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.
Future investment in community support: RBC consultation open until 25 July 2021
25 June 2021
Reading Borough Council has launched a consultation on ‘future investment in community support’. Voluntary and community groups have until 25 July 2021 to give their views. Since 2016, the council has focused on ‘narrowing the gap’ between different groups of residents. A number of voluntary and community organisations are now delivering services under funding agreements with the Council which are aimed at tackling poverty, promoting wellbeing, and supporting thriving communities.
Emergency broadcast alert test in Reading on 29 June 2021
25 June 2021
The UK government is introducing an emergency alert system using mobile phones. In the event of an emergency such as a flood or nuclear accident, the government and emergency services would have the ability to send a push message to mobile phones in a geographic area using cell broadcasting towers (i.e. not through phone networks) to warn the public about danger and advise how to stay safe. The system is being tested in Reading.
Campaign to highlight food poverty – #EatFor20
23 June 2021
Take part in #EatFor20 from 17 to 23 July 2021. A new joint campaign from Citizens Advice Reading and ReadiFood is asking people to live on £20 for a week this summer, in order to highlight the need for continuing the £20 Covid-related uplift to Universal Credit. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the £20 a week benefit boost until the end of September, in a bid to help UC claimants who may be struggling financially during the pandemic.
All adults in Reading can now walk in and get a Covid vaccine
20 June 2021
In response to an increase in Covid-19 infections and cases of the Delta variant in Reading, the Council and the NHS are boosting the local vaccination programme with a targeted vaccination clinic at the Reading Borough Council Civic Offices from Thursday 17 June to Sunday 27 June. People who have not received a vaccine are more likely to become ill or be hospitalised as a result of catching the Delta variant.
Lockdown easing delayed: what community groups needs to know
19 June 2021This week the government announced that they would be pausing at Step 3 of the Spring 2021 Roadmap to the lifting of the coronavirus restrictions due to the increase of the Delta variant. This means that Step 3 coronavirus restrictions remain in place. It is expected that the earliest we will now move to Step 4 is on the 19 July 2021. However, all organisations should continue to check government updates for any changes to this.
RBC funding to support community and voluntary groups – closing date 25 July 2021
18 June 2021
Small Grants Fund 2021/22:- RBC’s £100k Small Grants Fund 2021/22 is available for voluntary and community groups to apply for funding for community-led activities that tackle poverty and support mental wellbeing. Start-up/re-start grants for community groups:- The Council has also allocated £50k of its CEV funding from the Government for Start-up/re-start grants to help community group meetings or activities get going again after lockdown to help people regain community connections where they may have already undergone lengthy periods of self-isolation.
Covid surge testing starts in Reading
4 June 2021
A Covid surge testing programme is underway for residents, workers and students over the age of 12 in the following postcode areas: RG1 3, RG1 5, RG1 6, RG1 7. Testing takes place from Monday 7 June until Sunday 20 June. There is currently no change to local restrictions in the light of this testing. You can still travel to work and school in the affected areas.
Water Fest is back!
22 May 2021
Reading Borough Council is delighted to announce the return of its much-loved Reading Water Fest on 19 June this year as the flagship celebration event to mark the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey. 2021 is an incredibly auspicious year for Reading – marking 900 years since Reading Abbey, originally one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries, was founded by King Henry I of England. Reading Water Fest will be the focal celebration event for this landmark year.
The Weller Centre wins award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community
21 May 2021
Congratulations to The Weller Centre on winning the Outstanding Contribution to the Community award at the recent Thames Valley Business and Community Awards. The Thames Valley Business and Community Awards judges commented: “We wish that there were more centres like this around the country, centres that support numerous groups, clubs and classes in the heart of the community. This facility will help people of all ages.”
Brighter Futures for Children seeks activity providers
18 May 2021
The Department for Education (DfE) is providing funding to local authorities to coordinate a programme that provides healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children during the 2021 Easter, Summer and Christmas Holidays. Brighter Futures for Children is coordinating the programme locally and we are looking to work with a range of providers including community-based organisations, existing holiday care providers, schools, childminders, sports coaching, volunteer organisations, creative and performing arts providers and many others.