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.
Heritage Open Days 2024
28 August 2024
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore. There are plenty of events to go to and historic places to see in the Reading area – including museum and archive tours, local history and heritage walks, open days at historic houses, gardens, churches and other venues, and much more.
PCC Thames Valley Community Fund – Deadline 9 September 2024
28 August 2024
The PCC Thames Valley Community Fund is an opportunity for community and voluntary groups to get involved and assist both the PCC and Thames Valley Police in tackling and reducing crime. Funding comes from the proceeds from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owner. Its purpose is to support voluntary and community groups that can help to prevent crime and keep communities safe. This fund is open for applications twice a year.
Your South Reading
22 August 2024
So many wonderful unique communities make up the town of Reading. We’re celebrating every inch of the borough by telling stories via our residents about seven local areas surrounding our libraries – hubs of the local community that provide services which span the generations and embrace the diversity of local populations. Your South Reading is the third of our communities to be featured and includes the Cowsey, Whitley Community Café, Fobney Island Nature Reserve, Reading FC Community Trust and more.
Have your say on our town’s climate action priorities
25 July 2024
Work has begun on Reading’s Climate Emergency Strategy for 2025–2030. Reading’s current Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan (which covers the period 2020–2025) is nearing its end. RCAN has dedicated 2024 – Reading’s Year of Climate Engagement – to bringing people together to shape climate action priorities for our next plan, for 2025–2030.
Formal bidding process open for the Reading Central Library freehold premises
23 July 2024
Reading Borough Council have now commenced the 8-week bidding process for the release of the freehold Central Library premises subject to planning. This is being concurrently released to the local voluntary sector and on the open market via Savills for bids. Local voluntary organisations are invited to submit their subject to planning proposals by 12:00 on 11 September 2024.
Have your say: crime and safety in Reading
23 July 2024
Reading’s annual safety survey is now live. It’s a chance for you to share your views on how safe you feel and the crime issues affecting you in Reading. Have your say at www.reading.gov.uk/communitysafetysurvey. Crime and safety in Reading is tackled by Reading’s Community Safety Partnership. By law, every local authority (council), police force and other crime agencies must work in partnership to tackle community safety and serious violence issues in their local area.
Your Town Centre
13 July 2024
So many wonderfully unique communities make up the town of Reading. We are celebrating every inch of the borough by telling stories via our residents about seven local areas surrounding our libraries – hubs of the local community that provide services which span the generations and embrace the diversity of local populations. Residents tell us about what makes the area home, local hidden gems and what they love about where they live and what makes their community so wonderfully unique.
Become a Community Health Champion
1 July 2024
Community Health Champions are people who live in Reading and help their community by making sure everyone knows about important health information, services, and activities. They also listen to feedback from others about how to make things better for everyone’s health. It is a voluntary role so anyone who lives in the borough can become a Community Health Champion. If you have a desire to help improve your community then this is a great opportunity for you!
Community roadshows launched
26 June 2024
A series of community roadshows has been launched at centres around the town, organised by Citizens Advice Reading in partnership with local advice and support organisations. These events is for local residents to: -Speak with organisations including Citizen’s Advice Reading and Reading Borough Council teams -Find out what is happening at the community centre -Have a say in future activities and events at centres.
New licensing scheme proposed to improve private rented property
25 June 2024
A consultation on a new licensing scheme which aims to provide better homes for tenants in the private rented sector has been launched. It will look at extending the current house in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing scheme across Reading, as well as introducing a targeted scheme to three specific wards which will cover all rental properties in the private rented sector. Implementing an additional HMO licensing scheme borough-wide, aims to drive up conditions for tenants and improve the housing stock.