SINCE 23 March – and that famous address by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson - Thurrock has been on 'Lockdown'.

Since then, 28 days ago, Thurrock residents, voluntary organisations and businesses have not only rallied, but they've pulled together, grafted, joined in and flexed their community muscles to ensure none of our neighbours go hungry, get lonely or are without vital medication.

In fact, 465 residents have signed up as volunteers and have delivered on almost 700 requests for help received by Thurrock CVS. Many of those requests for help can count as double, as often residents ask for medication and shopping at the same time.

Working under the umbrella of 'Stronger Together', a a partnership between Thurrock CVS, Thurrock Council and local health organisations, in those 28 days Thurrock volunteers have delivered 3,150 hours of donated time.

And on National Volunteer Day (Monday, 20 April) Thurrock Nub News is delighted to feature a couple who are really helping to make a difference.

Dad of two, Darren, 58, from Horndon on the Hill is recently retired after working for many years at Fords, Dunton.

With time on his hands, and a history of fundraising with marathons, Darren with his wife, Christine, signed up to become a registered volunteer with the Thurrock Coronavirus Action Group early on.

"My wife saw it on Facebook, and after the sign up process, I've already been asked to collect some shopping for two different residents," he said.

"It's really made me take in what's important"

"One of the residents was shielding with her daughter and the other was a blind gentleman and they both couldn't have been nicer.

"These times really are unprecedented, and it's really made me sit and take in what's important. Life tends to go at 100mph, all very centred on you and your world, but this whole pandemic has restored a lot of my faith and shown everybody what is truly important. It's been like the handbrake has been pulled in our crazy work-filled world.

"People everywhere, seem to want to help and are all pulling together to do the right thing. I'm talking to neighbours I'd never normally get to chat to which has been lovely.

"It's all about community spirit – long may our new community spirit continue."

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer with the Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action Group, you can register here.

If you're unable to volunteer but would still like to help, why not consider making a donation to Giving for Thurrock (GiFT) here.

Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action group is a Stronger Together project set up specifically to support the challenges posed by the Corona virus. The Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action line (01375 511002) is open Monday – Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Give them a call if you need help.