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

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

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 event has been postponed from 14 September and will be the first Forum held in real life since December 2019!

Agenda

• Welcome, introductions and event outcomes
• Presentations by local VCOs
• Small groups workshop and feedback
• Forthcoming training, voluntary sector updates, news etc
• Additional networking time

Plus lots of useful materials to take away.

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

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ.

Does your charity offer services or activities to children or young people in Reading? If so, come along to this free training. All charities, voluntary and community groups have a duty to keep their service users safe from harm. As most charities and community groups run through the hard work and dedication of volunteers, it is important that volunteers as well as paid staff receive basic safeguarding training.

This training will cover:

-Basic information on Child Protection and Safeguarding Children and Young People
-Types of abuse, including child trafficking, child sexual exploitation and FGM
-How to recognise abuse: the signs and symptoms
-What to do when you recognise abuse: the referral process
-The importance of a multi-agency approach in safeguarding children and young people
-Safe practice.

By the end of the training you will:

-Understand the importance of Child Protection and your role within it
-Have an improved understanding of signs and indicators of abuse
-Understand local Child Protection procedures and what to do if you are concerned about abuse
-Be clear about sharing information with others
-Have developed confidence in dealing with Child Protection issues appropriately.

Anyone who works or volunteers with a charity, community or voluntary sector group in Reading whose work or volunteering brings them into contact with children or young people in whatever circumstances, whether they are new to the role or require a refresher. It is good practice for staff and volunteers to attend annual refresher training to ensure they are kept up to date on practices for safeguarding children and young people.

These sessions are hosted by RVA and will be delivered by approved Safeguarding Trainers, who have received training via Reading Borough Council, Safeguarding Children Services. All trainers have experience of the voluntary sector and safeguarding children. Your trainer for this session will be Mike Edwards.

The training will take place in the RVA Training Room, Third Floor, Central Library, Reading, RG1 3BQ (there is a public lift). Please note that the library opens at 10am. Please arrive any time from 9.50 by coming to the read door of the library and pressing the intercom. If you can no longer make the training, please let us know in advance by emailing us at training@rva.org.uk to cancel your place so we can offer this free session to others on the waiting list.

Details and booking at www.rva.org.uk/event/universal-safeguarding-children-11-oct-2023.

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, 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 getting ready for funding and we will cover:

• What policies your group needs to have, including some examples and information about First Steps towards Safe and Sound. This will help you get ahead of the game when applying for funding.
• Introduction to Reading 4 Community Funding Portal from RBC – Bikal Shrestha (Funding Officer) from RBC will give a demonstration of the portal. This will help your group find funding opportunities.

We will also have our usual networking and opportunity for you to share your news and events.

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. We hope to see you there.

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ.

Are you a trustee or committee member of a charity or voluntary group delivering services in Reading? If so, come along to our in-person Trustee Training session.

Trustees play an essential role in our society, making our charity sector work. It’s a hugely rewarding role but it’s not always easy to get all the information you require to be sure you are carrying out your role as effectively as possible. This training will help give you an overview of what’s expected of trustees as well as providing a networking opportunity with your fellow trustees from the area.
Outcomes of this training are:

To better understand your role and legal responsibilities as a trustee
To understand how this role fits with other roles in the charity
To understand your reporting responsibilities
To know where to go for help and support
To feel confident in being an active member of your Board / Committee and helping to achieve your charities purposes!

To achieve this we will cover:

Introduction: ‘Trustee’, ‘Charity’ and legal structures
Trustee roles and responsibilities: 6 Main Legal Duties
Policies and Procedures: Which ones? Why do they matter?
Accounting & Reporting – the essentials
Essential resources and links to help you on your way (Tools)

The training is suitable for new and existing trustees. In some small community groups you may refer to yourselves as the Committee. If you have overall responsibility for your community group, then this course is for you.

Please note our training is primarily for Trustees of voluntary and community groups who operate services in Reading. These sessions are popular so please contact us first if your group is out of area as we may need to add you to the waiting list.

This course will be delivered by Reading Voluntary Action’s Advice Service Manager, Herjeet Randhawa. Herjeet has a background in Law and charity management and also helps groups to attain the Safe and Sound Quality Award in good governance in charities, and also First Steps towards Safe and Sound.

Tickets £10. There is no parking on site but the Central Library is easily accessed vis public transport. Nearby car parks are Queens Road and the Oracle. There are also some disabled parking spots outside the library. Please contact us in advance if you have access needs.

Details and booking at www.rva.org.uk/event/trustee-training-nov-2023/.

2 Church Street, Reading RG1 2SB

Notice is hereby given that the 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Tuesday 14 November 2023 at The Quakers Meeting House.

Agenda

1. Welcome from the Right Worshipful Mayor of Reading, Councillor Tony Page
2. Apologies for absence
3. Approval of the minutes of the AGM held on 4/10/2022.
4. Matters arising from the minutes of the AGM held in 2022
5. Presentation of the Annual Report for 2022/2023
6. Adoption of the Annual Report for 2022/2023 (members to
   vote)
7. Presentation of the Accounts for 2022/2023
8. Adoption of the Accounts for 2022/2023 (members to vote)
9. Appointment of an Independent Examiner
10. Election of Trustees (members to vote)
11. Any other appropriate business
12. Close of formal business

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.

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

First Steps towards Safe and Sound is a free tool available to all voluntary and community groups offering services in Reading, who wish to take the first steps towards having good governance in place. Come along to our November introduction session and find out how to get started and what the benefits are for your group.

This session should be attended by either a manager or trustee of your group. More than one person from your group is welcome to attend but we would suggest a maximum of three so that there are enough spaces for all.

The session is a 1 hour lunchtime session and will include:

1. Introduction to RVA
2. An overview of First Steps towards Safe and Sound, what it is, the benefits, resources & support from RVA, how to get started and what you receive after completing this.
3. Introduction to First Steps towards engaging Volunteers
4. Introduction to First Steps towards Inclusion
5. The wider Voluntary and Community Sector
6. Further resources and support from RVA.

Book your free space online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Please note that this session is in person in our Conference room, Community Place, Reading Central Library. We look forward to seeing you then.

The RVA Team

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

Join us for our popular Funder Event taking place in our conference room, Reading Central Library on 23 November 2023.

You will hear from local and national funders on upcoming funding rounds and have the opportunity to ask questions.

There will also be the opportunity for informal networking with other groups and charities, as well as news, events and support from RVA.

Presentations from:

• The National Lottery Community Fund on their new strategy for 2023-2030
• Berkshire Community Foundation on future funding rounds
• Reading Borough Council on the next Small Grants Fund expected to run early 2024
• And potentially other local/national funders, watch this space!

These events are very popular, therefore places are restricted to:

-Charities or community groups offering services in Reading
-A maximum of 2 places per organisation

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

We look forward to seeing you there.

Third Floor, Central Library, 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 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, 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 29 November 2023.

This session will include:

• Opportunity to hear about available space in the town
• Health and Safety when managing a building
• Networking with other groups

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

Reading Minster Church, Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HX

We are delighted to invite you to celebrate the holiday season with us this year at Reading Minster on Friday 1 December.

Join us for a 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.

Joining us for this fun event will be Universal Voices Reading’s children’s community choir, Readiophonics – Reading’s A Cappella Choir and Reading’s Rock Choir and Dan Simpson, TV presenter of Fun Kids Science Weekly, will be compering the evening.

Doors will open for refreshments at 18:30 with the concert beginning at 19:00. Children are invited to dress up and there will be a chance to meet Ana, Elsa and Olaf and have your photo taken! Everyone is welcome and we encourage you to join us for refreshments at the start.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children and are available from the website at www.pactcharity.org/support-us/carols-at-the-minster.

2 Church Street, Reading, RG1 2SB

You are warmly invited to our 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 3 December 2024 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 our AGM in advance. 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 09:00-14:30)

Once you have confirmed your booking 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 will be emailed to you.

We are really looking forward to seeing you there.

Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH

Join us for Reading’s favourite Christmas event, featuring the English Martyrs Primary School and Take Note Community choirs. Tuesday 5 December, 6pm at Reading Town Hall, tickets £12 with proceeds to local homelessness charity Launchpad.

Tickets and details at lpcarolsbycandle.eventbrite.co.uk.

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Exploring loneliness stigma: RVA will be delighted to welcome Emily Sawdon and Phoebe Weston-Stanley, Research Directors from the National Centre for Social Research, to discuss the findings of their research into social and self-stigma experienced by people facing loneliness and social isolation. Please click here for the research report.

The event will include:

• Welcome, introductions and event outcomes
• Presentations by Emily Sawdon and Phoebe Weston-Stanley from the National Centre for Social Research
• Small groups workshop and feedback
• Forthcoming training, voluntary sector updates, news etc
• Additional networking time

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

St Mary's Butts, Reading, RG1 2LG

Celebrate the Christmas season with a magical evening of singing, featuring:
Winners of Let’s Sing Reading 2023 –
The Barberettes – Adult Choir
Calcot Junior School Choir – Junior Choir
Winners of Best Community Choir south east 2023 -
Sing for Fun
Soprano Soloist – Stephanie Hershaw

Enjoy a heart warming evening of festive carols and seasonal favourites, performed by some of the most talented choirs in the region. There will also be chances for you to get involved and sing along to some of your favourite Christmas classics.

Tickets cost £5.00 per person and are available from the website (www.royalberkscharity.co.uk) or on the door.

Shinfield Road entrance, University of  Reading.

On Sunday 10 December, the Rotary Club of Reading is holding a Santa Run and Walk event.

Come and join us at the University of Reading for a timed 5k Run and an untimed  2k mini-Run or Walk for everyone. 

The routes take you through the vast and wonderful university grounds; once again we  are very grateful to the university for its support and sponsorship for this fun event at a special time of year.

Book your place via this link; for more information visit our site here, or email: santarun@readingrotary.org.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 8 December.

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

First Steps towards Safe and Sound is a free tool available to all voluntary and community groups offering services in Reading, who wish to take the first steps towards having good governance in place. Come along to our January introduction session and find out how to get started and what the benefits are for your group.

This session should be attended by either a manager or trustee of your group. More than one person from your group is welcome to attend but we would suggest a maximum of three so that there are enough spaces for all.

The session is a 1 hour lunchtime session and will include:

1. An overview of First Steps towards Safe and Sound, what it is, the benefits, resources & support from RVA, how to get started and what you receive after completing this.
2. Introduction to First Steps towards engaging Volunteers
3. Introduction to First Steps towards Inclusion
4. Further resources and support

Book your free space online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Please note that this session is in person in our Conference room, Community Place, Reading Central Library. We look forward to seeing you then.

The RVA Team

Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ

Reading Central Library is holding the next Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning on Saturday 3 February 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!

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

This is a drop-in marketplace event for refugees and asylum seekers living in Reading. No booking is needed.

Quarterly event for refugees and asylum seekers living in Reading to meet staff from Reading Borough Council, national government services and voluntary partners. People can get support with specific enquiries and learn about the projects and support available in Reading.

Advice is available on legal support, housing, careers and support services. Hot drinks, squash and biscuits will be provided.

143 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UY

In collaboration with the University of Reading, we are celebrating Mother Language Day. We are hosting an event for all the family where we will showcase and celebrate some of the languages spoken in Reading.

This event is free to attend and light refreshments will be served.

Come and celebrate with us.

Contact details
Email: admin@utulivu.co.uk
Phone: 07456 512933

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

Please join us at Reading Voluntary Action to for our AGM and thank you lunch. We will be thanking all our staff, volunteers, partners and all of you working together to make Reading a fabulous place to live.

Particular thanks will be given to Karen Morton who has been our Chair for 7 years long!

This is an opportunity to hear our plans for the year and ask questions. Come along and get involved, all are welcome!

12:00 Welcome and registration

12:15 Team report and AGM

13.15 Thank you lunch and networking.

Please let us know you are coming by booking a space.

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

The next Befriending Forum will explore the role that social prescribing plays in reducing loneliness and social isolation for people in Reading. The programme will include:

• An overview of RVA’s social prescribing service and the most frequent issues addressed
• How local people are referred to and from the service, our coverage in Reading and the information sources on local activities that social prescribers use
• The role of social prescribing for people facing loneliness and social isolation
• Case studies
• Improving partnership working between voluntary and community organisations who support people facing loneliness and the social prescribing service
• The opportunity to meet some of our social prescribers

There will also be 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.

Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL

Annual Charity Quiz night to raise funds for Royal Berks Charity. Quiz master Radio Berkshire’s Bill Buckley will guide you through six rounds of brain-bending questions, picture puzzles and a cheeky joker round. A raffle will also take place on the night.

Tickets are £5 a head with teams of up to 6 people. Doors open from 18:00. Food can be pre – ordered and not available to buy direct on the night, information about food options will be emailed after booking.

For further details or to register your place please see the event page on the website at www.royalberkscharity.co.uk/quiz.

Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Reading Central Library is holding the next Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning on Saturday 16 March 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!

Health Inequalities is an annual conference that the grassroots communities hold to showcase their input in addressing the widening Health Inequalities Gap. This year’s theme is ”Bridging the gap to improve our health and well-being.”

Please join the team of community champions from the grassroots communities, voluntary organisations, the health services, and the police among others as they dialogue on having meaningful input in bridging the gap to help improve the health outcomes and the experience of care of our communities.

The event is open to everyone.

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

Have you thought about volunteering but are not sure if it is right for you? Or, are you keen to get involved but not sure where to start? This free session will provide you with an opportunity to explore how volunteering can fit into your life and help you identify opportunities that work for you.

Sessions will cover:

• What is volunteering?
• How volunteering can help you develop employability and life skills
• Volunteering for wellbeing
• How to find and secure a role
• The volunteering experience, what you should expect and how to make the most out of it
• Accessing further free training to help you get “Volunteering Ready”.

Sessions will be run by our experienced Volunteering Development Manager Steve Hendry and are open to anyone interested in volunteering in Reading regardless of previous experience.

Register to attend by completing the form or call 0118 937 2273 to book your place.

The Warren, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7TH

The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be holding their spring meeting on Wednesday 10 April in the Reading Canoe Club.

Academic and author, Richard Bisgrove, will give an illustrated talk on Plant Hunters and Caversham Court. The talk will follow the briefest of AGMs. All are welcome, you don’t have to be a member.

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

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

Have you thought about volunteering but are not sure if it is right for you? Or, are you keen to get involved but not sure where to start? This free session will provide you with an opportunity to explore how volunteering can fit into your life and help you identify opportunities that work for you.

Sessions will cover:

• What is volunteering
• How volunteering can help you develop employability and life skills
• Volunteering for wellbeing
• How to find and secure a role
• The volunteering experience, what you should expect and how to make the most out of it
• Accessing further free training to help you get “Volunteering Ready”

Sessions will be run by our experienced Volunteering Development Manager Steven Hendry and are open to anyone interested in volunteering in Reading regardless of previous experience.

Register to attend by completing the online form found HERE or call 01189 372273 to book your place.

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

Join us for our popular Funder Event taking place in our conference room, Reading Central Library on 21 May 2024. You will hear from local and national funders on upcoming funding rounds and have the opportunity to ask questions.

There will also be the opportunity for informal networking with other groups and charities, as well as news, events and support from RVA.

Agenda:

• 10:15 - Registration, tea and coffee
• 10:30 - Presentations from funders with Q&A
• 11:30 - Informal Q&A and networking opportunity/Reading 4 Community taster session
• 12:00 - Main event finish
• 12:00 - Opportunity to hear from Lloyds Foundation on Racial Equity Grants and Deaf and Disabled Grants. This is niche funding and will only be relevant to some groups so please contact training@rva.org.uk to sign up to this part. Click this link for more details on this funding.
• 12:30 - Close

Funders attending:

• Sovereign Network Group
• Berkshire Community Foundation
• The Earley Charity
• Reading Borough Council – including the opportunity for a 1:1 session on how to use Reading4Community Funding Portal.
• The Lloyds Foundation

These events are very popular, therefore places are restricted to charities or community groups offering services in Reading, with a maximum of 2 places per organisation.

Please book your space online at www.eventbrite.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you there.

1 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QE

Calling all future pop stars!

As part of this year’s Reading Children’s Festival PACT will be bringing the tunes for a fun afternoon of children’s karaoke at The Reading Biscuit Factory on Saturday 25 May 2024.

We have all the favourite tunes with something for every voice. Everyone is welcome to sing along…even the adults! So bring your friends. This is your time to shine.

(Suggested donation per song £1)

Contact details
Email: info@pactcharity.org
Phone: 01189 387600

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

Please join us at the next Befriending Forum where we will hear from local volunteers about how they support people facing loneliness, why they do it and the impact it has on them as well as the people they support.

The agenda will include:

• Welcome, introductions and event outcomes
• Presentations by local volunteers
• Vision for Volunteering update
• Forthcoming training, voluntary sector updates, news etc
• Networking opportunities

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

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

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

28-35 Lexington Grove, Reading RG2 8UG.

A series of community roadshows has been launched at centres around the town, for local residents to:

-speak with organisations including Citizen’s Advice Reading, Reading Borough Council teams and many more

-find out what is happening at the community centre

-have a say in future activities and events at centres.

Come along to your local community centre to give feedback on any issues in your area, get advice and support from a range of local services and have a nice tea or coffee. There is no need to book - everyone is welcome to just drop in on the day.

140 Wensley Road, Reading RG1 6DW.

A series of community roadshows has been launched at centres around the town, for local residents to:

-speak with organisations including Citizen’s Advice Reading, Reading Borough Council teams and many more

-find out what is happening at the community centre

-have a say in future activities and events at centres.

Come along to your local community centre to give feedback on any issues in your area, get advice and support from a range of local services and have a nice tea or coffee. There is no need to book - everyone is welcome to just drop in on the day.

Lyndhurst Road, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 6UB.

A series of community roadshows has been launched at centres around the town, for local residents to:

-speak with organisations including Citizen’s Advice Reading, Reading Borough Council teams and many more

-find out what is happening at the community centre

-have a say in future activities and events at centres.

Come along to your local community centre to give feedback on any issues in your area, get advice and support from a range of local services and have a nice tea or coffee. There is no need to book - everyone is welcome to just drop in on the day.

Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ

Reading Central Library is holding the next Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning on Saturday 20 July 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. It is a chance to have a hot drink in a free and friendly session and find out more about some of the services, activities and events going on in Reading.

We look forward to meeting you!

Contact details
Reading Borough Council - Central Library
Email: info@readinglibraries.org.uk
Phone: 0118 937 5950.

Drakes Way, Reading, RG2 0GQ

20 Years of Utulivu Women’s Group.

This is a huge celebration to celebrate the 20 years. We would like you to come this event to see what we have done in the communities over the last 20 years, and there will be guest speakers and lovely delicious food. All are welcome.

Contact details
Utulivu Women’s Group
Email: admin@utulivu.co.uk

Community Place, 3rd floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ

Have you thought about volunteering but are not sure if it is right for you? Or, are you keen to get involved but not sure where to start? This free session will provide you with an opportunity to explore how volunteering can fit into your life and help you identify opportunities that work for you.

Sessions will cover:

• What is volunteering
• How volunteering can help you develop employability and life skills
• Volunteering for wellbeing
• How to find and secure a role
• The volunteering experience, what you should expect and how to make the most out of it
• Accessing further free training to help you get “Volunteering Ready”

Sessions will be run by our experienced Volunteering Development Manager Steven Hendry and are open to anyone interested in volunteering in Reading regardless of previous experience.

Register to attend by completing the form found HERE or call 01189 372273 to book your place.

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

This year’s theme for Heritage Open Days is Routes, Networks, Connections.

Bring the whole family along to Caversham Court Gardens on Saturday 7 September or Sunday 8 September (11:00-16:00) circumnavigate the globe learning the origins of some of the fine collection of plants and trees in the Gardens.

Throughout history, travellers have collected useful and beautiful plants and brought them back to Britain from all over the world. Our quiz will take you round the gardens and give you fun facts about important plants and their uses. Younger children will enjoy drawing some of the many unusual plants to be found in the gardens – drawing materials available free of charge.

You may be surprised to learn that there are plants from every continent except Antarctica in our lovely riverside gardens – test your knowledge of geography with our interactive map!

Contact details
Friends of Caversham Court Gardens
Email: friends@fccg.org.uk

Third Floor, 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

Reading has a wide variety of charities and community groups, of various sizes. Smaller groups have told us that they would like more specialist support as they have different challenges to larger groups. RVA therefore runs a Small Groups’ Forum for charities and community groups who are:

• Mainly volunteer led
• With an income below £50K

If you are a small group, come along to our next forum on Wednesday 18 September. The session will cover:

1. An overview of the Reading-wide Voluntary and Community Sector survey, and how you can provide your views and responses as a small group.
2. Funding opportunities for small groups.
3. Safety tips for running your sessions.
4. 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.

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.

Registration and refreshments from 10:15. Session starts at 10:30.

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

RVA is running an online session in September 2024 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

To book onto this session please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Broad Street, Reading RG1 7QE

Reading Borough Council in collaboration with its partners Age UK and others is again marking the United Nations Day of Older People on 1 October with a celebration at the Broad Street Mall in Reading.

Like similar events up and down this country and farther afield, we will be showing the tremendous work of lots of organisations. These help highlight all that’s best in later life. There are free NHS health checks available and a short programme of regular demos through the day.

The event will be opened at 10:00 by the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis. All welcome, of whatever age!

We invite you to explore our beautiful three-acre gardens in Reading at the start of this autumn. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by the vibrant colours of our different gardens while learning about the many ways gardening can enhance your health and wellbeing.

Take a guided tour and witness first hand the significant impact of our Social Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) programmes. There will be a plant sale, plus tea, coffee, and homemade cakes. All proceeds from the day will go towards supporting our vital work.

Further details at www.thrive.org.uk/get-involved/events/reading-events/reading-garden-open-day. Alternatively please call 0118 988 4844 or email trunkwell@thrive.org.uk.

Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ

Reading Central Library are partnering with My Word Poetry to celebrate Black History Month for a special Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning on Saturday 12 October 2024 on the ground floor of the library.

It will be a morning of meeting people, conversation and poetry with refreshments.

Please pass the word around and if you are free, join us!

Warbler Drive, Lower Earley, RG6 4HB

Project Linus provides a sense of security and comfort to children who are sick, disabled, disadvantaged or distressed, by donating a handmade quilt lovingly made by volunteers.

Please drop in to support this fundraising and sewing day:

• Speak to 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.
• Linus quilts on display.
• Enjoy refreshments at the Crescent Cafe.

Cash only.

Download an information flyer here

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

Trustees play an essential role in our society, making our charity sector work. It’s a hugely rewarding role but it’s not always easy to get all the information you require to be sure you are carrying out your role as effectively as possible. This training will help give you an overview of what’s expected of trustees as well as providing a networking opportunity with your fellow trustees from the area.

Outcomes of this training are:

• To better understand your role and legal responsibilities as a trustee
• To understand how this role fits with other roles in the charity
• To understand your reporting responsibilities
• To know where to go for help and support
• To feel confident in being an active member of your Board/Committee and helping to achieve your charities purposes

To achieve this we will cover:

• Introduction: ‘Trustee’, ‘members’ and others
• Trustee responsibilities: 6 Main Legal Duties
• Limiting liability and legal structures
• Effective board leadership and trustee roles
• Essential resources and links to help you on your way

Who should attend: The training is suitable for new and existing trustees. In some small community groups you may refer to yourselves as the Committee. If you have overall responsibility for your community group, then this course is for you.

Practicalities: Registration and arrival from 09:45. Cost £10 – refreshments included. There is no parking onsite but the Central Library is easily accessed vis public transport. Nearby car parks are Queens Road and the Oracle.

Please book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trustee-training-november-session-tickets-880093923617.

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

The theme for this Reading VCS Assembly is ‘making the case for prevention’:

• How to raise the needs of your organisation and community or service users.
• Find out about the RBC Closing the Gap commissioning process for prevention services.
• Hear about small community grants from Greenham Common Trust.

Agenda summary

• Cllr Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council: How your charity can work with local government.
• Yuan Yang, MP: Our voice in Parliament.
• VCS Leaders: Opportunities to participate.
• RBC Closing the Gap 2: Consultation workshop on the CTG 2 – to shape the offer to meet the needs and find potential partners.
• University of Reading: Health Inequalities Partnership.
• Greenham Trust: Community grants.

Book a space online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

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

What will lonely and isolated people in Reading need in 2025-6 – and the groups that support them?
Rhiannon will be presenting from the Befriending Forum to the January Reading Mental Health Wellbeing Group (MHWG) on loneliness and social isolation. The MHWG reports directly to the Berkshire West Health and Wellbeing Board, so this is an opportunity to influence and enrich the Board’s understanding of local needs around loneliness.

• What do you think the MHWG needs to hear?
• What will be the main issues for your clients, staff and volunteers in 2025-6?
• How do we ensure Reading has a diverse and inclusive offer?

It will also 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.

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.

In this quarter’s meeting, we would like to explore your experiences of supported volunteering and how we can help those facing barriers to involvement get involved. We will also be extending an invitation to groups who support those who may benefit from volunteering but may need extra support to start and maintain their involvement. The ultimate aim will be to explore funding opportunities to bring together a range of partners and grow the work already being done to make volunteering open and rewarding for all.

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/m7p5e6p1ahhthh 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.

Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HX

Join us (and the elves) for a fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon of music, performances and Christmas reflections to celebrate and raise money for PACT’s life-changing work with children, families and the local community.

Refreshments will be available from 15:00 with welcome entertainment from magician Kye Harmsworth.

Children (and adults) are welcome to dress up as elves.

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £3 for children, or you can purchase a £26 family ticket for two adults and two children. Please book your tickets online at www.pactcharity.org/support-us/carols-at-the-minster-2.

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.