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 Volunteer Thank You Event – registration open
26 April 2023
Reading Voluntary Action is delighted to announce the return of the annual Reading volunteers’ celebration event. The event will celebrate those in our community who volunteer their time, talents and skills for the benefit of our town and takes place during the national Volunteers’ Week celebrations. It will be the first time we have hosted the event since the cancellation of the 2020 event due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Voter ID support resources available
26 April 2023
The UK government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time at the local elections taking place in some areas of England on Thursday 4 May 2023. The Electoral Commission has created a wide range of resources to support those more likely to experience barriers in preparing for this change and may need support to access photo ID.
Participatory Action Research Training, 4 May 2023
14 April 2023
Participatory Action Research training by the University of Reading, the Local Community and its partners. This is a face-to-face training working together with local organisations in Reading on how to conduct participatory Action Research in a meaningful way creating social change to the issues that matter to the community collaboratively.
Lyndhurst Road Community Centre opening events
13 April 2023
Walk-in opening events for the newly built Lyndhurst Road Community Centre in Kentwood are being held on the 27 April (10:00-12:00), 10 May (13:00-15:30) and 11 May (17:30-20:00). The opening events are an opportunity for anyone who is interested to visit and view the facilities available, to ask any questions, to make any bookings or look at the council’s wider involvement in the community. Lyndhurst Road Community Centre is a new space situated in Tilehurst.
Can you complete a Marathon in May for PACT?
27 March 2023
Reading-based charity Parents And Children Together (PACT) is asking people to complete a marathon in a month in support of its work with children, families and the local community. Marathon in May challenges you to complete a total of 26.2 miles over the 31 days in May. You can run, walk, cycle or wheel the miles and can cover the distance either individually or together as a family or group of colleagues or friends.
The Big Help Out
27 March 2023
To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation voluntary sector organisations across the country are being encouraged to provide opportunities for people to get involved in volunteering opportunities in their communities. Starting on 8 May, the objective of The Big Help Out is to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the UK and provide opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities.
Sight Loss Training with Berkshire Vision
27 March 2023
Would you like to find out more about sight loss? Berkshire Vision will be running a free 45 minute online course that will help you understand the following: -How eyes work -The causes of sight loss -Sight loss registration -How to keep your eyes healthy -How Berkshire Vision supports people living with sight loss -Volunteering with Berkshire Vision
Magic Little Grants – Open on 1 March 2023
27 March 2023
Localgiving is the UK’s leading independent non-profit online fundraising platform for charities and community groups. They are incredibly excited to announce that Magic Little Grants 2023 is going to be even bigger and better than ever before. This fund gives local charities and community groups the chance to apply for £500 grants to deliver projects across Great Britain that encourage people to be physically active.
Coronation street parties – free road closure application deadline 31 March
25 February 2023
Local communities across Reading are being invited to host their own coronation street parties in May – and Reading Borough Council is again waiving the usual road closure fees. To help celebrate the coronation the Council will waive the usual road closure fee for any approved street party taking place over Saturday 6, Sunday 7 or Monday 8 May – so that residents can celebrate without any extra costs.
Building Berkshire Together Options Survey – deadline 6 March 2023
25 February 2023The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is on the government’s New Hospital Programme. This means they will receive funding to either redevelop or rebuild the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. They have called the programme Building Berkshire Together or BBT. By being on the New Hospital Programme it gives the Trust the chance to think about the hospital and the services provided there.