Back to news
Southend on Sea Visit for Catchment to Coast
Our post about the successful trip to sunny Southend on Sea and how we got residents to sign up to our scheme.
- Southend
- Engagement
- Platform
Sunny Southend on Sea
Last week, Abbi and Dan visited Southend on Sea as part of the Catchment to Coast scheme. The aim was straightforward: encourage households to sign up for free rainwater capture devices that help reduce surface water flooding and sewer spills, while providing an alternative water source. Was it successful? Scroll to find out...
Door Knocking on Fairmead Avenue
On Wednesday and Thursday, Abbi and Dan visited Fairmead Avenue. They knocked on approximately 133 properties and spoke directly to 44% of the residents, while the remainder received leaflets posted through their doors. The excellent weather on those days meant the area was bustling with energy and was perfect to discuss having a watering source for people's gardens.
Engagement with Local Businesses and Community Groups
On Thursday, the team extended their visit to local businesses and community organisations. They hung leaflets on noticeboards and spoke with local business owners about the scheme.
Later that day, Caroline Lee from Southend City Council joined the team as they returned to knock on the unanswered doors from the previous day. This extra effort was designed to ensure that as many residents as possible had the chance to learn about the scheme. Caroline joining us on the visit was timely, as many residents had questions about the scheme that she was in the best place to answer.
Positive Community Response
The response from residents was encouraging. Many signed up for the scheme during and after the visit. Some residents even took the initiative to share the project on their local WhatsApp group, helping to spread the word further.
Abbi and Dan also assisted several residents on the spot with the registration process. This included taking photographs and completing eligibility surveys, which was especially helpful for older householders who might find online procedures challenging.
Impact and Future Steps
Residents appreciated the practical benefits of the scheme and its positive impact on both their environment and green spaces. Even those who were not eligible for the scheme expressed interest by asking how they might alter their properties to accommodate the rainwater devices, such as by clearing space or moving guttering.
The team noted that the mailshot sent out the week before had a significant effect, with many residents already familiar with the project when the door knocking began. This prior information helped address any hesitations and made the visit more efficient.
For more details about the scheme, please visit our homepage on the project at OurRainwater Catchment to Coast or check out the official scheme website at Catchment to Coast.
This visit highlighted the value of direct community engagement and the benefits of clear, pre-event communication. We look forward to further visits and increased participation in the scheme.