We have made some changes that will make it easier for everyone to use Council services, such as housing or social services.
These changes will help you if your first language is not English.
They are all available at any Thurrock Council office where you see the 'Welcome' sign.
You will be handed a card displaying the most frequently used languages in Thurrock. Staff will ask you to point to your language from the list. They will then be able to find out which service you may want by using the 'useful phrases' cards.
Staff can refer to cards showing the most commonly asked questions written in your language.
A basic understanding of the services that you need should be possible.
For brief interviews, we can put you in touch with an interpreter on the telephone.
By using the Language Line service, you can have a 3-way conversation with an officer from the Council and the telephone-based interpreter.
For longer interviews, an appointment can be made for you to meet an interpreter.
These appointments are usually based in the Grays Civic Offices. Home-based appointments may be possible in some circumstances.
Private interview rooms are available on request for all interviews with interpreters. If you would prefer to have a female or male interpreter, please tell the council worker.
If you have permanent residence in the UK, you are welcome to attend small and friendly classes run by Thurrock Adult Community College, to learn to read, write and speak English.
For more details telephone: 0800 783 7733
Thurrock Adult Community College, Richmond Road,
Grays, RM17 6DN