The significant increase in the number of Africans residing and working in the borough prompted the realisation that establishing a community group for Africans would be necessary. A non-profit organisation, the Thurrock African Group (TAG), was established in 2003 and officially launched in March 2005, becoming a registered charity in March 2010. In addition to impacting Africans who live or work in Thurrock with educational, health, cultural, and social welfare needs, the group’s objectives include promoting African culture and values in the community.

TAG also interacts with organisations such as Thurrock Council and other service providers in a variety of ways to ensure that all members of the local community have access to high-quality services. Members of the Thurrock African Group are urged to become more involved in their communities by taking advantage of opportunities for personal and community development that are available. Examples include participation in the governance of bodies such as schools and Clinical Commissioning Groups.

During the coronavirus pandemic, TAG successfully built a community radio station with the support of the National Lottery Community Fund. The community radio is dedicated to educating, informing, empowering, connecting, and rebuilding Black and Asian communities (BAME communities). TAG Community Voice Radio is a terrific opportunity to promote, support, and coordinate activities that will benefit Thurrock’s BAME population and improve their general quality of life in a fun and engaging environment. So come and join us so that we can make a difference in our community!