What makes someone dedicate their free time to creating a close-knit community? For Shirley O’Reilly her motivation is seeing the changes that she has made to people’s lives in Southend.

She joined the residents’ association in Mendip Crescent in Westcliff in 2003 to find out more about the people who lived near to her.

She says: “My son Ben was young at the time and has special needs. I wanted to find out more about things going on locally that I could do with him. This led to me joining the residents’ association. I got to meet my neighbours and it gave me a chance to get involved.”

The residents’ group set up social events for all ages and a coffee morning which still runs to this day.

Shirley says: “We had a big green that was perfect for organising events. There was mixture of ages and it got teenagers off the street and not hanging around. Also elderly people got out of the house and interacted with people. It is hard if they are stuck indoors to meet their neighbours.”

In 2004, Shirley was voted in as secretary of the Southend Tenants’ and Residents’ Federation.

Shirley, 54, who now chairs the federation, says: “Working with the federation meant I could be involved in events on a bigger scale across the borough. I think if you want to live in a community environment then it is worth getting involved because it does make a difference. As a group you have a larger voice and feel part of something.”

As part of her role, Shirley helped set up the annual Southend Community Event in Priory Park.

“The event is always a great success, last year there were 4,500 people and it was amazing to see people come together. It is a fun day out and there is lots of practical information event on things like housing benefit and financial advice,” says Shirley, who now lives in Southchurch Avenue. “We’re residents ourselves and we use our personal experiences to help people and direct them to services that can help.”

A group of six female volunteers, including Shirley, have formed a Southend community outreach group to reach people in deprived areas.

Shirley says: “We will have mini fun days in areas in Southend that are harder to reach and we hope people will come out to speak with us.

“We can give them information theymight find useful on things like computer skills courses, food and cooking advice.

“We think that by having something fun on their doorstep will mean people come out and talk to us. Our aim is to put on more of these types of events and engage with people.”

The Southend Tenants’ and Residents’ Federation now has an official base which launched this month, located in Chiltern at the Queensway Estate, Southend.

The office, located on the first floor, will act as a new drop-in centre for residents of the area as well as a home for the federation to carry out their work.

Shirley says: “This is a really exciting opportunity for us as residents’ representatives and we hope it will encourage new people to get involved in their communities.”

The group will be in the office every Monday initially from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Victoria ward councillor, David Norman, attended the opening along with South Essex Homes chief executive, Mike Gatrell and STRF members Elaine Ridge, Secretary and Diane Nicholls, Treasurer.

Southend Tenants’ and Residents’ Federation meetings are held on a regular basis to debate topics of importance to the social housing sector.

The federation will also be working out of the hub on the first floor, 10-11 Victoria Plaza, Southend.

Residents are encouraged to visit and take advantage of the free computer facilities, drop-in advice from Essex Savers and Citizens’ Advice Bureau and South Essex Homes, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 4pm.

For more information about the STRF Office, the Hub or any other South Essex Homes activities call 0800 833160 and ask to speak to a member of the community development team.