Thurrock Council is encouraging more people to consider becoming foster carers this Foster Care Fortnight.
Over the next week, Thurrock Council will be out and about across Thurrock and Essex to raise awareness of the life-changing impact fostering can have.
To kick off the start of Foster Care Fortnight on Monday 12 May, Councillor Vikki Harstean, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, joined a fostering information pop-up stall at C2C Chafford Hundred Station.
When it comes to fostering, no one placement is the same. It is understandable for people to look at fostering as providing long-term care for a particular child, and while that may be true for many cases there are plenty of circumstances where foster parents provide care for a number of weeks, days or even hours.
This type of short-term care relief is often known as respite care.
For the past five years Shirley has been one of the foster carers helping to provide respite care for children in Thurrock.
The work of the National Investigation Service (Natis) will move from Thurrock Council to the Insolvency Service this summer, in plans to be announced by the Business and Trade Minister Gareth Thomas on Thursday 15 May.
When it comes to mental wellbeing, no one should feel like they have to face their struggles alone. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're supporting the theme of community by sharing some of the organisations and local services that offer support and a helping hand with mental health.
Mind Wellbeing Group
If you're looking for a safe, welcoming space to talk, connect with other people in the community, the Mind Wellbeing Group could be just what you need.
Thurrock Council has launched a new consultation on proposals that could help ensure better quality private rented homes across the borough.
The Selective Licensing Scheme means landlords will offer higher standard and better maintained homes. They would also have to take action to tackle nuisance neighbours and address reports of anti-social behaviour.
Hundreds of people were in attendance for special memorial events yesterday (Thursday 8 May) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The commemorations started with a flag raising at the Town Hall in Grays. This was followed by a service at the Grays War Memorial, organised by Grays Royal British Legion, before a two-minute silence was held at 11am.
Tilbury Royal British Legion held their service at the Tilbury Memorial.
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has officially sanctioned Sean Clark, Thurrock Council’s former Director of Finance and S151 Officer, in relation to his role in the council’s failed investment scheme.
The FRC launched its investigation in January 2024 and issued its findings on Thursday 8 May.
Mr Clark has been excluded as a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for a recommended period of 5 years and been issued a Severe Reprimand by the FRC.
On Friday 21 March, all other 15 councils across Greater Essex, including Thurrock Council, joined the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in submitting an initial interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation.
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.
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