Anchor innovation: Social spark

Social Spark is a community-led innovation programme based in Basildon, bringing together local people, health professionals, community groups, and universities to find new ways to improve health and wellbeing.

The goal is to reduce pressure on hospital services by helping people live healthier lives and access the support they need in their own communities.

Our partners include

  • Basildon Council
  • Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
  • Essex County Council
  • Anglia Ruskin University
  • Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System.

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What Social Spark does

  • Supports residents with ideas for health-related projects or businesses.
  • Trains community leaders and local organisations to drive change.
  • Connects people working on similar challenges.
  • Brings in students and researchers from Anglia Ruskin University to explore real-world problems.

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Social spark Hub

Coming soon!

Social Spark Hub will be a dedicated space in Basildon Town Centre for collaboration, community-led research, and developing new health solutions. Opening in early 2026.

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Youth Work in Hospital

Since 2019, Basildon Hospital has run a project to support young people who attend A&E, often with social, emotional, or mental health challenges.

Youth workers are based in the department five to seven days a week, offering one-to-one support, safe spaces, and referrals to services like mental health, family support, and education.

Impact so far

  • 437 young people supported (ages 11–19, or up to 25 with SEND).
  • 40% reduction in repeat A&E visits after youth worker contact.
  • £87,000 in estimated cost savings.

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Essex Pedal Power – free bikes for staff living in Basildon

If you live or work in Basildon, Laindon, Vange or Pitsea, and work at MSEFT in pay bands 2–4, you may be eligible for a free bike through Essex Pedal Power—a county-wide initiative to make cycling more accessible. The programme removes barriers to cycling by offering:

  • Free bike loans (with the option to keep the bike after 6 months).
  • Safety gear (helmet, lock, lights, pump).
  • Cycle training and maintenance support.
  • Community cycling groups.
  • Bikes are GPS-tracked to help improve local infrastructure and understand how people are travelling.

Eligibility

  • Live in Basildon, Laindon, Vange or Pitsea.
  • Work at our Trust in pay bands 2–4.
  • Applications are first-come, first-served.
  • This project is delivered by The Active Wellbeing Society, in partnership with us, Basildon Council, Active Essex, Essex County Council, Sport England, and others.

Apply now

If you meet the criteria, complete the form at  https://forms.monday.com/forms/dfbc05d5ab6761eb18558201fe240abb?r=euc1. 

For more information, visit http://www.activeessex.org/essex-pedal-power/essex-pedal-power-basildon. 

 

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