Laura Hudson, the new Volunteer Coordinator for ngage said “This will be my first Recruitment Fayre and I am looking forward to helping residents find their perfect placements within local organisations or charities. I would especially like to encourage residents who are considering volunteering for the first time to come along and find out more through talking to ngage and other people already volunteering in Thurrock. We are also keen to talk to people about volunteering at some of the summer events that are taking place this year, such as T Fest in July”.

The invitation is also open to organisations or groups who may be considering using volunteers for the first time, and will give them the opportunity to find out how volunteers can help support their development and provide support where it is needed.

For more information about the becoming a volunteer or registering your group or organisation, please come along to the Recruitment Fayre, visit our website www.ngagethurrock.org.uk or call the volunteer centre on 01375 389853.

Annette Lewis, community worker for ngage said “It was an extremely cold and snowy day, but this didn’t stop people from coming along and helping to plant the new shrubs. We were amazed to see how much was achieved on the day. Aswell as planting, we also held an Easter Egg hunt and had 3 lucky winners and everyone received a smaller egg just taking part”.

The project is part of the Purfleet Positive Woodland Management project which is aimed to help community links between the Purfleet Estates and Friends of Wood or Open Space groups.

Future planting days will take place over the coming months in Purfleet and any interested in volunteering at these can contact ngage Volunteer Centre THURROCK. If you would like information about volunteering in general, visit the ngage website at www.ngagethurrock.org.uk or call 01375 389853.

Jacqui Payne, Programme Manager for ngage said “More and more people across Thurrock are taking advantage of these free trainings, they are very popular and I would encourage anyone to book early to avoid disappointment”.

Trainings such as How to Organise a Street Party and Community Event, Introduction to Customer Services, Newsletter for Community Groups, Public Speaking, Level 2 in Food Safety and many more are included in the programme.

Visit www.ngagethurrock.org.uk to view the new programme and whilst there join up to receive priority viewing of future ACE programmes.

Should you require any additional information about the free ACE Training programme or wish to suggest ideas for future training courses for individuals or community and voluntary groups, call 01375 389893.

As part of proposals for the regeneration of Thurrock, the council has identified five areas across Thurrock as priorities for action and investment.

Tilbury is one. To help shape plans for the area it is important that people who live and work there have a chance to tell the council what it is like – the good things and the bad things – and what they would like to see in the future.

Annette Lewis, community worker for ngage said; “We are visiting Tilbury on a weekly basis to speak to as many people as we can about their life living in Tilbury or what it is like to run a business there.

“It’s really important that local people take part in the survey, especially if they have suggestions about changes that could impact on their quality of life.”

This isn’t the first time that the Tilbury community has been consulted and the council will be using the results of this survey to build on earlier findings and to develop a vision for Tilbury which is shaped by the people who live and work here.

Annette said: “People can complete the survey online by logging onto the ngage website or by picking up a survey from the Tilbury Library, housing office or other community or public facility in Tilbury.

There will also be ‘drop’ boxes to post the completed surveys at the library and One Community Development Trust in Dock Road (next to Tilbury Taxis).

Anybody who completes and returns this survey by Friday 12th April 2013 will be entered in a draw with the chance to win £250 worth of shopping vouchers.

To take part on the online survey go to: www.ngagethurrock.org.uk or contact ngage on 01375 389893.

Jacqui Payne, Programme Manager for ngage said “We have an opening for a new volunteer coordinator whose role will be to build on the excellent work that has been achieved to date. We are looking for someone who has experience in working with volunteers, and can support the on-going strategic development of new volunteer services within the Centre”.

Anyone interested can view the full advert and application pack online. Alternatively they can request an application pack by contacting ngage on 01375 389893 or email info@ngagethurrock.org.uk. The closing date for applicants is the 28th March 2013 at 3pm.

The project is part of the Purfleet Positive Woodland Management project which is aimed to help community links between the Purfleet Estates and Friends of Wood or Open space Groups. Future planting days will take place over the coming months and we want to encourage local residents and volunteers to get involved.

Annette Lewis, community worker for ngage said “Our planting days were great and we were overwhelmed with what was achieved. We had many volunteers and local residents take part, and it was lovely to see so many trees named after the people that they loved”.

Annette continued to say “We would like to thank the Garrison Community flat who were on hand making food and refreshments for the volunteers and also Thurrock Council and staff for their support they gave us at the events”.

The next planting day has been organised over the Easter break on Thursday 4th April, 10.30am – 1.30pm, in Tank Hill Road near the Mardyke Estate in Purfleet, and will include an Easter egg hunt. We would like to invite local residents and volunteers to come along and have some fun.

For full details of the Easter planting day or if need informaiotn on volunteering, go to the ngage website on www.ngagethurrock.org.uk or call 01375 389853.

Jacqui Payne, programme manager for ngage said “Our present coordinator will unfortunately will be leaving ngage at the end of March and we therefore have an opening for a new volunteer coordinator who can join our team. Julie has done a fantastic job in developing the volunteering service and helping the Centre to gain an accreditation. We are sad to be losing such a great member of staff , but we are hoping that we will find someone just as dynamic to follow in her footsteps”.

ngage are looking for someone who has experience in working with volunteers and will be able to support the on-going development of the new volunteer service and help promote volunteering opportunities across Thurrock. Knowledge of working in community development and active citizenship would also be of benefit.

Anyone interested can view the full advert on the ngage website and/or request an application pack by contacting ngage on 01375 389893 or email info@ngagethurrock.org.uk. The closing date for applicants is the 22th February 2013 at 3pm, with interviews taking place w/c 25th February 2013.

Julie Rawson, Volunteer Coordinator for ngage said “Our New Year, New You Coffee Morning will be a perfect way for residents who are considering volunteering in 2013, to find out more by talking to ngage and other people already volunteering in Thurrock. We will have lots of free cakes and refreshments available, and our coffee mornings are very informal and have a lovely friendly atmosphere”.

There will be organisations promoting volunteering opportunities and information about FREE training courses where residents can develop new skills for 2013. We would also encourage organisations who are considering using volunteers in 2013, to come along and find out how they can register their opportunities with the ngage volunteer centre.

So why not make 2013 count, make a change and start volunteering, there’s something for everyone!

For more information about the coffee morning or volunteering, call 01375 389853 or visit the ngage website on www.ngagethurrock.org.uk.