News

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.

  • Catalyst have Community Connector opportunities in Reading – paid work for young people through Kickstart

    26 March 2021Catalyst have Community Connector opportunities in Reading – paid work for young people through Kickstart

    Catalyst have created a ‘Kickstart in the Community’ project that offers young people paid work as ‘Community Connectors’: This is a new type of role within their Community Investment team that will help young people develop transferable skills, confidence and a local network. Working alongside Catalyst’s Community teams, Community Connectors will use their local knowledge to map local services, talk to residents, stay in touch with socially isolated older people and organise neighbourhood projects to boost community spirit and wellbeing.

  • Voluntary sector vaccine support helpline opens

    25 March 2021Voluntary sector vaccine support helpline opens

    Reading voluntary organisations are working together to support people to access their vaccine as they become eligible. RVA has opened a central helpline for carers, family, professionals and individuals in need of support: 0118 334 1091. Support includes: -Responding to a GP letter or confirming an appointment. -Registering with a GP if required. -Safe and friendly transport to and from a vaccine hub. -Buddy around the hub, with language support if required.

  • Localgiving Magic Little Grants – deadline 31 October 2021

    25 March 2021

    The Magic Little Grants 2021 programme promises to be even bigger and better than ever. This gives grants of £500 to small charities and community groups thanks to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Registered charities, community groups and charitable organisations that are schools or connected to schools are eligible to receive funding. Each organisation may only apply once in 2021. The programme is now live and accepting applications until 31 October 2021.

  • Citizens Advice Reading wellbeing workshops

    23 March 2021Citizens Advice Reading wellbeing workshops

    News from (Citizens Advice Reading) Life can bring us lots of concerns and worries, especially at the moment. Citizens Advice Reading are now offering wellbeing workshops. These are free one-off introductions to: -Understanding anxiety -Living with low moods -Managing stress. Currently they are all online, so you can attend in the comfort of your own home. They last one hour and are run by our mental health coach.

  • Would you be interested in supporting a School Streets scheme?

    24 February 2021Would you be interested in supporting a School Streets scheme?

    A school in East Reading is hoping to promote walking and cycling to school, and clean air for everyone, by starting a School Streets scheme. A School Street is a road outside a school with a temporary restriction on motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times. The restriction applies to school traffic and through traffic. The result is a safer, healthier and pleasant environment for everyone.

  • Get ready for Census 2021!

    24 February 2021Get ready for Census 2021!

    The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. It will be the first time the census has been run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

  • Tribute to Philip Kallay

    20 February 2021Tribute to Philip Kallay

    We would like to pay tribute to one of Reading’s community champions, Phillip Edmond Kallay, who passed away after a short illness on 5 January 2021. Philip moved with his family to the Hexham area in 2010 and became an active member of the Hexham Community Association after making friends with the then Chair, Surjit “Ken” Kainth. Together they negotiated a new lease for the Hexham Community Centre, secured funding for centre improvements and supported the Whitley Big Local project.

  • The SHARE checklist – Tackling misinformation

    19 February 2021The SHARE checklist – Tackling misinformation

    The government has launched a new website aimed at stopping the spread of false information. It encourages people to use the SHARE checklist before liking, commenting or sharing content online, with the aim of stopping the spread of false and harmful information about medical advice, vaccines, and technology scares. Read more on the SHARE checklist website (https://sharechecklist.gov.uk).

  • How ABC to Read is supporting children with their reading during the Covid-19 pandemic

    18 February 2021

    With school closures, a lot of ABC to Read’s volunteers paused their usual face-to-face support in primary schools. Our mission to help children access good literacy skills continues and there has never been a more important time for our work so we have adapted our support to offering virtual reading sessions so that we can still be here for children both in schools and at home. These sessions are held via Zoom and all safeguarding measures are strictly adhered to.

  • Reading Lions Club – Lion’s Den community grants scheme

    17 February 2021

    Reading Lions Club is once again reaching out to small local community groups and small local charities to offer financial support. Many local community groups do not have access to grant funding or the 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 to give away in small community grants. Entry opens on 19 February 2021.