The latest Thurrock Cares Roadshow took place in Grays on Friday 13 December, offering a range of advice and support that could help with the cost of living.
The free drop-in event brought together Thurrock Council, health organisations and partners from the community and voluntary sector to offer advice on the support available to help residents struggling with the cost of living crisis this winter.
The roadshow is a collaboration between the council, Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) and the Stronger Together Thurrock partnership.
It featured stands from Thurrock Council’s Local Area Coordinators, Thurrock Council’s Well Homes Team, Thurrock Adult Education College, Health Watch Thurrock, the Salvation Army, Thurrock Foodbank, Necessities UK, Active Essex, and Arts Outburst.
Visitors could pick up a winter warmer pack which included a hot water bottle, a blanket, hat, gloves, scarf and an insulated cup. There was also an opportunity for visitors to get a COVID vaccination booster at the event.
Cllr Sara Muldowney, Cabinet member for Resources, said: “We have some really amazing people supporting our communities and it's always a pleasure meeting them. Lots of inter-agency networking going on which was great to see, and a good flow of residents coming in to get help and advice.
“I even managed to get my COVID vaccination done which I have been trying to sort out for a while.
“Many thanks to everyone involved in making it happen!”
The roadshow was also an opportunity for Cabinet members to meet and talk with the borough’s residents. Cllr Muldowney was joined at the roadshow by Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Mark Hooper, Cabinet member for Health and Well-being, and Councillor Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet member for Children's Services.
Cllr Kent said: “It is great to get out into the community and speak with our residents. We want to create more opportunities for us to learn first-hand about what our residents want and need from the council and speak with them about the work we are doing in the borough.”
The next roadshows are scheduled to take place in January and February:
- 24 January 2025, 10am to 1pm at Tilbury Library and Hub
- 5 February 2025, 10am to 1pm at Corringham Library
You can find out more about the Thurrock Cares campaign on the council’s website at: thurrock.gov.uk/thurrockcares.
