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.
Berkshire West mental health grants for disadvantaged communities 2023-24 – Deadline on Wednesday 22 November
25 October 2023
RVA has been asked to manage a small grants process to deliver wellbeing projects with a focus on inclusion for communities within Berkshire West at risk of experiencing health inequalities. Expressions of interest are welcome and voluntary and community organisations can apply for a maximum of £5,000 per organisation. Charities or organisations can bid together for whole community approaches to tackle a particular issue, support community involvement, upskilling communities, creating hubs and safe spaces.
Have your say: new Waterloo Meadows play area
23 September 2023
RBC is inviting local residents to help choose the design for a new play area at Waterloo Meadows, positioned alongside the River Kennet by Elgar Road and Rose Kiln Lane, as part of the Council’s ongoing major investment in playgrounds across Reading’s parks. Scenic Waterloo Meadows boasts a variety of facilities and landscapes including beautiful willows dotted along the river banks. Local residents are now being invited to have their say on a shortlist of four new play areas.
Saying Thank You on BBC Radio Berkshire
22 September 2023
BBC Radio Berkshire wants your help. They are creating a brand-new afternoon show which will cover both Berkshire and Oxfordshire. This will be featuring a segment offering thanks to a person or people who have made a difference in someone else’s life. If you would like to thank someone who has inspired/impacted your life, and would like to talk about it on air then please get involved as BBC Radio Berkshire would love to hear from you.
Household Support Fund
22 September 2023
As part of the council’s Household Support Fund scheme this year, any Reading borough resident can now apply for financial support. Priority will go to low-income households who are struggling financially. That primarily means those in receipt of low-income benefits or other related state benefits, and residents who are not in receipt of those benefits but have specific circumstances that have negatively impacted their overall cost of living, such as unexpected or increased expenditure.
Recruiting for University of Reading Psychology Research Study
20 September 2023
The University of Reading is currently undertaking a research study looking at changes in memory and thinking in healthy older adults. They are interested in subjective cognitive impairment, which is defined as the self-reported experience on worsening cognitive abilities e.g., worsening memory and thinking, without any difficulties being evident on objective tests of memory and thinking. The University want to investigate the most useful way to ask someone about changes in their everyday memory and thinking.
Are you registered to vote?
15 September 2023
Are your household details up to date? Reading Borough Council has been sending annual canvass forms to households in order to keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered and encouraging them to do so as soon as possible. In addition to responding to the annual canvass form, if you are not registered to vote the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, by calling 0118 937 3717 or emailing elections@reading.gov.uk.
Three new playgrounds open in Reading
14 September 2023
Reading Council’s ongoing major investment in children’s play areas continues to deliver for communities across Reading: -Lulworth Road Playground -South Whitley Recreation Ground -Coley Recreation Ground Play Area. Playgrounds are an important part of our communities and Reading Borough Council is committed to a widespread programme of improvements. Outdoor play is vital for children’s health and wellbeing and high-quality equipment accessible as possible for all children and their carers is a key priority.
Help make Reading greener – sponsor a new tree
23 August 2023
Residents can now help to make Reading greener by sponsoring the planting of a tree in the street of their choice. Reading Borough Council has teamed up with charitable enterprise Trees for Streets to work with residents either individually or in a group, so anyone can apply to have a tree planted on their behalf as close as possible to their chosen location. The initiative comes in response to frequent requests from people wanting trees planted near where they live.
Caversham Court Gardens wins Green Flag award
23 August 2023
Caversham Court Gardens has been confirmed amongst the best parks and open spaces in the country by being awarded a prestigious Green Flag award and Green Heritage Accreditation for 2023. The Green Flag award recognises high-quality maintenance and excellent wildlife and climate-friendly practices, with winners having to demonstrate that standards are being maintained and continuous improvements are being achieved.
Revealed! The names of Reading’s new waste trucks
22 August 2023
News from: Reading Borough Council – Five electric bin lorries will be cleaning up Reading emblazoned with new names given to them by residents after a borough-wide competition. The competition, launched in June, celebrated yet another milestone in the Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling the Climate Emergency by letting residents name the Council’s first five electric bin lorries, otherwise known as electric refuse collection vehicles.