THURROCK Council has highlighted the recent good work of its Thurrock Cares campaign which it says has helped 4,270 households across Thurrock struggling with the cost of living.

It has handed out more than £750k in financial support for heating bills and other essentials. This includes £62k handed out to 540 pensioners through the council's Pension Winter Support Fund.

Thurrock Cares, which was launched in October 2024 by the council and its partners in the voluntary and community sector, is a campaign to support residents with the cost of living, providing financial assistance, help and advice over the winter months.

Help is still available through the Thurrock Cares website and residents can apply for financial support through the Essential Living Fund.

Cllr Sara Muldowney at the Thurrock Cares launch.

Cllr Sara Muldowney, cabinet member for resources, said: "I am really proud that Thurrock Cares has helped thousands of people in Thurrock over these difficult winter months. We know that people are struggling with the cost of living and I'm really pleased that we, with our partners, have been able give so many people a helping hand.

"There is plenty of help still available and I would encourage everyone to visit the Thurrock Cares website and get the support they need, whether they are looking for a warm space, help with food and essentials or they need financial help through the Essential Living Fund."

Thurrock Cares also helped hundreds of residents get first-hand advice from community and voluntary groups at a series of Thurrock Cares roadshows which took place between November 2024 and February 2025.

Cllr Valerie Morris-Cook, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, arts, culture and heritage said: "Thurrock Cares has made a real difference to the lives of thousands of residents over the winter.

"The Thurrock Cares roadshows, many of them held at our fantastic libraries and community hubs, were a really important way for us to share information and advice out into our communities and make sure as many people as possible get the support they're entitled to."

Thurrock Cares, has helped:

• Provide over £750,000 of emergency financial support to local residents through the Essential Living Fund.
• 4,270 households receive financial support; help with heating bills and other essentials.
• Distribute a total of £62,170 to 540 pensioners through Thurrock Council's Pensioner Winter Support Fund.
• 4,600 residents access essential cost of living advice through the Thurrock Cares webpage.