Group support and information
The following information is to give you a better understanding of some of the groups or initiatives that exist in Thurrock. This way you can be kept updated and know that there are many initiatives out there to see community activity and involvement.
Thurrock Compact
The Thurrock Compact is an agreement to promote better understanding, trust and respect between statutory organisations Thurrock's Local Strategic Partnership and voluntary, community and faith (VCF) groups in Thurrock.
It provides guidance on what organisations and groups can expect from each other when they work together. It is important that community groups are encouraged to sign up to the compact as it shows their support for the compact and will help to give the VCF sector a stronger voice.
Please click In the compact link above or email shaping@Thurrock.gov.uk with your organisation name and contact details.
Shaping Thurrock Local Strategic Partnership
Shaping Thurrock is the name for the Thurrock Local Strategic Partnership. Shaping Thurrock brings together the leaders of strategic organisations and representative networks and include Thurrock Council, Essex Police, NHS South West Essex, Thurrock Thames gateway Development Corporation and Voluntary and Community sector representatives. Go to their website for more information http://www.shapingthurrock.org.uk/
Community Involvement Board
The Community Involvement Board enables voluntary,community and faith sector groups to be able to influence partner agendas more effectively. Following the CIB away in February 08, a number of priorities were identified which include Regeneration and infrastructure, Community cohesion, safety , and much more. Themed meetings have been organised covering these priorities and can be viewed on the Community Involvement Board website.
The Principles of Community Engagement
The Community Involvement Board have developed the Principles for Community engagement. This is was in response to the community saying that they do not feel that they are always involved in key decisions made and are unsure why certain decisions are even taken when they have been involved.The principles should make sure that residents are given the best opportunity where possible to be involved in key decisions and that decisions taken by partners of the Local Strategic Partnership reflect the needs of Thurrock people.
The Community Involvement board have also developed the Thurrock Community Engagement Toolkit which gives partners practical information on how to inform, consult and involve local residents more effectively.
Community Empowerment Network (CEN)
The Community Empowerment Network has been resourced by the Shaping Thurrock Local Strategic Partnership. The priority of CEN is to enable voluntary, community and faith sector groups to get involved as full and equal partners, and enable them to influence public policy and decisions.
Funding Opportunities
There are many opportunities for voluntary, community and faith sector groups in Thurrock to obtain funding to support their group or aims. ngage regularly forward news of funding opportunities to groups on their membership and also Thurrock Council employ a funding officer who's is there to advise groups on funding opportunities or alternatively click here.
Other useful sites
Thurrock CVS
TRUST
Thurrock Council