Marketplace: local services and organisations
We were delighted to be joined by over 50 teams, organisations and charities that are dedicated to providing support, resources, and advice for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families living in Southend-on-Sea. This page features the complete, A to Z list of every stall holder that was at the event.
Adult Living Well Transitions Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The team provides support for adults with disabilities aged 18 plus.
All Age Autism Outreach Service - The All Age Autism Outreach Support Service provide support to those with an autism diagnosis or on the neurodevelopmental pathway to achieve their full potential. We also provide support to the wider system in order for them to have a better understanding of neurodiversity.
Artopia Art and Craft Day Centre - Arts and crafts day provision for adults with learning difficulties aged 18 plus.
Badgers Den and Brock's Corner - Badgers Den is a day opportunities based in Rochford supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities. We are open 7 days a week and support young people from the age of 8. We also have a trainee cafe called Brock's Corner for people to gain real life work experience in the hospitality sector.
Blossoms SEND - Blossoms provides stay and plays, activities, and opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities, complex needs, and their families in Essex. At Blossoms, we're passionate about creating a world where every child can thrive. Based in Southend, we fill a vital gap in activities and support for children with SEND and their families.
We know that finding inclusive and meaningful opportunities can be a challenge, and that's where we come in. Blossoms was founded on the belief that every child deserves to play, learn, and connect in a safe, supportive space. Our sessions nurture confidence, creativity, and joy, tailored to individual needs. We're also here for families, offering community, understanding, and encouragement every step of the way.
Bright Smiles Child Oral Health Information (NHS) - The Bright Smiles Child Oral Health Improvement Programme supports families, children and frontline professionals to achieve and maintain good oral health. We support families with a range of information including how to find a dentist, how to brush children's teeth and how to form healthy eating and drinking habits with their children.
Cake Club - Providing parenting support and playgroups in Southend, Rochford and the surrounding areas. Cake Club also provides SEND specific sessions.
Carers First - Carers First provides free support for anyone caring for a family member, friend or neighbour, in Southend, who could not manage without them. Our service is open to adult carers (18+) and young carers (5 to 18). Adult carers can access local groups and events, carers assessments, training, respite and short breaks, employment support, GP registration as a carer, and contingency planning.
Young carers are offered information and guidance, one-to-one and group support, age-appropriate assessments, transition support, holiday activities, and opportunities to meet others in similar situations.
Chaos and Calm - Chaos and Calm run specialist groups for pre-school children with any form of additional need or disability.
Children and Young People's Bladder and Bowel Service (NHS) - The Children and Young People's Bladder and Bowel service (CYBBS) is a community-based nurse led service offering assessment, investigation and management of children and young people with bladder and bowel problems and toilet training difficulties The service aims to promote healthy bladder and bowels amongst children and young people.
Children with Disabilities Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The team provide support to children with disabilities aged 0 to 18, and their families, such as: significant hearing loss, visual impairment or communication difficulties, severe learning disability or a moderate learning disability where there is an associated syndrome, severe physical disability or chronic or life threatening illness (i.e. a degenerative or terminal condition).
Dynamic Support Register (DSR) Keyworker Service - The DSR Keyworker Service ensures individuals aged 0 to 25 who are autistic and/or have a learning disability, and their families, get support and that local systems respond to their needs in a holistic and joined up way - the right support at the right time.
The service aims to ensure individuals and their families remain at the centre of their care, reduce unnecessary admissions to hospital, support discharge planning and promote system collaboration within professional networks.
Early Years SEND Support Service (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - We provide advice, guidance and support to families and early years settings. The support helps them meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from birth to the end of school reception year. We work collaboratively with health professionals to provide individualised support, ensuring early identification and intervention tailored to each child's needs.
Our mission is to break down barriers to learning and promote inclusive, high-quality SEND provision across early years settings and to help every child with SEND transition successfully into early years settings or school, fostering positive outcomes for all. We also run the Southend Early Autism Support Course and a SEND Play and Development Group.
Eco Wings and Nights Limited - At Eco Wings and Nights we have 2 Respite Centres, a Day centre and a Residential home. Age ranges: Day centre - 19 to 35 and from 8 years during the holidays/non-term time. Respite Eco Nights- 13 plus years. Respite Peacock House - 16 plus years.
Education Access Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The service aims to work collaboratively with families, schools, and health services to identify the best education pathway that supports pupils with their educational, social, emotional and health needs.
Education Travel Assistance Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The Education Travel Assistance Team offer help with travel between home and school or college for eligible children and young people living in Southend-on-Sea. Parents and carers are legally responsible for making sure their child attends school regularly, including arranging their travel. However, the council has a duty to provide free and suitable travel assistance for certain children who meet the eligibility criteria.
Educational Psychology Service (EPS) and the Southend Emotional Wellbeing service (S-WELL) (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - At the Southend Educational Psychology Service, we use psychology with hope and compassion to empower children and young people from birth to 25. We work collaboratively with families, schools, and communities to promote inclusion, wellbeing, and learning. Through early intervention, evidence-based practice, and a holistic approach, we aim to reduce barriers, celebrate strengths, and create sustainable, positive change so that every child and young person can thrive, feel heard, and reach their full potential.
S-WELL are part of the Educational Psychology Service. It is a free preventative and early intervention emotional wellbeing service for schools.
Elections Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council)
Fast Progress Tuition - A specialist Alternative Provision and Reintegration Centre supporting children and young people aged 6 to 16 plus (registered DfE college provider) who are unable to attend mainstream school due to anxiety or other SEND needs. We offer personalised education, reintegration support, and in-house mentoring for children who struggle in traditional education settings, including those who are bedroom-bound, socially anxious, or overwhelmed in busy school environments.
Our tailored approach, safe spaces, and three dedicated teams (Teaching, Introduction to Learning, and Mentor) ensure every child receives the right level of support to help them build resilience and confidence.
Figure of Eight Education - At Figure of Eight Education, we work closely with local schools and authorities to support young people who, for different reasons, are unable to attend mainstream school or may be at risk of exclusion. Our goal is simple: to give every child the right support so they can succeed, grow in confidence, and, when the time is right, have the chance to return to a traditional school setting.
We offer a well-rounded education that looks after the whole child - not just their academic progress, but also their social, emotional, and personal development. With a focus on the core subjects of English and Maths, taught in small, supportive groups, we encourage students to believe in themselves, aim high, and achieve their full potential.
Freedom - Freedom is a fully acccesible over 18s club night held at Popworld Southend every Wednesday 6.30pm to 10pm. It is a great way to build confidence, meet new friends, improve social skills and enjoy a full-on club night experience. We have wheelchair access and accessible toilet facilities. All our team are fully enhanced DBS checked and we have insurance. We are fully inclusive and enjoy theme nights, guest DJs and lots of giveaways!
Friends and Places Together - We provide supported friendship groups and activities for vulnerable young people aged 14 plus. We offer a person centred approach to the activities we support, where the clients choose what they would like to do. We also offer supported day trips, holidays, monthly film nights and karaoke nights.
Healthwatch Southend - We are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We're here to make sure that those running services put people at the heart of care. Our sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. We focus on ensuring that people's worries and concerns about current services are addressed. We work to get services right for the future.
Health Visiting Service - Health Visitors are qualified nurses or midwives. They have specialist training and support to families with children aged 0 to 5 years.
Inclusion Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - We aim to support schools, young people, and families by focusing on ways to engage young people in their learning. We do this through early intervention and looking at key strategies such as the prevention of/and reducing exclusions. We aim to work together with the local community to provide a supportive service. We provide advice and support around school placements/managed moves, Elective Home Education, Modified Learning Plans, Alternative Provision and the Education Access Team.
Just Ride Southend - Just Ride Southend provide inclusive cycling opportunities for people of all ages (0 to 97), to enjoy cycling in a safe and affordable traffic-free environment at Garon's athletics track. All are assured of a warm inclusive welcome from our crew of volunteers at our 3 weekly drop-in sessions, we are open 48 weeks a year on the track, using over 150 bicycles ranging from children and adult 2 wheelers through to trikes and specialist bikes like our electric powered wheelchair platform bike.
We keep the sessions affordable and only ask for a donation of £2.50 (including use of a bike helmet) to ride for the whole session but carers and parents of children who are riding are free and welcome to ride.
Learning Disability User Voice Group - The Learning Disability User Voice Group is open to adults, aged over 18, that identify as having a learning disability, and use services within Southend. The aim of the group is to provide an opportunity for those with lived experience to have a voice, to be part of co-production, and to have representation at the Living Well Strategy group meetings. Meetings take place every 2 months at various locations in Southend-on-Sea.
Lighthouse Child Development Centre (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and ASD/ADHD Team - NHS) - The Lighthouse Child Development centre is the local diagnostic centre for both ASD/ADHD and also provides services for children with any neuro developmental conditions such as Speech therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, consultant appointments, and we have a sensory garden. The Occupational and Physiotherapy teams supports children at home and school to participate in activities of daily living/ independent skills.
Little Heroes ASD Support Group - Supports families of children who are on the autistic spectrum, no official diagnosis needed, the parent/carer just needs to know there is a need. We are a parent led support group supporting in excess of 1,000 local families on a face-to-face basis. The charity started 13 years ago by our CEO as a once-a-month coffee morning. The need is so great in our area for support, that over the years it has grown to what it is today, 6 days a week, offering everything from support session to fun activities for all the family.
We are reactive to the needs of our families. At the heart of our work is empowering families and young people to understand their needs, speak up for themselves, make informed choices, and access the services and support they are entitled to.
Mushroom Theatre Company - We provide classes and workshops for all children and adults in Dance, Drama and Singing. We also offer Shortbreaks for disabled children in the school holidays.
Preparing for Adulthood Strategy development and next steps (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - A Preparing for Adulthood Strategy is being developed for Southend-on-Sea, with actions and next steps for the strategy now being considered. Kate Clarke, Preparing for Adulthood Advisor will be at the event. Visit Kate to share your views about what you'd like to see for young adults in Southend with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
School Admissions Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The teams purpose is to ensure that all pupils within the City of Southend-on-Sea have access to high-quality learning opportunities through placement in mainstream, state-funded schools - empowering them to achieve the best possible educational outcomes. Our team is dedicated to securing a school place for every child who applies, both on the National Offer Days for primary and secondary admissions and throughout the year, in accordance with statutory requirements. We also ensure fair access to the appeals process.
This commitment aligns with the Council's ambition for opportunity and prosperity, by promoting inclusive access to education and sharing the benefits of our collective success. It further supports the goal of preparing our children to be school and life-ready, while contributing to a skilled and job-ready workforce.
School Attendance Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The School Attendance Team is a targeted service that offers a preventative traded service and a core statutory service to ensure regular school attendance for all young people from 5 to 16. In addition, members of the team have responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of young people in employment and entertainment using legal enforcement where appropriate.
School Nursing Service - School Nurses are the lead public health professional for school aged children, taking over from the Health Visitor on the child's fifth birthday. School Nurses work in partnership with families and other professionals to promote the health of all children and to support children with health needs in the school environment. This includes care planning with schools and parent's to ensure the needs of children with diagnosed conditions are met. Care packages and services are also offered for other health needs such as weight management, bed wetting, hearing and vision assessments, and emotional well-being.
SEND Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) engagement - Share your feedback about SEND Services to inform the SEND JSNA.
SEND Local Offer Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) (event co-host) - We provide information about services and support for children and young people aged 0 to 25 and their families.
SEND Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The SEND Team are responsible for considering, initiating and co-ordinating Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments and issuing and reviewing Education, Health and Care Plans. Please see the web link for other associated activities.
SEND The Right Message (STRM) Charity - SEND the Right Message (STRM) is a charity run by parents, for parents. We know what its like to face challenges , and we are here to make sure families don't face them alone. We offer friendly support , practical advice , and fun activities for our neurodivergent and disabled children, young people, and their carers across Essex and Southend . Our aim is simple : to help families feel supported, included, and hopeful about the future.
SEND Therapies Team (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The SEND Therapies Team is a support service focussed on universal and targeted speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. The aim of the team is to upskill schools and Early Years settings across Southend-on-Sea through a mix of training, projects and modelling of interventions.
SENDIASS Southend - The role of SENDIASS Southend is to ensure that children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and their parents or carers have access to impartial information, advice and support so that they can make informed decisions about matters relating to their special educational needs.
SNAP Charity - SNAP Charity partners with parents. We support families whose children have additional needs or disabilities by providing compassion, guidance and hope. We support families living across Essex, Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea with or without a diagnosis from 0 to 25 years old.
South Essex Colleges Group - South Essex Colleges Group offer a range of learning programmes from a number of delivery locations: Southend City Centre Campus, Stevenson Road Campus (Southend), Luckyn Lane Campus (Basildon), Centre for Digital Technologies (Basildon), Thurrock.
Southend Adult Community College SEND and Independent Living Skills Academy (Southchurch and Westcliff) - Independent Living Skills Academy (ILSA) is an educational provision for for young people aged 19 to 25 with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). We have two sites, one in Westcliff and one located behind the main college site at Ambleside Drive. Southend Adult Community College (SACC) has an Adult SEND provision offering vocational courses alongside Functional Skills Maths and English.
Southend Care Ltd - Making it Work and Project 49 - Making it work is a specialist supported employment service which provides people with learning disabiliities and/or autism the opportunity to access all types of employment. Project 49 provides innovative day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and associated needs.
Southend Careers Service - Southend Careers Service is a leading provider of careers information advice and guidance for young people in Essex. The service has MATRIX Accreditation and our Personal Advisors are all qualified to the QCF Level 6 Diploma in Guidance and Development.
Southend Mencap - Southend Mencap is a charity that has been supporting people with Learning Disabilities for 70 years. We run a range of services and adults annual valentines party, annual achievers awards, annual art competition and awards. Clubs and activities: Friendship Group, 16 Plus Club, Showstoppers, M.O.D.S Drama group, Family play and Respite Club, SMASH Sports Club, Compatibles Friendship and Relationship Group. Our Family Support Service helps family carers of people with Learning Disabilities with benefit applications, support for parents at school meetings and EHCP support.
Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF) (event co-host) - Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF) is the Parent Carer Forum (PCF) for Southend-on-Sea. SSIF is funded by the Department for Education and we work in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council as well as Health and Education settings with an aim to shape and influence services, to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet the needs of children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their families living in Southend. We aim to give parent carers a voice and make our collective views heard to improve services for our children.
Southend Shared Lives - Shared Lives support people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling and active lives. Southend Shared Lives carers share their home and community life with individuals ranging from a few hours a week to long-term live-in arrangements or respite. Our carers can provide everything from practical support for everyday living, personal care or social and emotional support.
Southend YMCA - Southend YMCA is a youth-focused charity supporting young people across Southend and beyond. We offer youth work, mentoring, and outreach programmes that build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships. Our All In Music initiative uses music to inspire creativity, self-expression, and community engagement. We also provide alternative education, employability support, and supported housing for young people facing homelessness. Working with local partners, we create safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to build brighter futures.
Southend YMCA Community School - The vision of Southend YMCA Community School is to ‘Stand in the Gap’, helping young people to build their future through a holistic education where pupils aged 14 to 16 will acquire the knowledge, skills, experiences and qualifications to make the successful transition to adulthood. It is our belief that young people should be offered access to high quality provision. The acquisition of relevant and meaningful skills, knowledge, qualifications and experiences will increase life chances and aid economic inclusion for young people outside the mainstream school system.
Becoming a Free School has provided a more stable and legitimate environment for meeting the needs of young people in Southend. In addition, the DfE status has increased positive reputation, consequently providing a valuable resource to mainstream schools; utilising placements to increase retention, achievement and success rates and reduce exclusions.
Southend YMCA - 'Let's Play' - Connected Beginnings - Youth groups, music workshops, accommodation for young people, mentoring, counselling, breastfeeding support, support for neurodivergent families with young children, play activities and outreach.
Southend, Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) - The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescents Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.
Specialist Teaching Service (Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The Specialist Teaching Service supports the most complex SEND children and young people in Southend. We offer a wide range of SEND support, advice and training for schools and settings to enable them to deliver high quality inclusive education. We also provide advice and support for individual children with SEND to ensure that the people who work with them and their families are equipped to understand and meet their individual needs.
The Children's Learning Disability Service (CLDS) (NHS) - The CLDS provide specialist functional assessments of behaviour which may include; aggressive or self-injurious behaviour, sensory processing problems, inappropriate sexualised behaviour, emotional wellbeing and anger management issues, and sleep problems. Plans of care are tailored to the child's individual needs, working with the child's support network to effect positive behavioural change.
The CLDS provide specialist functional assessments of behaviour which may include; aggressive or self-injurious behaviour, sensory processing problems, inappropriate sexualised behaviour, emotional wellbeing and anger management issues, and sleep problems. Plans of care are tailored to the child's individual needs, working with the child's support network to effect positive behavioural change. The CLDS cover the Southend, Essex and Thurrock footprint and work with children aged 5 to 18 years whom are registered with a GP in these areas. Behavioural difficulties must be displayed within the child's home setting to meet the team's criteria. The CLDS also offer consultation and advice to partnering agencies who support people with learning disabilities.
The Family, Early Years and Childcare Service (Childcare, HAF and Family Centres - Southend-on-Sea City Council) - The team provides information about Early Education Entitlement and local childcare options and can help families find childcare. The team also deliver a range of services and activities through Southend Family Centres, run the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, and support early years settings to provide high quality provision for all children.
The Hang Out Venue Ltd - We are a family owned social enterprise in the heart of Southend. Run by two local Mum's and designed so children and young people of all ages can hangout and gently stretch their boundaries and gain confidence with the reassurance of their adults close by. Enhancing the lives of children and families is at the heart of everything we do. Relaxed welcoming hanging out is always the aim of the game! We aim to compliment not replicate what's already available in our amazing community.
As we grow, we listen to what children, young people and families need and want us to be and this directs how we as a social enterprise evolve and grow with our community. We can't be everything to everyone, but what we are will inspire, be sustainable, genuine and successful.
Travel Training (Essex County Council) - A step towards independence, Travel Training gives people with special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities the confidence and skills to learn how to travel independently. Accessing a key life skill to live your life to its full potential and allowing you to access the community when and how you choose. We work with adults and children with disabilities or SEN needs across Essex with a dedicated trainer.
Trust Links - Trust Links is a local independent mental health charity offering support for both adults and young people across South East Essex. Within the Children, Youth and Families team we offer peer support and social groups throughout the working week, as well as an alternative wellbeing provision offer, bouldering project and Forest School provision.
USP College (Foundation Learning) - Our Pathways Department helps learners prepare for adulthood with vocational skills and pre-entry Maths and English. Following this, learners who are in receipt of an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can progress onto the Supported Internship programme - a work based programme where students attend college for one or two days per week and undertake work placement for the rest of the week, with the support of a Job Coach.
Vecteo - Provider of community transport in Southend-on-Sea.