Residents in Thurrock benefited from a range of advice and support that could help with the cost of living at the first Thurrock Cares Roadshow held on Monday 25 November at Aveley Community Hub.
Several referrals to access housing repairs, housing benefits, council tax support, debt relief and foodbank vouchers were made at the free drop-in event to Thurrock Council services and partner organisations on the day. Representatives from the voluntary and community sector attended including Thurrock Foodbank, alongside organisations such as Active Thurrock, Healthwatch Thurrock, Thurrock Adult Community College and Active Essex.
The roadshow is a collaboration between the council, Thurrock Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) and the Stronger Together Thurrock partnership.
Cllr Sara Muldowney, Cabinet member for Resources, said: “Thurrock Cares was created to let you know we are here to support you and help make sure you can manage with the cost of living. I was pleased to see so many services and organisations supporting the roadshow on Monday, offering in-person advice and information.
“Thank you to all our partners and colleagues for their hard work bringing the first of our four roadshows to our communities.”
Cllr Val Morris-Cook, Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships, was at the event on Monday. She said: “It was fantastic to see all these partners come together to help make sure people can get the help, support and advice they need.
“I saw for myself just how many organisations were here and the breadth of help available.”
Jacqui Payne, Head of Infrastructure & Community Development at Thurrock CVS, said: “With the ever-rising cost of living, it is so important to hold these types of events to help people, so they know where to go to for support when they need it. We had a range of services present and lots of information, so I hope people will consider attending one of the future roadshows that are taking place.”
COVID-19 vaccines were provided to eligible residents attending the event by a community pharmacist, thanks to Mid & South Essex Integrated Care System.
Council housing security contactor MPD FM Ltd gave out winter warmer packs, containing items such as thermal gloves, fleece blanket and thermal hat, for children and adults at the roadshow. More packs will be distributed across the three remaining roadshow dates.
Zulfiqar Ahmed, Director, Digital Transformation & Innovation, at MPD FM Ltd, said: “At MPD FM, we're deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve beyond our role as the council's security provider. We're pleased to contribute winter warmer packs as part of our social value commitment, helping Thurrock residents stay warm during these challenging times. It's initiatives like these that truly demonstrate how businesses and local authorities can work together to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.”
The next Thurrock Cares Roadshow will be held on Friday 13 December at The Beehive, Voluntary and Community Resource Centre, West Street in Grays from 10am to 1pm.