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.
Reading Family Aid – Toys & Teens Appeal 2023, closing 3 December 2023
25 November 2023
The Toys and Teens Appeal has been running for over 60 years in various forms. Today we are asking people who live in Reading and district to donate toys and gifts for children living in the Reading area who otherwise would have no Christmas presents. Our appeal closes on 3 December. Please visit our website for full information: www.readingfamilyaid.org/toys–teens-appeal.html
Residents to save money through council solar initiative
26 October 2023
A total of 239 Reading households are set to benefit from cheaper electricity, having taken up an opportunity to have solar panels installed in the most cost-effective and hassle-free way possible. In June residents were offered the chance, through the Solar Together initiative, to take advantage of competitive rates on solar panels and battery storage thanks to a group-buying scheme in operation across a number of Berkshire councils. Registration was free with no obligation to go ahead with an installation.
Reading Bridge celebrates centenary
26 October 2023
News from: Reading Borough Council – Historic celebrations took place as iconic local landmark Reading Bridge celebrated its centenary. Exactly 100 years to the day since chairman of the Borough Extension Committee, John Wessley Martin, originally opened the bridge, a plaque to mark the occasion was unveiled by Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, other dignitaries and members of CADRA, the Caversham and District Residents’ Association.
Free coaching for Reading’s charities
25 October 2023
News from: Reading Voluntary Action – Coaching Reading are a group of Reading based coaching professionals and enthusiasts who have come together to share knowledge and ideas, support the community, and to develop and learn. Thanks to the generosity of its members, they are able to provide gift-in-kind coaching support to local individuals and organisations who might not otherwise be able to access it.
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.