In partnership with

Good evening, Basildon

Hope you’re having a happy Monday!

This week, we’re loving this photo of the moon as captured at last weekend’s Langdon Nature Discovery stargazing event in collaboration with Thurrock Astronomy society.

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

Weather in Basildon this week

According to the Met Office weather forecast, the week looks mostly cloudy with light rain on Tuesday and cool temperatures throughout (around 6–10°C). Even if it feels grey, brighter moments are coming. Dress warm, and remember every season eventually clears.

Help with homework that doesn't ruin everyone's night

Dinner gets tense. Bedtime gets pushed. Someone cries. Someone snaps.

And tomorrow you'll do it all over again.

Acadia Learning gives families unlimited tutoring for $40/month so homework doesn't have to be the thing that ruins your evenings:

• Real help when your kid needs it

• No more three-hour frustration sessions

• Get your nights back for actually connecting

Already trusted by 10,000+ families.

Book your first session by the end of the month and get 50% off your first month.

Book your first session

What’s New?

Awaab’s Law Now in Effect
Basildon Council welcomes Awaab’s Law, strengthening protections for social housing tenants against damp and mould. The law sets strict deadlines for landlords to investigate and fix serious hazards. Introduced after the tragic death of Awaab Ishak (2020) to prevent similar cases, the council is contacting tenants to ensure they understand their rights. If you’re a tenant affected by damp and mould, you can report it here.

Community Safety Hub – Wickford
Wickford BID has secured a new Community Safety Hub at Kiosk 2, Willows Centre (next to the Post Office). You’ll be able to speak with local police officers, BID rangers, and community organisations for advice and support. Other charities and groups will also use the space. Launch date coming soon.

Design Southend United’s First Female Mascot

Southend United FC is inviting children across Essex to design and name the club’s first-ever female mascot as part of the Draw Her Into The Game initiative. The winning design will be revealed at the Southend United Ladies vs Colchester United match at Roots Hall on Saturday 16 May 2026. A brilliant opportunity for young creatives to be part of club history. Enter the competition here

New Virtual Reality Experience Coming to Basildon

A brand new virtual reality venue is set to open in Basildon town centre. The space will feature immersive racing and flight simulators. Expect 360° motion experiences for a fully interactive adventure. Perfect for thrill-seekers, gamers, and anyone looking for something different in town.

Things to do in Basildon this week

Have Your Say on Crime & Safety
Residents are invited to a public meeting with Roger Hirst MBE, Essex Police, Fire & Rescue, and local partners.
Nevendon Centre, Wickford SS12 0QG
Tuesday 27 January 2026 | 🕖 7pm–8pm
Open to all Basildon district residents – no booking required.

Volunteer with Motivated Minds

Support young people at weekly youth clubs and help create a safe, inclusive space. You can help by:
• Supporting sessions and activities
• Encouraging participation
• Working alongside experienced youth workers

📧 Apply or find out more: [email protected]

Where to make friends in Basildon this week - Adults

Warm welcome spaces

Warm Welcome Spaces offer opportunities to make new friends and connect with the community. Check out the few warm welcome spaces we have in Basildon

Monday

Paint ‘n’ Play @ Orleto Lounge, Eastgate 🎲🎨

Paint tabletop miniatures with like-minded people and play games in a relaxed social setting.

🕔 From 5pm till close
📍 Local gaming venue (call to confirm table)

Special Monday deal: Any main or burger comes with a free drink or dessert.

You can call the cafe on 01268203090 to set up your own game on one of our larger tables for any weekday of your choosing.

Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Sporting Village)

⚽ 7:00 PM
Weekly friendly football for local lads — all abilities welcome (18+).
Balls, bibs & ref provided. Great for fitness, stress relief & fun.
📍 Woodlands School, Basildon
£7 per player | 1-hour game on 3G pitch
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/1489-woodlands-school-basildon-essex

Daily Group exercise classes at the Fit Lab, Essex (First class free)
Wrexham rd, Laindon. SS15 6PX
📅 January is filling up. Book here: https://thefitlab.as.me/schedule/4867abca

Sing Club Billericay (first session free)
Looking for a fun new hobby or social event in January? Join singing sessions – all ages and abilities welcome, no experience needed!

Sessions are £6 pay-as-you-go, run by professional musicians, and no auditions, uniforms, or dancing required. Sessions run on

• Mondays (1.30–2.30pm, Queens Park Community Church) and

• Fridays (1.30–2.30pm, Mayflower Hall). For more info, email [email protected]

Wednesday

Seated Yoga – Basildon Library

An hour of gentle chair-based exercise at seated yoga class.The friendly classes are suitable for adults of all ages and abilities

13.30am - 14:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Burns Night at the Taproom, Billericay 🥃

Join Seb from @chapelstreetkitchen for a Scottish supper featuring haggis, a wee dram and plenty of atmosphere.

📅 Wednesday 28 January
📍 Billericay Brewery, 52-54 Chapel Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9LS What3Words: Bless Silly Sobs. Telephone: 01277 671192

Quiz night at Maggios Lounge, Billericay 🥃

Join Seb from @chapelstreetkitchen for a Scottish supper featuring haggis, a wee dram and plenty of atmosphere.

📅 Wednesday 28 January, 7.30pm
📍 Maggios Lounge: 50-52 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9BS

Social Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Woodlands school)

⚽ 7:00 PM
Keep fit, meet mates & enjoy friendly competitive football.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
£7 per player
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/289-basildon-sporting-village-essex-basildon

Ladies Netball – Social League
🏐 7–10pm
Fun, friendly and open to all abilities.
📍 St Clere’s School
🔗 Basildon Wednesday - Play Netball

Thursday

Traditional Shotokan Karate at Phoenix Karate club

Classes for all ages, abilities and levels

5pm | Laindon Community Centre. Text 07884028969 to get started

Oil Painting Lesson – ‘Bluebird’ @ Brentwood arts therapy

Step-by-step oil painting workshop with artist Irene Malvezi. No experience needed.

📅 Thursday 19 February 2026
🕖 7pm – 9:30pm
📍 Maggio Lounge, Billericay CM12 9BS
🎟️ £30 per participant

Canvas: 30cm x 30cm board.

📞 07715 601222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.brentwoodartstherapy.org.uk

Fitness Class – Bounce Billericay (BOUNCE)

Trampoline workouts, boxing, circuits and drumming-based exercise. Suitable for all abilities.

📍 HK Dance Studio, Summerhill Farm, Hardings Elm Rd, Billericay CM11 2UJ
🎟️£6.95 per session

Book now: www.bookwhen.com/bouncebillericay

Sewing Group
🧵 10am–12pm
Learn knitting, crochet or sewing. £4
📍 The Pavilion, Great Berry
📞 Ann: 07802 161021

Friday

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub
12pm. Enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere with good company.
📍 Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters
10:30 to 11:30am. Bring your yarn & join the fun.
📍 Happy Hub, Eastgate (by Asda)

Yoga for Mental Health – FREE
🧘 11:15am
📍 King Edward Centre, Laindon SS15 6GY
✉️ [email protected]

Free Coffee Morning – Noak Bridge Christian Centre
☕ 10am–2pm
Friendly drop-in for a warm drink & chat.
📍 Wash Road SS15 4BE

Earn £80 from research if you enjoy watching football

Earn £80 from a football Focus Group if you’re aged 14 - 30 and enjoy watching football. Sign up: https://www.researchopinions.co.uk/projects/sports-apps

Where to make friends this week - young people

Tuesday

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time – Basildon Library

Songs, stories and rhymes for babies and toddlers.

10am - 10:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Wednesday

Free Youth Social Night - Wellness Warriors

High-energy social night for young people.

📅 Wednesday 28 January
🕔 5pm – 7pm
📍 Funparx Basildon
👥 Ages 17–25
🎟️ FREE

Arcade games, inflatables & Ninja Warrior course. Register here: https://forms.gle/CWZt6ffThArvTyz96. For more information, email: [email protected]

SEND sensory stay and play – Basildon Library

Come and enjoy our safe SEND area, meet other parents and make friends!

15:30 - 16:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Rhythm Time – Babies & Toddlers

🎵 Music • Movement • Instruments • Bonding
Confidence-building sensory play for babies & toddlers in a calm, friendly setting.
📍 Meadow Croft Garden Centre
🍼 Wednesdays
Limited spaces… Message Zoe on 07778213315

FREE Kids Chess Trial Classes

• 🕓 4:30pm

• 📍 George Hurd Activity Centre, Audley Way, SS14 2FL

• Perfect for beginners wanting to learn strategy & make new friends!

FREE Fun & Teatime at Briscoe

• 🕓 4:30–5:30pm

• 📍 Briscoe Primary School, Felmores End, SS13 1PN

• Football, crafts, board games & a warm snack. Families welcome! 📞 Kelly: 07701 365822

Thursday

Buzz & Bloom – Parent & Toddler Group 

Warm, friendly stay-and-play group.

🕤 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 The Hive, 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ

Fun, play and connection for parents and toddlers. Note: No additional childminders currently.

Sports & Activities at James Hornsby (Ages 12–24)

• 🕔 5–7pm Football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness + snacks.

• 📞 Jay: 07794 329833

Leapsprogs for Toddlers (18 months–5 yrs)

• 🕥 10:30–11:30am

• 📍 Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX

• Fun, active sessions for early learners

Free Yoga for Children. Ages 6 - 12

• 🕓 4 to 4:45pm

• 📍 Northlands Park Family Centre

• FREE 🔗 Book: https://www.yoga4all.co

Messy Madness at Monkey Madness

• Messy play & crafts… without the clean-up!

• 💷 £7 per session (soft play included)

• £40 per term 📞 01268 288211 to book

Friday

The Barnhall Under 5’s Club 🧸

Stay-and-play toddler group.

🕤 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 Barnhall Social Club, Wickford SS11 7JP
🎟️ £2.50 per child | Under 1s £1

Runs term time only. Fully insured & DBS checked.

Well Youth Club – Wickford 

Supportive weekly youth community.

🕕 6pm – 8pm
📍 Downtowner Centre, Wickford
👥 Ages 11–18
🎟️ £6 per person

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.motivated-minds.co.uk

King Edward Teen Teatime Club 🍕🎮

A welcoming space for teens to relax, socialise and have fun.

🕔 5pm – 7pm
📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon SS15 6GY

Activities include:
• Multi-sports
• Crafts
• Dance & karaoke
• Snacks provided

✨ Completely FREE

📞 07701 365822
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.atfcommunity.com

FreeStreet Cricket at James Hornsby 🏏

FreeStreet Cricket sessions for young people aged 8–16.

🕔 5pm – 6pm
📍 James Hornsby School

Delivered by qualified ATF coaches in partnership with Essex Cricket in the Community, providing a safe, inclusive and fun experience.

✨ Completely FREE
✨ All abilities welcome

🔗 Register here:
https://chancetoshine.my.site.com/s/street-registration-form?language=en_GB&qrc=0018e00000IcqWOAAZ

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!