Active Citizen Guide

Focus groups bring different people together that share a common interest in a similar service area - for example:

• Tenant issues (sheltered housing / leaseholders and more)
• Waste
• Bus, Train and Cycle use and access

These are facilitated by Council officers at the convenience of interested members of the public.

Focus groups can help to identify service needs and shape policy.

For more information on Focus Groups in Thurrock email communities@thurrock.gov.uk or telephone 01375 413954

Consultation exercises should be informed by agreed 'Principles of Community Engagement' so that everyone has an equal opportunity to make an effective contribution.

Effective consultation can inform policy and empower communities to make a difference.

Do you care about where you live? Neighbours may feel the same.

Contact ngage - 01375 389893 or Community Development & Tenant Participation.

Community Forums are independent community groups, that offer local people an opportunity to have their say on issues or decisions that affect their community. Forums are allocated an annual budget towards locally determined budgets.

www.thurrockcommunityforums.org.uk

ngage - 01375 389893

You can contribute to forums by attending meetings to raise issues, or participate through the above website. Forums are always keen to recruit volunteers to help with local projects, as well as committee members to oversee forum business.

Volunteers give their time freely to benefit non-profit making ventures that support communities. Opportunities range from stewarding, administration, befriending - they are endless! And the rewards are too many to list here.

For more information contact CVS Volunteer Centre on 01375 389881

Alternatively, if you know what you enjoy, look out for adverts for volunteers in the local press or contact the agency you have in mind - local charities as well as public services including libraries and adult education are always keen to recruit.

Contact communities@thurrock.gov.uk or 01375 413954 for more information.

Effective community action needs people to take a lead role - and help is at hand! The ACE (Active Citizens Entitlement) Partnership can signpost you to free opportunities to bone up on new skills or brush up on old ones too.

Contact ngage 01375 389893, or communities@thurrock.gov.uk or 01375 413954 for more information.

Many local charitable organisations are keen to involve local residents with an interest in their service area (for example, older people, disabilities, black and ethnic minority groups).

Voluntary Sector organisations often advocate on the behalf of their member base and may provide support and networking opportunities for residents with an interest in a specific area.

Contact Council for Voluntary Services on 01375 389881 for information on active organisations.

Representatives from across the community and voluntary sector come together to ensure that local people have effective opportunities to influence priorities for Thurrock and shape policy.

Contact communities@thurrock.gov.uk or 01375 413954.

Shaping Thurrock produces and implements Thurrock's Sustainable Community Strategy in response to local priorities for Thurrock's growing future. Community and Voluntary sectors have an active representative role.

Visit www.shapingthurrock.org.uk or contact communities@thurrock.gov.uk or 01375 413954.

Shaping Thurrock holds an annual forum open to local residents.