• Free Mental Health Support

  24 April 2024

  News from: Mind in Berkshire (Oxfordshire Mind)

  Supported self-help can make a positive difference to your mental health. It’s a free programme that works with you, to support you to recognise and understand your emotions. We give you the materials to understand and manage your feelings. And we call you regularly to give you support.

  This is a one-to-one guided self-help service, not a counselling service. But our practitioners do use counselling-based skills in their support.

  You don’t need a GP referral to sign up for supported self-help.

  Once you’ve signed up, we’ll get in touch to talk about the issues you’re dealing with. If supported self-help is right for you, together we’ll agree a programme of support. This can cover any of the following:

  -Anxiety and panic attacks
  -Coping with grief and loss
  -Loneliness and feeling lonely
  -Low self esteem
  -Low mood and depression
  -Managing anger
  -Managing stress

  To find out more and sign up online go to www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/supported-self-help

  Please share this information with anyone who may find it helpful.

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• ReadiBus unveils a new bus livery

  24 April 2024

  News from: Readibus

  ReadiBus – Reading’s alternative door-to-door bus service for people with restricted mobility – unveiled a new bus livery on Wednesday 10 April 2024 in Broad Street, Reading.

  The ReadiBus has had a very distinctive burgundy and white livery since its inception. This is the first significant change to that bus livery in over 42 years. Back then, the mainstream buses were burgundy and white and the ReadiBus livery has been a derivation of that ever since.

  The new ReadiBus livery is a reflection of today’s multi-coloured mainstream buses. There was also a practical consideration as ReadiBus’ current livery couldn’t be used on the newer low-floor ReadiBus, because it has much bigger windows, so something different was needed…

  The new livery will further enhance the connection that ReadiBus is part of Reading’s public transport network. For people who are not able to use mainstream buses for the journeys that they need to make, ReadiBus is the only bus that they can use and so the service is an integral part of the network.

  The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, cut the ribbon to formally launch the new livery.

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• Berkshire Community Foundation – Funds for Older People – deadline 2 May 2024

  23 April 2024

  News from: Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)

  The Berkshire Community Foundation manages a number of funds which aim to support projects tackling issues affecting older people, such as isolation, health and well-being, and is now open for grant applications. Applications will be considered from not-for-profit, voluntary or community groups, social enterprises/CIC or registered charities, that are actively working in Berkshire. Grants up to a maximum of £5,000 will be considered, subject to funding availability.

  To be eligible, applicants must:
  -Have a governing document, such as a constitution or set of rules.
  -Have a management committee or board of trustees.
  -Have a bank account in the name of the group, with a minimum of two unrelated cheque signatories.
  -Be able to provide up-to-date accounts.
  -Have returned evaluation forms for any previously received grants.
  -Have safeguarding and equality policies which comply with current legislation.
  -Be helping the disadvantaged and provide a benefit to the community with clear and achievable outcomes.
  -Provide evidence there is a need for their work and must not be duplicating the work of other groups and organisations.
  -Have an itemised budget.

  When reviewing applications, the following will be taken into consideration:
  -Organisations who’s project matches the fund’s criteria
  -Amount of funding received in the previous 12 months
  -Project timelines
  -Outstanding monitoring reports.

  Funding is intended to support projects and activities for older people over the age of 65 years which:
  -Improve health and wellbeing
  -Reduce social isolation including befriending schemes
  -Improve access to facilities, advice and training
  -Provide respite for carers
  -Improve access to information and IT, particularly where this involves intergenerational work
  -Overcome problems such as illness, injury, disability, bereavement or financial difficulty.

  The first stage of the application process is to complete the Eligibility Quiz on the Berkshire Community Foundation website (www.berkshirecf.org/available-funding/funds-for-older-people). Eligible organisations will then be sent an application form link by email. Applications must be completed online and submitted by 10:00 on Thursday 2 May 2024.

  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 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

  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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• RBC/ACRE: Community Health Champions project grants – deadline extended to 5 April 2024

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

  21 March 2024

  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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• Are you ready for May’s elections?

  15 March 2024

  The local council and PCC elections will take place in Reading on Thursday 2 May 2024.

  If you’re not yet registered to vote, have moved address, or changed your name, you have until 23:59 on Tuesday 16 April 2024 to do so. The easiest and quickest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Residents can contact the Electoral Services Team if they need an application posted at elections@reading.gov.uk or 0118 937 3717.

  Last year, the government introduced a new law which means residents have to show photographic ID to be able to vote at polling stations. That requirement continues this year. People who plan to vote in person at a polling station are being asked to check now that they have an accepted form of ID. These include a passport, riving licence/provisional licence, blue badge, certain concessionary travel cards, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card, identity card with Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) mark, biometric immigration document, defence identity card, and certain national identity cards. Voters can use expired ID, as long as they are still recognisable from the photo. A full list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

  Residents who do not have an accepted form of ID can apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk. Residents who need help with applying for a VAC, or prefer to request a paper application form, can contact Electoral Services at elections@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 3717. The deadline for applying for a VAC is 5.00pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024.

  The deadline to apply for a postal vote for this year’s elections is 17:00 on Wednesday 17 April. For a proxy vote, it is 17:00 on Wednesday 24 April. Residents can find out more at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote.

  From 31 October 2023, absent vote applications for all polls in England, UK Parliamentary elections in Scotland, and UK Parliamentary and PCC elections in Wales, must be verified against Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data. To apply for a postal vote, residents need to supply their National Insurance number, as well as their name, address, date of birth and signature, so that the council can verify the identity of the person applying for the postal vote. It is important to note that the Council is unable to accept electronic signatures.

  Residents requiring further information or clarification contact the Electoral Services team at the Council by phoning 0118 937 3717 or email elections@reading.gov.uk.

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• New app for Reading’s library users

  26 February 2024

  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 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 2024

  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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