| Welcome to the DL
Try the Search function with words like Training Advice and the likes, there have been numerous thread topics and advices discussed about this before, it might also work to start a new thread about what to do/expect.
As for advice, keep an open mind, work stretches, cardio and basic strength training to help get prepared and know that it will take months once you start out to get good, so don't worry if you think you're moving slow or things seem hard, we've all been there.
As for Southend, there is a Moderator here (FightingFat) that is familiar with that area or near by it, he might very well know of schools you can train at, try Private Messaging him for advice, or perhaps he'll see this thread and respond in due course. | 
