History
History of St Martins, Mission of Help and The Southend-on-Sea Darby and Joan Organisation
1894
Mission of Help founded, based in Chorley Wood, London.
1922
The charity first made use of a seaside holiday home ‘at Leigh-on-Sea, where patients were received at a comparatively small charge and where they were very happy and well cared for’.
1935
A new holiday home was purchased at 1. Cossington Road on 18th November where ‘middle-aged women, tired mothers and poor girls may spend a health-giving holiday’.
1939-45
During the war years, Cossington Road guest house was closed and recommissioned by the military. A new home was leased annually in various locations across Essex including homes at Dunmow and Galleywood.
1946
Founding of The Southend-on-Sea Council for the Welfare of Elderly People (SCWEP) by Edward Cecil Jones, with the objective to help those over the age of 60 in Southend-on-Sea.
1946
Purchase by the SCWEP of 50 Avenue Road in Westcliff-on-Sea for use as a social day centre.
1947
Purchase by the SCWEP of Sandringham, Westcliff-on-Sea.
1947
Purchase of St Martins by The Mission of Help as a permanent home for elderly ladies which formally opened on 6th October 1947 with 43 residents. The cost and refurbishment of St Martins totalled £16,000.
1948
The Dowsett family donated a house on Lifstan Way, Southend to the SCWEP.
1949
SCWEP was officially recognised as a charity and changed its name to the Southend-on-Sea Darby and Joan Organisation.
1949
The Trustees of the Southend on Sea Darby and Joan Organisation purchased 24 Nelson Drive in Leigh-on-Sea for use as another social day centre.
1954
Diamond Jubilee Garden Party held at St Martins for the Mission of Help
1994
Celebration of the centenary of Mission of Help at St Martins
2012
Merger of The Southend-on-Sea Darby and Joan Organisation with The Mission of Help to become the charity that we know today
2014
Opening of our dementia-friendly garden, designed with the elderly in mind and funded by a grant from the Department of Health. Angela Ripon was our guest of honour at its opening.
2014
Sale of Charltonholme, Westcliff-on-Sea.
2022
Sale of Sandringham , Westcliff-on-Sea.
