A CAMPAIGN aimed at helping vulnerable borough residents, Thurrock Cares, is back for a second year, building on the success of the cost-of-living campaign run last winter to ensure local residents could find the help they needed through the colder months.

The campaign, run in partnership by Thurrock Council, Thurrock CVS, and local community and voluntary sector organisations, makes it easy for local people to access financial support, help with food, debt advice, and warm spaces.

Last year's campaign saw almost 4,600 residents visit the Thurrock Cares web area to find information and support about the cost of living, with the most popular pages offering advice on food, financial help, and where to find Warm Spaces.

The promotion helped residents get direct financial help through our essential living fund, with 10,000 local people given extra support to help with the high cost of food, utilities, clothes and other essentials. That includes our Pensioner Winter Support Fund which helped 939 pensioners with heating bills and other costs.

All of this will return for 2025/26, and the council and its partners have taken on board feedback and insight from year one, to make sure Thurrock Cares continues to provide the very best support and advice for local people through the cold winter months.

Cllr Valerie Morris-Cook, cabinet member for Finances and Resources, said: "From time to time we all need a little helping hand, even if that is just a warm place to meet up with other people for chat or some advice about where assistance is available. Last year Thurrock Cares offered that helping hand to thousands of local people who needed it.

"This year we will build on that and with our partners in the local community and voluntary groups hope to bring a little warmth to all those that need help.

"There is no need for anyone to struggle, help is on hand. Simply visit our website to find out how what support is available and get any help you need accessing that support.

"I was really pleased to visit the fantastic volunteers and residents based at Belhus Library, where their 'Club in the Hub' meets regularly to provide a safe and warm space for older people and others to meet and chat, building the sort of networks of support that exemplify community action at its best.

"As we start our Thurrock Cares campaign, I want to thank everyone involved in local groups – in whatever capacity – which make such a positive difference to the lives of Thurrock residents."

You can find all the information and advice you need on the cost of living at thurrock.gov.uk/thurrockcares or pop into your local library or community hub.