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.
Summer Internship Scheme is open for applications
13 April 2022
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is seeking motivated young people from ethnic backgrounds that are currently under-represented within the workforce, to take part in the Chairman’s Internship Scheme. As RBFRS continues to work towards an inclusive culture of equality and diversity, the Service wants to encourage people who may not have considered a career in the Fire and Rescue Sector to explore some of the many roles available to them.
Double recognition for innovative housing project as council shortlisted for two awards
7 April 2022
RBC has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards, recognising exceptional work from its Housing department. Shortly after the council received news from the Local Government Chronicle that it had been shortlisted in the LGC Awards 2022 Housing category, the Municipal Journal revealed that the council was also on the shortlist in the Best Social Housing category at the MJ Awards 2022. Both accolades were in recognition for a bold and innovative project to create modular homes for rough sleepers.
Reading Services Guide refresh – your views wanted
31 March 2022
Since 2014, the Reading Services Guide has hosted information, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, as well as listing local services supporting families, children, and adults. This year, we have received approval to refresh the website, this means a new up to date look for the website/directory. We would like to get your views on the proposed refreshed designs of the landing pages of the guide – the Home Page, and the Adult Care landing pages.
BCF: Vital for Berkshire Fund – deadline on 14 April 2022
31 March 2022
The Summer 2022 round of Vital for Berkshire fund aims to support charities, community groups and projects that work to tackle the most salient and pressing issues within Berkshire’s communities at any given time. Applications are invited from charities, community groups and projects that support vital needs in Berkshire, such as physical and mental health, supporting young and vulnerable people or groups, combating isolation, tackling poverty and disadvantage, offering equal opportunities for all, and more.
Ready Friends survey – have your say
29 March 2022Ready Friends is 6 years old this year, and was born out of the need to support local action on loneliness and social isolation. The voluntary and community sector is central to reducing loneliness in Reading and provides an enormous range of opportunities for people to be socially connected and participate in activities that are just right for them.
Thinking of holding a street party? Free road closures available this summer
24 March 2022
Communities across Reading are invited to host street parties to celebrate the Jubilee without having to pay the usual road closure fees. 2022 marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – when she becomes the first British monarch to reign for 70 years. And to mark this auspicious milestone, residents can now apply to host a street party during the special bank holiday in June – the Jubilee weekend – 2 to 5 June 2022.
Ukraine support
24 March 2022
In Reading we stand together with the people of Ukraine, whose lives are being affected by this terrible war. We are a compassionate community and there will be many who will be willing and able to provide suitable accommodation. As a council, we are working with national and local partners to ensure comprehensive support is in place for local sponsors and the Ukrainian refugees they’ll be welcoming to Reading. The following information may be of assistance.
BCF: Funds for Older People – deadline 14 April 2022
22 March 2022Berkshire Community Foundation manages a number of funds which aim to support projects tackling issues affecting older people, such as isolation, disability or disadvantage. The Funds for Older People is now open for grant applications in the Summer 2022 round of funding, from Monday 21 March 2022 until 10:00 on Thursday 14 April 2022. Grants up to a maximum of £5,000 will be considered, subject to funding availability.
Building Berkshire Together – Royal Berkshire Hospital redevelopment
17 March 2022Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is undertaking a major modernisation of its services and buildings. There are some events coming up:- They have a specific event for community groups to come and find out more about the options for Royal Berkshire Hospital and ask questions at the pop up Urban Room at Broad Street Mall, Reading on Friday 25 March between 10:00 and 11:30.
Central Reading locals take action to build community
17 March 2022
The newly-constituted Victoria Park Community Group signed on the dotted line last week and celebrated their community coming together to become a voice for the area. Residents in the area surrounding Great Knolly’s Street and George Street in central Reading first met online during the lockdown of 2020 after the posting of a local community survey of Victoria Park by resident and now Chair of the group, Maria Trevis.