01702 965959
enquiries@garonparkcic.com
Wellbeing At Garon Park is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) whose aim is to improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the local community, as well as enhancing the beauty, biodiversity and environmental value of the 32 acre Garon Park site in Southend on Sea.
The key objectives for WBGP Trustees are to:
Develop and agree a long-term strategic plan aligned to the mission of the Charity;
Ensure the financial integrity of the charity;
Agree a resourced annual plan of activities;
Promote the Charity in the community and seek out new relevant partnerships;
Agree a fund raising plan and support the fund raising around the aims and plan for the charity;
Deliver an annual report on the progress of the Charity against its planned activities and the outcome achieved.
Our anchor feature is the Wellbeing Park with the Wellbeing Trail a multipurpose pathway for cycling, running, walking and wheelchair access, links a number of activities and Venues. The trail is used by 100s and act as a hub for community and wellbeing initiatives, including the Nature, Fitness and Art Trails. There is seating and shelters at feature points around the wellbeing site for:
Rest and reflection
Enjoyment of vista points
Relaxation in the Sensory Garden
Enjoyment of the Nature Pond
We also have:
The Garon Park Shed, for those wanting to make new friends while learning or honing their practical woodworking skills
The Hive Nature School
The Community Garden for gardening experiences, achievement and social interaction
An Orchard majoring on native Essex species of fruit trees
An Outdoor Gym
And, of course, our clubhouse with kitchen and bar facilities which is heavily in demand for indoor meetings, socials and group activity sessions.
Christine Wyatt, a Trustee of Wellbeing at Garon Park is a business women with 30+ years corporate experience of establishing, leading and operating global and local businesses. Most recently she created and developed a successful arts and crafts teaching business in Southend on Sea, helping hundreds of people learn, develop and enjoy new artistic skills.
She joined Wellbeing at Garon Park, focused on the ‘arts and crafts’ brief as we see that as a core part of the overall set of facilities and offerings we are building to support community wellbeing.
Entrepreneur / Philanthropist
Born in Royston Avenue and lived in Southend all his life, Clive attended Southend High School for Boys.
In 2007 Clive started Livingstone Tanzania Trust a poverty alleviation charity in Tanzania which concentrates on children and education and to date have completely built / refurbished 9 schools and bought feeding, hygiene and menstrual programmes to the whole district – 35 schools – over 22,500 primary students a day. (www.livingstonetanzaniatrust.com).
In 2013 Clive had the idea to start a community health and wellbeing programme at Garon Park and with the help of Philip Tolhurst of Norman Garon Trust the first steps were taken in 2014
Clive is the day-to-day site Director
Retired
Born at home in Ambleside Drive in Kursaal Ward, I have lived in Southend all my life, attending Greenways Infants and Juniors, and Southend High for Boys.
Retiring early after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018, I worked for Lloyds Bank for 37 years.
I have always sought to be involved in voluntarily supporting our community, using my skills as best I could. I was Musical Director at Shoeburyness Baptist Church for over 30 years and variously Treasurer, Captain and Chairman of Thorpe Bay LTC for 25 years.
Having retired and then with more time on my hands, I was delighted to become involved with Wellbeing at Garon Park and help in developing and maintaining their facilities to improve the Health and Wellbeing of all residents of Southend and particularly, those more vulnerable, who are so often overlooked by the “system”
Bill Burrage, originally from Billericay, moved to Southend-on-Sea at age 11. He dedicated many years to the Southend Rugby Club, fostering a strong community spirit.
Bill began his career at Chapel & Chapel a local family run business, he then moved to Gilsons, a local fishmongery, before spending over 30 years at IMS, where he drove lorries and delivered steel across the UK.
His commitment to the community extended to over 20 years with the 2nd Southchurch Scouts in Southend, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring young scouts. Bill’s life reflects dedication to his family, work, sports, and community service.
Aron is the Founder of the Priest Foundation, his mission is to improve the lives of people with mental health issues and make counselling more accessible for everyone in the Rochford District and Southend area. One of the ways they are doing this is through their grant programme, which allows approved applicants to receive counselling paid for via the foundation. Aron believes in the value of conversations about mental health and trauma and wants to pave the way for recovery.
Aron, a passionate beekeeper, has combined his love for nature with philanthropy by producing honey to raise funds for the foundation’s charitable projects. The foundation’s mission is simple: to support vulnerable communities and promote sustainable initiatives.
By handcrafting honey straight from local hives, Aron is not only creating a product that reflects purity and care but is also giving back, with all proceeds going directly to support the foundation’s efforts. Every jar of honey sold helps further the Priest Foundation’s work—bringing people together, fostering community support, and nurturing both the environment and those in need.
Aron said – “I’m really enthused by the passion everyone has shown to want to help the people in our community“
Goal
To improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the local community in a safe and inclusive environment to nurture and grow community resilience.
Inputs
1. Wellbeing Park: Green spaces, indoor and sheltered spaces, activity areas, and conservation areas around the wellbeing walk.
2. Partners: Strong collaboration with local and national organisations specialising in mental health, physical fitness, and social inclusion.
3. Community Engagement: Involvement of local residents and leaders, volunteers and businesses.
4. Funding and Resources: Grants, sponsorships, and donations to secure and create resources for programmes and staffing to grow ongoing initiatives.
5. Expertise: Employ and develop local people as qualified staff, counsellors, fitness trainers, and facilitators to design and run programs.
Activities
1. Partner Collaboration: Joint initiatives leveraging resources and expertise.
2. Health and Fitness Programs: Daily classes, workshops, and events promoting physical activity.
3. Mental Health Support: Therapy sessions, peer support groups, and awareness campaigns.
4. Community Events: Social gatherings, cultural events, and resilience-building workshops.
5. Educational Workshops: Skills development in nutrition, stress management, and community leadership.
Outputs
1. Increased participation: Regular programmes wellbeing activities for all abilities of user groups from infants to seniors at Garon Park.
2. More and stronger partnerships: local and national charities, local organisations and companies, all benefitting from using the space.
3. Enhanced access to secure Greenspace: Resources and support for vulnerable groups.
4. A calendar of regular community events and programs. Resources that build confidence and community cohesion
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Full and continuous data collection to monitor and report on key indicator to measure the impact of targeted initiatives.
Outcomes
Short-term
1. Improved mental health among participants.
2. Increased levels of physical activity and better health outcomes.
3. Strengthened community ties and social networks.
4. Lowering of stress and anxiety across the community
Medium-term
1. Greater community resilience
2. Improved life expectancy for local people
3. Less reliance on NHS and other government agencies
4. Increased employment activity
5. Improved quality of life
Long-term
1. Sustainable community wellbeing
2. Greater productivity
Impact
A healthier, more connected, and resilient community that thrives on participation in shared resources and collective wellbeing efforts.
The Charity’s Objectives as stated in our Constitution
To assist charities and charitable bodies working for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Borough of Southend on Sea and surrounding areas by providing and maintaining secure and private facilities:
a) to promote and protect the good physical, mental and sensory health of the residents; and/or
b) for the recreation or other leisure time occupation of those residents who have need of such facilities by reason of their health, infirmity or disablement in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Purpose
Wellbeing At Garon Park
Develop & maintain facilities to support Health & Wellbeing activities at Garon Park
Co-ordinate the booking of facilities at the Garon Park site
Co-ordinate the volunteer force supporting the Garon Park site
Community groups
Organise activities to make the best use of the facilities at Garon Park
Set goals for Health & Wellbeing outcomes and monitor progress
Manage community group membership and activities
Care
We will provide sustainable facilities that improve local health and wellbeing outcomes via self-help
We will act as a catylyst for the local community to enhance pride, resilience and self-sufficiency
We will ensure that we protect and enhance the local ecology and environment of the Garon Park site
We will provide creative solutions that meet local community needs and deliver value for money
Compassion
We will support community self-help to sustain physical, mental or emotional wellbeing
We will be sensitive to and act upon the stated needs of the local community
We will show perseverance, patience, tolerance, warmth and resolve
We will act in an altruistic way
Integrity
We will reflect the principles and objectives of the wellbeing@garonpark charity in what we do
We will act with respect, honesty, truthfulness and accuracy
We will behave in an ethical way
We will ensure that we are seen as dependable and reliable in our relationships
Co-operation
We will act for the common good and mutual benefit of the local community and the groups that represent it
We will partner with other groups and organisations where we can achieve a better outcome
We will show fairness, justice and courtesy to others
We will act in a rational, realistic and flexible way
Care
We will provide sustainable facilities that improve local health and wellbeing outcomes via self-help
We will act as a catylyst for the local community to enhance pride, resilience and self-sufficiency
We will ensure that we protect and enhance the local ecology and environment of the Garon Park site
We will provide creative solutions that meet local community needs and deliver value for money
Compassion
We will support community self-help to sustain physical, mental or emotional wellbeing
We will be sensitive to and act upon the stated needs of the local community
We will show perseverance, patience, tolerance, warmth and resolve
We will act in an altruistic way
Integrity
We will reflect the principles and objectives of the wellbeing@garonpark charity in what we do
We will act with respect, honesty, truthfulness and accuracy
We will behave in an ethical way
We will ensure that we are seen as dependable and reliable in our relationships
Co-operation
We will act for the common good and mutual benefit of the local community and the groups that represent it
We will partner with other groups and organisations where we can achieve a better outcome
We will show fairness, justice and courtesy to others
We will act in a rational, realistic and flexible way
Click here to view our current partners
All of our Social Programmes are designed to use the natural attractions of the Garon Park site for the benefit of the local community. We aim to be proactive and focused on social need and the agility of our decision making and our policies, means that we can model specific or more general scenarios for our partners extremely quickly.
We have a whole suit of programmes resulting from the traumas of lockdown which are now operating for use by our partners to address current needs in the community, with some of the principal ones explained below:
In2Volunteering – Programmes based on confidence building and socialising, then moving into consistency, planning and responsibility inc. general training in areas such as H&S, First Aid etc.
In2Work – Programmes based on confidence building and Socialising, then moving into consistency, planning and responsibility inc. general training in areas such as H&S, First Aid etc. Within this we offer specific work ready training courses e.g. computer skills, and introduce people to jobs club and planning for employment.
In2School – We have been successfully running courses for since 2022 designed around social, emotional and mental issues all aimed at keeping students in school. Our courses include – Tutoring, 1:1 and Family situations.
Youth Programme – As part of our commitment to youth we are developing a model to offer local youth safe pathways where they can thrive and flourish and have a voice and influence. We currently have around 7000 youth visits to site every month across all of the site’s activities and we aim to drive this up to 12000- 15000 by the end of 2025, led by our capital and capacity building programmes.
Our partners operate a vast range of activities from Mother and Baby groups, yoga, therapeutic art, fitness for the over 70’s etc etc
Wellbeing At Garon Park is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) whose aim is to improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the local community, as well as enhancing the beauty, biodiversity and environmental value of the 32 acre Garon Park site in Southend on Sea.
The key objectives for WBGP Trustees are to:
Develop and agree a long-term strategic plan aligned to the mission of the Charity;
Ensure the financial integrity of the charity;
Agree a resourced annual plan of activities;
Promote the Charity in the community and seek out new relevant partnerships;
Agree a fund raising plan and support the fund raising around the aims and plan for the charity;
Deliver an annual report on the progress of the Charity against its planned activities and the outcome achieved.
Our anchor feature is the Wellbeing Park with the Wellbeing Trail a multipurpose pathway for cycling, running, walking and wheelchair access, links a number of activities and Venues. The trail is used by 100s and act as a hub for community and wellbeing initiatives, including the Nature, Fitness and Art Trails. There is seating and shelters at feature points around the wellbeing site for:
Rest and reflection
Enjoyment of vista points
Relaxation in the Sensory Garden
Enjoyment of the Nature Pond
We also have:
The Garon Park Shed, for those wanting to make new friends while learning or honing their practical woodworking skills
The Hive Nature School
The Community Garden for gardening experiences, achievement and social interaction
An Orchard majoring on native Essex species of fruit trees
An Outdoor Gym
And, of course, our clubhouse with kitchen and bar facilities which is heavily in demand for indoor meetings, socials and group activity sessions.
Christine Wyatt, a Trustee of Wellbeing at Garon Park is a business women with 30+ years corporate experience of establishing, leading and operating global and local businesses. Most recently she created and developed a successful arts and crafts teaching business in Southend on Sea, helping hundreds of people learn, develop and enjoy new artistic skills.
She joined Wellbeing at Garon Park, focused on the ‘arts and crafts’ brief as we see that as a core part of the overall set of facilities and offerings we are building to support community wellbeing.
Entrepreneur / Philanthropist
Born in Royston Avenue and lived in Southend all his life, Clive attended Southend High School for Boys.
In 2007 Clive started Livingstone Tanzania Trust a poverty alleviation charity in Tanzania which concentrates on children and education and to date have completely built / refurbished 9 schools and bought feeding, hygiene and menstrual programmes to the whole district – 35 schools – over 22,500 primary students a day. (www.livingstonetanzaniatrust.com).
In 2013 Clive had the idea to start a community health and wellbeing programme at Garon Park and with the help of Philip Tolhurst of Norman Garon Trust the first steps were taken in 2014
Clive is the day-to-day site Director
Retired
Born at home in Ambleside Drive in Kursaal Ward, I have lived in Southend all my life, attending Greenways Infants and Juniors, and Southend High for Boys.
Retiring early after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018, I worked for Lloyds Bank for 37 years.
I have always sought to be involved in voluntarily supporting our community, using my skills as best I could. I was Musical Director at Shoeburyness Baptist Church for over 30 years and variously Treasurer, Captain and Chairman of Thorpe Bay LTC for 25 years.
Having retired and then with more time on my hands, I was delighted to become involved with Wellbeing at Garon Park and help in developing and maintaining their facilities to improve the Health and Wellbeing of all residents of Southend and particularly, those more vulnerable, who are so often overlooked by the “system”
Bill Burrage, originally from Billericay, moved to Southend-on-Sea at age 11. He dedicated many years to the Southend Rugby Club, fostering a strong community spirit.
Bill began his career at Chapel & Chapel a local family run business, he then moved to Gilsons, a local fishmongery, before spending over 30 years at IMS, where he drove lorries and delivered steel across the UK.
His commitment to the community extended to over 20 years with the 2nd Southchurch Scouts in Southend, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring young scouts. Bill’s life reflects dedication to his family, work, sports, and community service.
Aron is the Founder of the Priest Foundation, his mission is to improve the lives of people with mental health issues and make counselling more accessible for everyone in the Rochford District and Southend area. One of the ways they are doing this is through their grant programme, which allows approved applicants to receive counselling paid for via the foundation. Aron believes in the value of conversations about mental health and trauma and wants to pave the way for recovery.
Aron, a passionate beekeeper, has combined his love for nature with philanthropy by producing honey to raise funds for the foundation’s charitable projects. The foundation’s mission is simple: to support vulnerable communities and promote sustainable initiatives.
By handcrafting honey straight from local hives, Aron is not only creating a product that reflects purity and care but is also giving back, with all proceeds going directly to support the foundation’s efforts. Every jar of honey sold helps further the Priest Foundation’s work—bringing people together, fostering community support, and nurturing both the environment and those in need.
Aron said – “I’m really enthused by the passion everyone has shown to want to help the people in our community“
The Charity’s Objectives as stated in our Constitution
To assist charities and charitable bodies working for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Borough of Southend on Sea and surrounding areas by providing and maintaining secure and private facilities:
a) to promote and protect the good physical, mental and sensory health of the residents; and/or
b) for the recreation or other leisure time occupation of those residents who have need of such facilities by reason of their health, infirmity or disablement in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Purpose
Wellbeing At Garon Park
Develop & maintain facilities to support Health & Wellbeing activities at Garon Park
Co-ordinate the booking of facilities at the Garon Park site
Co-ordinate the volunteer force supporting the Garon Park site
Community groups
Organise activities to make the best use of the facilities at Garon Park
Set goals for Health & Wellbeing outcomes and monitor progress
Manage community group membership and activities
Care
We will provide sustainable facilities that improve local health and wellbeing outcomes via self-help
We will act as a catylyst for the local community to enhance pride, resilience and self-sufficiency
We will ensure that we protect and enhance the local ecology and environment of the Garon Park site
We will provide creative solutions that meet local community needs and deliver value for money
Compassion
We will support community self-help to sustain physical, mental or emotional wellbeing
We will be sensitive to and act upon the stated needs of the local community
We will show perseverance, patience, tolerance, warmth and resolve
We will act in an altruistic way
Integrity
We will reflect the principles and objectives of the wellbeing@garonpark charity in what we do
We will act with respect, honesty, truthfulness and accuracy
We will behave in an ethical way
We will ensure that we are seen as dependable and reliable in our relationships
Co-operation
We will act for the common good and mutual benefit of the local community and the groups that represent it
We will partner with other groups and organisations where we can achieve a better outcome
We will show fairness, justice and courtesy to others
We will act in a rational, realistic and flexible way
Care
We will provide sustainable facilities that improve local health and wellbeing outcomes via self-help
We will act as a catylyst for the local community to enhance pride, resilience and self-sufficiency
We will ensure that we protect and enhance the local ecology and environment of the Garon Park site
We will provide creative solutions that meet local community needs and deliver value for money
Compassion
We will support community self-help to sustain physical, mental or emotional wellbeing
We will be sensitive to and act upon the stated needs of the local community
We will show perseverance, patience, tolerance, warmth and resolve
We will act in an altruistic way
Integrity
We will reflect the principles and objectives of the wellbeing@garonpark charity in what we do
We will act with respect, honesty, truthfulness and accuracy
We will behave in an ethical way
We will ensure that we are seen as dependable and reliable in our relationships
Co-operation
We will act for the common good and mutual benefit of the local community and the groups that represent it
We will partner with other groups and organisations where we can achieve a better outcome
We will show fairness, justice and courtesy to others
We will act in a rational, realistic and flexible way
Click here to view our current partners
All of our Social Programmes are designed to use the natural attractions of the Garon Park site for the benefit of the local community. We aim to be proactive and focused on social need and the agility of our decision making and our policies, means that we can model specific or more general scenarios for our partners extremely quickly.
We have a whole suit of programmes resulting from the traumas of lockdown which are now operating for use by our partners to address current needs in the community, with some of the principal ones explained below:
In2Volunteering – Programmes based on confidence building and socialising, then moving into consistency, planning and responsibility inc. general training in areas such as H&S, First Aid etc.
In2Work – Programmes based on confidence building and Socialising, then moving into consistency, planning and responsibility inc. general training in areas such as H&S, First Aid etc. Within this we offer specific work ready training courses e.g. computer skills, and introduce people to jobs club and planning for employment.
In2School – We have been successfully running courses for since 2022 designed around social, emotional and mental issues all aimed at keeping students in school. Our courses include – Tutoring, 1:1 and Family situations.
Youth Programme – As part of our commitment to youth we are developing a model to offer local youth safe pathways where they can thrive and flourish and have a voice and influence. We currently have around 7000 youth visits to site every month across all of the site’s activities and we aim to drive this up to 12000- 15000 by the end of 2025, led by our capital and capacity building programmes.
Our partners operate a vast range of activities from Mother and Baby groups, yoga, therapeutic art, fitness for the over 70’s etc etc
Our youth plan is driven by a strategic initiative called YouthHOPE, which is rooted in thorough research and strong community engagement. More details can be found in our strategy document.
We began with a comprehensive baseline survey focused on youth-related issues in our area. The findings revealed key gaps and opportunities that shaped our strategy. In response, we launched Garon Park Youth in 2022—a vibrant, weekly youth club that quickly became a hub for local young people. Every Wednesday, the club attracts 60-70 participants and has grown to a membership of over 450 young people.
Our facility is designed to be fully accessible, welcoming all young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. We’ve worked hard to ensure our programmes cater to both neurodiverse and neurotypical children, providing the support they need to thrive.
We’ve also established partnerships with specialised services to help young people overcome challenges such as school avoidance and anxiety, while also offering essential life skills. These collaborations ensure every young person has access to the resources necessary for their well-being.
Our Youth Lead, Anna Sims, is delivering this important initiative. We are actively fundraising, building capacity, and expanding our reach. Stay tuned for updates on how we’re continuing to roll out this strategy.
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Charity Number: 1178841 | Address: Cricket Pavilion, Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 4FA
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