News

Our news is collected from our network of members, and is updated regularly. We also present information and articles from other sources that might be relevant to your kind of group.

  • Improving Physical Activity in Reading – Can you help us?

    27 March 2025

    Get Berkshire Active, along with other partners, are working with colleagues at Reading Borough Council to improve the physical activity landscape in Reading. We have formed a Physical Activity Action Group and are working in a whole systems way to determine the barriers currently preventing Reading residents from being as active as they’d like. We need more voluntary sector representation on this group to contribute to valued insight from local residents. If you think you can help please email nina.crispin@reading.gov.uk.

  • Get involved with the Reading Windrush Parade and Festival

    27 March 2025

    Reading Caribbean Nation CIC (RCN) is a local Reading organisation incorporated in 2024 to organise the Reading Windrush Parade and Festival. As the organizers of the Reading Windrush Parade and Festival, a widely recognized community-wide event, RCN already has strong relationships with numerous community groups. Many of these groups are represented on the RCN committee, ensuring diverse and inclusive decision-making.

  • Have your say: Council proposes emission-based parking charges

    11 March 2025Have your say: Council proposes emission-based parking charges

    The council is proposing to introduce emissions-based charging for car parking, so that those that drive the most polluting vehicles pay the most. One way of encouraging drivers to consider the alternative means of transport is through pricing. The introduction of emissions-based charging will also assist the council in achieving its stated aim of being carbon neutral by 2030. It is not expected that these changes will change peoples’ choices overnight.

  • Council to bring children’s services back in-house

    21 February 2025Council to bring children's services back in-house

    It was agreed by councillors on Tuesday 28 January 2025 that children’s services in Reading will be brought back in-house, to be delivered directly by Reading Borough Council. Work will begin immediately to complete a successful transition by Autumn 2025. This includes the transfer of around 550 members of Brighter Future for Children’s staff back to the council.

  • New Victoria Park playground open for play

    21 February 2025New Victoria Park playground open for play

    With spring just around the corner, local children are discovering the fun to be had at Reading’s newest transformed playground. The relocated and upgraded Victoria Park, George Street play area opened ahead of schedule in December thanks to a £462,000 investment by Reading Council. The exciting and accessible play area for children aged between 3 years and 12 years will be further complemented by an outdoor gym in time for summer 2025.

  • Languages spoken in Reading – one-minute survey

    21 February 2025Languages spoken in Reading – one-minute survey

    The Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism at the University of Reading wants to find out what languages people in Reading speak. Please complete the one-minute survey below (even if you only speak English) and the results will be shared at a public event to celebrate International Mother Language Day. Thank you!

  • Run for a cause at the Reading Half Marathon – 23 March 2025

    21 February 2025Run for a cause at the Reading Half Marathon - 23 March 2025

    Are you up for a challenge that changes lives? Join us in running the Reading Half Marathon on the 23 March 2024 and make a real impact by raising funds for Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC) and Prostate Cancer research! To register please contact: Dennisha Villaverde at Mayor@reading.gov.uk. Let’s run together for education, health, and hope.

  • A new way to help Reading’s homeless people

    29 January 2025A new way to help Reading's homeless people

    Residents keen to help Reading’s homeless can now do so effortlessly via the new Tap for Reading initiative launching today. The scheme is designed to ensure donations from the public reach those most in need whilst helping to deter begging on the streets, by encouraging people to change their method and desire to help the homeless by giving at a number of card tap points around the town centre.

  • Just One Thing – kickstart a positive 2025 in Reading

    27 January 2025Just One Thing - kickstart a positive 2025 in Reading

    Reading Council today launched its New Year Just One Thing, campaign encouraging residents to embrace new experiences, uncover and remember the town’s hidden gems, enhance wellbeing and make a positive contribution. Shifting the focus from traditional New Year’s resolutions to forming lasting habits that positively impact residents and the community. Just One Thing 25 tips for 2025, encourages residents to try simple and achievable ideas, spanning health and wellbeing to exploring the town’s culture and green spaces.

  • Change to Civic Offices entrance

    27 January 2025Change to Civic Offices entrance

    Due to construction work at the Civic Offices, the entrance to the building is moving for at least a year. From 09:00 on 13 January, there will be 2 separate entrances for the public. One is for the Register Office and the other for all other council enquiries, services and visitors. There will be information around the building guiding visitors to the correct entrance. If you are visiting the Civic Centre the main entrance will be on Simmonds Street.