Events

35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS

This is the time of the year when we encourage other organisations, families and friends to come and hear what we as a group have been in up to since our last AGM.

Our theme this year is ‘Keeping well – health and wealth together’, which we feel is a reflection of what we have done/endeavoured to do over the year.

Join us as you connect with our communities. Light refreshments will be served.

Contact details:
Email: info@utulivu.co.uk
Website: www.utulivu.co.uk

Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LW

Christmas Market in the historic Victorian setting of Reading School, open to all.

Reading School Parents Association welcomes everyone to join us at our beautiful Victorian school setting for Christmas shopping with:

• 50+ festive stalls selling crafts and gifts
• Tombola
• Hamper Raffle
  
• Xmas Cafe
  
• Christmas Carols
• Plus lots more

Adults £2 entry, Children free.

Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH

The Reading Cultural Commissioning programme aims to mainstream the commissioning of cultural activities for social outcomes. This will be done in two ways:

• By making public service commissioners more aware of the potential for arts and cultural organisations to deliver effective interventions around their priority outcomes.
• By enabling the arts, culture, heritage and voluntary sectors to better engage with public sector commissioning.

Now that we are part way through our pilot year, we invite you to join us for our first Cultural Commissioning Symposium. This will be a chance to discuss best practice at both national and local levels, to be inspired, and to network.

The event will build a picture of how commissioners and cultural practitioners are working together to effect change and share how local research is shaping our understanding of Reading’s needs and priorities including:

• Health (from falls prevention to stroke rehabilitation to long-term conditions)
• Mental health and wellbeing (from hospital wards to adolescent mental health units to care homes)
• Work experience and skills development (particularly for vulnerable or disadvantaged young people)
• Reducing re-offending

For more information about the event and to register for a free place, please visit Reading, Place of Culture’s Eventbrite page or email Lara.Stavrinou@reading.gov.uk.

Friar Street, Reading RG1 1EH

In Reading, various organisations which can support carers will gather in Greyfriars Hall. Please join us to find out more, meet other carers and enjoy a light lunch in good company.

Confirmed speakers so far include the Department of Work and Pensions who will be talking about benefits for carers and Boyes Turners Solicitors who will be talking about Powers of Attorney.

The theme of the day will be ‘Caring for your future’ and the programme will include:

• Power of Attorney and Deputyships
• Carers assessment and personal budgets
• Assistive technology
• Benefits
• Brighter future for children
• Continence, Dementia and Autism
• Carers Hub

Please tell us if you or someone your work with, or a family member or friend who would like to attend the event, need assistance with sitting services, sign language support, lip reading, note taking or any other support by contacting the Carers Hub on 01183 247333 or email ask@berkshirecarershub.org.

94 London Street, Reading RG1 4SJ

Notice is hereby given that the 11th Annual General Meeting of Reading Community Learning Centre will be held on Tuesday 4 December 2018 at Reading Community Learning Centre.

The AGM is a great opportunity to hear about our activities, see our premises and celebrate our achievements over the past 12 months. We’d also like to hear your views on our work as we plan for the year ahead.

After the formal meeting, there will be a short presentations on the charity’s work by our learners, tutors and volunteers followed by a chance for everyone to meet and talk over some delicious food.

Please confirm your attendance at our AGM by Friday 23 November 2018. You can reserve your place by contacting Aisha Malik, Centre Manager by email at aishamalik@rclc.org.uk or phone on 0118 959 9009.

Church Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7AD

Come and buy your sustainably grown Christmas tree! Locally grown Scots pine Christmas trees harvested as part of heathland management.

Also holly, mistletoe, pine cones, willow Christmas wreaths and other natural decorations from local sources.

There will be BBOWT, RSPB and Fairtrade stalls with cards and a variety of gifts. Locally produced honey and beeswax products from Reading & District Beekeepers.

For more information see the website at www.econetreading.org.uk.

35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS

Reading Voluntary Action is hosting the next Wellbeing Forum for the Voluntary Sector on Wednesday 12 December in the conference room at RISC

We are currently finalising the programme for the Forum which will include:

Social Prescribing:
An update on Reading’s Social Prescribing service, jointly delivered by Age UK Berkshire and Reading Voluntary Action. We will discuss the range of referrals received, how we signpost to voluntary and community activities in Reading, and the impact of the service.

Three Conversations:
A discussion led by Natalie Madden (Project Manager,Transformation Team in Adult Care and Health Services, RBC). The Council is in the early stages of rolling out the Three Conversations model across Adult Social Care. Natalie will outline what the Three Conversations means for people, practitioners and partners and explore how local organisations can be involved in developments.

Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group Voluntary Sector Strategy:
BWCCG plans to launch a consultation on the draft strategy for working with the voluntary and community sector within the next couple of weeks, with a provisional closing date of 15 December. Subject to confirmation of the consultation timescale, the Forum will give an opportunity to discuss the strategy and respond to the consultation.

The Forum will also include time for networking and sharing good news stories (as well as mince pies!).

Please book your place at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Routh Lane, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4JX

St Michael's Church annual Christingle service takes place on Sunday 16 December, the service is for all ages and the uniformed organisations take a special part. The proceeds for this service go to the Children’s Society.

Church Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7AD

The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens invite you to their annual Carol Evening. The Salvation Army band and St Peter's Church choir will lead the singing of traditional Christmas carols in Caversham Court.

The floodlit gardens will be open from 18:15 for mulled wine and mince pies from the Tea Kiosk. Singing of carols is to start at 19:30. Wrap up warm, bring a torch to read the words and come along to sing in the festive season.

All are welcome for this community event. Free entry but there will be a collection.

35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS

A public event where you can find out more about the consultation on public health services in Reading, which is open until 6 January 2019.

For more information or to take part in the consultation go to: www.reading.gov.uk/publichealthgrantconsultation

To receive a hard copy of the questionnaire or for additional support to understand or complete the questionnaire, write to: Wellbeing Team, Level 2, Civic Centre, Reading RG1 2LU, call 01189 372383 or email: wellbeing.service@reading.gov.uk

Third Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Join us for our regular Volunteer Coordinators’ Network meeting facilitated by Reading Voluntary Action.

You will have a chance to contribute to the agenda ahead of time so that we can make sure your issue or concern can be given some attention, as well as having the opportunity to seek peer support in a confidential space from others in a similar role.

The format is pretty informal - RVA provides the tea and coffee, and feel free to bring your sandwich and eat with us if it helps your day along. You don’t need to stay for the whole event – we know everyone’s busy.

Please registration online at rvaforms.wufoo.eu/forms to confirm your place.