News | Thurrock Council

Thurrock Council encourages residents to quit smoking this National No Smoking Day

10 March 2026

Thurrock Council is marking National No Smoking Day (11 March) by encouraging residents who smoke to take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future by registering with the council’s Stop Smoking Service.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Stopping can improve breathing, boost energy levels and significantly reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. It also helps protect family members and friends from the harms of second-hand smoke.

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

10 March 2026

Thousands of Thurrock residents aged 40–74 are being invited to take up a free NHS Health Check – a quick and simple midlife check designed to help people stay healthy for longer.
NHS Health Checks are available to people aged 40–74 who do not already have a diagnosed cardiovascular condition. The programme is being rolled out across Thurrock over five years to make sure every eligible resident has the opportunity to take part.

Celebrating Commonwealth Day

9 March 2026

Thurrock Council joined people and groups across the world today (Monday 9 March) to raise the flag for Commonwealth Day.
The annual celebration of Commonwealth Day proudly unites 56 countries – almost a third of the world's population – in recognising and honouring the values that the Commonwealth upholds.
The event, held outside the Civic Offices in Grays, was attended by Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock, and Leader of the Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall.

Thurrock pupils celebrate World Book Day

5 March 2026

The book mad children of Kenningtons Primary Academy in Aveley helped launch National Year of Reading in Thurrock on World Book Day (Thursday 5 March).
This year has been designated National Year of Reading and Thurrock Libraries has plans to get everyone reading with campaigns aimed at children, teens and adults.
The school was the winner of the Summer Reading Challenge School Shield last year. Kenningtons had 33% of its pupils complete the challenge. Many of the students dressed up as their favourite literary character for World Book Day.

“It was meant to be”: Fred and Rick share their journey to fatherhood through adoption

3 March 2026

To celebrate LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week (Monday 2 March to Sunday 8 March), we spoke to Fred and Rick about their journey into fatherhood, and the advice they’d give to other couples who may be exploring adoption.
For Fred and Rick, their path to becoming parents wasn’t quick or simple, but it was, in their words, “the best thing in the world.” The couple have been together for more than a decade, and from the very earliest moments of their relationship, they realised the topic of family was something that was something of shared importance.

Over three quarters of pupils starting secondary school in Thurrock this September will be going to their top choice school

3 March 2026

Nine out of 10 pupils starting secondary school later this year will attend one of their top three choices, with a whopping 76% getting a place at their first preference school.
There were a total of 2,453 pupils that applied for secondary school places in the borough for the upcoming academic year.

Thurrock celebrates the incredible dedication of its foster carers

2 March 2026

Foster carers from across Thurrock came together on Friday 27 February for a special celebration recognising the vital role they play in supporting some of the borough’s most vulnerable children and young people.
The annual Foster Carer Celebration Event and Awards Ceremony was once again held at Ye Olde Plough House in Bulphan, where carers were thanked for the important work they do to provide Thurrock’s looked-after young people with a stable, loving home.

Thurrock chosen as one of seven local authorities to lead major government pilot

27 February 2026

Thurrock has been selected as one of only seven local authorities across England to take part in a landmark national pilot bringing new financial support and improved services to kinship carers.
Over £126m has been confirmed to support up to 5,000 families across the seven local authorities during the pilot, which will help to support family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends who step in to raise a child when their parents cannot.

Families across Thurrock benefit from early learning programmes

27 February 2026

Families across Thurrock can access a range of early learning programmes designed to strengthen their child’s communication, language and early numeracy skills.
Thurrock’s Family Hubs are offering evidence-based programmes such as Early Words Together and Peep Learning Together (PEEP), which help parents and carers feel more confident supporting their child’s development through simple, everyday activities like talking, playing and sharing books.

Nominations open for the 2026 SEND and Alternative Provision Awards

27 February 2026

Thurrock Council is delighted to announce the return of the SEND and Alternative Provision Awards for 2026, celebrating the remarkable achievements of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those in Alternative Provision across the borough.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the awards are back once again to shine a spotlight on inspirational individuals aged 0–25 who demonstrate resilience, determination, creativity, and progress in their everyday lives.