Newsletter2

• A new way to help Reading’s homeless people

  29 January 2025

  Residents keen to help Reading’s homeless can now do so effortlessly via the new Tap for Reading initiative launching today.

  The scheme is designed to ensure donations from the public reach those most in need whilst helping to deter begging on the streets, by encouraging people to change their method and desire to help the homeless by giving at a number of card tap points around the town centre.

  The tap points can be found at locations including The Oracle, Broad Street Mall and Reading Station, and provide residents with an easy way to help the homeless through official channels. The locations for all donation points, more information on how the money will be spent and how to donate online if you can’t make it to a tap point, can be found at www.reading.gov.uk/tapforreading

  Tap for Reading donations are divided equally between the four charities involved in Reading’s Homelessness Partnership – Launchpad Reading, The Salvation Army, St Mungo’s and YMCA Reading – to  provide practical support to people who are, or have been, rough sleeping in Reading. They will ensure that essential items such as clothing, food, specialist courses, travel to appointments, kitchen items and furnishings to make a home, and ID support to open bank accounts, register with doctors and dentists, are received by those most in need. The use of Tap for Reading donations is overseen by trained professionals to get individuals off the streets and back on their feet by directing the funds to providing the most appropriate support for them personally.

  By supporting the Tap for Reading scheme instead of giving direct to people on the streets, residents will also be helping to minimise begging, which at times can be aggressive and intimidating to those in the town centre. The public needs to be aware that there are no guarantees that those begging are homeless or that they will spend the money on essential items. So whilst it can seem like the kindest thing to do, giving money directly often means those most in need of genuine support do not receive help, at the expense of people who might not be homeless but may practice begging for other reasons.

  100% of the money donated will go to the council’s homelessness charity partners who will ensure that funds donated are used for what is needed directly and precisely to help Reading’s homeless population.

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• Just One Thing – kickstart a positive 2025 in Reading

  27 January 2025

  News from: Reading Borough Council

  Reading Council today launched its New Year Just One Thing, campaign encouraging residents to embrace new experiences, uncover and remember the town’s hidden gems, enhance wellbeing and make a positive contribution. Shifting the focus from traditional New Year’s resolutions to forming lasting habits that positively impact residents and the community.

  Just One Thing 25 tips for 2025, encourages residents to try simple and achievable ideas, spanning health and wellbeing to exploring the town’s culture and green spaces.

  Tips include:
  -Hop on a bus and go to a part of Reading you haven’t been to before maybe Arthur Newbery Park Tilehurst, Reading Old Cemetery or Fobney Island Nature Reserve South Reading.
  -Visit Reading Museum to see the Picasso.
  -Stroll and reminisce past where the Huntley and Palmers factory used to be and where Bugsy Malone was filmed in 1975, take in the town’s Banksy at the same time.
  -Learn how to say hello in the three most popular languages spoken after English; Polish, Nepalese and Romanian.
  -Make a commitment to spend time with a child in foster care just once a month.
  -Wander along the Oxford Road, the market stalls by the Broad Street Mall and West Street and browse the beautiful fruit and vegetable displays – why not buy a fruit or vegetable you haven’t before and try something new?

  Just One Thing also promotes the town’s new and improved leisure facilities, encouraging physical activity, and provides information on food waste, and tips for checking what can be recycled.

  More information along with a detailed list of ideas at www.reading.gov.uk/news/just-one-thing-kickstart-a-positive-2025-in-reading.

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• Change to Civic Offices entrance

  27 January 2025

  News from: Reading Borough Council

  Due to construction work at the Civic Offices, the entrance to the building is moving for at least a year. From 09:00 on 13 January, there will be 2 separate entrances for the public. One is for the Register Office and the other for all other council enquiries, services and visitors. There will be information around the building guiding visitors to the correct entrance.

  If you are visiting the Civic Centre the main entrance will be on Simmonds Street – follow instructions on the street to find the correct location.

  If you are visiting Reading Register Office, it is via a door on Bridge Street. You will have to use the buzzer to get in. There will be no access to the Civic Centre via the Register Office.

  The construction is to incorporate Reading’s Central Library into the Civic Centre.

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• University of Reading Celebration of Volunteering 2025 – Nominations Open!

  26 January 2025

  News from: University of Reading

  Nominations for the Celebration of Volunteering are now open until midnight Friday 28 February 2025.

  Do you know of a University of Reading student, staff member, or alumni who goes above and beyond as a volunteer? Nominate them now for a Celebration of Volunteering award.

  The Celebration of Volunteering event will then bring together colleagues, students, alumni and community partners to award, showcase and celebrate those who have shown their dedication to volunteering on campus or in their local community.

  There are six award categories this year:
  -Reading Students’ Union Project of the Year
  -Student Volunteer of the Year
  -Staff Volunteer of the Year
  -Alumni and Supporter Volunteer of the Year
  -Students in Schools Volunteer of the Year
  -Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Volunteer of the Year

  Head to the Celebration of Volunteering website (www.reading.ac.uk/about/local-community/volunteering-awards) now to nominate yourself or another person. You will also find top tips and guidance to help you write a nomination that will stand out to the judging panels.

  If you have any questions please email volunteer@reading.ac.uk.

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• Reading Volunteer Fair 2025

  26 January 2025

  News from: Reading Voluntary Action

  Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) is considering collaborating with partners to hold a Volunteer Fair in Reading later this year.

  RVA are keen to canvas groups on interest in such an event and when and how it can be delivered to fit the needs of as many groups as possible.

  RVA would be grateful if you could take a moment to complete the short questionnaire found HERE to allow them to gauge interest in a fair and how it can best be organised.

  Once completed RVA will add the email address provided to a mailing list to keep you informed of developments and, should they decide to hold a fair, provide you with the first opportunity to book a stall.

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