News

Celebrating Mother’s Day as a foster carer

27 March 2025
Mother’s Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and gratitude. But for foster carers, it can also be a delicate balance of making the day special for the children in their care while also receiving love and appreciation for the important role they play in the child's life.  
We spoke to some of our very own foster carers from here in Thurrock about what Mother’s Day means to them.
Caroline's blended family celebration 
For Caroline Bernard, Mother’s Day is a joyful occasion where her foster children and her own daughters come together. 

Statement on incident at Harris Academy, South Ockendon

21 March 2025
Cllr John Kent, the Leader of Thurrock Council, said:
“There is no place for violence in Thurrock, and I am shocked and appalled to hear that last night several young people in our borough were the victims of violence. I am thankful that they are being well cared for, and wish them and their families well for a speedy recovery.
“We are working closely with the police to support their investigations and bring those responsible to justice. We will also support the school community through this difficult time.

Greater Essex Interim Plan submitted to government

21 March 2025
The Greater Essex Interim Plan for local government reorganisation has been submitted to the government following a meeting today of the Leaders and Chief Executives of the 15 councils in Greater Essex.
Leaders and Chief Executives this afternoon signed a joint letter to Jim McMahon MP, the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution.

Thurrock Council to improve energy efficiency of hundreds of homes in the borough

21 March 2025
Thurrock Council is set to begin a major decarbonisation project to improve the energy efficiency of 206 homes across the borough.
This initiative, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund – Wave 2.2, aims to upgrade homes with the poorest thermal performance, ensuring they achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B or C.

Community News: Outdoor space in South Ockendon transformed

19 March 2025
The site of an old climbing frame, which was a magnet for anti-social behaviour has been transformed thanks to the help of a local resident and Thurrock Council.
Having retired in 2008, Tony, from Peartree Close in South Ockendon, would often see anti-social behaviour from large groups of young people who would meet by an old playsite in his neighbourhood.
Following a morning of litter picking around the area, he knew it was time for change.

Community News: Breakfast club brings Chadwell residents together

19 March 2025
The Chadwell community has been able to enjoy a local breakfast club thanks to the voluntary efforts of one local resident.
Sharon, from Chadwell, voluntarily runs a local breakfast club at the Chadwell Community Room on Godman Road, to give residents a place to eat and socialise at a low cost in the mornings.
The breakfast club started in 2019 before taking a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic and relaunching in 2022.

Keep Britain Tidy’s 10th Great British Spring Clean

19 March 2025
Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean campaign, which runs from 21 March - 6 April, is calling residents across Thurrock to show they love where they live by taking part in the mass action litter pick.
In support, the council is appealing to residents to pledge to pick one bag of litter - or more - for Keep Britain Tidy’s 10th Great British Spring Clean.

New door-step collections are a convenient and eco-friendly way to boost recycling

13 March 2025
New eco-friendly doorstep collections will help residents safely recycle clothes, small electrical items, toys, books and other bric-a-brac all from the comfort of their own homes by donating them to be reused.
Thurrock Council has teamed up with Anglo Recycling to offer the new service across the borough. Recycling bric-a-brac could not be easier, simply book a collection on the council’s website, pack your recycling in a small or medium sized box, and Anglo will take care of the rest.

Thurrock Council to host workshops in support of Child Exploitation Week

13 March 2025
Thurrock Council will be hosting workshops and pop-up events across the borough in support of Child Exploitation Awareness Week.
From Monday 17 March to Friday 21 March, the council and its partners will be visiting schools in Thurrock and hosting pop-up stalls to share information about child exploitation and ways to keep young people safe.
Parents and carers can also attend a free virtual workshop which is taking place from 5.30pm until 6.30pm on Thursday 20 March, which will cover how criminals look to exploit children and give a better understanding of gangs.

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