News | Thurrock Council

National Adoption Week 2025: Busting the Myth of the ‘Perfect Home’

20 October 2025

This National Adoption Week (20–26 October), a new campaign is challenging the idea that prospective adopters need to have a ‘perfect home’ to adopt – as new figures reveal a 12 per cent drop in adoption interest across England, leaving nearly 3,000 children still waiting for a permanent family.

A new survey by You Can Adopt shows that 86 per cent of adoptive parents were worried they needed an ideal home to pass the adoption assessment process. Yet the reality is far more modest:

Young reading champions honoured

17 October 2025

Young residents who volunteered to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge were thanked for their hard work at a special celebration held in their honour.
The youngsters were presented with certificates, medals and chocolates by Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock, at the ceremony held at the Civic Hall, Blackshots on Thursday 16 October.
This year’s Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge, held across all Thurrock libraries, encouraged 2,340 children to read over the summer holidays, beating 2024's figure.

Thurrock heroes honoured in Pride of Essex Awards

17 October 2025

A volunteer-run pantry in Thurrock has been praised for their inspirational work at a prestigious award ceremony.
The Purfleet Community Pantry and Cafe was Highly Commended at the annual Pride of Essex Awards on Tuesday 14 October.
The volunteer-run pantry, which recently celebrated its first year of service, was nominated in the Team of Pride category, which celebrates those making a difference to other people’s lives and who put others’ needs before their own.

Thurrock Voices Shortlisted for National Award

16 October 2025

Congratulations to Thurrock Voices, the adult community choir, which has been shortlisted for a national award.
The choir, organised by Arts Outburst, is in the running for the Best Age-Friendly Outreach award at the Fantastic for Families Awards 2025, organised by the Family Arts Campaign.

Free NHS Health Checks launch for Thurrock residents aged 40–74

16 October 2025

Starting this month (October), thousands of Thurrock residents will begin receiving invitations for their free NHS Health Check – a quick and simple midlife health check designed to help people stay healthy for longer.
NHS Health Checks are available to everyone aged 40-74 who does not already have a pre-existing cardiovascular condition. Over the next five years, the programme will be rolled out across Thurrock to make sure every eligible resident is invited.

Protect yourself and your baby – get your free flu vaccine this winter

15 October 2025

Pregnant women in Thurrock are being urged to protect themselves and their babies this winter by getting the free flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women, no matter what stage of pregnancy they are at. It helps protect both you and your baby from serious illness and is completely free on the NHS.

Injunction will continue to prevent disruptive illegal protests in Thurrock

10 October 2025

An injunction which prevents protestors from blocking roads and vehicles at key fuel terminals and filling stations in Thurrock has been extended until 2029. It names 26 protestors, who have previously been involved in disruptive protests in the borough.
Under the terms of the injunction, the named protestors are prevented from blocking roads, stopping vehicles and gluing themselves to the road or vehicles. The injunction aims to prevent unnecessary disruption for local businesses and residents trying to access their premises, homes, petrol stations and travel near these sites.

Councils across the country launch national fostering campaign

9 October 2025

Thurrock Council have partnered with over 90 other local authorities to launch a brand-new campaign to inspire more people to start fostering.

Managed by CAN Digital, ‘The Run’ has been produced by award-winning producers, ReelTwentyFive and is set to be the most ambitious jointly funded fostering film project yet.

The film focuses on Tom, an 11-year-old boy, contrasting his need to run - away from danger, a chaotic home life, to get to school in time for breakfast club because he’s hungry - with running as a sport.

Depot to work with council and neighbours on constructive way forward

8 October 2025

A planning enforcement notice served on a depot in Vange Road, Vange, will pave the way constructive dialogue between the site’s owners, local residents, and the council to help make sure that the site operates in a way that is more considerate of neighbours.
Following discussions with the council, the depot will remain on site and its owners have agreed take proactive steps to address concerns raised by the community. That includes meeting directly with neighbours to listen to their experiences and work with them to reduce disruption caused by the depot’s activities.

Pantry nominated in Pride of Essex awards

7 October 2025

Congratulations to the Purfleet Community Pantry and Cafe which has been nominated for the Community Champion Award at the annual Pride of Essex Awards.
The volunteer-run pantry recently celebrated its first year of service to the community at a special birthday party, with help from Cllr Steve Liddiard, Deputy Mayor of Thurrock (pictued, below).
The membership-based shopping scheme allows residents to purchase a weekly top-up shop at significantly reduced prices. Members can access a selection of 10 essential items per week, usually worth around £25, for just £5.