To celebrate national Volunteers' Week, we talk to some of the great volunteers providing invaluable support for the council's work in the community
Meet Chris
This year, Chris marks his 25th year volunteering to help his community in Tilbury and across Thurrock.
Chris was born and bred in Tilbury and lived and worked locally all his life. He is committed to giving back his neighbourhood.
“I am a community man. It’s in my genes. My mum and dad instilled in me the ethic of community.”
Every week, he spends two days as the ‘meet and greet’ person for the Tilbury Community Hub and Tilbury Library.
“I welcome people in,” says Chris. “Some of those who come in here are distressed. My job is to sit them down, give them a cup of tea, calm them down and find out what they need and refer them to the best people to help them.”
After so many years volunteering, Chris has a wealth of local knowledge and contacts, which is invaluable when it comes to helping people.
In 2023, Chris’s contribution to the borough was recognised in Thurrock’s Mayoral Roll of Honour. At 71, he has no plans to give up supporting his community
“I love volunteering. It gives me a peace of mind to know that I am doing something for my neighbours.”
Interested in volunteering?
You can find out about current volunteer opportunities in Thurrock and sign up here: www.volunteeressex.org/register/
You can also learn about volunteering opportunities at Thurrock Council by visiting our Volunteering vacancies page or contacting volunteering@thurrock.gov.uk
#volunteersweek #VolunteerinThurrock
