Project 49

Project 49 is a day service for adults with learning disabilities in Southend on Sea. Community inclusion is at the heart of what Project 49 do and they welcome any opportunity to get involved and stuck into local projects, volunteering schemes and community ventures. Project 49 are very proud of their involvement in the local community, and we are happy to say that South Essex Homes have become a central part of this achievement. 

residents and kitchen 49 service users all sat around a long table about to tuck into some foodSouth Essex Homes have been working with Project 49 since 2016 where a scheme called Kitchen 49 was introduced at Avon Way. Kitchen 49 aimed to tackle social isolation whilst serving up wholesome hot meals for the residents. Service users had the opportunity to cook for large numbers of residents, serve food, and enjoy meaningful conversations. We are delighted that Kitchen 49 is just as successful almost 10 years on. The group have been all around Southend serving up tasty lunches for residents at Keats House, The Brambles, Adams Elm, Trafford House and Buckingham House. Project 49 service users enjoy the preparation and skills involved with preparing meals for residents and relish the time they spend with them over lunch, getting to know them and their stories.

 

Project 49 service users posing with one of their bright flower themed murals at a sheltered housing scheme

Another fantastic scheme that Project 49 run at South Essex Homes is an on-going art project in which service users design and paint murals on to the walls of different homes. The murals are usually bold, and brightly coloured, featuring shapes and florals which are uplifting and joyful. Currently the murals can be seen at Buckingham House, The Brambles, Chaucer House, Nicholson House and Great Mead. Plans are being made for a mural to be painted at Norman Harris house, we look forward to seeing the joy the artwork brings to the residents there and other homes in the future.

Project 49 have thanked South Essex Homes for the opportunity to enhance the lives of residents in sheltered accommodations across Southend. Our partnership gives our service users ample opportunity to give back to the community whilst supporting residents with their well-being and socialisation.