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#Coping is a new guide offering support to families struggling during the coronavirus lockdown. It has been produced by a group of leading local health and social care organisations and it signposts people to a range of information, and to groups in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire who are experts in dealing with mental health, anxiety, stress, self care, wellbeing and sleep issues. The guide is being distributed via schools, the NHS, local authorities, and voluntary and community organisations. Continue reading #Coping guides for children, young people and families→

Over the last month, charities and community groups have adapted to holding trustee meetings remotely. This may be a new process for many charities, whose trustees would normally meet in person. The Charity Commission has therefore issued a timely reminder of its guidance CC48: Charities and Meetings to help trustees to review the requirements of a valid meeting. This is particularly important at the moment as many charities will be making very important decisions. Continue reading How to hold remote committee meetings→

There has been a fantastic response to the call for coronavirus response volunteers in Reading. Almost 2,000 people from across the town have registered to be part of Team Reading. Organisations who are currently registered with RVA can call upon this pool of volunteer support if you face increased demand for your vital services as a result of the outbreak. If you’d like to request support from Team Reading, please complete the new simplified form listed below. Continue reading Do you need more volunteers? Team Reading is ready for action→

Berkshire Community Foundation’s coronavirus support fund is open on a rolling basis. This means that applications received by 17:00 on a Wednesday are taken to the grants panel on the Friday each week. Successful groups will receive funding into their nominated account early the next week. Groups can apply for up to £5,000 under this fund. More details and eligibility requirements available online at www.berkshirecf.org. Continue reading BCF coronavirus funding update – rolling funding round→

The British Red Cross has made available a free short online training course for volunteers in charities and community groups who are responding to Covid-19, such as shopping volunteers. The course takes under 30 minutes to complete and includes a short quiz at the end. Community groups and charities may like to use this as part of their training for their volunteers. Continue reading Free Red Cross online training for volunteers who are responding to Covid-19→

Voluntary and community sector organisations have a vital role working alongside NHS colleagues to support anyone who has a mental health problem. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, demand for mental health services is increasing. To help VCS organisations based in England continue to provide mental health services (or provide additional support) organisations can apply for a Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund grant. Continue reading Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund – applications open→

Berkshire West CCG are opening a Primary Care Hub for local people with coronavirus symptoms who require clinical assessment in the community at the Walk-in Centre in Reading’s Broad Street Mall. The Hub is due to open its doors early next week (week beginning 6 April) and will offer specific patients quick and easy access to expert medical assistance. Full details of the hub and how it will operate will be on the CCG website www.berkshirewestccg.nhs.uk. Continue reading Primary Care Hub to open at Walk-in Centre in Broad Street Mall→

A round-up of information on mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak. -This week the government issued new guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus. It includes how you can connect with others during this time, helping those around you, looking after your physical wellbeing and managing your media and information intake. -Helplines: Carers Direct has a helpline open from 08:00 to 21:00 Monday to Friday call 03001 231053. Continue reading Mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak – round-up of support and information→

RVA has prepared Staying Safe whilst Volunteering: A Guide for Voluntary and Community Groups to assist established groups to deliver services safely during this time, with suggested best practice. The guide can be adapted to suit your services and then implemented in your group and shared with volunteers. If you would like any further support or to discuss how you can implement this best practice in your group, do get in touch on advice@rva.org.uk. Continue reading Guide for community groups offering coronavirus support services→