THURROCK Council and partners have launched a new campaign to help people who are struggling financially to get the support they need over the winter months.

Named 'Thurrock Cares' the council says its new project will make it easy for residents to find the help they need, from the new £100,000 'pensioner winter support fund' and other financial support for individuals and families, to energy advice, and Warm Spaces.

Cllr Sara Muldowney, Cabinet member for Resources, joined sheltered housing tenants at Frederick Andrews Court, Grays, to kick off the campaign today (Tuesday, 29 October).

Cllr Muldowney said: "All of us struggle and need help from time to time. We have created Thurrock Cares to bring that help together in one place for our residents. There are plenty of local and national schemes, grants and benefits that are available for all of us.

Check out the services offered by Thurrock Cares: https://thurrock.nub.news/uploads/Thurrock_Cares_A5_directory_V8.pdf

"I'm also delighted that we have also set aside £100,000 to help pensioners stay warm this winter.

"Working with our fantastic community and voluntary groups, we want to make sure everyone has access to the help they need. Thanks to our brilliant network of libraries, community hubs, and community pantries we are able to give support in our communities where it is needed most.

"A series of community roadshows, delivered with our amazing colleagues in the voluntary sector, begins in November creating an opportunity for residents to find out more and get some expert advice."

Cllr John Kent, critical of previous administration.

Council Leader, Cllr John Kent, has emphasised the Council's commitment to supporting those most in need, saying: "In seven years of running Thurrock Council, the Conservatives did nothing to help residents struggling with fuel poverty, the cost of living, or the impacts of Covid - nothing at all.

"The toxic Tory debt left behind is preventing the new Labour Council from doing many of the things we'd like to do in these circumstances, because there is simply no money. It is as frustrating for us as it is for residents.

"This new Labour-run Council is determined to deliver on residents' priorities."

"Thurrock Cares is about providing practical support that can genuinely ease the cost-of-living pressures so many people in our community are facing."

Thurrock Cares includes:

• a new 'pensioner winter support fund' to help pensioners on benefits who will no longer receive the winter fuel allowance with the cost of heating their homes
• advice and help for residents to sign-up for the benefits they're entitled to, especially Pension Credit which will allow our poorest pensioners to retain their winter fuel payments
• an online tool to help residents find a range of advice and support www.thurrock.gov.uk/thurrockcares
• Warm Spaces in all our libraries, hubs and sheltered accommodation
• a booklet containing details of advice and support which will be available at Thurrock's community hubs, libraries and other community centres

Find out more about the Thurrock Cares campaign at thurrock.gov.uk/thurrockcares