In the news: Everyday Heroes and Community Carols - This Christmas, Believe in Basildon

Basildon Council is celebrating the everyday heroes who go above and beyond to support their community. A new campaign will highlight those across Basildon Borough who make a difference in their local area - bringing that extra sparkle that makes the festive season so special. 

Throughout the 24 days of Advent, new local heroes will be celebrated on the council's social media channels. On 1 December, the council shared details of the first everyday hero, Maz Salih. 

Alongside his brother Ozzie, Maz has been supporting the community by providing a safe space and a hot meal to anyone in need through Mother's Kitchen Community Group CIC.

Maz has organised food parcels, provided Christmas dinners, and set up a youth club in the Northlands area.

More heroes will be cast into the spotlight each day in the run up to Christmas.

Alongside the community spotlight, Basildon Council will host a series of carol events in parks and green spaces across the borough.

Local school choirs, community choirs, and church choirs have been invited to perform a special festive performance at each event with residents invited to join in. Each event will also feature a special community Christmas tree, with an opportunity for local people to leave a wish by the tree, making it a perfect occasion for families to come together and start a new festive tradition.

The events will take place at locations across the borough, as follows: 

• Monday 9 December 2024: Northlands Park, Pitsea (next to Two Lakes Café/Play area) - 5.30pm to 6.30pm 
• Tuesday 10 December 2024: Sun Corner, Billericay (Queen Elizabeth II Play Field) - 6pm to 7pm 
• Wednesday 11 December 2024: Markhams Chase, Laindon (next to Busy Bee's Preschool) - 6pm to 7pm 
• Thursday 12 December 2024: Gloucester Park, Basildon (next to the Skatepark) - 6pm to 7pm 
• Friday 13 December 2024: Debden Green, Westley Heights, Langdon Hills - 6pm to 7pm 

Councillor Jack Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Community, welcomed the launch of the campaign: "Basildon Borough is full of fantastic individuals who put others before themselves every single day, spreading joy and goodwill across our communities.   

"This Christmas season we are shining a light on those everyday heroes and inviting you to come together and connect as a community. Let's take this festive opportunity to celebrate the heroes that brighten our borough and share a moment seasonal joy together. This Christmas, believe in Basildon."  

Councillor Jessica Power, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Local Economy said: "We are so excited to bring communities a series of brand-new events for families and friends to make lasting memories and create new traditions.  

"I look forward to seeing the borough come alive with festive joy - let's celebrate those in our community who go above and beyond, and enjoy a festive singalong supported by the borough's own choir groups." 

Funding for each of the carol events has been provided by Basildon Council's Area Committees - with each committee selecting the location of the Christmas Tree for their respective area. 

For updates on the council's events, including Carols in the Parks, sign up to receive the free weekly e-newsletter - www.basildon.gov.uk/keepintouch 

ENDS

Published Tuesday 3 December 2024