Category Archives: Featured

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is beginning a major modernisation of its services and buildings involving the investment of hundreds of millions of pounds over the course of the next ten years. They want to work with local residents to create a new hospital, fit for the 21st century. Take part in the survey: Go the the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust website (www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk) and click ‘Building Berkshire Together’ on the left-hand side. Continue reading Building Berkshire Together – have your say on creating a new hospital→

Reading Community Learning Centre is delighted to be reopening from Monday 14 September. If you are interested in joining our programme, please call Petra Robinson for Continue reading Reading Community Learning Centre reopening→

School Streets could soon be coming to Reading as part of a new council initiative to help children return to the classroom safely in September. With thousands of pupils shortly to resume journeys for the start of the new academic year, Reading Borough Council is inviting schools and colleges across the borough to apply to create a School Street outside their buildings. Continue reading School Streets scheme proposed→

Reading Voluntary Action is pleased to announce a new project to be delivered by our Schools and Parent Engagement Officer, Anna Chapman. The new Parent Employment Wellbeing project (PEW) is for parents over the age of 16, not in employment, not furloughed and living in Reading. PEW offers free, clear, non-judgemental and confidential information, advice, guidance and support – tailored to individuals and their situation. Continue reading The Parent Employment Wellbeing project→

Winter is just around the corner – call us now for help! Do you, or anyone you know need help saving money on your electricity, gas and water bills? Citizens Advice Reading has a specially trained Energy Adviser offering free 30-minute telephone appointments to anyone who needs help with utility bills or staying warm. Continue reading Citizens Advice Reading are offering free energy advice appointments over the telephone→

Reading Sport and Leisure centres at Meadway Sports Centre, Palmer Park Sports Stadium and South Reading Leisure Centre will reopen from Monday 3 August. It will be a phased reopening with the safety of the public and staff as a top priority. To begin with, centre opening times will be reduced and the number and variety of activities offered will be limited to allow for social distancing guidelines. Continue reading Leisure facilities to reopen in August→

Reading’s Library Service has made the important first step towards the welcome return of its popular service, with the safety of the public and staff at the forefront of all reopening plans. To begin with, the service will be operating at a reduced level to accommodate safety measures. The Council is urging people to only come to the library if they have booked an appointment in advance. Continue reading Reading Central Library reopens by appointment only→

Despite lockdown completely transforming children’s schooling, local charity ABC to Read have announced outstanding results in their most recent annual report, with 98% of the local Berkshire children who benefit from a one-to-one ABC to Read mentor improving in their reading confidence. The report also highlights that 98% of the youngsters working with them have improved in their attitudes towards reading and 95% have enhanced their accuracy and comprehension. Continue reading ABC To Read defies lockdown to report improvement in children’s reading confidence→

Most children have been away from school for many weeks and parents are running out of things for them to do. For many disadvantaged families in Reading this has been particularly stressful and it isn’t likely to improve soon. In normal years Reading Family Aid organise summer outings, but that hasn’t been possible this year, so they wanted to do something else to help families who are struggling more than most. The result is their first ever Summer Toy Project. Continue reading Reading Family Aid launches Summer Toy Project→

RBC Adult Care and Health Services have produced an information pack on useful information around staying safe during the pandemic. This may be useful for charities and community groups too. It includes guidance on Test and trace, Staying well: mental health and well-being; support for families and carers, Staying safe: safeguarding, domestic abuse, scams, and Easy-read versions on topics such as wearing a face mask and support bubbles. Continue reading Coronavirus information packs from RBC→