News

Families across Thurrock can access a range of early learning programmes designed to strengthen their child’s communication, language and early numeracy skills. 

Thurrock’s Family Hubs are offering evidence-based programmes such as Early Words Together and Peep Learning Together (PEEP), which help parents and carers feel more confident supporting their child’s development through simple, everyday activities like talking, playing and sharing books. 

A creative community group has brought some festive magic to families by creating some special decorations to celebrate the Christmas season. 

Thanks to the talented members of the Knit and Natter group at Grays Library, a beautiful, knitted nativity scene was created to be put on display at Thameside Family Hub and Stifford Family Hub. 

Plans for the knitted nativity scene started in September, with members quickly getting to work with their needles and yarn before the creations were sent off to Norfolk for the faces to be added. 

Thurrock Council is pleased to announce a new home for the Brighter Futures Family Hub, bringing a range of family-focused services to East Tilbury Library starting from Thursday 2 October.

This exciting move ensures that Family Hub services continue to support local families following the relocation from East Tilbury Village Hall. The new venue offers a welcoming and accessible space for families to engage with a variety of activities and support services.

What’s on offer:

Almost 100 parents, carers and children were in attendance for a special event to help prepare for starting school or nursery.

On Saturday 7 June, Thurrock Council hosted a 'Day of fun with your little one'. The free event offered parents and carers the chance to get practical advice and learn fun play activities that encouraged problem-solving, exploration and shared play to build foundations for future learning at home.

Parents in Thurrock can access a specialist mental health service to help better understand how to support their baby.

As part of Infant Mental Health Week (9 to 15 June), Thurrock Council is raising awareness of some of the ongoing support and services that are available within Family Hubs across the borough.

Parents and carers across Thurrock are invited to a special, free event to help them prepare their children for the exciting step of starting school or nursery this September.

'Day of fun with your little one!' will take place on Saturday 7 June 2025, from 9.30am to 2pm, at South Essex College, High Street, Grays, RM17 6TF.

The event will offer parents practical advice and activities focused on developing children's literacy, numeracy, and language skills through play at home.

Ahead of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 5 May to Sunday 11 May), Thurrock Council is highlighting the vital free support available to new and expectant parents through regular sessions at Family Hubs across the borough.

Family Hubs (previously known as Children Centres) bring together in one place the free health, education and parenting support that families may need for their children aged 0-19, young people up to age 25 with SEND, and parents/carers.

All sessions offered by Thurrock's Family Hubs are free.

Families joined in the fun at several of Thurrock Council’s Brighter Futures Family Hubs and helped raise more than £290 for BBC Children in Need.

From Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 November, hubs in Aveley, Chadwell St Mary, South Ockendon, Purfleet-on-Thames, Stanford-le-Hope and Tilbury held events including Pudsey and Peppa Pig parties, arts and crafts sessions, cake and pre-loved toy sales and a raffle.

Parents and carers in Thurrock can access feeding support for their baby 7 days-a-week.

Expert infant feeding advice is now available from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm.

Support is available for all aspects of feeding your baby, whether help is needed with breastfeeding, formula feeding, or introducing solid foods.