Newsletter (original version)

  • RBC/ACRE: Community Health Champions Project Grants – Deadline extended to 5 April 2024

    28 March 2024

    Reading Borough Council, together with Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality, are inviting local organisations who support Reading residents with their health and wellbeing to apply for this project grant. The grants are designed to support community-based organisations working with those at the greatest risk of experiencing poor health outcomes and health inequalities.

    This grants programme is aimed at voluntary and community groups based in Reading Borough including:
    -Charitable organisations
    -Voluntary organisations
    -Constituted community groups
    -Faith groups
    -Sports groups
    -Arts groups
    -Cultural organisations
    -Not-for-profit social enterprises

    Groups can apply in partnership or as a single organisation.

    The project is inviting applications for funding that support the following project grant criteria:
    -Projects which strengthen community development by empowering individuals in the community to identify their strengths, support other members of the community and consolidates community relationships.
    -Projects which encourage individuals in the community to harness their skills, resources and knowledge to support other members of the community and reduce health inequalities.
    -Projects which include working with Community Health Champions to identify community needs and developing initiatives or support to meet those needs
    -Projects which address misinformation about health and wellbeing in our local communities, including working to build trust between our communities and statutory organisations, including health partners.
    -Projects which encourage and support residents to access appropriate health and wellbeing services and accurate health and wellbeing information
    -Projects which look to explore, understand and evidence health inequalities in the communities of Reading
    -Projects which support Reading residents to access vaccines or information about vaccination, including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccines.

    Funding requirements – If your application is successful:
    -Your organisation is expected to recruit at least one voluntary Community Health Champion (CHC) within their organisation. The Champion could be an existing paid member of staff, a volunteer, or a service user/participant. Training and support will be provided to any recruited CHCs by the CHC team.
    -Your organisation will also be offered the opportunity to host NHS Health Check pop up events as part of the Community Wellness Outreach (CWO) project. The aim of the CWO project is to bring NHS Health Checks and health and wellbeing support to the communities of Reading.

    What the funding can be used for: The funding can be used to pay for the infrastructure and/or additional capacity needed by voluntary and community organisations to expand their existing work or to deliver new projects.
    -Local ‘one-off’ and small projects.
    -Running events.
    -Minor start-up costs (for example, to get a new idea/project off the ground).
    -Running costs such as hall hire and staff capacity.
    -Purchasing equipment.
    -Sessional costs (including staffing costs).

    Further information/how to apply:
    -Organisations can apply for grants of up to £10,000 (from an available pot of £44,000)
    -Guidance notes and an online application form can be found on the Reading Borough Council website at www.reading.gov.uk
    -The deadline for applications is 5 April 2024 at 17:00

    For further support from RVA with preparing your application or the policies and procedures required for this funding, contact Herjeet Randhawa at herjeet.randhawa@rva.org.uk.

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  • Job vacancy: CWO Social Prescribing Manager – closing date 29 April 2024

    28 March 2024

    News from: Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)

    RVA is looking to recruit a CWO Social Prescribing Manager to join the Community Wellness Outreach [CWO] project.

    The mission of CWO: A collaboration of local health and voluntary services to support people’s wellbeing, enabling them to live fulfilling lives, make healthy choices and address inequalities that impact them, in the places they live. Delivering a full Health Check, in community settings, by qualified nurses. Helping those who are most at risk of serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, and diabetes to identify ways to reduce their risk. Providing advice and guidance enabling people to take steps to address other issues that are impacting on their health and wellbeing.

    Summary of the role: The CWO Social Prescribing Manager will join a small and friendly project team providing the outreach sessions. The primary responsibility of the role is to enable participants at risk of poor cardio health to make changes to improve their health outcomes. The right person is likely to be motivated to overcome health inequalities and have some understanding of good cardio health.

    CWO Social Prescribing Manager Job description and Person Specification

    Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)
    Contract type: Part time
    Location: Greater Reading
    Salary: £32,000 pro rata
    Contact: Rachel Spencer
    Main contact telephone: 01189 372273
    Email: rachel.spencer@rva.org.uk
    Reference number for post: 2024/09
    How to apply: Applications can be made by submitting an application form – RVA Application Form
    Closing date for applications: 29 April 2024

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  • Thinking of holding a street party? Free road closures available this summer

    21 March 2024Thinking of holding a street party? Free road closures available this summer

    A street party is a great way to bring your neighbours together and have fun, and as in previous years communities across Reading are invited to host street parties without having to pay the usual road closure fees. This year the council has announced that free road closures will be available for street parties that take place on any weekend in June or July.

    To apply to hold a street party, please use the online application form at www.reading.gov.uk/streetparties. The deadline for applications this year is 29 April 2024.

    Closing a street will need agreement from the affected households – the forms are quite straightforward and completed applications from most streets that are not on bus routes will be accepted. Even if you are unable to close your street you might be able to have a party in a local park or other area of open space.

    For further ideas or help in planning your street party please visit the Street Party official website at www.streetparty.org.uk.

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  • New app for Reading’s library users

    26 February 2024New app for Reading's library users

    Residents can now reserve or renew books in any of the town’s libraries with a new app. The Library App gives residents the ability to reserve or renew books remotely, enabling users to manage their library accounts conveniently from their devices. The app enhances the overall user experience and will help users access all the resources available from Reading Libraries wherever they are.

    Residents will have 24/7 access to library resources where they can complete research, extend loans, make reservations and requests and interact with library resources from anywhere, at any time.

    Key features of the Reading Libraries app include:

    -Multiple library accounts can be managed in one app, all the families library ‘cards’ in one place
    -Search the full Reading Borough Council library catalogue and reserve a book to collect at your local library
    -Extend the loans of books via the app
    -Access eBooks, audio books and eMagazines and other online resources
    -Reading’s library stock is now more accessible, as well as being completely free to borrow.

    Librarians, kiosks and book drops continue to be available in-branch and branch opening times can also be checked in the app.

    The app can be downloaded here https://www.yourlibraryapp.com/ReadingLibraries.

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  • BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference Awards 2024

    7 February 2024BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference Awards 2024

    News from: BBC Radio Berkshire

    The BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference Awards are back for 2024.

    For the third year, BBC Radio Berkshire wants to celebrate and say thank you to people living in our villages and towns who make where we live a better place. Every day we hear stories of people doing incredible things for each other and their communities. Now it’s time to recognise them for all their hard work.

    Whether it’s caring for someone in need, being a brilliant neighbour, or inspiring children in the classroom, if you know someone who is really making a difference to your life or where you live, then you can nominate them for an Award.

    There are 8 categories;

    -Volunteer
    -Community
    -Fundraiser
    -Carer
    -Great Neighbour
    -Bravery
    -The Green Award
    -The Animal Award

    Nominations are now open and will close on Sunday 10 March 2024 at 23:00. The winners will be announced at our Make a Difference awards ceremony in September.

    You can nominate someone you know online at www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see the full Terms and Privacy Notice.

    Please note that you can’t nominate yourself and you can’t nominate any of the winners or shortlisted nominees from last year’s awards in the same category.

    There’s also a guide on how to nominate at: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0h8k50p.

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  • Invitation to a Joy Marketplace information session

    27 January 2024Invitation to a Joy Marketplace information session

    Reading Voluntary Action is inviting local community groups and charities to a 45 minute information session on the Joy Marketplace.

    Joy is an online platform that connects people to life-changing local services. It instantly refers clients to high-quality support on the marketplace of services, which automatically stays up to date. It’s free for VCOs to join and gives your organisation visibility to the public and to health and wellbeing professionals. Plus, you can easily customise your organisation’s public-facing page.

    Come along and find out:
    -What is the Joy Marketplace?
    -How does it benefit services users?
    -How does it benefit health and wellbeing staff, volunteers and service managers?
    -Customising it to meet your group’s needs
    -Safeguarding and due diligence checks
    -How do groups register?
    -Where can I find out more?

    If you would like a one-to-one session (in-person or on Zoom) with Rhiannon from RVA, please email rhiannon.stocking-williams@rva.org.uk or phone 07485 327958.

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  • Community Wellness Outreach: free health checks available

    16 January 2024Community Wellness Outreach: free health checks available

    This is an opportunity for the community to receive a free NHS health check and advice to improve their health in community settings in Reading.

    The Reading Community Wellbeing Outreach partnership project will run to the end of March 2025. The partnership is funded by the Integrated Care Board ICB to pilot outreach activities to reduce health inequalities for our most vulnerable communities. The programme is open to all but people at risk of developing cardiovascular conditions are a priority.

    The partners will run health and wellbeing outreach hubs in community settings across Reading providing NHS Health Checks and holistic support to enable people to take action to improve their health.

    Visit the Community Wellness Outreach page to find out more about the project:

    -Calendar of events for people to access the service
    -What’s involved in a NHS health check.

    Please use the contact links on the page to find out more or to get in touch about how your organisation can get involved to support your community to attend.

    Call 0118 304 8841 if you would like to speak to someone about the project or have any questions.

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  • Let’s Sing Reading now open to all vocalists as it returns for 2024!

    14 January 2024Let’s Sing Reading now open to all vocalists as it returns for 2024!

    News from: Reading Borough Council

    The Mayor of Reading’s annual choir competition is expanding to also welcome applications from local soloists, duets, and singing groups as it returns for 2024.

    The competition will again be in aid of the Mayor’s chosen charities for 2023/24, Reading Refugee Support Group, and Reading Stroke Support Group.

    The contest is divided into three age categories and a panel of judges, including Reading Mayor, Cllr Tony Page, will select up to 6 entrants from each category. Successful finalists will be part of the grand Let’s Sing final, performing live on The Hexagon stage on Tuesday 26 March.

    A winner will be selected in each category, and an overall winner on the night will be presented with a special Let’s Sing trophy by the Mayor.

    The judging panel will select which participants will go through to the live final, and overall winners will be revealed at the event on 26 March.

    Singers of any kind from across the Borough can complete the short application form at: www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/things-to-do/letssingreading.

    The closing date for entries is 19 February 2024.

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  • Senior Changemakers – nominate for the chance of a £2,000 donation

    14 January 2024Senior Changemakers - nominate for the chance of a £2,000 donation

    News from: Edwards Lifesciences, competition organiser

    Would you like to be in with a chance to receive a £2,000 donation for your charity?

    If your organisation has any volunteers over the age of 65, we would love to invite you to take part in the Senior Changemakers: Volunteering Champions project.

    Following the launch of the Unifying Generations initiative last year, which aimed to change the perceptions of the older population and emphasize their positive contribution to society, Edwards Lifesciences are proud to present the Senior Changemakers project, which aims to highlight and reward those at the heart of volunteering.

    What does this mean for you?

    Nominate volunteers aged 65+ from your organisation, who you believe best demonstrate what it means to be a Senior Changemaker using this short online form https://form.jotform.com/233385028803052

    Further information:
    -The deadline for nominations is 18 February
    -Nominations will be assessed by our judging panel who are all experts in their fields
    -Shortlisted nominees will be invited to celebrate their work in front of other volunteers and experts
    -Winners chosen by the judging panel will receive a £2,000 donation to the nominating charity and potentially may be featured in local media

    Should you have any questions on the above information please don’t hesitate to get in touch at CorpComms@havasso.com

    Best of luck to all nominees!

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  • Together UK Reading nominated for two awards

    13 January 2024Together UK Reading nominated for two awards

    Together UK Reading are thrilled to share that they have been shortlisted for not just one, but two prestigious awards in the Thames Valley Business & Community Awards 2024 – Outstanding Contribution to The Community and The Charity of The Year. With over 1100 overall nominations for the awards, being shortlisted is a huge achievement for this small but mighty charity.

    Together UK Reading aims to support people on their journey towards better mental wellbeing and provide preventative mental support through a range of services across Reading;

    1. Community Outreach Service – provides community 1:1 mental health support and community support for the refugee and asylum seeker community.

    2. Breathing Space – a crisis telephone line (08000 029091) open between 17:00 – 23:00 which also offer 6 sessions of 1:1 community support.

    3. Managing Emotions Programme – a psychoeducational range of courses aimed at upskilling attendees to better manage their mental health

    4. Winter Wellbeing Project – a wellbeing project being delivered across Prospect Park Hospital and within the community offering 1:1 sessions and wellbeing workshops.

    Together UK Reading will be attending the Thames Valley Business & Community Awards 2024 at the end of the month at The Hilton Reading where the overall winners will be announced. We wish the entire team a well-deserved wonderful evening.

    For more information about Together UK in Reading and to access support get in touch with them at readingcos@together-uk.org.

    More information about the wellbeing workshops taking place at RVA’s offices in Reading Central Library can be found here: Winter Wellness Workshops and Creative Writing Workshop.

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Upcoming events

Event Information:

  • Tue
    03
    Mar
    2020

    Youth Work Essentials

    10:00 - 16:00Berkshire Youth

    Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street, Reading, RG1 4RJ

    Understand the key principles of how to engage, motivate and educate young people to make informed life choices. Explore key values and attitudes in effective and meaningful work with young people and expand your toolkit of activities to enhance your work and increase impact.

    If you are new to working with young people or want to refresh on your youth work approach this training session is a great opportunity for you. Light refreshments will be provided.

    Contact details
    Email: movement@ukyouth.org
    Phone: 02030 115995

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