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.
Thames Valley PCC launches new online survey
17 November 2022
The Police and Crime Commissioner has launched an anonymous online survey, giving residents an opportunity to share their views and experiences of policing and crime. The survey asks for views about how safe residents feel in their local area, their experience of both crime and the police as well as questions on the future funding of policing. To complete the survey, please visit the PCC webpage at https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/survey.
Help with heating costs
21 October 2022
If you struggle to keep warm in winter you may be eligible for benefits, discounts and/or energy efficiency improvements to help with heating costs. -Priority Service Register -Winter Fuel Payment -Cold Weather Payment -Warm Home Discount Scheme -The £400.00 Energy Bills Support Scheme Discount -The Energy Company Obligation -Citizens Advice Reading
Winter Watch – helping vulnerable families stay warm this winter
21 October 2022
Winter Watch is run by RBC and a number of local voluntary and health services to make sure that no-one suffers from cold in their homes during the winter months. The Winterwatch service is available to owner occupied, private, council and housing association residents. The Winterwatch team can provide general energy saving advice to help you and your household stay safe and warm through winter. The service is open all year round. Please call Winterwatch on 01189 373747 to arrange support.
Be well this winter – Come along to our community wellbeing pop ups in Reading this October!
20 October 2022
-NHS mini health checks plus information and advice -Find out about local activities and support -Vaccination is protection, learn about accessing Covid 19 and Flu vaccines -Let us know how we can help this winter -Free refreshments and goodies. We look forward to seeing you there. Call 01183 341091 if you have any questions, spoken translation is available when you call.
Reading Green Wellbeing Network launches new website
20 October 2022
The Reading Green Wellbeing Network is a network of local providers delivering Green Care and nature-based interventions to people with a wide range of needs. We are proud to launch our new website full of resources for people in and around Reading. The site provides information on places where you can get involved in food growing, social and therapeutic horticulture, nature and conservation, gardening for health and wellbeing, mindful nature walks, and a variety of local community projects.
Surviving Winter funding round now open
15 October 2022
News from Berkshire Community Foundation: With the cost of living crisis becoming a stark reality, presenting concerns for how you can afford to operate, we understand that charities and organisations need more help than ever before to keep going through the winter months. Thanks to our extraordinary donors, we are pleased to announce that applications for our winter funding round are now being invited.
Reading small grants fund 2022/23 (Round 2)
12 October 2022
Reading Borough Council has allocated £200,000 for small grants to the voluntary and community sector for the year 2022/23. The council is inviting applications for funding for community-led activities that support inclusion and connectivity for the most marginalised groups and most vulnerable adults and children in our communities. The funding is available to support the infrastructure and/or additional capacity needed by voluntary and community organisations to expand existing services, deliver services in a different way or to develop new activities.
Free re3grow compost for your school or community group
23 September 2022
re3, the waste management partnership for Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham is now offering free compost to schools and community groups in the Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Council areas as part of the re3Grow Community Scheme. The provision of free compost is designed to promote recycling and local community activities for example, this could be in learning and education, enhancing the appearance of the local area, or in community food production.
Launch of Wellbeing Cafe
23 September 2022A café with a difference opens in Emmer Green. Located at Caversham’s Grace Church, in Peppard Road, it is the Light on the Hill Café, a wellbeing café, which offers a safe, shared space where you can find a warm welcome, peace and connection. It is a drop-in group for adults needing support with their emotional wellbeing and to help folk who may be feeling socially isolated.
Reading Lions Club ‘Lions Den’ Community Grant Scheme – deadline 7 October 2022
22 September 2022Reading Lions Club is once more reaching out to small local community groups and small local charities in the Reading area to offer financial support. Many local community groups do not have access to grant funding or the manpower/resources to invest in significant fundraising and yet they continue to provide a valued service to our community even during these challenging times. Through our own fundraising events we have set aside £10,000.00 to give away in small community grants.