ABOUT US

At Urban Cure, we're all about connecting the dots to see the big picture and make a real impact in our community! We believe in growth—nurturing our roots through education, keeping traditional skills alive, and building stronger bonds together.

We’re on a mission to help our community not just grow, but thrive for generations. Because when we succeed, the whole community flourishes —and that’s what we’re all about! Let’s grow, learn and create a future that’s bustling with creativity!

OUR STORY

Urban Cure CIC, established by Founder Director, Dee Curtis in March 2022, emerged from and struggling with asthma and limited affordable support. Her runs along Southchurch seafront led her to the dormant Southend Marine Activity Centre, brimming with untapped potential.

Dee's vision for Urban Cure was fuelled by her community dedication and desire for empowerment. She saw SMAC as a hub for inclusivity. With 25+ years of experience in community development, education and event management, in partnerships with Waltham Forest Council and the Royal Bourgh of Kensington and Chelsea. Dee approached Southend City Council with her Asset of Community Value proposal.

By June 2022, a milestone was met as the Marine Activity Centre and Shoeburyness Ness Road Slipway gained recognition as a Community Value Asset. This marked Urban Cure CIC's journey to empower the underserved.

Heritage Enterprise

creating businesses for the Future with Skills from the Past.

Urban Cure, believe that heritage is more than history it’s a foundation for progress, a living, breathing opportunity to transform lives, create economic opportunities and build thriving communities.

Heritage Enterprise is our bold initiative to revitalise traditional skills in public buildings otherwise lost to the community to create sustainable pathways through skills based training, entrepreneurship and community collaboration.

Why Heritage Enterprise, Why Now?

Urban Cure heritage-led regeneration bringing historical techniques with modern applications:

Skills in traditional craft becoming endangered or extinct, these skills hold the key to sustainable, ethical and high quality production
Empowerment through hands-on training, mentorship and employment opportunities,
Pathway to independence and self-sufficiency to strengthen communities, bringing a culture of learning, creativity & economic resilience.
A balance of preservation and modern innovation.
Create sustainable practice ensuring skills are not just preserved but transfer into the modern world.

Creating New generation of Artisans

Urban Cure will develop a new generation of craftspeople, while preserving centuries old knowledge, through:

Skills-based training and mentorship in endangered heritage crafts.
Entrepreneurial support to help artisans build self-sufficient careers.
Community workshops and cultural spaces to strengthen social ties and economic resilience.
Remade programmes to evolve heritage crafts for modern needs.

Heritage Craft Skills

Metalsmithing, Silversmithing and Jewellery Manufacturing

Learn the art of silversmithing and jewellery making by combining traditional techniques like forging, soldering and stone setting with contemporary design practices. Develop your creative voice while mastering essential heritage skills in metalsmithing and jewellery production.

Traditional & Modern Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

Train in heritage and modern upholstery techniques to restore and reimagine furniture with both historical accuracy and modern functionality. Explore traditional stitching, webbing and padding while working with sustainable materials and circular economy design principles.

Fashion, Tailoring and Textile Arts

Discover the world of fashion, tailoring and textile design through sewing, embroidery, weaving, and natural dyeing. Create unique garments and accessories that reflect cultural heritage, sustainability and individual creativity.

The Rollout

East of Southend have 5 areas in the top 10% most deprived areas in the UK over the next months to deliver social enterprise education.

We are about Empowerment

Urban Cure is not just about crafting or hobbies! We are investing in skills to build a better future for everyone. When people have access to learning and opportunities, they develop a sense of purpose. This does not just benefit individuals it strengthens the community, drives economic growth and creates social connections.

Accessible for Everyone

Heritage crafts, arts and culture should be for everyone, regardless of age, disability, income or background. Too many people are excluded our mission is to break down those barriers and create welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone can take part and thrive.

Together, we create change

Urban Cure CIC brings communities, organisations and changemakers together to build a fairer, more creative future. We believe heritage crafts and cultural skills are powerful tools to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and empower people of all ages and backgrounds. Learn more

Our Mission

Inclusion & Participation

Remove barriers through initiatives provided on an equal basis and as a valued member of society regardless of their; youth, age, disablement, financial hardship, or social and economic circumstances to improve their condition of life to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

Learning & Skills

Deepen the knowledge of our community by embedding learning and skill development to build leaders and encourage people who are not participating in ongoing education to get involved.

EcoNOmic Development

Boost the skills of the community to drive the local social and economic value, participation and inclusion in Civic life cohesion and sense of belonging. Reduced crime and improve the community health and wellbeing and quality of life.