Category Archives: News

Dr Rebecca Nowland from the University of Central Lancashire will be presenting her research on technology and loneliness at the Befriending Forum on 5 December 2019. She will talk about her recent work with Talk Talk and the findings presented in their report on Teenage Loneliness and Technology. The study looks into both parents and their own teenagers’ attitudes to technology and loneliness. Continue reading Dr Rebecca Nowland to speak on teenage loneliness and technology at Befriending Forum→

Have you seen the new What’s On Reading website (https://whatsonreading.com), which aims to provide the most extensive listings guide for arts, culture and heritage events in the town? What’s On Reading is co-produced by Reading UK and Reading Arts and Venues, and welcomes event listings from organisations of all kinds. Read more detailed information about the criteria for listing events on the site or find out more about the website’s aims at https://whatsonreading.com/about-us/our-mission. Continue reading What’s On Reading website – new guide to arts, culture and heritage events→

The Great Get Together is back this winter and they’d love for you to be part of it and to share some #mincepiemoments in your community! Jo Cox was passionate about building kinder communities and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. However, over 9 million of us in the UK currently feel lonely and it’s in all of our power to change this. As the days get colder, it’s time to make your community a bit warmer. Continue reading Making your community warmer this winter→

Fifty volunteers and support staff from twenty of Reading’s community groups enjoyed an evening of celebration, sharing and learning on 1 November. The Crowne Plaza hosted the first-of-its-kind event, which brought together volunteers who are helping local people facing loneliness and social isolation, all year round. Volunteer roles included befrienders, buddies, community drivers, lunch and social club organisers, homeless hostel residents’ support and mental health group support volunteers. Continue reading Celebrating Friendship Volunteers→

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, and the Chief Constable, John Campbell, have opened a new grant round of the Police Property Act Fund. £170,000 is available to community and voluntary groups across the Thames Valley. The Fund is created from money recovered by the police and the proceeds from the sale of items that cannot be returned to identified owners, including seizures from criminals. Continue reading Police Property Act Fund – open until 22 November 2019→

This winter, we want to help as many people as possible know about their entitlement to flu vaccination and know what they need to do. Please help us spread this important message to your family, friends and those you work with. Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for older people or those with other health conditions. Flu spreads easily and can be passed from one person to the other, even if the person carrying the virus has no symptoms. Continue reading Have you had your flu jab?→