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Hello, Basildon!

Hope you’ve had a great weekend. Before we dive into today’s edition, we’re loving this colourful mural by artist Hatch, leading the way to Basildon Market. 🎨 You’ll find it on the along the Market Pavement whenever you’re in town.

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 starts cloudy on Monday, with highs of 16°C, before turning sunny on Tuesday and Wednesday, reaching 20°C and 19°C respectively. Thursday brings partly cloudy skies and warmer temperatures of around 21°C, before conditions turn cooler on Friday. The weekend remains cool, with sunny spells on Saturday and partly cloudy skies on Sunday, with highs of 14°C. Overnight lows range from 7–16°C.

What's On?

Iceland Warehouse – Opens 13 October We heard via the grapevine that there’s a new Iceland warehouse opening at Pipps Hill retail part next week. Watch this space. 

Billericay Town FC – Mascot Wanted Billericay Town FC is looking for someone to become Ricky the Racoon, the club's official mascot. The role involves entertaining fans before matches, taking part in half-time activities and representing the club at events throughout the year. Matches are typically every other Saturday, with occasional Tuesday evenings. 📧 [email protected]

Basildon Community Together Fund – Grants of up to £5,000 Basildon Council has £100,000 available to support community projects across the borough. Community groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to bring people together, improve wellbeing and strengthen local communities. 🔗Find out more and apply

Keep Your Costs Down – New Council Campaign Basildon Council has launched a new cost-of-living campaign to help residents access money-saving advice, winter support schemes, help with rent difficulties, employment opportunities and mental health support. 🔗Explore the cost-of-living support page

Your Money, Your Say – Have a Say on Council Spending Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to help shape Basildon Council's 2027/28 budget through its Spending Choice consultation, running until Tuesday 17 November. It takes around 10 minutes to complete. 🔗Have your say

Road Closures on Upper Mayne – 12–13 October Vegetation reduction works continue across routes connecting Basildon, Wickford and Billericay. On Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 October, works will take place between Wash Road and the B&Q Roundabout, from 9:30am to 3pm. 🔗In the News: Main route vegetation works to improve visibility and appearance across Basildon borough - Basildon Borough Council

Hate Crime Awareness Week – Community Pop-Ups Basildon Council and its partners are holding pop-up events across the borough from 14–16 October. Residents can speak with officers and partner organisations, get free crime prevention advice and learn how to report hate crime and access support services. See the dates and locations below.

Black History Month 2026 This October, Basildon is celebrating the contributions, achievements, culture and heritage of Black communities. Residents are encouraged to take part in activities, conversations and learning opportunities taking place across the borough. 🔗Find out more

Super Bodies – Winter Health Advice for Families The Super Bodies campaign offers advice for parents, carers and expectant parents on vaccinations, common winter illnesses and protecting babies before birth and children as they grow. 🔗Find out more

Autumn Garden Waste Offer – Half Price for Six Months Basildon Council is offering half-price garden waste collections for six months, covering 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. 🔗Subscribe here

STEM Careers Event for Young People – 20 October Young people interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are invited to a drop-in careers event at South Essex Colleges Group's Centre for Digital Technologies in Basildon town centre. Expect interactive demonstrations, conversations with employers and a chance to explore careers in the sector. 📅 Tuesday 20 October | 🕔 5–7pm | 🎟️ No booking needed.

Basildon Tenant Satisfaction Survey Starts Basildon Council is asking tenants to share their views on its housing services through an annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey carried out by independent research company IFF Research. From 1 October, some tenants may receive a phone call or email inviting them to take part. 📞 01268 205320 | 📧 [email protected] 

Basildon Town Centre Set for Safety & Improvement Works Lighting improvements are planned for this autumn, alongside new seating, lighting, greenery and artwork in Town Square and Gloucester Park through the Make Space For Girls project. A town centre safety report covering options including lighting, wardens and underpass improvements is also due to go before the Regeneration Scrutiny Committee in October.

Free NHS Flu Vaccinations for Eligible Children Eligible children can get a free NHS flu vaccination as part of the Super Bodies winter health campaign. Find out who can have the vaccination and where to get it. 🔗Find out more

Free Mental Health Support for Adults in Basildon NHS Talking Therapies by Vita Health Group is offering free short-term psychological therapies and online mental health courses for adults aged 16 and over registered with a Basildon, Brentwood, Billericay or Wickford GP. Self-referral is available online or by phone. 🔗Find out more

Anti-Social Behaviour Crackdown in Basildon Basildon Council says it has carried out two formal evictions and secured a further court order following persistent anti-social behaviour, with the properties set to return to the council’s housing stock. Residents can report anti-social behaviour online. 🔗Report anti-social behaviour

Essex ActivAte – October Half Term Funded Places Funded October half-term places will be available for eligible children receiving income-related free school meals and children and young people from eligible low-income families. Spaces are limited and prioritised for those who would benefit most. 🔗Find out more. Look out for our special half term edition with all local half-term offers - funded and non-funded.

Basildon First Time Buyer Event – 22 October Basildon Council’s First Time Buyer Event returns on Thursday 22 October, offering practical advice on mortgages, deposits, affordability and the legal and financial steps involved in buying your first home. 📍 Wickford Community Association, Nevendon Centre | 🕒 3:30–6:30pm | 🔗 Book your place: orlo.uk/qA30M

Film & Screen Saturday Club for 13–16 Year Olds Creative Basildon and South Essex Colleges Group are offering free weekly Film & Screen classes for young people aged 13–16, starting Saturday 7 November. 🔗 Apply via the Saturday Club website.

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Things to do in Basildon this week

Monday

BabyBallers – Laindon Community Centre 

Football classes designed for children aged 16 months to 6 years, focused on learning through play, confidence and developing key skills. Classes run Monday afternoons as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings. 💷 Limited £6 trial sessions available | 📍 Laindon Community Centre | Contact BabyBallers Basildon to book.  📞 +44 7585 636258

Mum and baby yoga @ 11 - 12 noon
Laindon Community Centre
📅 Book here: Book A Class | Southend-on-Sea | Yoga4all (Check site for various other sessions)

Community Football

⚽ 6:30 PM
Weekly friendly football for local lads — all abilities welcome (16-18yrs).
Balls, bibs & ref provided. Great for fitness, stress relief & fun.
📍 Woodlands School, Basildon
£10 per player | 1-hour game on 3G pitch
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/1489-woodlands-school-basildon-essex

Tuesday

Community Pastors Information Evening | 7:00PM 

Find out more about the work of Community Pastors at this online information evening. 📍 Online | Contact the organisers by direct message for the Zoom link. 🔗Learn more about Community Pastors

Wednesday

Hate Crime Awareness Week Pop-Ups @ Basildon Centre | 10:00AM–1:00PM 

Speak directly with officers and partner organisations, pick up free crime prevention advice and information, and learn how to report hate crime and access local support.

Hate Crime Awareness Week Pop-Up @ Jolly Friar Shops, Whitmore Way | 2:00PM–4:00PM 

Meet local officers and partner organisations for advice on hate crime prevention, reporting and support services.

Men's Shed – FREE Weekly Sessions 

A free welcoming space for men to come together, share skills, build confidence and have fun — crafts, furniture restoration and simple electronics. Hand tool donations also welcome! 📍 King Edward Community Centre, King Edward Road, Laindon, SS15 6GY 📅 Every Wednesday | ⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm 🆓 Free — just pop in! 📧 [email protected] 📞 01245 944321

The Hive Community Café – Basildon
A warm, welcoming space to relax, chat, and connect with others.

🗓 Every Wednesday
⏰ 9:30am – 12:00pm
📍 The Hive Community Café

The Hive Gardening Club – Basildon

Wednesdays | 10 AM–12 PM
Weeding, soil rotation, painting, building veg patches & more!
📍 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ

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

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

Online Courses – Essex Libraries

Access LinkedIn Learning, language courses, Driving Theory, Life in the UK and more. All FREE with your library card. 🔗 https://libraries.essex.gov.uk.

Thursday

Hate Crime Awareness Week Pop-Up @ Eastgate Shopping Centre | 10:30AM–1:30PM 
Find the team outside the former Debenhams store to get crime prevention advice, learn about Hate Incident Reporting Centres and find out where to access support.

Wellness Café – Langdon Hills
Free weekly wellbeing support including weigh-ins, social prescribing, seated exercise, and refreshments.

📅 Every Thursday
⏰ 9:30am–2pm
📍 Langdon Hills Methodist Church, Emmanuel Road, SS16 6EX
📞 01268 962404

Friday

Billericay History Fair @ Billericay Library | 10:00AM–3:00PM 
Explore the heritage of Billericay at this history fair hosted by Billericay Community Archive, featuring exhibits and displays about the town. 🎟️ Free entry.

Community Café @ Bartlett Park Café | 9:00AM–12:00PM 
Pop in for refreshments and a friendly chat at the Bartlett Park Community Café. Everyone is welcome, and you can look out for guest speakers on selected weeks. ☕ Hot drinks from £1.50 | Soft drinks from £1.20 | 📍 Bartlett Park Café, Southend Road, SS11 8RZ.

Hate Crime Awareness Week Pop-Up @ Festival Leisure Park | 2:00PM–4:30PM 
Meet officers and partners for free crime prevention advice and information on reporting hate crime and accessing support.

Pathways Basildon Job Club @ Basildon Library
Looking for work or need some help with your job search? Pathways Basildon runs a weekly Job Club where an advisor is available to offer guidance and support. You can also use the library computers for your search. No booking required.
🕚 Fridays, 11am–12pm
📍 Basildon Library, The Basildon Centre

Basildon Skills Show
Looking for more career inspiration? The Basildon Skills Show is returning with opportunities to explore careers, skills and training.
🔗 More information: orlo.uk/lKcP2
🔗 Book your place: orlo.uk/uAggI

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

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters
10:30 to 11:30am. Bring your yarn & join the fun.
📍 Happy Hub, Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

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

Saturday

Musical Theatre Song Selections @ St Andrew's Church | 3:00PM 
Enjoy a selection of songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Carousel and more, presented by Andrew Palmer and fellow performers. 📍 St Andrew's Church.

Free Park Tennis Session  Open to all ages and skill levels. Bring a racket if you have one – booking required but completely free! Time: 10:30am – 11:30am 📍 Mopsies Tennis Court, 26 Chittock Gate, Basildon SS14 1RL 💷 Free 🔗 Book: clubspark.lta.org.uk/MopsiesPark 

Where to make friends this week - young people

Pokémon Mondays

Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
📍 Mother's Kitchen, 6 Felmores End, Pitsea, SS13 1PN

🕓 Under 16s: 4–6pm
🕡 All Ages: 6:30–8:30pm
💷 £6 (decks supplied)

🌐 www.dungeonsandjoypads.com

Wednesday

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

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

Chess Classes for Children in every Wednesday

Elite Chess Academy welcomes children aged 5–16, from complete beginners to experienced players. Our fun, interactive lessons help children develop concentration, confidence, logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

♟️ All abilities welcome
♟️ Friendly and engaging lessons
♟️ Classes are every Wednesday in George Hurd Centre at 4:30pm

Interested in joining? Contact us at [email protected], call:07858975335 or visit www.EliteChessAcademy.co.uk to find out more.

Thursday

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

Friday

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

Want to volunteer locally?

Essex Pedal Power Basildon — bike building, content creation & more 🔗 orlo.uk/AreZU | 📧 [email protected] 
Gold Geese Charity — sports events & fundraiser volunteers 📧 [email protected] 
Human Kind Café — front of house & story time assistants 📧 [email protected] 
Healthwatch Essex — various volunteer roles available 🔗 orlo.uk/QyERY
Wickford in Bloom — floral volunteering 📧 [email protected] 
Wickford & District Talking Newspaper — editor volunteers needed 🔗 orlo.uk/qQb70 | 📧 [email protected] 
Search all opportunities: orlo.uk/PZNnBFree 

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!