Improving access to blue space in Southend: Active Southend-on-Thames' successes

Active Southend-on-Thames is a multi-agency partnership project which was funded by Active Thames throughout 2024 and 2025. The project was coordinated by Southend Association Voluntary Services (SAVS).

The project set out to raise participation levels of Southend’s residents on or near the water’s edge and to tackle the inequalities that prevent local people from accessing the water at the heart of it.

Building on their successes in 2024, their 2025 programme was expanded to offer a more inclusive mix of water-based and beachside sessions. These were designed based on participant feedback and aimed to support wellbeing, education and community connection within the Southend area.

The variety of activities offered across 2024 and 2025 were well attended. Some of these included:

Kayaking sessions

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Supported by Blue Therapy Active, 20 kayaking sessions were delivered for 80 unique participants. The beginner-friendly sessions were run by experienced instructors and offered the chance for people aged 14+ to experience the mental, physical and emotional benefits of blue space.

One participant said: “Kayaking was brilliant. Enjoyed every minute of it. It's not something I would probably have tried otherwise so the session for free was much appreciated.”

YogaSwim

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This activity combines two forms of activity – yoga and open water swimming. Participants benefit from the mindful qualities of yoga, including relaxation and breathing techniques, followed by a dip in the water. Supported by Gone For a Swim, eight YogaSwim sessions were run and attended by 66 unique participants.

One participant said: “Loved the outside yoga and it was a very friendly and accessible class. I've not done a yoga class before. The swim was great too, well organised and safety in mind!”

Beach School Safaris

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The aim of this activity was to enable participants to explore the Essex Coast, focusing on discovering wildlife at East Beach in Shoeburyness. 11 beach school safaris were run, teaching families about their local blue space, and supporting them to experience the mental and physical benefits of being outside in fresh air. In total, these sessions attracted 160 unique participants.

One teacher said: “One highlight was discovering a fossilised sea sponge, which he proudly carried home. He is now preparing to share it with his classmates during show and tell – spreading his excitement about the ocean to others.”

Water safety education

Water safety education was delivered to schools and community groups with the support of several partners including the RNLI, Essex Fire and Rescue and Active Essex. This focused not just on educating individuals and families, but also on upskilling club organisations within the Active Southend-on-Thames, Southend HAF and Active Essex workstreams. This enables more people to deliver vital water safety messaging to young people in the community, helping to keep them safe now and in the future.

Despite organisers facing some challenges with weather, tides and initial sign-ups, all activities across the programme were well attended. Over 1,900 people participated across all activities, 78% of which were female. 181 participants indicated that they had a disability and condition such as including learning difficulties, long-term health condition, mental health difficulties, or being blind/visually impaired or deaf/hearing impaired. These statistics highlight the diversity of the programme’s participants.

The programme also helped to upskill individuals from 40 voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, enabling them to use their knowledge and skills to help educate others.

SAVS have recently published their planned activities for 2026’s ‘Active Southend-on-Thames'. Click here to find out more.

Projects like 'Active Southend-on-Thames' demonstrate how partnership-led programmes can break down barriers to blue space, improving wellbeing, confidence, and community connection through inclusive physical activity. By building local skills and capacity, they create a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the life of the programme.