Recognising volunteers in Thurrock

Yesterday, Monday 20 April, Thurrock joined in the celebration of World Volunteer Recognition Day. Over 3,000 hours have been volunteered by 460 Thurrock residents to help those most in need since Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action (TCCA) launched at the beginning of this month alone.

Kristina Jackson, Chief Executive at Thurrock CVS, said:

“The community response to the TCCA has been incredible. Thank you to individuals and voluntary organisations that have come forward and offered to volunteer to support the partnership. Although it is taking Stronger Together slightly longer to go through all of the applications to volunteer that continue to come in, it is in the interest of our most vulnerable residents that we take this approach putting everybody’s safety first and ensuring Government advice is followed.”

The council has over 170 volunteers who usually support council services day to day throughout the year, the opportunities are vast including roles within: community hubs and libraries, sheltered housing, children’s centres and emergency planning to name a few. Programmes supported by our volunteers include: Summer Read, Wiser for IT, Duke of Edinburgh, heritage and healthy walks.

Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers who support the council’s services throughout the year and those who are currently giving their time to help the TCCA and our most vulnerable residents. At the Thurrock Civic Awards 2020 four of the council’s volunteers were recognised for each giving over 40 years’ service which is just incredible and greatly appreciated.

“Volunteers come forward for many different reasons and all of them are community stars who do not get paid for all of the selfless work, time and effort that they give. They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation, which is exactly what Volunteer Recognition Day is all about.”

For more information on TCCA or to register to become a volunteer please visit: www.thurrock.gov.uk/coronavirus-action

To find out about the current council volunteer vacancies please visit: www.thurrock.gov.uk/volunteering