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.
Choose your favourite design for Coley play area
19 February 2023
Help the council choose from six exciting new play area designs for Coley Recreation Ground. The consultation runs from 13 February to 20 March and you are encouraged to vote on your favourite design. View the six designs and have your say. The council has earmarked Coley Recreation Ground for a £200,000 refresh of its existing playground as part of our ongoing major investment across Reading’s parks.
Free street party workshops
16 February 2023
Street parties are a fun and safe way for people to meet their neighbours, especially for those who rarely get out, and it’s not as difficult or expensive as you may think to put one on in your neighbourhood. Reading Voluntary Action is delivering a series of free online workshops for anyone interested in running a street party in 2022.
Recruiting for University of Reading Sleep Study
9 February 2023
Sleep is an essential component of physical and emotional wellbeing, and lack or disruption to sleep is a highly prevalent problem. In recent years, a number of centuries-old herbal treatments to improve sleep have been investigated for their effectiveness to improve sleep and wellbeing. This project will investigate the impact of a commercially available herbal extract on sleep quality and quantity, as well as mood and wellbeing, in adults aged 18-40 years with subjective mild sleep problems over 4-weeks.
Vital for Berkshire funding available
26 January 2023Berkshire Community Foundation’s spring funding round – Vital for Berkshire – has launched for 2023, with applications from local charities and constituted community groups now invited. Grants of up to £5,000 are available, with priority being given to those working with the most vulnerable people. Please visit www.berkshirecf.org/available-funding for details on eligibility and criteria.
Have your say: public rights of way in Reading
25 January 2023
You are invited to have your say on the council’s second Rights of Way Improvement Plan which includes plans to maintain and improve the borough’s rights of way network in a bid to get more people using them. The plans have been developed following a previous public consultation in 2021, when residents and local organisations were invited to have their say on how they currently use Reading’s network, and to highlight any barriers or issues to increasing its use.
Have your say: Digital Inclusion Survey 2023
24 January 2023
As more and more services move online we need to understand why some residents aren’t accessing them this way, whether that’s because it’s a struggle to afford internet access, data or a device, such as a laptop or phone, they aren’t confident or they don’t feel safe online. We also want to understand what people can do online, whether that’s ordering food and gifts, online learning and job searching, or contacting friends and family or a healthcare professional.
£100,000 available to community groups to help prevent crime across Thames Valley
18 January 2023
The first of two rounds of the Community Fund in 2023 opened to applications on Monday 16 January. The Community fund, which is jointly managed by Thames Valley Police Chief Constable, John Campbell and Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, aims to put money that has been made following the sale of items seized from criminals, to worthy initiatives within the community. Funding is made available twice a year and organisations from across the force area are invited to apply.
Days out for only £2 single on the buses
12 January 2023
Passengers in Reading are now able to enjoy day trips to a variety of locations right across the region for just £2 for a single fare. The £2 single fare will be in place until 31 March 2023 and will be valid on all single journeys across the Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, Green Line 702/703, Newbury & District, Arriva, Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel networks.
New grant for ABC to Read
12 January 2023
Reading Borough Council has awarded local reading charity ABC to Read a grant of £3,000 to recruit, train and support 10 new volunteers to give one-to-one mentoring to local children who are struggling to read! The grant will also be used to deliver workshops in Reading schools as well as training older students to mentor younger pupils.
Community-led research project launched
10 January 2023
Reading Voluntary Action is working in partnership with Slough CVS, the University of Reading and the British Science Association in a community led research pilot. Community led research can create change and bring attention to important issues that matter to your community or organisation. Our researchers would like to speak informally to the communities and community groups you represent to find out which local issues would benefit from some research.