IT'S been a memorable week for the Thurrock branch of Re-engage – the charity that supports vulnerable, elderly and lonely people.

Its volunteers attended a celebration evening at Headon Hall in Stifford Clays as part of Volunteers' Week.

Regional organiser Loraine Coleman said: "A huge thank you to everyone who came along. It was wonderful to see so many of you there. We do not often get the opportunity to come together, catch up, share our friendship, and celebrate everything that we achieve as a team. In fact, we even ran out of chairs!

"The evening was our opportunity to thank all of our amazing volunteers for everything they do to make Re-engage Thurrock such a special charity and our tea parties such memorable occasions for our guests. Your kindness, enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment mean so much, and we are incredibly grateful for all that you do.

"Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Re-engage Thurrock and without you, none of our wonderful tea parties and special events would be possible. Thank you for helping us bring friendship, companionship, joy, and laughter to our elderly residents across Thurrock."

Later in the week volunteers Ira Gill, Clarissa Wood and Mick Coleman were presented with awards in recognition of their voluntary work for ReEngage Thurrock at the Thurrock CVS 2026 Award Ceremony held at the Beehive .

Ira Gill is a Group Coordinator and was one of the founder volunteers in ReEngage Thurrock back in 2015. Ira has been recognised for her kindness, dedication & selflessness. As well as running her tea party group, Ira also manages the financial accounts for ReEngage Thurrock liaising with our head office. This vital role is carried out with professionalism, integrity and accuracy.

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Clarissa Wood is a Group Coordinator and has been recognised for her exceptional voluntary contribution to ReEngage Thurrock. In addition to organising her monthly tea parties, Clarissa assists Loraine as deputy to ensuring the Thurrock groups run smoothly. Her strength, kindness, reliability and compassion deserves to be recognised.

Mick Coleman has been volunteering for more than 10 years and deserves to be recognised as an unsung hero. He tirelessly works behind the scenes supporting his wife, Loraine. He always has a smile on his face, a compassionate heart and is a good listener.

And members were then delighted to be invited to attend a charity funding presentation at Procter & Gamble.

Loraine says: "We were incredibly fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of an amazing £5,000 donation. Employees at Procter & Gamble took part in a nomination and voting process, selecting three local charities to receive support from their wonderful charity fund.

"A very big thank you to all the fantastic Procter & Gamble employees for choosing Re-engage Thurrock and supporting our work to reduce isolation and loneliness among older people across Thurrock. Your generosity will make a real difference to the lives of many older residents in our community.

"A special thank you to Eylem for organising such a wonderful event, and to Eylem and May for the warm welcome and for looking after us so well throughout the day. It was such pleasure to meet everyone and learn more about your commitment to supporting local charities.

"Thank you, Procter & Gamble, for helping us continue to bring friendship, connection, and companionship to older people in Thurrock. Your support means so much and will have a lasting impact on the lives of those needing our support in Thurrock.