Events

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ.

The Volunteer Coordinators’ Network (VCN) meeting provides a space for those who oversee the work of volunteers to seek peer support in a confidential space from others in a similar role. It is an opportunity to share best practise and to learn from the rich experiences of colleagues working across our diverse sector.

The Network is open to those overseeing the work of volunteers in organisations big and small and involving volunteers in a variety of ways.

Please register here - further details and joining instructions will be sent in due course. The plan is to hold this meeting in person at our office in Reading Central Library, but this will be confirmed closer to the event.

As part of RVA’s regular funding events, we are partnering with Berkshire Community Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund and Reading Borough Council to offer funder presentations to Reading voluntary and community groups on Thursday 3 February 2022. This session will be held online via Zoom.

This event is open to any voluntary or community group providing services in Reading, who would like to learn a little more about the funding streams. For example Berkshire Community Foundation is opening a new round of Vital for Berkshire funding in January and RBC are also opening a new round of Covid Support Funding in January. There will be time for a Q&A following each presentation.

This event is limited to Reading-based charities and community groups. More than one person is welcome to attend per organisation but we would suggest limiting it to a maximum of 2 per organisation so the event can be widely attended.

Please book through the link below:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/funder-presentations-february-2022-tickets

Being physically active for children and young people has never been more important. We can all play a role in encouraging and empowering children and young people to become active. Whether that’s through signposting to resources, talking about the benefits, or simply encouragement. Join us for this important workshop to learn more.

Who can attend? Youth workers, family support roles and those working to support children’s wellbeing.

You’ll learn:

-Benefits of being physically active
-National guidelines and practical tips
-Key signposting resources
-How to have positive conversations about being more active.

And take away a digital resource highlighting easily accessible opportunities.

To book a free place please visit www.getberkshireactive.org/events/2022/02/helping-children-and-young-people-to-be-active.

Find out about the benefits of Covid-19 vaccination and the support available to access vaccines in Reading.

• Hear from Dr Deepak Ravindran, Clinical lead in Pain Medicine and Clinical Lead for Berkshire Long Covid Integrated Service and Ida Osei, Pharmacist and Vaccinator.
• Find out about support to access vaccines in Reading.
• Question and answer session.

This information session is hosted by Reading Voluntary Action in partnership with NHS Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group and Reading Borough Council.

This event will be held via Zoom – the link will be sent to registered attendees.

Free event, but please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk to confirm your place.

We believe people should have the power to shape the places where they live.

During Covid, we woke up to the power of community. But it’s not new. People like you have long been working together to support each other, create good local jobs and improve your areas, and by doing so, helping to tackle some of the biggest problems facing us.

So why is making a difference still such an uphill struggle? What might society look if we were to trust the people who know their areas and put power in the hands of our communities? How would this work? How could it be achieved?

For more information see the website at https://www.connectioncoalition.org.uk/events_and_opportunities.

Activity Alliance believe that inclusive coaching is just good coaching. The Inclusive Activity Programme is a unique development opportunity for sports coaches, community leaders and health and care professionals. Learn about the key principles of delivering inclusive activities and how to ensure that your sessions are fun and enjoyable for everyone!

The Inclusive Activity Programme is particularly valuable for people working in:

• Sport and physical activity delivery, such as sports coaches and activity providers.
• Local community groups and organisations, such as community activators working in disabled people’s organisations, local charities, community housing and scout/guide groups.
• Health and care settings, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and care and support workers.

This session will help you:

• Learn how to support disabled people to be more active through Activity Alliance’s ten principles.
• Understand how your sessions can be inclusive and how you can create and adapt your own activities using STEP and the Activity Inclusion Model.
• Explore where you can find more information for yourself and the people you support.

Please book online at https://getberkshireactive.org. The cost is £15pp. For more information please contact: Chelsea Piggott on Chelsea.Piggott@getberkshireactive.org or 07548 226485.

Street parties are a fun and safe way for people to meet their neighbours, especially for those who rarely get out, and it’s not as difficult or expensive as you may think to put one on in your neighbourhood.

Reading Voluntary Action is delivering three free online workshops for anyone interested in running a street party in 2022.

The workshop will cover:

• Getting started
• Ideas for games and activities
• Getting the neighbours involved
• Food and drink
• Getting permission to close your street (for free) and other legal stuff

The workshops will be held online via Zoom – details will be sent to registered participants before the event.

Please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Street parties are a fun and safe way for people to meet their neighbours, especially for those who rarely get out, and it’s not as difficult or expensive as you may think to put one on in your neighbourhood.

Reading Voluntary Action is delivering three free online workshops for anyone interested in running a street party in 2022.

The workshop will cover:

• Getting started
• Ideas for games and activities
• Getting the neighbours involved
• Food and drink
• Getting permission to close your street (for free) and other legal stuff

The workshops will be held online via Zoom – details will be sent to registered participants before the event.

Please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

The next Connection Coalition youth loneliness network will be on Wednesday 2 March.

Picking up one of the key themes from the first panel in December, we will be discussing engaging and involving young people in the conversation on youth loneliness. We are hoping to co-facilitate this session with young people and those who are already doing this work brilliantly!

If you would like to assist with organising this workshop, present your work or have other ideas on this topic to share, please contact zoe@jocoxfoundation.org.

Please register for this workshop online at www.connectioncoalition.org.uk.

Is it difficult to get support for your autistic child?
Then join us for an on-line video session and talk with Nina Crispin, Information & Engagement Officer, and Katie Badger, Trainee Public Health Programme Officer, from Reading Borough Council.

Nina and Katie want to hear your views on what the new all-age Reading Autism Strategy should include to improve the lives of your child and the wider family.

To book your place, please email fran.morgan.rff@gmail.com or telephone/text on 07516 185380 and we can then let you know the appropriate log-in details for the call.

An event by the National Academy for Social Prescribing. Celebrate the hard work of the social prescribing workforce and the invaluable positive impact that social prescribing is having across our communities. There will be a fantastic range of speakers and performances, showcasing different aspects of social prescribing.

This event celebrates and champions social prescribing, bringing together expert contributors from a variety of sectors. There are multiple sessions to participate in over the course of the day:

• Session A – Communicating the power of people’s stories
• Session B – Ensuring adequate workforce support for the delivery of social prescribing
• Session C – Accelerating innovation through social prescribing partnerships
• Session D – Building a global social prescribing movement
• Session E – Mapping out social prescribing evidence: current progress and future needs
• Session F – Unleashing the power of local communities

Booking and further information

• Book your free ticket here to attend in person.
• Or go here to book a virtual ticket to access the event online (available to the general public thereafter).

Our health is closely bound with social and economic aspects of our lives: from where we are born, live and work, to our educational opportunities, income and influence. These social factors lead to inequalities in health and wellbeing across different people and communities, both in access to healthcare, and in the opportunities we have to live healthy lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing inequalities and thrown a harsh spotlight on the topic once again.

Community groups, health professionals, and national charities have always been at the heart of tackling inequalities. But what is the role of social prescribing in addressing health inequalities?

How can the unique position of link workers support people who are affected by inequality? How can local groups use data to focus on the people and communities most at risk? What does the evidence say about who is benefiting from social prescribing and who is missing out?

To kick-off this important conversation, the National Academy for Social Prescribing presents a webinar which will explore this complex area.

Who is it for? Anyone interested in or involved with social prescribing. You might be from:

• A community or voluntary group
• A charity or organisation wanting to get more involved with social prescribing
• The health sector either working in or commissioning social prescribing
• A local infrastructure organisation
• Local government
• An arms-length body or government department

Chaired by Ingrid Abreu Scherer, Head of Accelerating Innovation in Social Prescribing, National Academy for Social Prescribing.

The event is free and you can register at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Street parties are a fun and safe way for people to meet their neighbours, especially for those who rarely get out, and it’s not as difficult or expensive as you may think to put one on in your neighbourhood.

Reading Voluntary Action is delivering three free online workshops for anyone interested in running a street party in 2022.

The workshop will cover:

• Getting started
• Ideas for games and activities
• Getting the neighbours involved
• Food and drink
• Getting permission to close your street (for free) and other legal stuff

The workshops will be held online via Zoom – details will be sent to registered participants before the event.

Please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

St Mary's Butts, Reading, RG1 2HX

Please join us for our annual Alana House celebratory service in honour of International Women’s Day. The service will take place at 15:00 on Saturday 12 March 2022. Held in the beautiful Reading Minster we will be celebrating the strength of women together with a host of readers and performers including the Mayor of Reading and Reading Rock Choir. After the service we be enjoying delicious refreshments and cake provided by the fabulous team of Baristas from Alana House’s community café.

We will also be live streaming this event so if you are unable to attend in person you don’t need to miss out.

Alana House proudly supports women with a wide range of needs in Reading and across the Thames Valley. This support is currently more prevalent than ever.

Everyone is welcome: women, children, and men as well! We kindly ask that all attending wear a mask, unless exempt.

Tickets are free but we do encourage donations towards Alana House’s work. Places are limited so booking is essential. We are delighted to be partnering with The Big Give who will match fund every donation gratefully received.

Please book via www.pactcharity.org/IWD

Downing Road, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 5BB.

All funds raised will support humanitarian support through The Reading Ukrainian Centre or Lions International who directly support Lions clubs in Poland, Romania and Ukraine.

A huge thanks to our sponsors, The Tilehurst British Legion and Northwoods for their support. A snazzy raffle and a fantastic fish and chip supper will compliment what quizmaster Paul states is his BEST QUIZ EVER. Who are we to disagree, he puts a cracking quiz together and ensures fun for all. Team of up to 6.

Free parking and a short walk from major bus routes This venue is located is easy to reach with a fully licenced and well priced bar.

Limited tickets available for £15+booking fee including food - Book now on Eventbrite. An email will follow with food available choices.

Donations of quality raffle and auction prizes welcomed - for details please email andyalwaysyoung@gmail.com.

Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road, Reading, RG2 7DE

Join Trinity Concert Band at the fabulous Michael Malnick Centre at Leighton Park School in Reading for our song and dance-themed concert. Our incredibly choreographed programme of music will have you swinging and swaying all night long!

Throughout the evening, we’ll transport you to Russia for Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from his famous opera Prince Igor, with a quick stop in the Emerald Isle for the toe-tapping Riverdance. Hang on tight as we whisk you across the Atlantic to hear the beautiful music from the film Dances with Wolves. Our lively performance of Sing, Sing, Sing, most famously associated with the King of Swing, Benny Goodman, will definitely get those feet tapping!

We’re just scratching the surface here. There’s a whole lot more to look forward to at this spectacular concert!

• Advance Price*: £12
• Full Price: £14
• Students: £7 (ID may be required)
• Under 16’s: FREE

*Advance price applies up to one week before the concert, after which the full price applies. The box office closes 24 hours before the concert. No booking fee.

Tickets will go on sale in February 2022. Visit the website for more information www.trinityband.co.uk/song-and-dance.

Are you a volunteer-led, small group that’s embedded in your community? Do you want to find out more about funding, training, governance, publicising your work and developing your group? Are you keen to network and share with other small groups?

If yes, then you are warmly invited to join the Small Groups Learn and Share Network, which brings together Reading’s small and emerging community groups to learn, share and grow stronger together.

Recruiting and supporting an effective volunteer team.
In this session, we will be joined by Steve Hendry, RVA’s Volunteering Development Manager. Steve will talk us through the process of identifying and defining volunteer tasks in order to create clear volunteer task descriptions that will help you make the most of the support volunteers can offer whilst setting clear boundaries to involvement. He will also explore the question of how to build an effective volunteer team where everyone understands their role and the rights and responsibilities that come with it.

Plus all the usual networking opportunities and information about up and coming training and other events.

Free event, but please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk to confirm your place.

13-19 Church Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7AD

Come along to Caversham Court on Easter Saturday, when the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be hosting an Easter Nature Quiz Trail in the lovely riverside gardens. All young competitors will win an Easter Egg prize or a non-dairy treat.

Entry is free, but donations to the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be appreciated. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteer stall open for refreshments.

Church Road, Caversham, RG4 7AD

An Econet event promoting local woodland products and wildlife friendly gardening. There will be an opportunity to purchase bean poles and pea sticks, plants, reconditioned tools and willow products and have garden tools sharpened.

There will also be several stalls manned by organisations selling local and fairtrade products including:
-RSPB
-BBOWT
-Reading and District Beekeepers (Honey and beeswax products plus information about bees and beekeeping)
-Women's Institute (Jams and chutneys)
-Traidcraft (Fairtrade goods)
and others.

Website: www.econetreading.org.uk

The Warren, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7TH

The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be holding their spring meeting on Wednesday 27 April, 19:00 for 19:30, in the Reading Canoe Club.

Richard Bisgrove, co-author of Gardening in the Global Greenhouse – The Impacts of Climate Change on Gardens in the UK, will give an illustrated talk on ‘Climate Change and Historic Gardens’.

The talk will follow the briefest of AGMs. All welcome, you don’t have to be a member. Free event.

Contact details
Email: friends@fccg.org.uk
Phone: 01189 545779

Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QE

Workshop to promote the Home Office Windrush Documentation and Compensation schemes to help anyone who arrived in the UK before 1989 and is settled here to obtain the correct documentation to live and work in the UK and or to obtain UK citizenship.

If you have suffered loss as a result of the Home Office hostile environment policy, you may be eligible for compensation.

We will provide free legal advise and help you with your application.

Download a leaflet with further information here

The Ready Friends befriending forum is a place for community groups, friends and neighbours taking action on loneliness and social isolation.

An uplifting and celebratory event where we inspire and share just what we can achieve for the people we support through our work.

The agenda will include:

• A range of Reading’s VCOs will share their real-life good news stories about taking action on loneliness. Find out what happened and why – and how that could shape what we do in our own practice
• Ready Friends plan for 2022-2024
• Updates and information on forthcoming events, funding and training opportunities
• Networking

Free event, but please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk to book your place.

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Join us at Reading Town Hall on 1 June where we will be hosting a special open day to show you more about the work Samaritans does to help support people and how you can get involved.

Find out more about:

• How we support people struggling with their emotional and mental health and those at risk of suicide
• Tips on how to become a better listener
• Our community outreach projects and activities in the town
• How you can get involved to raise awareness and support your local branch
• How to become a Samaritans listener or support volunteer
• Partnership opportunities for schools, community organisations and local businesses

Whether you are interested in becoming a volunteer or just want to find out more about what we do, everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there.

Reading Water Fest will take place earlier than usual this year, on Saturday 4 June, to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. This accessible one-day event will take place between 11am and 5pm within the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and along the River Kennet.

Water Fest is Reading’s largest free town centre-based community event. It features an exciting mix of arts, culture and heritage, with a plethora of live entertainment, children’s activities and refreshments, water activities, narrow boats, craft and charity stalls.

The event celebrates and showcases the Kennet Canal in all its glory, along with the gorgeous and historic spots on its towpath, with the chance to spot beautifully painted boats and chat to boaters. It is run in partnership with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and will also partner with the Blue Collar Street Food event in the Forbury.

We now have an Act of Parliament, the Health and Care Bill which has received Royal Assent, enacting the most significant health legislation in a decade into law. Integrated systems were deemed essential, with their four purposes outlined:

• Improving population health and healthcare.
• Tackling unequal outcomes and access.
• Enhancing productivity and value for money.
• Helping the NHS to support broader social and economic development.

This marks a milestone in the recovery and reform of how health and care services work together. The Live Longer Better programme was designed on these principles, recognising that activity: physical, cognitive and emotional, is an essential part of population health management and must be integral to improving community health and longevity.

This Live Longer Better National Event takes a consultative approach with National Clinical Directors.

Register for this event to find out their barriers and hurdles, understand how physical activity can help them quantify the benefits of overcoming these problems and support delivery on their key objectives.

Registration is now open and the event is free of charge. Please register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/live-longer-better-national-learning-event-tickets.

Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 6DH

Friends of Berkshire Hospitals are coming back bigger and better than ever before. We have around 100 stalls booked in along with bouncy castles, assault courses and entertainment for all the family. We are still looking for stall holders and volunteers to come and help us out on the day – please contact Laura at laura-whittle@outlook.com or on 07532 127051 if you can help us.

Junction 11, M4, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Following a successful Inclusion Forum in March 2022, a lot has happened since! Our partners expressed an interest in meeting face-to-face to support further collaboration. GBA are inviting you to join our next forum, this is an opportunity for those working across Berkshire to come together, listen to presentations/keynote speakers on disability and long-term health conditions, a chance to expand your network with other organisations face-to-face and discuss inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities.

The forum will be aimed at the following:

• Sports development organisations
• Public health teams
• Charities across this division
• Sport and physical activity providers/clubs
• Local community groups

Refreshments and light lunch will be provided. Free event but please book online at https://getberkshireactive.org to confirm your place.

35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS

• Did you or your parents arrive in the UK before 1989?
• Were you born in the UK or arrived in the UK before the age of 18?
• Have you been denied employment or health treatment?
• Been unable to find a place to live?
• Been subject to immigration action, detention or deportation because you could not show that you had a right to live and work in the UK?

If your answer to any of the above is yes or you are unsure, visit our Windrush Compensation Surgery, on Saturday 2 July 2022 at RISC, 35-39 London Street, Reading.

Our legal team will help you get the correct documents to live and work here legally and help you apply for compensation if you meet the criteria.

Our advice is absolutely free.

Contact Details: St Vincent & The Grenadines and Friends Association (Reading)
Email: info@readindwindrushalliance.org.uk

Engelfield, RG7 5EN

We are delighted to invite you to our Garden Party fundraiser to support our work with children, families and the local community. The event will take place on Monday 18 July at Englefield House, West Berkshire.

In addition to celebrating and supporting PACT’s work, the afternoon will be an opportunity to enjoy the enchanting and rarely-seen gardens of Englefield House. The head gardener of the estate will be joining us to answer any questions you may have about her work.

There will be live music and a raffle with a top prize of tea-for-two at the Ritz and our fabulous Alana House café team will be selling delicious refreshments and cakes to top off a special afternoon.

Tickets are £20 each for adults and accompanying children are free.

Places are limited so book your tickets today!

Please book via the website at www.pactcharity.org/support-us/garden-party

A no-strings information session on volunteering roles that make a difference to people facing loneliness and isolation in Reading. Join us on Zoom to hear about:

• The life-changing impact of volunteering
• Skills and experience needed
• Training and support for volunteers
• Which community groups are recruiting and how to contact them
• The benefits of volunteering – from the volunteers themselves!

and plenty of time for questions.

Please register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

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

The previous two years have seen significant changes in the landscape of volunteering across the UK. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers have been mobilised in unprecedented numbers to take on novel tasks. The experience here in Reading has been no different with thousands of individuals coming forward to volunteer in a host of different ways.

As the crisis stage of the pandemic gives way to a focus on recovery, volunteers are likely to continue to play a vital role as organisations seek to meet the challenge of rising demands for their services.

Now would seem an ideal time to review the volunteering landscape in the town and to work together in creating a Vision for Volunteering that ensures it continues to benefit Reading’s residents.

Working alongside Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality and Connect Reading we want to work with the broadest possible range of stakeholders to co-produce a Vision for Volunteering that will help ensure that we make the best use of the resources, skills and motivation across the town.

In this workshop, we will introduce the background to the Vision and start the discussions on its development by exploring what aspects of volunteering you value the most and which could be improved upon. The workshop will be relevant to anyone who volunteers in whatever capacity. It doesn’t matter if this involves supporting a registered charity or community group, lending a hand in your local school or helping out a neighbour. It doesn’t even matter if you would describe what you are doing as volunteering, we would still very much welcome your insight.

Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

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

Working alongside Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality and Connect Reading we want to work with the broadest possible range of stakeholders to co-produce a Vision for Volunteering that will help ensure that we make the best use of the resources, skills and motivation across the town.

In this second workshop for Volunteer Involving Organisations, we will explore some of the ideas raised in earlier sessions whilst providing further opportunities to shape the Vision.

This workshop will be relevant to all those who work with volunteers, either directly as volunteer managers/ coordinators or those overseeing organisations and projects in which volunteers play a role.

You don’t need to have attended any previous sessions.

Please register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk to confirm your place.

Edenham Crescent, Coley, Reading, RG1 6HU

The Courage Park Community Fun Day is taking place on Wednesday 24 August at Courage Park. The event is being coordinated by Brighter Futures For Children and the Coley Park Community Association is hosting a range of activities.

Activities include Larger Than Life circus workshop, archery, giant games, coconut shy, face painting, cycling from Freewheelers, some fundraising stalls from local charity contacts and more. There will also be some free refreshments.

There will also be opportunities for local residents to make suggestions about what they would like from their community centre and to give their view on the Council’s serious violence, domestic abuse and community safety strategies.

Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BA

Launchpad’s Big Sleep Out is back at the Reading Abbey Ruins and they would love you, your friends, family and colleagues, to mark World Homeless Day and support Launchpad by taking on the challenge of swapping a comfortable bed for a sleeping bag for the night at this historic location.

As the cost of living rises over the coming months, Launchpad’s vital services will be a lifeline to many local people in need. Their drop-in service is already seeing an increase of individuals, couples and families facing spiralling rent arrears or eviction because they simply can’t make ends meet.

By joining #TeamLaunchpad and taking part in the Big Sleep Out at Reading Abbey Ruins, you will help raise £40,000 to fund Launchpad’s vital work and ensure local people avoid homelessness. By sleeping out, you can ensure others in Reading don’t have to.

For more information and to book your place, please visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launchpads-big-sleep-out-at-reading-abbey-ruins-2022.

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

A no-strings information session on volunteering roles that make a difference to people facing loneliness and isolation in Reading. Join us at Reading Library to hear about:

• The life-changing impact of volunteering
• Skills and experience needed
• Training and support for volunteers
• Which community groups are recruiting and how to contact them
• The benefits of volunteering – from the volunteers themselves!

and plenty of time for questions.

Free event, but please book at www.eventbrite.co.uk to confirm your place.

Sindlesham, Wokingham, Berks, RG41 5EA

Join the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre for Sparkling Jubilee Afternoon Tea. We are very pleased to invite you to join us to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as we come together to support the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.

Everybody is welcome to join in the celebrations at this very special event so please invite your friends and family to come along.

We will be hosting a sparkling drinks reception on arrival and later we will enjoy an afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, scones with cream and jam, washed down with tea and coffee. There will be live music courtesy of 5Ts Brass, a fantastic local trombone band and there will be a raffle.

Tickets are £25, purchase your tickets here, or from reception at the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.

The event is being held in the Flavell Suite at Sindlesham Court. It is fully accessible with a large disabled toilet and plenty of space in the room. There is a large car park suitable for blue badge holders.

For more information contact Kim on 0118 901 6000 or email kim@bmstc.org.

Download a flyer for the event here

Easyfundraising provides voluntary organisations with an easy, accessible, and permanent fundraising solution. Come along to this online session to find out how!

Easyfundraising partners with 7,000 brands including John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Trainline, Booking.com, eBay and Amazon, who will donate to your organisation when your volunteers, staff and supporters shop with them. It is a completely free service and is already used by 180,000 good causes around the UK.

Becky from Easyfundraising will talk through how it works, how to get started as well as answering any questions you may have. It will be an informal lunchtime session – feel free to invite your colleagues too.

This session is suitable for: Voluntary groups, community buildings, churches, grassroots sport clubs, schools, self-help groups, community groups, charities, CICs and social enterprises.

Registration in advance for this session here - after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7TR

In partnership with Chancellors Reading, Walk for Wards 2022 will be taking place at the stunning Mapledurham Estate.

Get active and help support your local NHS by taking part in our 2022 Walk for Wards event. A fantastic walk through the beautiful British countryside, starting and finishing in front of Mapledurham House! There are 5km and 10km options available, with any money raised going straight to your local NHS.

As a registered charity, we’re here to help your local NHS. We raise funds to support the excellent care you and your family receive locally, which is why we’ve created this special fundraising walk to support the wards and departments within the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. We hope you’ll join us!

Due to the nature of the terrain, the routes are, unfortunately, unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs; however, dogs on leads are welcome.

Tickets £7 (5km) or £10 (10km). Details and registration at www.royalberkscharity.co.uk/event/walk-for-wards.

25 Whiteknights Road, Reading, RG6 7BY

Come and enjoy our beautiful garden and help raise money towards providing our invaluable horticultural therapy sessions. Featuring produce and plants, homemade cakes and refreshments, live classical guitar music, stalls and children’s activities. Apple press – bring your own apples and containers and take home freshly pressed juice. Free entry.

Midleton House, 5 Erleigh Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 5LR

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

We have a wide range of volunteer roles that make a real difference to the lives of people living with sight loss.

Pop in and meet the friendly team for a chat at Midleton House (5 Erleigh Road). No need to book.

Smart Works Reading are excited to announce that we are hosting our first ever women-only Jobs Fair on 28 September at our premises.

We will have a wide variety of employers, all with jobs on offer and opportunities for networking.

Smart Works Reading will be offering dressing and coaching appointments to all women who secure an interview, and career coaching to any who don’t.

No booking necessary.

You can download a flyer for the event here.

Reading RG1 7QE.

Reading will be celebrating National Older People's Day on Friday 30 September with a free fun-packed event at Broad Street Mall, highlighting the contribution older people make to the Reading community.

Older People’s Day coincides with the UN International Day of Older Persons. The main aim for the day is to be a celebration of the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society and the economy. Older People’s Day supports the campaign to challenge negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes.

Reading is a vibrant town with a rich array of local services that support residents, come along and find out how they can help you: Tuvida Carers Hub, Citizens Advice Reading, Macmillan Cancer Education, Compass Recovery College, Age UK Berkshire, Age UK Reading to name but a few. Royal Berkshire Hospital will also be offering free blood pressure checks and hearing tests on the day.

10:00 Event start time – introductory remarks by The Mayor of Reading
10:30-10:45 Seated Yoga - IRDC
12:15-12:45 Hand Bells - U3A
13:00-13:30 Physio session - RBH
13:30-14:00 Firtree 50+ club
14:15-14:45 Seated Exercise - Get Berkshire Active.

Other activities on the day:
11:00-14:00 Dementia Friends sessions (Age UK Berkshire)
11:00-15:00 Dementia Bus (outside on Hosier Street)
10:30-12:30 RVA IT Cyber Security talk and discussion
11:00-12:00 Abbey Ruins Walk (Reading Museum).

15:00 Closing time.

Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8BT

We are delighted to share that Sport in Mind’s much-loved sponsored walk is back.

On Saturday 1 October, everyone will set off for a wonderful 10k walk, departing from Reading, along the Thames down to the Coppa Club in Sonning where we will have some light refreshments before returning along the same route, ending in Forbury Gardens.

To sign up we are asking for a suggested donation of £5 (or however much you would like to give!) which you can do on the day or via our donation page here.

To let us know that you are coming, please email Laura at info@sportinmind.org.

We really hope to see you there!

Reading Old Cemetery, London Road, Reading RG1 4LS

It’s an exciting time for the Cemetery Junction Arch. We’re completing our contractual discussions with Reading Borough Council. We’ll soon be in a position to submit an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a grant to buy the Arch, restore it and repurpose it as a space for the community.

We’d like your input to help us develop our plans to make it a special place to visit and enjoy. Please join us for our community consultation on Saturday 1 October from 11am-3pm at Junction Arch, Reading Old Cemetery, London Road, Reading RG1 4LS.

2 Church Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2SB

The AGM is a great opportunity to hear about our activities 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.

We will then have short presentations on the charity’s work by our learners and volunteers. Followed by a chance for everyone to meet and talk over a lovely buffet of halal and vegetarian food.

If you would like to attend our AGM, please reserve your place by contacting Petra Robinson, Centre Administrator, by Monday 26 September 2022 on:

• Email: rclcinfo@yahoo.co.uk
• Call: 07923 138 681

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

A no-strings information session on volunteering roles that make a difference to people facing loneliness and isolation in Reading.

Join us at Reading Library to hear about:

• The life-changing impact of volunteering
• Skills and experience needed
• Training and support for volunteers
• Which community groups are recruiting and how to contact them
• The benefits of volunteering – from the volunteers themselves

and plenty of time for questions.

Free event, but please book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk to confirm your place.

A no-strings information session on volunteering roles that make a difference to people facing loneliness and isolation in Reading.

Join us on Zoom to hear about:

• The life-changing impact of volunteering
• Skills and experience needed
• Training and support for volunteers
• Which community groups are recruiting and how to contact them
• The benefits of volunteering – from the volunteers themselves

and plenty of time for questions.

Please register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Council Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU.

Over the years, grassroots communities have rallied behind the mainstream services in providing meaningful and practical support to our communities, and this became obvious during the Covid-19 lockdowns. This has often been overlooked as it is rarely publicly seen or much talked about. For this year’s Black History Month celebrations, we at Utulivu Women's Group aim to acknowledge and appreciate the work that these grassroots communities continue to deliver.

Thanks to Connect Reading who have helped in getting kind sponsors for the awards to be given to these communities that evening and Reading Borough Council for the venue. We are still looking for a sponsor for refreshments and welcome anyone/organisation who is in a position to support this.

If you wish to come and join the grassroots communities that evening please register by email at admin@utulivu.co.uk.

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

It’s been 3 years since the last real life RVA AGM!

We know you’ve all missed the delicious breakfasts so this year we will celebrate with a fabulous networking lunch.

Please join us in Community Place to catch up with the team and partners.

Plus, a short piece of important formal business.

Please book a space online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ.

Want to connect with others? Would you like to learn more about living in Reading? Come and join us for a free coffee morning on Saturday 10 December from 11:00 to 13:00. This month meet Let’s Connect (Berkshire NHS) and New Directions and hear what they have to offer Reading residents!

No need to book – just drop in.

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1QH

Join us with your family and friends to mark Christmas 2022 and raise vital funds for local people in housing crisis – at Launchpad’s much-loved Carols by Candlelight!

Held this year at the magnificent Concert Hall in Reading Town Hall and hosted by Launchpad patrons, Matt Allwright and Danyl Johnson, there will be sing-along carols performed by the joyful Reading Community Gospel Choir, readings by special guests and inspiring stories about our work with people in housing crisis – all against the backdrop of magical candlelight.

There are some incredible prizes to be won in our raffle on the night – including dinner for two in the Reading Room at the Roseate, a £50 voucher for The Oracle and a £75 voucher for Jacobs the Jewellers. Please bring cash or card with you to enter the raffle!

Tickets cost £10 per person and are available online at https://launchpadreading.org.uk/get-involved/our-events/carols-by-candlelight-2022.

Chain Street, Reading RG1 2HX

We are delighted to invite you to celebrate the festive season with us this year at Reading Minster. Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly concert of music, readings, performances and Christmas reflections to celebrate family life and raise money for PACT’s work with children, families and the local community.

Children are invited to dress up. Come and meet Elsa and Olaf and hear performances from Reading Rock Choir, St Mary’s School Choir and Reading Youth Orchestra.

Everyone is welcome and we invite you to stay for refreshments after the concert.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children, or you can purchase a £20 family ticket for two adults and two children. Please book your tickets online at www.pactcharity.org/support-us/carols-at-the-minster.