Empowering Youth and Transforming Southend: A Vision for the Future

Southend is a town rich with potential, full of young people who represent the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. But like many communities, we face challenges—rising concerns about youth engagement and public safety. The Confelicity Party’s new, exciting manifesto pledge offers a bold, forward-thinking plan to tackle these issues head-on. It’s more than just a set of policies; it’s a commitment to our future, built on the belief that by empowering our youth, we can transform not just their lives but the very fabric of our community. Why Southend’s Youth Hold the KeyOur young people are Southend’s greatest asset. But without the right opportunities, guidance, and support, they can struggle to realise their potential. Too often, the pressures they face—whether academic, social, or economic—lead them down negative paths, contributing to anti-social behaviour and a sense of insecurity within the community. This manifesto is about changing that narrative. It’s about creating a Southend where every young person feels seen, supported, and valued. Where they’re given the tools, the space, and the encouragement to not just stay out of trouble but to truly thrive. We believe that when we invest in youth, we are investing in a future that is brighter, safer, and more inclusive for everyone. The Vision: Five Initiatives That Will Change LivesThe manifesto outlines five core initiatives that together form a powerful strategy for youth outreach and public safety. Each initiative is designed to not only address immediate concerns but to unlock long-term potential, providing young people with opportunities that can change their lives—and by extension, the future of Southend. 1. Southend Youth Zone: A Hub for GrowthAt the heart of this plan is the Southend Youth Zone—a state-of-the-art facility inspired by the successful OnSide Youth Zones model. This won’t just be a place to keep young people occupied; it will be a beacon of opportunity. A safe, vibrant space where they can explore their passions, from sports and arts to vocational training. It will be a space where creativity is nurtured, fitness is celebrated, and personal growth is encouraged. With access to everything from basketball courts and music production studios to coding workshops, the Youth Zone will be a launchpad for dreams. Through partnerships with local businesses, we’ll also offer internships, mentorships, and career guidance. The message is clear: Southend believes in its young people, and we’re investing in their future. 2. Expanded Sports and Arts Programmes: Building Discipline and ResilienceSports and arts are not just hobbies—they are powerful tools for personal development. By partnering with local sports clubs, schools, and community centres, we will offer programmes in boxing, martial arts, and team sports, inspired by the Fight for Peace model. These activities will teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience, helping young people develop the character and confidence they need to succeed in life. Targeting at-risk youth, these programmes will offer an alternative to negative influences, showing them that they have a place in this community, and that place is one of growth, leadership, and achievement. 3. Outdoor Adventure and Leadership: Finding Strength in NatureSouthend’s coastline and parks are some of its greatest treasures, and we will use these natural resources to create outdoor adventure programmes that inspire leadership and personal growth. Modelled after the Brathay Trust, these activities—like hiking, kayaking, and team-building exercises—will help young people connect with nature, develop self-confidence, and learn how to work together as a team. This initiative is about more than just getting young people outside. It’s about helping them realise their inner strength, showing them that they can overcome challenges, and encouraging them to step into leadership roles within their own lives and their communities. 4. Career and Enterprise Development: Unlocking Future PotentialEvery young person deserves the chance to build a career, and we are committed to helping them do just that. By working with The Prince’s Trust and local businesses, we will deliver employability workshops and entrepreneurship programmes that equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in the job market. Whether it’s learning digital media, hospitality, or customer service, our young people will be ready to step into Southend’s vibrant creative and tourism sectors—or even start businesses of their own. This initiative is about opening doors, giving young people the confidence to chase their dreams, and providing them with the tools they need to build a future that excites them. 5. First Aid and Violence Prevention: Empowering Youth to Save LivesPublic safety isn’t just about keeping young people out of trouble; it’s about empowering them to be part of the solution. Through the StreetDoctors programme, we will teach young people life-saving first aid skills with a focus on reducing the impact of street violence. This initiative will show them that they have the power to make a difference in their communities, turning bystanders into lifesavers. By teaching young people how to respond to emergencies, we’re not only giving them vital skills, but also fostering a sense of responsibility and care that will ripple through the community, helping to create a safer Southend for all. Building a Better Southend, TogetherThis pledge is about more than reducing crime or offering after-school programmes. It’s about creating a Southend where young people are given the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve. A Southend where they can flourish and contribute to the community in meaningful ways. When young people succeed, our entire town succeeds. Together, we can build a future where Southend’s streets are safer, our youth are more engaged, and the possibilities for growth and transformation are endless. Investing in our young people isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smartest investment we can make in our town’s future. The time to act is now. Let’s build a Southend that works for everyone—starting with our youth.

Financial Outline for Empowering Southend’s Youth Initiatives

The Confelicity Party’s pledge to transform youth engagement in Southend is ambitious yet financially

achievable. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs and potential funding sources for each initiative:

1. Southend Youth Zone

o Initial Setup: £5 million to £10 million for construction and setup

o Annual Running Costs: £700,000 to £1.5 million for staffing and maintenance

2. Expanded Sports and Arts Programmes

o Annual Costs: £50,000 to £100,000 for partnerships with local clubs and community centers

o Additional Funding: Support from youth charities and local sponsorships

3. Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Programmes

o Setup Costs: £30,000 to £50,000 for outdoor equipment and staffing

o Annual Operating Costs: £15,000 to £30,000 for salaries and activities

4. Career and Enterprise Development

o Annual Programme Costs: £50,000 to £100,000 for workshops and employability programs

5. First Aid and Violence Prevention Education

o Initial Setup: £10,000 to £20,000 for training and materials

o Annual Workshop Costs: £5,000 to £10,000 across schools and community centers

Total Financial Summary

 Setup Costs: Approximately £5.5 million to £10.5 million

 Annual Running Costs: £850,000 to £1.8 million

 Funding Sources: Local council contributions, government grants, corporate sponsorship, and

partnerships with youth-oriented charities

Together, we can build a future where Southend’s streets are safer, our youth are more engaged, and the possibilities for growth and transformation are endless.

Let’s build a Southend that works for everyone—starting with our youth.