Events

  • Sat
    31
    May
    2025
    11:00 - 13:00Reading Central Library

    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!

  • Thu
    05
    Jun
    2025
    10:30 - 12:30Reading Voluntary Action

    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.

    Session 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.

  • Sat
    14
    Jun
    2025
    11:00 - 16:00Reading Biscuit Factory

    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.

  • Wed
    18
    Jun
    2025
    13:00 - 13:30Online event

    When Reading Voluntary Action’s Social Prescribers or Community Wellness Outreach team signpost clients to local services, they use an online platform called Joy.

    Members of the public can also search Joy Marketplace for services to support their health and wellbeing, or to make recommendations to family and friends.

    Find out:

    • Why list your organisation on Joy Marketplace?
    • How does it connect services to local people?
    • How does it help us address health inequalities?
    • How do we find out more or sign up?

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

    Please email rhiannon.stocking-williams@rva.org.uk to get your organisation listed or if you have any further questions.

  • Thu
    19
    Jun
    2025
    10:00 - 11:00Online via Zoom

    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.

  • Thu
    19
    Jun
    2025
    10:30 - 12:00RVA, Community Place

    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

  • Tue
    24
    Jun
    2025
    12:45 - 15:00Reading Voluntary Action

    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.