75 per day during training, with bonuses available

• Must have CSCS card

• No previous experience needed

• Contact: [email protected]

Sales Advisor - Plumb Center (Basildon)

If you love sales and enjoy working in a friendly, supportive environment, this could be the role for you! Competitive salary + bonuses & great benefits.

• 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday) + 1 in 3 Saturday mornings.

• Paycocke Rd, Basildon
  Apply here: Sales Advisor Application

Multiple positions in a local commercial cleaning company

Looking for work? A family-run cleaning business is hiring

• site managers

• window cleaners

• cleaners.

To apply, send your CV to: [email protected]

Assistant Football Coach – Basildon

Football Fun Factory is looking for a passionate and energetic assistant coach!

• FA Level 1 qualification required (UEFA C preferred).

• Inspire kids and help them love the game.
  To apply, contact Sam: [email protected]

Warehouse Jobs – Tilbury (Immediate Start!)

• Days: £11.44/hr | Nights: £13/hr

• Weekday & weekend shifts available
  To apply, call Saskia or Dustie: 01268 762430

Care Team Member – Wickford

Looking for a rewarding role? Join a friendly care team!

• Around 19 hours/week

• £16/hr mornings, £10.50/hr Sunday nights

• Cover for maternity leave starting May 2025

• Must have previous care experience.

• Apply: [email protected]

Tutors Needed – Across Essex

Want flexible teaching work? We need tutors for 1:1 sessions with students outside mainstream education.

• £15 - £25 per hour

• Work as much or as little as you like, during school hours.

• Full induction & 75+ training courses provided.
  Contact Laura or Charlie: [email protected] or Call 01708 204494

Domiciliary Support Workers – Wickford/Billericay

A family is looking for kind, caring individuals to support a gentleman in his home.

• Must be a driver

• Shifts available every day during school holidays.

• Care experience & training certificates preferred.
  To apply, Call 01245 408761 or email: [email protected]

Multiple construction roles – Grays, Essex

For a long-term construction project in Grays, a construction company needs the following staff:

• Gate Men, Traffic Marshals, Labourers, Groundworkers & more!

• Email: [email protected] or Call: 07904 059730 to discuss

Weekend Support Workers Wanted!

Looking for extra work on the weekends? Join All4U Care care team as they have positions going. Call 0800 999 3447 Email: [email protected]

Warehouse Team Leader/Manager – Basildon

A busy warehouse needs an experienced leader

• Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (some weekend work at Christmas)

• £13.85/hr or £27,000 per year
  To apply, call: 01268 567000 or WhatsApp: 07917 890067

Inside Sales/Quotations Clerk – Hybrid Role (Essex)

• 3 days office / 2 days home

• £27-30K + bonuses

• Experience in shipping, freight, or customer service preferred.
  To apply, email [email protected]

Personal Trainers – Bulphan, Horndon

Passionate about fitness? There’s a vacancy for PTs going in Bulphan

• Part-time (20 hrs) & full-time (40 hrs) available

• Certified Level 2 or 3 preferred (training provided)

For more info, contact Ryan: 07852 808264

Telemarketing Roles – Burnt Mills, Basildon

Want to earn uncapped commission? A telemarketing company in Burnt Mills is hiring

• Office-based in Burnt Mills Industrial Estate

• Min wage + uncapped commission

• Full-time, Mon-Fri

To apply, send your CV to [email protected]

Logistics Operator – Tilbury, Essex

Experienced in imports & exports? You are needed

• £28,000 - £30,000 per year

• Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  To apply, contact Lee: [email protected] or Call: 01268 937 399

Roofer – Wickford (Up to £250/day)

Looking for experienced self-employed roofers

• You will need a CSCS card and

• Must be able to get to Wickford by 5 AM

• £200-£250 per day (weekly pay). Transport and fuel is paid for
  Reach out to Coronation Roofing & Building to apply directly

Apprentice fire prevention officer - Essex Fire

• 18 months. Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Thurrock, Basildon

• Requirements: Level 2 qualification in Maths & English (GCSE grade C-A, or 4-9, or Functional Skills)

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence and able to travel to any fire station in Essex

• Be over the age of 18

• Apply via: [email protected]

• More info: Career site

Medi Spa Job Vacancies

• Location: Eastwood, Rayleigh

• Looking for an aesthetic practitioner, massage therapists, skin specialist, lash technician, hair specialist, nail technician, and make up artist

• Details & Application: [email protected]

Field Marketing Manager

• Location: Rayleigh

• Pay: £13.50-£25 per hour (OTE £70K+ per year)

• Full training provided

• Company car

• Application: [email protected] or call 01702 842661

Care Assistant - suitable for retirees

Beaumont Home Care is looking for a care assistant to support individuals in their own homes.

No experience needed—just a caring nature, a driving licence, and access to a car. Full training provided.

📞 Call: 01277 356644
📩 Email: [email protected]

Medical Receptionist/Care Navigator

• Tile House Surgery, Brentwood.

• Monday to Friday, 30 hours per week. These shifts will be 6 hours long per day and will be 7.30am to 1.30pm or/and 1pm -7pm. 

• Apply: Care Navigator in Brentwood - Primary Care Careers

Nursery cook needed

• Location: Burnt Mills

• 35 hours a week (Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm)

• Fantastic staff benefits included.

• Apply via [email protected]

Nursery Manager

• Full-time (40 hours/week) role

• Fantastic staff benefits.

• Apply via email: [email protected]

Plant Nursery Workers Needed

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM (early Friday finish)

• Pay: £11.44/hr + production bonus, overtime available

• Roles: Packer, Picker, Loader, Production Assistant (indoor & outdoor positions)

• To apply, call 01702 338 882 or text PLANT to 07827 663286 for more details.

Window Cleaning Job

• Must drive & have own car

• Contact: Steve | 07973265136

Commercial Assistant for design/manufacturing company

• Location: Wickford

• Salary: Up to £30,000

• Full-time, Office-based

• Role includes following up on quotes and enquiries, maintaining and updating CRM systems, attending customer meetings with the Sales Manager, handling inbound calls and customer queries. etc

• You need: experience in a manufacturing environment, proficiency in Office 365 & CRM systems, strong customer service & communication skills, ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting, well-organised and proactive approach

  📞 Contact Claire: 07930 381 354 / 01268 971 950 📧 Email: [email protected].uk

Cleaner Wanted – Ivy’s Cleaning Services

• Pay: £12.50 per hour

• Location: Wickford & surrounding areas

• Contact: [email protected]

Experienced Cleaner needed (Pipps Hill)

• (Pipps Hill area)

• Flexible hours - 4 hours per day (20 hours/week) 

• Monday to Friday 

• 07547691364

Drainage Engineer

• Drainage Engineer needed in Basildon to tackle challenges and keep things running smoothly. Apply here

Local Competitions - enter now

Free Stay at Barleylands Camping!
Celebrate longer days with a free camping stay at Barleylands!

To enter, like Barleylands post, follow Barleylands Camping, and tag 4 friends.
Deadline: Midnight, Friday 28th March – winner announced Saturday 29th March.

🏊 Win a Full Course of Swimming Lessons – Worth £136!
Aqua Aims is giving away a full term of swimming lessons (April - July) in Basildon!
How to enter: Like, comment & tag a friend, and share the post.
Deadline: Midnight, 1st April 2025
For more info, call: 07930 139 634 | 🌐 www.aquaaims.com

🎾 Win an Easter Camp Voucher with JW Tennis Academy!
Get your child into tennis this Easter – for free!
How to enter: Invite friends to like JW Tennis Academy’s Facebook page & comment ‘Done.’
Winner announced: Wednesday 26th March.

Eastgate is giving a £100 Primark voucher to one lucky winner

To enter, Follow these instructions. Winner will be chosen on 2nd April – good luck.

Activities for Kids + Teens

You have my permission to share. If you know a parent who’s looking for local things to do, feel free to forward them this newsletter to them

Basildon United needs new players in its new U14 EJA team

Basildon United Youth FC is launching a brand-new U14’s EJA team and is looking for talented players in all positions!

🔹 Who can join? All U14 players at EJA level
🔹 Why join? Be part of a club dedicated to developing young talent and providing a pathway to semi-professional football. Interested? Contact Ben Carter at 07854 272121

FREE Youth Club + food at Mother’s Kitchen!

Is your child aged 4-14? Do they love games, fun, and making new friends? Bring them along to our Youth Club at Mother’s Kitchen Community Group!

• Fridays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

• Mother’s Kitchen Café, SS13 1PN

• A meal and drinks are provided – completely FREE!

• Fun games & activities

• A safe and friendly environment with a chance to meet new friends Register at https://forms.gle/ssVZWPoYgmcfpg4G6 or Book in via EventBrite

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

Kickboxing Academy for kids

Free trial kickboxing lesson (8-15yrs) @ Laindon Community Center every Wednesday. Message Basildon Kickboxing on Facebook to book

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

Weekly youth groups for Yr 5+

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

Indoor Cricket for Age 8 - 16

Indoor cricket activities and games (Ages 8 - 16). Fridays, 5 - 6pm. (Starting January 24th 2025). JAMES HORNSBY SCHOOL SPORTS HALL LEINSTER ROAD, SS15 5NX.

Football for tots (Fun Factory)

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]

Indoor football for tots (Little Kickers)

Sign up: www.littlekickers.co.uk/find-a-class or Contact: [email protected]

Networking for Adults

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

Every Friday, 11:15am (you’ve probably missed it today but you can book for next Friday)

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.

Free martial arts class

Interested in learning Kyusho in a controlled, structured environment? Mark Smith’s academy has 3 spots available for open-minded individuals eager to develop valuable skills.

🔹 Includes: PDFs & online learning materials
🔹 Focus: Systematic training through key points
🔹 How to join: Book to secure your place!

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 Mission Church Manor Road Laindon Essex SS15 6PA

Support for Adults

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

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering for local charities is a great way to make new friends and get a ‘feel’ of the community whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here all your life. Here are available opportunities coming up.

Help Reopen the Parkside Centre!

The team behind Mother’s Kitchen is working hard to bring the Parkside Centre back to life…after being abandoned for 12 years. And they need your help! Your donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference in making the centre accessible to all.

The plan is to turn it into a venue for fitness classes, arts & crafts, and amazing community events for everyone to enjoy. Join the fundraiser here. 

Greening Basildon Initiative

Join us in beautifying our town! Volunteers needed for twice-monthly sessions to plant and maintain greenery in Basildon High Street, Pitsea High Road, and Laindon Library.

• First Session: Monday, March 27th, 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Basildon Town Centre

• No experience necessary!

Volunteer as a Helpline Support Worker

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.

Feeding the homeless

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.

Special Constable/volunteer police officers

Essex Police is looking for colunteer police officers to help reassure and keep residents safe. Find out more and Sign up here: Special Constable for Essex Police - BBW Volunteer Network 

Other Opportunities

Win £25,000 for Your Social Housing Idea

The William Sutton Prize for Connected Communities is offering an incredible opportunity to bring your community-focused idea to life. Don’t miss your chance to apply!

Football Scholarship Trials – Essex

Footballers aged 15-21 can combine playing with studying for a degree in the U.S. Trials are happening nationwide – don’t miss your chance!

📅 Date: Thursday, April 17
⏰ Time: 1 PM
📍 Location: Lakeside Sports Ground, Essex
🔗 Sign up here

Opportunity for aspiring athletes

If you’re an aspiring athlete, you’re eligible to apply for the Everyone Active Champions Programme! What you get from this:
✅ Free access to 230+ Everyone Active centres nationwide
✅ Mentoring from Elite Athletes
✅ Career-boosting opportunities

📅 Deadline: Tuesday, March 25
🔗 Apply here

Get £250 by bank transfer for research

Research Opinions is looking for a chef to take part in a 1 hour online website/app testing session.

Incentive: £250

Sign up here: https://www.researchopinions.co.uk/projects/chefs/

Till next time, Basildon 💕