THURROCK Council's senior councillor for local communities has joined in a chorus of approval for local volunteers who are helping the elderly and vulnerable in the local community.

As reported yesterday, National Volunteer Day (Monday, 20 April), on Thurrock Nub News thousands of hours have been given up to helping others by residents across the borough.

Many have taken up the opportunity to help following the launch of Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action (TCCA) at the beginning of this month.

Today Cllr Deb Huelin, the council's cabinet member for communities, said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers who support the council's services throughout the year and those who are currently giving their time to help the TCCA and our most vulnerable residents.

"Volunteers come forward for many different reasons and all of them are community stars who do not get paid for all of the selfless work, time and effort that they give. They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation, which is exactly what Volunteer Recognition Day is all about."

And Kristina Jackson, chief executive at Thurrock Community Volunteer service, said: "The community response to the TCCA has been incredible. Thank you to individuals and voluntary organisations that have come forward and offered to volunteer to support the partnership."

For more information on TCCA or to register to become a volunteer click here and to find out about current council volunteer vacancies use this link.

The council has more than 170 volunteers who usually support council services day to day throughout the year, the opportunities are vast including roles within: community hubs and libraries, sheltered housing, children's centres and emergency planning to name a few. Programmes supported by volunteers include Summer Read, Wiser for IT, Duke of Edinburgh, heritage and healthy walks.