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.
Guest speakers at Reading libraries
16 December 2022
Reading Libraries has announced an exciting line up for its ‘Reading Libraries Telling Stories’ series, with a number of great storytellers lined up from early December into spring 2023. Guest storytellers to look forward to include: -Saturday 14 January 23: A ‘dad/grandad/male carer’ focussed session with Neil Grant -Saturday 11 February 23: Finnish-themed ‘Moomin’ storytelling and crafts session with local resident, Leena Vinkka -Saturday 11 March 23: A hand puppetry storytelling session with local resident, Naomi Pyle
Reading Mencap asks young people what they want
15 December 2022
Reading Mencap is designing a new service for young people with learning disabilities, which will provide exciting opportunities for those aged 18-25. The aim is to provide skills-based training and horticultural activities on a site known as The Hort at Bulmershe Allotments (RG6 1ET). Reading Mencap plans to transform the rundown, overgrown site into a practical, educational service for up to 50 young people a week, helping them develop skills to maximise their potential to achieve employment or voluntary work.
Become a Draughtbuster!
15 December 2022
Draughtbusters is a voluntary group that surveys homes for draughts and takes remedial action. The website www.draughtbusters.net gives all the advice needed to survey your own home and make changes, but the main thrust of the project is to provide the materials and trained labour to undertake the work, free of charge, for those in fuel poverty. Households are referred to Draughtbusters through Citizens Advice Bureau and Winterwatch, or might contact us through the website or through word of mouth.
Take care disposing of batteries
15 December 2022
A recent fire at the re3 Smallmead Recycling Centre in Island Road was a stark reminder of the dangers of throwing away batteries, Reading Borough Council has said. The council has urged residents not to bin batteries or small battery-operated products such as single-use vapes, as such items always need to be recycled separately to minimise the danger of fires.
Reading for Warm Homes launches its campaign
13 December 2022
With around six million people predicted to be in fuel poverty this winter campaigners are urging the government to implement common-sense solutions that will both lower skyrocketing energy bills and cut harmful carbon emissions. Additional financial support is urged for those struggling to afford to heat their homes to ensure people stay warm and well during the colder months. Campaigners gathered outside Reading Town Hall on Saturday 3 December as part of Warm This Winter, a UK-wide day of events pressuring ...
Vacancies for Social Prescribers
1 December 2022Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) is looking to recruit 2 part-time Link Workers to provide social prescribing support for people in Reading. RVA has been delivering social prescribing in Reading for more than 5 years. Social prescribing enables people to take action to improve or sustain their quality of life based on what matters to them and their individual strengths. The Social Prescribers connect people to community groups and agencies for practical and emotional support.
The Giving Tree 2022
28 November 2022
Are you excited about the magic of Christmas? Have you also been looking for a way to help someone in need, making their Christmas magical, too? Why head not head into town to get involved in Reading’s much-loved Giving Tree Campaign? The Giving Tree is run by local charity Connect Reading. Last year, 2,075 gifts were given to people in need across Reading.
Consultation on Reading’s parliamentary constituencies
18 November 2022
Reading’s constituencies are changing and the Boundary Commission for England want to hear your views on their new proposals. Constituencies are changing to rebalance the number of electors each MP represents. Under the proposed changes, Reading will change from two constituencies (Reading West and Reading East) to three constituencies (Reading, Earley & Woodley and Mid Berkshire). Have your say in the consultation before 5 December.
Mayor of Reading to host a Reading-themed online auction for chosen charities
18 November 2022
The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, is working with local businesses and organisations to raise money for good causes in an online Mayoral Auction. A wide range of Reading-based businesses and organisations have already pledged lots which include a headshot photoshoot from Viva Photography, a set by The Eric Tildiss Function Band, guided walks, a range of hampers, champagne afternoon tea for two at the Roseate and a silhouette portrait session.
New service for carers – The Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership
17 November 2022
The partnership includes: Age UK Berkshire, Age UK Reading, Communicare and Reading Mencap – all have a successful track record of working with carers. Information, advice and support services for family carers in Reading and West Berkshire will be provided by the Reading & West Berkshire Carers Partnership from 1 November 2022:- Get support to help you in your caring role -Find local services and sources of help -Look after your health and wellbeing -Connect with other carers…