News

Cost of living campaign returns for second year to show residents that Thurrock Cares

31 October 2025
Thurrock Cares is back for a second year, building on the success of the cost-of-living campaign run last winter to ensure local residents could find the help they needed through the colder months.
The campaign, run in partnership by Thurrock Council, Thurrock CVS, and local community and voluntary sector organisations, makes it easy for local people to access financial support, help with food, debt advice, and warm spaces.

Thurrock Council host special event to boost SEND students' employability skills

30 October 2025
Young people with SEND from across Thurrock took part in a special workshop that looked to boost the skills they could use in their supported internships and future employment.
Thurrock Council hosted a fantastic skills day at Grangewaters Outdoor Education Centre on 21 October, for USP College and South Essex College students on Supported Internships.
Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16- to 24-year-olds with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

Tackling mould in our council homes

30 October 2025
New legislation, known as Awaab's Law, requires social housing landlords like Thurrock Council to investigate and resolve damp and mould hazards within set time periods.
Emergency hazards must be attended and removed within 24 hours, whilst significant hazards require investigation within 10 working days, with any removal works to be completed within 5 working days from the investigation. Written summaries will be provided following investigations and completion of works.

Celebrate safely in Thurrock this fireworks season

28 October 2025
As fireworks season approaches across Thurrock, the Council is reminding residents, community groups and local businesses to celebrate safely, responsibly and considerately. Whether hosting a small garden display or attending a local event, it’s important to plan and keep safety front of mind. 
Enjoy the season safely 

Protect young children this winter: Free flu vaccinations available for 2 and 3 year olds

28 October 2025
Parents and carers of young children in Thurrock are being encouraged to make sure their child receives their free flu vaccination this winter. Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children and may lead to serious complications, particularly for those under the age of five.
Free flu vaccinations are now available for 2 and 3 year olds through local GP practices and participating community pharmacies. This year, there is a renewed focus on making the vaccine as accessible as possible, with more vaccination sites available across the borough.

Thurrock memorial remembers the 39 Vietnamese victims six years on

26 October 2025
Today (Sunday 26 October), a memorial event was held to remember the 39 Vietnamese people whose bodies were found in Eastern Avenue, West Thurrock, in 2019, having tragically died at the hands of a criminal people-smuggling gang. 
Families of the victims were joined by local faith, civic and community leaders at West Thurrock Memorial Park, Hilltop Road, West Thurrock, where a permanent memorial and 39 trees honour those who lost their lives. The service included readings, a moment of silence, and the laying of wreaths.  

Hundreds attend careers fair in Thurrock

24 October 2025
Over 200 residents in Thurrock attended a careers fair to learn about the growing opportunities in Construction, Green Skills, Transport & Logistics. 
The free event took place on Friday 24 October at The Old Court House in Grays, and was hosted by Thurrock Council in partnership with Jobcentre Plus (DWP). 
Residents in attendance had the chance to meet with a range of exciting employers and training providers, including: 

Mayor celebrates Get Online Week

23 October 2025
Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock, visited Grays Library this week to help celebrate Get Online Week, a national digital inclusion campaign, led by the Good Things Foundation.
The library’s digital team hosted special sessions helping residents explore both the benefits and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Mayor attended a session, spoke to the attendees and even picked up a few digital tips.

How adoption changed the lives of two Thurrock families

23 October 2025
Every year, families across Thurrock open their hearts and homes to children through adoption, offering love, stability and a fresh start to those who need it most. 
The decision to adopt can come with many questions, but for two Thurrock families, it’s been one of the most rewarding journeys of their lives. 
We spoke to two couples about how adoption helped them build the families they had always dreamed of. 

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