Events

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

Are you are small community group in Reading? Come along to our next Small Groups’ Forum on Tuesday 28 January 2025 to hear about support, funding and networking for smaller groups like yours. The session is informal, friendly and catered specifically for smaller groups as we know the challenges and support you need can be different to that of larger groups.

Who are small groups:

• Mainly volunteer led
• With a gross annual income below £50K

If you don’t think you fit this category but still identify as a small group, you’re welcome to come along. You just need to ensure your group is offering some activities or services in Reading.

The January session will cover:

• Tips on engaging your community and sharing responsibility on your committee
• Understanding charity status/registration
• Funding opportunities for small groups
• Networking with each other

This is a friendly, informal session hosted by Herjeet Vass from the RVA team, so don’t worry if you haven’t attended one of these sessions before. Refreshments will be provided.

If you have any access needs (such as a visual or physical impairment), just let us know in advance by emailing training@rva.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Free event, but please book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk to confirm your place. We hope to see you there.

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

RVA is running an in-person session in February 2025 for anyone wanting to find out more about RVA’s social prescribing service.

The sessions will include:

• What social prescribing is (and isn’t!)
• How it works at RVA and how people access it
• How we measure its impact
• How we work in partnership with local services and community groups
• Information about free practitioner training and the Joy Marketplace

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

135 Cardiff Road, Reading, RG1 8JF

Come and hear from a range of local services that support people to manage their daily lives independently – reducing vulnerability to homelessness, debt and other life crises.

Speakers include:

• Launchpad135
• Reading Community Learning Centre
• Conversational Kitchen
• RVA Social Prescribers

Plus the opportunity to chat to Reading’s social prescribers and network with a variety of colleagues in local statutory sector and community agencies.

NB: There is no car parking at Launchpad135. They are approx. 10 minutes walk from the train station, Buzz bus no 18 stops at the end of Cardiff road. Nearest public car park is at the Rivermead Leisure Centre.

You can register at www.eventbrite.co.uk to book your place.

Please contact Rhiannon at rhiannon.stocking-williams@rva.org.uk with any questions about the event.

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

The Volunteer Coordinators’ Network 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 via the button below 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.

Register here

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

The role of technology in supporting people facing loneliness and social isolation.

We will be exploring local and national technology resources aimed at supporting people in their own homes, who may be facing loneliness and social isolation.

Speakers include:

• Tech-Enabled Care with David Richardson from Reading Borough Council (come along and meet Percy and the other Companion Pets!)
• REMAP with Bob Monk
• Get Online with David Neale
• Berkshire Vision with Justine Schulz
• Wavelength: the UK’s leading loneliness charity giving media technology to those most in need.

There will be time for networking and refreshments provided. If you have any questions, please contact Rhiannon at ready.friends@rva.org.uk.

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

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

Are you a charity or community group in Reading 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 1 April 2025. (Registration and refreshments from 10:00, prompt start from 10:10)

This session will include:

• Voluntary sector spaces to hire/share
• RBC disposals and their scoring system
• Commercial spaces
• Top tips when taking on buildings
• Funding related to buildings
• Networking

You can book a place on this session at www.eventbrite.co.uk.