Thurrock Council is celebrating the invaluable contribution volunteers make to our community as part of marking national Volunteers’ Week (Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June).
There are a host of local people who give up their time and energy to support the council’s work in our communities in many unique ways.
Cllr William Cook, the newly appointed Mayor of Thurrock, will host a special event at Aveley Library on Tuesday 2 June to personally thank many of the council’s hard-working volunteers, alongside other community and charity volunteers, and hand out certificates of appreciation.
Cllr Cook said: “This week is an opportunity to pause and recognise every volunteer’s contribution, no matter how large or small. One of the great things about volunteering is that everyone’s time is equally valuable, and many of our services would not be able to run as they currently do without your support.”
Currently that are more than 210 volunteers supporting council services, working in libraries and community hubs; facilities like Grangewaters and Coalhouse Fort as well as supporting residents with advice across housing and other services.
Every summer, scores of local young people sign up to support our Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging children to read over the holidays.
Additionally, Thurrock Community Voluntary Services (CVS) promote volunteering opportunities with hundreds of different charities and activities in Thurrock.
We spoke to a few of our volunteers:
Liz volunteers to be part of our Housing Services Resident Panel, which is made up of residents who look at how the council manages its housing stock. The panel members provide a unique insight and independent voice to help improve services. Liz said: “I started volunteering because of my own experiences as a tenant and I just wanted to help other people in the same position and basically see if we can get things right.”
Efe is a member of our Youth Parliament for Thurrock, an elected group of young people who work to make Thurrock a better place for young people, examining issues like youth safety, mental health and preparing young people for the journey into adulthood. It is run by young people, for young people. Efe said: “This is a way for me to give back to the community.”
Carolyne volunteers in the Flowers Community Group in South Ockendon. The group grow a range of vegetables and fruit which they share with the community, including children from a local school. Carolyne said: “What I get out of volunteering is seeing people and especially children grow their own food and learn where it’s come from and hopefully cook the food they helped grow.”
Interested in volunteering?
To learn more about volunteering opportunities at Thurrock Council, visit the Volunteering vacancies page or contact volunteering@thurrock.gov.uk
Are you a young person interested in volunteering for the Summer Reading Challenge? Learn more
Find out more about Thurrock Community Voluntary Services (CVS): Thurrock CVS
Thinking about volunteering? CVS is holding an informal Open Day from 9am to 3pm on Friday 5 June at The Beehive Centre for anyone who’s curious about volunteering and wants to find out more. For more information email: volunteercentre@thurrockcvs.org
View current volunteer opportunities in Thurrock and sign up here: www.volunteeressex.org/register/