Volunteering with the council

How can I get involved in my community?

There are a number of ways to get involved in local matters in Thurrock 

 

You don’t have to be an expert to get involved. You can choose what suits you best – from a few minutes online to longer-term involvement.

 

Here are some easy ways you can take part: 

Watch or attend a council meeting

Fill in a survey or consultation

Contact your local councillor

Join a local group or forum

Volunteer your time

Report problems online

Vote in elections

 

Working together as One Council 

At Thurrock Council, we work as One Council. This means everyone across the council works together with residents, partners and communities to improve services and make Thurrock a better place to live. 

 

Getting involved helps us listen, learn and make better decisions together. 

There are many ways for you to have your say and get involved in decisions that affect life in Thurrock. Whether you want to share your views, help improve services or simply stay informed, your involvement can make a real difference.  

You can take part as much or as little as you like.

Want to understand what the council is doing? 

Attend council meetings 

Many council meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to join. You can: 

  • Watch or attend meetings in person or online
  • Ask to speak at some meetings (you must request this in advance)
  • Get updates about meetings and agendas (link to alerts / mod.gov)   - (NOT SURE WHERE THIS LINK EXISTS?)

Find out more: Attending public meetings 

 

Want to help shape services and decisions? 

Join a residents panel or council committee 

Residents panels are groups of local people who give feedback on services and local issues. By joining a panel, you can: 

  • Share your views and those of people you know
  • Help influence improvements across council services 

 

Council committees focus on specific areas such as planning, environment or health. Some include local residents as members. By joining, you can: 

  • Use your experience and skills
  • Help shape council policies together with councillors and council officers 

Find out what is available and how to apply: Panels and committees – how to get involved   ( NEEDS LINK ) 

 

Want to give your views on specific topics?  

Take part in consultations and surveys 

We regularly ask residents for their views on plans, services and local issues. You can: 

Your feedback helps us improve services across the whole council. 

 

Want to speak to someone about local issues? 

Contact your local councillors 

Your local councillors represent you and your area. You can: 

 

Want to meet others and get involved locally? 

Join community forums and groups 

There are many ways to get involved in your local area and connect with others. You could: 

  • Join a Community Forum, led by volunteers and focused on local issues
  • Get involved with voluntary and community organisations through Thurrock CVS
  • Visit a community hub or centre near you
  • Search for clubs and groups using Stronger Together Thurrock 

 

Want to support your community by giving your time? 

Volunteer with the council  

Volunteering is a great way to support local services and make a difference. You can: 

 

Want to take part in local events? 

Attend community events 

You can also get involved by joining local events that bring people together. You could: 

  • Attend Ask the Council events to speak directly with councillors and council officers about local issues
  • Take part in Big Lunches and community celebrations to meet neighbours and build stronger community connections 

These events support our One Council approach by bringing residents, councillors and council staff together. 

 

Want to report something or apply for a service? 

Use our online services 

You can contact the council and take action online at any time. You can: 

  • Start or sign a petition - Petitions
  • Report problems like potholes or graffiti - Report it
  • Apply for services, such as bus passes, street parties or housing - Apply for it 

 

Want to take part in local democracy? 

Vote or support elections 

Voting is one of the most important ways you can influence decisions and hold leaders to account. 

You can: 

  • Register to vote
  • Stand as a councillor if you want to represent your area
  • Work at elections, such as at polling stations or helping with counting (opportunities are advertised before elections) 

 

As One Council, we believe the best decisions are made when we work together. There is no right or wrong way to get involved. Whether you give five minutes or many hours, your voice helps shape Thurrock. Your involvement matters.