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.
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.
Local artists launch ‘The Oxford Road Times’, a one-off community newspaper
17 September 2022
Community newspaper celebrates the diverse and rich culture of the Oxford Road. Reading Council’s High Street Heritage Action Zone commissioned the project from visual artists Lisa-Marie Gibbs and Philip Newcombe, as part of the ongoing cultural project, funded by Historic England. The paper documents a range of happenings, events and workshops delivered with various Oxford Road community groups this year
Have your say: Coley Park Community Centre
3 September 2022
The council is carrying out consultation into the autumn so you can tell us what you like about Coley Park and what you would like to see improved, including at your local community centre at 140 Wensley Road. We want to ensure that Coley Park benefits from community facilities that you and your families can enjoy and so we need your help to make sure these and other steps we take to improve things are the right ones.
Help to Claim Universal Credit
26 August 2022
Citizens Advice Reading can support your clients to claim Universal Credit. We offer a free service that takes your client from initial application to first correct payment. If your client is thinking of making their first claim for Universal Credit whether they are currently on no benefits or receiving legacy benefits we can help. If you would like to signpost your clients to us, they can call on 08001 448444. Further information can be found on the website at https://rcab.org.uk/advice.
Compass Recovery College – Free mental health and wellbeing workshops
19 August 2022Compass Recovery College offer free mental health and wellbeing workshops for everyone over the age of 18 in Reading. Whether you’re looking to develop your knowledge and skills in self-management, you are supporting someone with mental health-related challenges, or you work in mental health services, Compass are delighted to welcome you on a learning journey. They offer a wide range of workshops that are an educational route to recovery from mental health challenges and increasing positive wellbeing.
Free training and mentoring starting September 2022
19 August 2022The Thames Valley Community Health Pathways is a programme to help unemployed local residents progress towards further training, education or work in health and social care. On this programme you will have access to courses and mentoring opportunities, focusing on awareness, skills and confidence around healthy lifestyles, behaviour change, tackling health inequalities and job/education search.