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:
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Skills in traditional craft becoming endangered or extinct, these skills hold the key to sustainable, ethical and high quality production
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Empowerment through hands-on training, mentorship and employment opportunities,
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Pathway to independence and self-sufficiency to strengthen communities, bringing a culture of learning, creativity & economic resilience.
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A balance of preservation and modern innovation.
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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:
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Skills-based training and mentorship in endangered heritage crafts.
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Entrepreneurial support to help artisans build self-sufficient careers.
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Community workshops and cultural spaces to strengthen social ties and economic resilience.
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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.

MEET THE TEAM

Dee
Curtis
Growth & Programme Director

Sharon
Flynn
SEND Inclusion

June
Leitch
Organisational Development

Kevin Waller
Building Facilities

Milo
Chief Happiness Officer (CHO)
OUR DIRECTORS
A dynamic force committed to community development through social value and heritage craft skills

Ron Mitchell
Business Mentor

Jack
Watson
Finance Strategist

Kevin
Gargini
Community Engagement & Inclusion

Kate
Dresser
Funding Manager and Compliance

Nadra
Shah
Engagement & Communications

Glen
Watson
Event Management

Ivan
Kalinichenko
Economic and Finance Analysis

Clive
Margolis
Sustainability Strategist

Roxanne
Goldfinch
Strategic CSR Partnerships & Fundraising
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Dynamic Perspective to shape future direction

Lee
Clark
Funding Raising Ambassador

Jess Hylton
Youth Ambassador

Liam Frimpong
Youth Ambassador