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Thu18Jan202413:00 - 14:00RVA, Community Place
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:
- 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.
- Introduction to First Steps towards engaging Volunteers
- Introduction to First Steps towards Inclusion
- 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
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Sat03Feb202411:00 - 13:00Reading Central Library
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 -
Thu08Feb202413:00 - 16:00Council ChamberCivic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
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.
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Wed21Feb202411:00 - 13:00Lifespring Church
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 -
Tue05Mar202412:00 - 14:00Community Place
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.
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Thu07Mar202413:00 - 15:00Community Place
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.
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Tue12Mar202419:30 - 22:00Jazz Cafe
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.
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Sat16Mar202411:00 - 13:00Reading Central Library
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!
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Fri22Mar202410:00 - 14:00RISC
35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS
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.
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Tue26Mar202414:00 - 16:00Community Place
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.
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Wed10Apr202419:00 - 20:30Reading Canoe Club
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 -
Thu18Apr202410:00 - 12:00Community Place
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.
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Tue07May202410:00 - 13:00Reading Voluntary Action
Third Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ
Does your charity offer services or activities to adults 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 safeguarding adults
- Current guidance for safeguarding adults under the Care Act 2014
- Types of abuse and 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 to safeguarding adults
- Safe practice
Who should attend? 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.
Practicalities: The training will take place in the RVA Training Room, Third Floor, Central Library. Registration and arrival from 09:45. The session will start promptly at 10:00. The library opens at 10:00, please come to to the rear door of the library and use the intercom. Refreshments are provided.
Free event, but please book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk to confirm your place. We hope to see you there.
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Thu16May202413:00 - 14:00Reading Voluntary Action
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 May 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.
This 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 will take place in-person in the Library. If you prefer to attend an online session instead, please take a look at alternative dates on our training page.
We look forward to seeing you then.
RVA Team
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Tue21May202410:30 - 12:00RVA, Community 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.
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Sat25May202415:00 - 17:00Reading Biscuit Factory
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 -
Sat08Jun202411:00 - 17:00River Kennet and Abbey Quarter
Reading RG1 3JH
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 - complete with a programme full of fun, music, dance and activities!
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!
Would you like to run a stall or provide entertainment, workshops, sports, or arts & crafts to raise funds and awareness? Apply now.
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Thu13Jun202410:00 - 13:00Reading Voluntary Action
Third Floor, 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
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. There are also some disabled parking spots outside the library. Please contact us in advance if you have access needs.Please book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Contact details: Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)
Email: training@rva.org.uk
Phone: 01189 372273