Our vision is to replace the existing dilapidated community and church halls on the junction of Alton Gardens and Manners Way, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, close to Southend Airport and retail park, to revitalise the playground and reinvigorate a strong sense of community. We have been struggling with the existing buildings for a number of years, supporting the community by providing extensive youth work, recognised by Southend Council with an award. Alongside this, and amongst other activities, we have run Parent and Toddler groups and Community café, both well-attended and popular. Unfortunately the buildings are now not fit for use, so we have had to temporarily close this important community work.

We have completed a feasibility study, and planners are supportive of our proposals, but £50,000 is needed for the plans to be completed and submitted to the council.

We are responding to the needs of the community and will include a community café, soft play area, a play area, a multi-use space and kitchen. Further details can be seen via our website www.lifestreams.org.uk.

The Rev Colin Baldwin, the priest-in-charge at Saint Stephen’s, will stage a 1,000 mile-cycle over ten days this July to raise money towards the project, visiting the majority of cathedrals in the south of England and the Midlands.

The Rev Baldwin said: “Our existing centre is used by a broad range of individuals within the community, from elderly and isolated people, to youth and children.

“With partners, we provide debt advice and other support measures, as well as staging social events, making it a centre of activity. Although Saint Stephen’s continues to provide much-needed support in a deprived area, the community deserves a fantastic place to gather and celebrate.”