Community Forums

What is a Community Forum?

Community Forums are independent community groups that have been developed as part of the Community Governance programme. One of the real advantages of having a forum in a community is that local people can have a say on issues or decisions that affect their community. Membership of a Forum should include the following:

One of the roles of a Community Forum is to establish a link between Thurrock Council and other service providers within a community. As an independent community group, they are able to apply for funding and use the money to enhance or create various local projects or initiatives, such as community gardens, park facilities etc.

Having a Community Forum in an area gives residents a real chance of being involved in the decision making process from the onset, instead of being told how money could to be spent in their area, they are given a chance to suggest where it could be spent so that it actually addresses their community needs. Thurrock Council and partner agencies such as Thurrock PCT, Police, etc are able to use the Community Forum to enable them to consult the community and address their issues.

Community Forums need to have a formal structure as they are allocated a budget to spend on local projects. The money is given on a demographic basis. Therefore the ‘larger’ the population the Forum represents, the ‘higher’ amount of money the Forum receives. It is always necessary to remember that Forums are made up of local residents, who give their time voluntary because they have an interest in their local community and want to make a difference.

There are 20 Community Forums in Thurrock:

Some Community Forums listed have further information available.

If you can't find the information you need please contact on

01375 389893 or email us on info@ngagethurrock.org.uk

Central Area

North East Area

South Area

West Area