How you can get involved
An active citizen is someone who cares about their community enough to change it. You can become an active citizen and help to make your community a better place in any of the following ways.
Join your local community forum
By joining or attending your local community forum, you can:
- help with local projects
- raise issues
- oversee forum business
Volunteer
Volunteers give their time freely to support their communities. Whatever your background, work experience, gender or age, you will have a skill that someone needs.
Nearly half the adults in the country volunteer. The reasons they give for volunteering include:
- making a difference and a feeling of satisfaction
- having fun
- improving their CV
- making new friends
Contact ngage to find out about volunteering opportunities in Thurrock. To volunteer with us, check our list of current volunteer opportunities. You can also find out about timebank volunteering.
Local Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector
Thurrock is home to over 350 voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, supported by more than 6,500 volunteers. Together, they deliver essential services, strengthen community connections, and contribute over £23 million to the local economy.
In June 2025, Thurrock Council’s Cabinet formally adopted the Resilience Charter for the VCFSE – a renewed commitment to collaborative working with the sector. The Charter sets out eight principles to improve outcomes for residents, especially during periods of change and increasing demand. It recognises the sector’s essential role in building community resilience and shaping a fairer, more inclusive Thurrock.
Community hubs
Local community hubs and community centres are places that support communities and help people stay independent. They are a base for local activities and events, helping residents to get information and advice as well as get involved with what's going on.
Take part in a consultation
We often use consultations to find out people’s views on our proposals or policies. Find out how you can have your say in our consultations.
Patient participation groups
Many local GP surgeries have a patient participation group (PPG) or patient forum. Membership is open to all patients of the practice, and meetings are attended by patients and practice staff. Ask at your GP surgery for details.
How we get involved with communities
Our Collaborative Communities Framework sets out how will improve the way we engage with communities, talk about shared concerns and work better together.