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.

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

We are delighted to invite you to our next Open Garden event at our Thrive Garden in Reading. Set within our stunning three-acre site, this is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of our vibrant gardens while discovering the positive impact of gardening on health and wellbeing.

Join us for a tranquil afternoon exploring diverse garden spaces, guided by our expert staff. Learn more about our life-changing Social and Therapeutic Horticulture programmes and how they help individuals improve their physical and mental health.

There will also be a plant sale, along with tea, coffee, and delicious homemade cakes. All proceeds from the event will support our vital work.

Please note that due to the nature of our work this event is open to assistance dogs only. Thank you for your understanding.

For more information, please contact us by phone at 01189 884844 or email trunkwell@thrive.org.uk.

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

Come along to Caversham Court on Saturday 19 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.
• All children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Entry is free, but donations to the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be appreciated.

The Tea Kiosk will be open for refreshments all afternoon.

Contact: friends@fccg.org.uk
Website: https://home.fccg.org.uk

The Warren, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7TH

The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be holding their spring meeting on Wednesday 23 April, 19:00 for 19:30 in the Reading Canoe Club on the Warren.

Architectural historian, Megan Aldrich, will give an illustrated talk: Gothic in the Garden: the context for Caversham Court. This will cover Caversham Court and its grounds in the early 19th C, when the Simonds family gave the Old Rectory a Gothic make-over. The talk will follow the briefest of AGMs.

Free event. All welcome, you don’t have to be a member.

Email: friends@fccg.org.uk
Website: https://home.fccg.org.uk

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 29 April 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 April session will cover:

• Top tips on Safeguarding in small groups, DBS and risk assessments
• Funding opportunities for small groups – hear from Berkshire Community Foundation and The Earley Charity.
• Networking with each other

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

Please come to the rear door of the library and buzz the intercom as the main doors will be closed before 10:00.

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

RVA Cancellation Policy: If you are no longer able to attend the event, please let us know by emailing training@rva.org.uk with at least 48 hours notice so that we can offer your place to other people on the waiting list.

Moulsford, Walingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9HR

WalkWithMe is a 26-mile charity fundraising walk which includes a section of the beautiful Ridgeway in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, starting and finishing at Moulsford School.

This year, WalkwithMe is raising money for No5 Young People (Reading) and Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre (Oxford).

WalkWithMe uniquely offers a series of organised training walks to help you train for the event. These take place starting in March at venues in South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

There is a registration fee of £65, and No5 and Maggie’s receive the full registration fee amount as part of your fundraising.

Each mile you walk represents another young person who will ask No5 for support in an average week.

Website: www.walkwithmeuk.org

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

Join us for a fantastic evening of fun raising funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities:

• Reading Community Learning Centre – Advocating for women and families in our town.
• Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group – Supporting families affected by prostate cancer.

There will be a quiz for teams of up to 6 or 8 people, a special silent auction with a whole host of amazing prizes and a delicious curry meal with all profits going directly to the Mayor’s Charity Fund.

Tickets: £25 per person – includes dinner and quiz entry.

When booking, please include all of your team members names and also indicate any dietary requirements.

Book online at https://whatsonreading.com/mayorscharityquiz

Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BQ

Reading Central Library are hosting a Telling Our Stories event for people who have moved to the UK or Reading.

Reading Rep Theatre will be running a storytelling workshop for adults for the first hour and there will be free refreshments and a chance to share your story in a supportive and friendly environment. Please bring a memorable object.

Everyone welcome!

1 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QE

Reading Voluntary Action will be hosting a Volunteer Fair as part of our Volunteers’ Week 2025 celebrations.

If you’re thinking about volunteering the fair is the ideal place to start your volunteering journey. You will have the opportunity to meet a range of local organisations and discover the right opportunity for you.

The Reading Voluntary Action team will also be on hand to provide general information and advice on how you can get involved in your local community.

So come along and join us to discover the difference volunteering is making to our town and how you can be part of it.

More details to follow, sign up for our weekly Volunteering Newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox.

Find out about RVA’s social prescribing service. RVA will be running these sessions twice a year for local community groups, charities, NHS and local authority sector colleagues.

This session 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

Please book onto this session at www.eventbrite.co.uk and we’ll send you the Zoom link closer to the time.

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

Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH

Come and join us during Refugee Week at the Welcome to Reading information hub at Reading Museum. Find out about some of the services and events in the Reading area and enjoy free refreshments.

Have a browse around the Museum and join in the Everybody’s Welcome Make & Take Craft Sessions. Half-hour long craft sessions are free and drop in, but donations are welcome.

For more information visit www.reading.gov.uk/libraries or email info@readinglibraries.org.uk.

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

Walking, stretching, dancing, cycling and running together – how physical activity in the community supports people facing loneliness and social isolation

• Hear from a range of local VCOs about their local offer including seated exercise, heritage dance and other physical activity.
• Look around our VCOs ‘trade show’ of local community groups offering a wide range of physical/social activities
• It will be an opportunity for people to find out more about services that can support their befriendees and other service users who are experiencing loneliness.

The programme will include time for informal networking and an opportunity to share news, promote your service and find out about funding, events and training. Refreshments provided.

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

Any questions? Please email ready.friends@rva.org.uk.

RISC, 35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS

Reading’s Social Prescribing Forum is open to anyone from local community, voluntary and statutory sector organisations. It brings together Reading’s social prescribers and allied health and wellbeing staff and volunteers to share information and improve partnership working.

The theme for this event will be announced shortly, and if you would like to book, please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Any questions, please email Rhiannon: ready.friends@rva.org.uk.

Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BQ

Join us at the Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning (Information Hub) on Saturday 23 August. Find out about some events and services in the Reading area. Free refreshments and drop in session.

We look forward to meeting you on the Ground Floor at Reading Central Library.

Contact details
Reading Borough Council - Central Library
Email: info@readinglibraries.org.uk
Phone: 01189 375950

Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7RH

The Every Little Thing Festival is brought to Reading every year to provide a welcoming environment where people can explore and gain knowledge around their wellbeing and mental health.

With a host of great live speakers, DJ’s, music, singers, spoken word poets, yoga classes, meditation and sound bath rooms, films, food and competitions, this is a day of fun and education for people of all ages.

The event was created in memory of Diva Gibson, who sadly lost her life to suicide on the 10 May 2020.

This festival is the brainchild of her mother, Sinead Gibson, who continues to work tirelessly in her efforts to support those with mental health issues, as well as anyone else who needs help.​​​

The thinking behind the event is to provide a totally safe, supported festival, where people can learn more about mental health care, suicide prevention and receive help if needed.

The Every Little Thing community interest company recognises several small things can promote or demote personal wellbeing. We aim to effectively support when things are challenging and also celebrate the little things, providing hope that every little thing will be ok.

Tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

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

72% of women in the UK change their outdoor activity routines in winter due to safety concerns. These aren’t just numbers, they’re a wake-up call. Women are consciously avoiding movement, changing routines, and feeling unsafe simply for trying to stay active. This needs to change. This isn’t just a conversation for women and girls, safety is a collective responsibility. It’s a call to action for men, allies, leaders, coaches, colleagues – we all need a seat at the table.

Join our insightful webinar where we bring together voices from sport, advocacy and community action featuring excellent speakers from Our Streets Now, Boldli, England Athletics, and GoodGym.

Focus topics

• The realities of safety concerns for women getting active outdoors
• How male allyship can make a real difference
• What can be done to embed safety-conscious, inclusive practice in active spaces
• How building strong, connected communities can help providers create safer, more inclusive spaces for women

This webinar is for any organisation, leader, or professional working in or around physical activity who wants to better understand and support female safety especially as the nights draw in. For example: Sports clubs & community groups, gyms & fitness providers, instructors & trainers.

If you have any questions please contact kirsty.heath@getberkshireactive.org or beth.cullen@getberkshireactive.org.

Contact details: Get Berkshire Active
Email: denise.peplow@getberkshireactive.org
Phone: 07789 656650
Website: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/69be6e18-7e2a-4d8d-abe1-46ccad304015@65852db9-d5eb-4977-9e52-9cdc58821226

RISC, 35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS

Are you are small community group in Reading? Come along to our next Small Groups’ Forum on Tuesday 23 September 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 September session will cover:

1. Monitoring and evaluation workshop with Ellie from Berkshire Community Foundation. This workshop is designed to help you understand what funders expect from groups when they are considering giving funding and what and how to monitor your projects.
2. An update on the VCS Safety and Safeguarding Partnership – a new initiative to help VCS groups to better navigate serious incidents and protect themselves and their members, in light of learning following the 2024 riots and other safeguarding learning.
3. Networking with each other.

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

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

Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Older People’s Day 2025 is a free event celebrating older people in the borough.

There will be a multitude of stalls on the ground and first floor of the Broad Street Mall with specialist advice and support aimed at older people, their families, and friends.

As well as information, there will be opportunities to take part in dance and exercise with performances from Tilehurst Square Dance Club, Dunsden Green Country Dance Club, the council’s leisure providers Better, and listen to the Age UK Berkshire choir.

International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on 1 October. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the resilience and contributions of older individuals in our communities. This year the global theme is inclusive aging.

The event has been organised by Reading’s Older People’s Working Group, supported by Reading Borough Council, Age UK Berkshire, and Age UK Reading.

138-141 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EX

Do you think you know Reading?

Do you know which Reading fella wrote and starred in Cemetery Junction, and do you know which year The Oracle opened? Do you know what a Reading Tallboy is?

Come and find out how much you really know about Reading; its history, culture and people at Reading’s Big Quiz! It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived here your entire life or if you are new to Reading – there are all types of questions, including anagrams, a picture round, true or false, local Reading icons, multiple choice and more.

Hosted by local legend, Terry Dixon from Terry’s Reading Walkabouts, and with live music from the wonderful Nichole Grace as well as a raffle with fantastic prizes, this promises to be a full and fun evening. All funds raised will go to PACT’s life-changing work with local children, women and families.

All are welcome. Sign up in a team of 4 or as an individual and we will find a team for you. Places are going fast and must be booked so don’t miss out!

Please sign up online at www.pactcharity.org/support-us/readings-big-quiz.

Find out about RVA’s social prescribing service. RVA will be running these sessions twice a year for local community groups, charities, NHS and local authority sector colleagues.

This session 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

Please book onto this session at www.eventbrite.co.uk and we’ll send you the Zoom link closer to the time.

Warbler Drive, Lower Earley, RG6 4HB

Please drop in to support this fundraising and sewing day for Project Linus. On the day:

• Speak to Project Linus volunteers about the quilts they are making for children ‘in need of a hug’.
• Sales table – some good fabric bargains to be had.
• Raffle with great prizes.
• Quilts on display.
• Enjoy refreshments at the Crescent Café.

Please note: this event is cash only.

Project Linus donates handmade patchwork quilts to children and young people ‘in need of a hug’, offering comfort to someone not known to the maker through the security of a lovely quilt. We give quilts to children who might be ill, disabled, abused, bereaved, traumatised or just ‘in need of a hug’ because of family circumstances.

Read more on the Project Linus UK website https://projectlinusuk.org.uk.

Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BQ

An empowering workshop facilitated by actor Eyum-Priscilla Ocheola, kindly sponsored by Reading Rep Theatre and hosted by Reading Libraries.

We will be focusing on the lives of notable Black people and their achievements and contributions.

This will lead on to a writing and speaking workshop encouraging people attending to share times when they have felt they have also been Standing Firm in Power and Pride. Suitable for all levels.

Refreshments provided free by Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning.

This is an online funder event hosted by the National Lottery Community Fund in partnership with Reading Voluntary Action and others.

The National Lottery has recently updated its funding priorities and related grants. One of these funding priorities related to the environment and they will be holding an online session to explore the outcomes they want to see from projects that protect nature, reduce environmental harm, and help communities respond to climate change. There will be a short presentation and then an opportunity for Q&As.

The term ‘environment’ is quite broad – please see the links below for types of projects they will fund under the different grants.

They currently have two different grants related to the environment:

• Awards for All – Environment Fund – see here with a deadline of 16 December 2025.
• Reaching Communities – see here with no specific deadline – this is a rolling funding opportunity.

You can read their full missions framework here.

Who should attend: If you are an organisation in the Berkshire area that is currently working in the area related to the environment. (See links above)

Please contact advice@rva.org.uk to register your interest. Please specify:

• Name of the charity or community group.
• Name of person wishing to attend and email contact.
• A short paragraph on the type of project that relates to this funding stream ‘environment’.

The event will take place online and the link will be sent to you after registration.

If you are unsure and would like to clarify your project, you are also welcome to email Reading Voluntary Action (advice@rva.org.uk).

2 Church Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2SB

You are warmly invited to our 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 19 November 25 at the Quakers Meeting House.

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. If you have any questions which you would like to ask the board at the AGM, please email your questions in advance of the board meeting to Aisha Malik on aishamalik@rclc.org.uk.

Members of Reading Community Learning Centre will be able to vote in the Trustee elections and other formal business. Membership, which is free, is open to everyone. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please contact Hema Sundhararajan on rclcinfo@yahoo.co.uk. She will be able to email you a membership form.

Please confirm your attendance at the AGM by Friday 7 November 2025. You can reserve your place by contacting Hema Sundhararajan, Centre Administrator on:

• Email: rclcinfo@yahoo.co.uk
• Call: 07923 138681 or 01189 595455 (Mon-Thu 09:00-15:30)

Once you have confirmed your booking Hema will email you the board profiles, agenda, minutes from last year’s meeting, RCLC signed accounts, the annual report and dietary requirements form for the buffet lunch after the meeting.

We are really looking forward to seeing you there.

Your sincerely,
Fatima Habib (Chair of Trustees)

RISC, 35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS

Part 2: Heritage, Identity and Belonging – inclusion in support for people facing loneliness

Our September Befriending Forum focussed on how local community groups connect people through an activity from a shared identity or cultural heritage. Feedback was so positive we’re running a second Forum on inclusive social connection.

In this Forum event, a number of local community organisations will be sharing how they offer inclusive social activities for a range of communities facing loneliness and social isolation, including:

• Thames Valley Gay Chorus
• Change Grow Live
• Reading Community Learning Centre

It will be an opportunity for people to find out more about supporting clients and their carers, who are experiencing loneliness.

The programme will include more time for informal networking and an opportunity to share news, promote your service and find out about funding, events and training. Refreshments provided.

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

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, but this will be confirmed closer to the event.

Register here