Volunteers' Week: Meet Maria

To celebrate national Volunteers' Week, we are talking to some of the great volunteers providing invaluable support for the council's work in the community

Meet Maria

Maria is originally from Moldovia and has lived in the UK for eight years with her husband and their young family.

Maria had been looking after her children full time, but when the youngest started nursery she had time to spare during the day. "I felt I should do something and develop new skills."

She reached out to the council's volunteer team who put her contact with our Private Housing and Adaptation Services, who were able to offer her a part time voluntary post which she could fit in around her family commitments.

Maria said: "My role is to meet with private tenants and homeowners who have problems and try to help and advise them."

Usually, the issues are around landlord disputes and repairs issues.

She finds the voluntary work satisfying: "I'm very happy to meet with new people, to have new opportunities and develop new skills.

"When you can talk to and advise people you feel helpful."

Interested in volunteering?

You can find out about current volunteer opportunities in Thurrock and sign up here: www.volunteeressex.org/register/

You can also learn about volunteering opportunities at Thurrock Council by visiting our Volunteering vacancies page or contacting [email protected]