What is Stronger Together?
“I’m still sometimes asked, “What is Stronger Together? Isn’t it just what CVS already does?” It’s a fair question—and one that requires a clear response.
“Stronger Together began before the pandemic as a partnership of the willing—a group of people and organisations who believed in a different way of working with communities. We shared a belief that Thurrock’s strength lies in its people, and that lasting change starts with listening, learning, and acting together. When COVID-19 hit, those values were put to the test. What began as a way of working became a critical response network—built not on new structures, but on relationships and trust already in place.
“That same spirit continues to shape Stronger Together today. The spirit remains the same, but the focus has shifted over time to meet the challenges of the day—moving from community development to crisis response, and now to building sector resilience.
“Now, Stronger Together is a cross-sector partnership with a shared ambition: to build a strong, connected, and resilient voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Thurrock. It brings leaders together to shape inclusive, community-led responses to the challenges we face—guided by the principles of the VCFSE Resilience Charter. It recognises that no single organisation can meet these challenges alone, and works to create the policy, culture and conditions in which our sector can thrive as an equal partner.
“You can see this in how we’re approaching Volunteers’ Week. It’s not just about promoting the volunteer centre—it’s about encouraging more joined-up support for volunteering across the borough, with businesses, public services and local groups all playing a role.
“Thurrock CVS is proud to chair the Stronger Together partnership—but it belongs to all of us.”
Mark Tebbs (CEO of Thurrock CVS)
Chair of Stronger Together Partnership Board