To celebrate national Volunteers' Week, we talk to some of the wonderful volunteers providing invaluable support in the community
Meet Sharon
For the past three years, Sharon has been serving up breakfasts to children and families in the three tower blocks in Chadwell St Mary.
Sharon, who lived on the estate for years, noticed that “there were lots of children in the blocks going to school with no breakfast in their belly”.
Working with the housing team’s resident engagement officers and supported by our contractors Mears and Kensa, she created the Breakfast Club in a community space in one of the blocks.
The café provides a range of breakfasts for residents at reduced prices as well as a free pantry providing items for young families in need.
It’s a major, long-term commitment, but Sharon loves it: “I’m quite cheerful when I’m here. When I’m at home I don’t know what to do with myself.”
The Breakfast Club is certainly helping young families on the estate, but Sharon says she gets a lot out of volunteering as well: “It’s nice working with the community and my own physical and mental health is better because I do this.”
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
