Events

The next Ready Friends Befriending Forum will focus on the knowledge, skills and training needed for staff and volunteers to support people facing loneliness. This event is the postponed forum from 8 December.

Agenda

• Welcome, introductions and event outcomes
• Knowledge, skills and training overview – Rhiannon
• How to run a skills audit in your VCO – Richard Silcock, Advice Worker, RVA
• Breakout sessions and feedback
• Training providers, resources and how to fund it when it’s not free
• Forthcoming training, voluntary sector updates, news etc

For more information please see the event listing at www.eventbrite.co.uk, email Rhiannon at rhiannon.stocking-williams@rva.org.uk or phone on 07485 327958.

Although many people in the UK are multilingual, as a society we are predominantly monolingual. What it is like to live in such a monolingual society as a multilingual speaker?

At this event to celebrate International Mother Language Day, you will hear the experiences of two Ukrainian refugees who came to the University of Reading through its Sanctuary Scholarship scheme. Within an interactive, multilingual interview format, we will question what it means to be multilingual in the UK today and how the languages we speak can shape our cultural identity.

Hosted by the Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism https://research.reading.ac.uk/celm/

Contributors:
Professor Federico Faloppa
Professor Ludovica Serratrice
Debra Page (PhD student)
Anastasiia Kabantseva (undergraduate student)
Sofia Yemets (undergraduate student).

Details and registration at www.reading.ac.uk/events/Feed/2023/February/Being-multilingual-in-a-monolingual-society---The-experience-of-Ukrainian-refugees.

Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH

‘No One Left Behind’

Reading residents experience some of the most unequal health and economic outcomes in England. Outcomes are worsening for our most disadvantaged communities and the reasons are complex.

'The increase in health inequalities in England points to social and economic conditions,
many of which have shown increased inequalities, or deterioration since 2010' - Marmot Review 10 years on.

Join us to hear how Reading Borough Council and the NHS plan to reduce inequalities. Share your experiences and the challenges faced by your community or service users.

This event is aimed at local voluntary sector organisations. To book a space please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reading-vcs-assembly-challenging-inequality-in-reading-tickets-534876178047.

To book a marketplace stall for your organisation email advice@rva.org.uk.

Speakers

• Cllr Jason Brock – introduction as Leader of RBC and Chair of Integrated Care Partnership BOB
• Sarah Webster – Exec Director for Berkshire West ICB
• Dr Claire Reidy – NHS Researcher Digital
• Mark Redfearn – RBC Tackling Inequality Strategy.

• Feedback, final questions and reflections.
• Cup of tea and an opportunity to showcase your organisation in the Marketplace.

2 Southern Court, South Street, Reading RG1 4QS

Parents and Children Together (PACT) community projects, Alana House and Bounce Back 4 Kids, will be hosting an open day in Reading, and we would love interested individuals, organisation and businesses to attend.

The event will be a celebration of International Women’s Day with the aim of providing more information on both of our trauma informed services including the outcomes we achieve for women and families (please note that BB4K also supports male survivors of domestic abuse). In addition to a presentation on our work the PACT team and some of our service users will also be available for informal tours and to answer any questions.

The day will include an opportunity to buy artwork by the women of Alana House plus our recipe book that was compiled by service users and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our community café will also be open serving hot drinks and cakes. Tickets can be booked at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pact-community-projects-open-day-tickets-492460381257.

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Our six-weekly coffee morning aimed at people who are new to the Reading area as well as people with local knowledge.

Come along to this free drop in session at Reading Central Library – find out about joining the library and using its resources, meet local organisations providing services, meet other new people.

If you have lived in Reading a while come along and share your knowledge. This month we have representatives from New Directions, Sustrans (Cycling and Walking), Reading Community Learning Centre and Lifespring Church community services. Refreshments provided and all are welcome.

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 practice 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 at rvaforms.wufoo.com/forms/m1w8ufrr0nalh2t/, and 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.

Whether behind the scenes in an administrative role or working directly with clients, volunteers play a vital role in supporting the work of organisations across our town. For many organisations, without the work of volunteers, it would not be possible for them to deliver the services they provide in the way they do.

Given the central role that volunteers play in allowing organisations to achieve their objectives, it is perhaps surprising that many of those responsible for managing volunteers receive little or no specialised training.

This 1 day interactive session is designed to provide an overview of some of the key aspects to consider when involving volunteers in the work of your organisation, including:

• First steps – a volunteer recruitment checklist.
• Understanding volunteers’ desires – what motivates people to volunteer?
• Standing out from the crowd – promoting your opportunities effectively.
• Welcome aboard – integrating volunteers into your team and managing workloads.
• Keeping it legal – exploring legal aspects of involving volunteers in your work.
• Staying the course – keeping volunteers engaged and adapting to changing circumstances/ needs.

This course is ideally suited to anyone who has responsibility for overseeing the work of volunteers, either as a volunteer manager or as part of a more wide-reaching role. In very small and completely volunteer-led organisations this may even be somebody on the committee.

Ideal for those new to working with volunteers or for those looking for a refresher, the session will provide opportunities to put theory into practice by giving opportunities to explore your own organisation’s needs.

RVA supports Reading’s voluntary and community sector, therefore this course is primarily open to organisations delivering voluntary and community services in Reading. If you do not offer services in Reading, please contact us before booking, and we may be able to add you to the waiting list.

The session will be co-delivered by Reading Voluntary Action’s Advice Worker Richard Silcock and Volunteering Development Manager Steve Hendry, both of whom have extensive experience in providing advice and support in the area of volunteer management and governance.

The cost is £10 for a full day and includes refreshments, a light lunch and materials. Please book on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteer-management-training-effective-recruitment-keeping-it-legal-tickets-510663537387. Please contact volunteering@rva.org.uk if you have any questions.

The course includes:

• Scene Management
• Management of the unconscious casualty
• Management of a heart Attack
• CPR ( Adults )
• Choking
• Management of a serious bleed and shock
• Management of Burns/scalds
• Management of Epileptic Seizures.

Registration will be on a first come first served basis as there are limited spaces. This training is for RVA member organisations and is free of charge.

To register an interest please email your details to richard.silcock@rva.org.uk.

Please note that participants will need to bring their own refreshments.

Church Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7AD

Come along to Caversham Court on Saturday 8th April, when the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be hosting an Easter Egg Quiz on a nature theme 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.

The Tea Kiosk will be open for refreshments all afternoon.

Beech Hill Road, Beech Hill, Reading, RG7 2AT

You are warmly invited to visit Thrive’s Trunkwell garden, in Beech Hill, near Reading. Our clients are proud of the work they do and will be delighted to welcome you at one of our open days!

Please do bring friends and family to explore our three acre Victorian gardens, meet the people involved, buy some plants, and enjoy a slice of homemade cake and refreshments.

Entry is by donation, assistance dogs only, payments by cash appreciated.

For more information please see the website at www.thrive.org.uk.

The Warren, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7TH

Please join the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens at Reading Canoe Club for a brief AGM followed by an illustrated talk by Hester Casey titled:
New Discoveries about the History of Caversham Court featuring Ghosts, Gardeners, Good Works and Girl Power

All welcome, no need to be a member. Free event

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

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Charities and community groups are looking for volunteers in and around Reading Town Centre. Our Central Reading Central Community Volunteer Fair will give you an opportunity to come and chat with representatives from a number of groups about how you can get involved.

Groups who will be there on the day include ABC to Read, The Mustard Tree and Me2 Club. Members of the RVA team will also be on hand to help you find the role that is right for you.

Stop by for a cup of tea and to find out how you can play your part in helping to make Reading a thriving community.

Conwy Close, Reading RG30 4BZ

Reading Voluntary Action will be hosting a Community Volunteer Fair at Meadway Sports Centre on Thursday 25 May 10am-2:30pm.

The event is part of a pilot running small-scale volunteer fairs within community venues. We are inviting organisations who are seeking volunteers to support activities in and around the Tilehurst area to join us on the day.

If your organisation are looking for volunteers in Tilehurst and would like a stall please email steve.hendry@rva.org.uk to request a place. Space is limited and organisations actively seeking to involve volunteers in Tilehurst will be given priority.

Members of the public are invited to come along and to speak to local groups - come and find out how you can make a difference in your community.

Hemdean Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7SD

Come and dance the afternoon away at PACT’s Family Disco!

Children and families are invited to join us for a fun-filled fancy dress disco in Reading raising money for local charity PACT.

Bring your dancing shoes and your best outfit as Crazy Times Disco plays tunes to get adults and children dancing. We encourage children to come in fancy dress for a parade at the end of the afternoon where there will be a small prize for the winning costume!

There will be light refreshments on sale along with a tuck shop, balloon modelling, badge making and temporary tattoos for a small fee.

Adults must attend with children and children must be supervised by parents/guardians at all times. This event is suitable for children aged 11 and under. Children age 2 and under go free but please book a free ticket so that we can manage numbers safely.

All proceeds from this fun-filled family event will go to PACT’s vital work with children and families in our community.

For more information or to book online please see the website at www.pactcharity.org.

We’re celebrating 34 wonderful Water Fest years with a programme full of fun, music, dance and activities.

Water Fest is Reading’s way of celebrating and showing off the Kennet Canal in all its glory, along with the gorgeous and historic spots on its towpath.

Visitors can take in the sights and sounds as they wander through Chestnut Walk, Forbury Gardens, and the Abbey Ruins. En route you’ll see some beautifully painted boats and meet some of the friendly boaters keen to chat to you about life on board.

Water Fest is brought to you by Reading Borough Council, in partnership with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. This hard-working charity is committed to enhancing and promoting the canal for people to enjoy – both on and off the water!

Welcome to Whitley Carnival! Step right up and prepare to be amazed by the colours, sounds and energy of Reading’s brightest and best street party.

Launching at midday on Sunday 11 June 2023, Whitley Carnival’s Parades will weave through the streets of Whitley before meeting up at the John Madejski Academy for a Fun Day of stalls, food and performances.

Everyone is welcome to take part by walking in our Parades – from school children to local performers, Whitley residents to professional carnival walkers, we’d love you all to join us!

In 2023 we will be celebrating the past, present and future of Whitley – if you’d like to get involved in ANY way, please get in touch. More details on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/567856531912603/

Wiltshire Road, Wokingham RG40 1TN

Join Trinity Concert Band for a rousing celebration of some of the greatest film and TV music ever written!

The award-winning concert band will take you on a nostalgic journey through the soundtracks that have moved us the most – melodies that have made us laugh, cry and jump out of our seats and have defined many of the most memorable moments in TV and cinema history. Enjoy this musical feast, including music to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Disney, whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings of the newly-renovated All Saints Church in the heart of Wokingham. Highlights to include:

Chariots Of Fire – The Incredibles – Monty Python – The Vicar Of Dibley – Lincoln – Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves – The Magnificent Seven…and many more!

With such an exciting repertoire performed by one of the UK’s top community wind orchestras, SCORE is a concert you won’t want to miss – a musical delight for performers and audiences alike. So, whether or not you’ve experienced the thrill of live music, be sure to book your tickets for this spectacular concert.

A portion of concert proceeds will go to the band’s chosen charity for 2023, Thrive – using gardening to change lives.

Tickets go on sale in May 2023

• Adults: £13
• Students: £7 (ID may be required)
• Accompanied U16’s: FREE
• Newcomers: FREE (t&c’s apply; find out more about our Newcomers’ Scheme on our website)
• Ukrainian Refugees: FREE (accompanying host families pay the standard price)

For more information or to book online please see the website at www.trinityband.co.uk.

Reading RG1 3PA.

Join us on Sunday 25 June for East Reading Festival 2023.

The festival is a free community-focused event, with a music stage, spoken word/poetry stage, a funfair, a small food court with a variety of different cuisines and a wide range of community, charity and commercial stalls.

If you would like to get involved in the festival as a stall holder, performer, volunteer, committee member etc, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/RdXN5SNoHKnWCVhx9.

Join us at the next Befriending Forum where we will hear from local voluntary and community groups on how they are adapting their support to local people facing loneliness, in response to increasing complexity and community need.

The agenda will include:

• Welcome, introductions and event outcomes
• Presentations by local VCOs on how they are coping with changing needs
• Forthcoming training, voluntary sector updates, news etc
• Networking opportunities

The Befriending Forum is open to all local community groups, friends and neighbours taking action on loneliness and social isolation.

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

If you would like more information about the Befriending Forum, please email Rhiannon at ready.friends@rva.org.uk.

Reading Branch of Berkshire Family History Society are meeting on Zoom on Thursday 29 June at 7:45pm. Our subject will be a presentation on 'Was your ancestor a public servant?'

Postal employees, Customs officers in ports and Excise officers all over the country for example are mentioned in public records with often significant amounts of personal information to be found about them and their families. There are few guides to help family historians where to search. It is not widely known that the Society of Genealogists holds original establishment records for Customs and Excise officials covering the period from the 1860s into the 20th century. This talk will cover the main categories of public servant and give a background on where to go to find out more about them.

This talk is free to members of Berkshire Family History Society, and we request a donation of £5 from non-members. Pre-booking is required, because the meeting link will be emailed in advance. Booking ends one day before event.

To book, please visit
https://berksfhs.org/events/was-your-ancestor-a-public-servant/?occurrence=2023-06-29.

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

Are you a small community group based in Reading and mainly volunteer run?

If yes, this network is for you. It is an opportunity for you to learn, share and grow stronger together with other similar groups and access support from Reading Voluntary Action and partners.

The topic for this session will be finding the money to run your group and activities. You will hear from Berkshire Community Foundation on their upcoming funding round, what you can apply for and top tips when applying. You will also hear what other support is available to small groups for free from Reading Voluntary Action. The session is also a chance for you to network with each other.

We have heard from many of you that you miss attending in-person events. This network session is therefore planned to be in-person in our training room, 3rd floor, Reading Central Library.

More information and free booking at www.rva.org.uk/event/small-groups-learn-and-share-network-3.

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning is a free and friendly drop-in session for people who are new to Reading as well as people who have been here a while and would like to meet people.

Come along and join us on the ground floor of the library over a cuppa and find out more about living in Reading. Chat to local organisations who will be here to tell you about their services. We look forward to meeting you!

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

Are you a charity or community group looking for space to run your activities or services, or do you have space within your building that you would like to hire out, lease or offer to others?

Then come along to our next Community Buildings Forum on 11 July 23. This is an opportunity to hear about available space in the town and to network with others.

RVA will also share best practice and some top tips so you can start preparing for your new space or space-sharing.

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

Drake Way, Reading RG2 0GQ

Get Berkshire Active are pleased to announce a third Early Years and Family Workshop event. This free event is aimed at practitioners who work with families and their children under 5 across Berkshire.

We will be focusing on engaging the adults around children in supporting the development of physical activity, as well as exploring practical ideas to use with them. There will be discussion and tips on how to engage families to understand the importance of physical activity and how to share these important messages.

Please be sure to book your space as numbers are limited. Free car parking and morning refreshments will also be provided.

Details and registration at www.getberkshireactive.org/events/2023/07/early-years-workshop-july-2023.

Scours Lane, Reading, RG30 6AY

A day where families and friends can come together and enjoy a day of fun, dancing, sports activities and more. A display of different businesses from the local community and beyond, and plenty of food.

A day where the young, and the not so young, the various different tongues from our mother land Kenya and from other communities represented from the diaspora Africa come together.

Contact details
Kenya Reading Organisation
Email: kenyareadingorganisation@outlook.com
Phone: 07572 765319

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

Would you like to know more about volunteering with Berkshire Vision? Come along and meet the team and find out about the volunteer roles we have available.

Our wonderful volunteers support our visually impaired members as telephone befrienders, as guides, as tech buddies, as admin support and assist at sports and social activities (including virtual activities). We can answer any questions you have or help you fill out an application form.

No need to book, just drop in, we would love to meet you!

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 best practice 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 and 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.

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

This Ready Friends Befriending Forum will focus on how we support and care for our volunteers and staff, preventing burnout and enhancing retention. This will be the first Forum held in real life since December 2019!

Agenda

• Welcome, introductions and event outcomes
• Presentations by local VCOs
• Workshops and feedback
• Forthcoming training, voluntary sector updates, news etc

Plus lots of networking opportunities and useful materials to take away.

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

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Reading Central Library is holding the next Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning on Saturday 30 September from 11:00 to 13:00.

If you are new to Reading or have lived here a while, please come and join us for a free and friendly cuppa.

This month it is an opportunity to meet organisations and find out more about their services in a sociable atmosphere.

We look forward to meeting you!

Broad Street, Reading RG1 7QE

Reading will be celebrating National Older People’s Day on Monday 2 October 2023 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.

The selected theme for Older People’s Day 2023 in Reading is ‘Ageing Well Together’. 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:

• Reading U3A
• Age UK Berkshire
• Age UK Reading
• Public Health & Wellbeing Team
• Winterwatch Service
• Reading Voluntary Action
• Get Berkshire Active
• Berkshire Vision
• Older People Mental Health Team
• Healthwatch Reading – The Advocacy People
• Thames Valley Pensioner Service
• Blandy & Blandy Solicitors
• South Reading Patient Voice
• The Crown Prosecution Service
• Sheltered Housing
• Firtree/Tilehurst Welfare Community Group
• Reading Community Learning Centre
• SSE network – Priority Registers
• GLL Sports & Leisure
• Oddfellows
• Readibus
• Citizens Advice Reading
• Silvers Workshop
• Bowling Club – outdoor and indoor
• Macular Support Group
• Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Talking Therapies

Royal Berkshire Hospital will also be offering free blood pressure and wellbeing checks on the day.
The programme will include:

09:30 Market place of local service providers opens
10:00 Opening remarks by The Mayor of Reading
11:00 Bowling demonstration
12:30 Singing for pleasure by Age UK Berkshire
13:30 First Aid Skills and CPR demonstration

London Street, Reading RG1 4PS

An opportunity for voluntary and community groups to come together to explore social issues that impact on the people of Reading.

Join us to hear: How to engage with and influence your local statutory organisations e.g. Reading Borough Council, NHS, primary care. Who are they? How are they governed? How can you and your organisation connect?

Join us to participate: Opportunities for your organisation to shape and participate in a VCS inclusion strategy for Reading.

Plus refreshments, information and networking.

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

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

Are you a small community group based in Reading and mainly volunteer run?

If yes, this network is for you. It is an opportunity for you to learn, share and grow stronger together with other similar groups and access support from Reading Voluntary Action and partners.

The topic for this session will be confirmed shortly but as always it will include top tips to help grow your group, as well as networking.

This session will take place in-person in our training room, Third floor, Reading Central Library.

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