Here you can keep up with the latest from Reading’s 900+ voluntary organisations and other voluntary sector news from around the area.
Are you ready for those New Year’s Resolutions?
8 December 2016For many the start of the year is a time for reflection and the setting of new goals. We believe that volunteering can be a way for people to fulfil a host of resolutions; meeting new people, developing new skills or just giving something back. It would seem that we are not along in thinking this ...
Proposed Victims’ Services redesign – latest information
7 December 2016
The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner intends to undertake a fundamental redesign of commissioned Victims’ Services by 1 April 2018. The new model will include development of: a central co-located ‘Victims First’ Hub with the Thames Valley Police (TVP) Witness Care Unit (WCU) a number of actual or virtual satellite hubs a range of community ‘touchpoints’ or ...
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) – free workshops
7 December 2016Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is an approach to behaviour change that utilises existing day-to-day interactions that organisations and individuals have with other people to support them in making positive changes to their physical and mental health and wellbeing. The Reading MECC project will adopt the broader definition of MECC, known as MECC+. This includes ...
Calling all Treasurers – end the year feeling on top of your books!
7 December 2016Are you a new treasurer or do you need a refresher? Come and brush up on your skills and end the year feeling more on top of your books!
Land available for lease in central Reading
7 December 2016Reading Borough Council is marketing land at Abattoirs Road, Reading RG1 7BL comprising a cleared site equating to approximately 0.47 acres. The site is to rent on a 25-year lease with break options at 5-yearly intervals. The land would be suitable for a range of uses, subject to a tenant obtaining planning consent. Full details, including ...
How to become a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Assocation)
5 December 2016A guide for existing unincorporated associations who want to change to an incorporated structure of a CIO. What are the benefits, what do you need to plan for and how do you go about changing your structure?
Dingley’s Promise announces date for its Spring Ball
5 December 2016The date of The Dingley’s Promise Spring Ball has been set for Saturday 4 March 2017. It will be held at The Hilton Hotel, Drake Way, Reading as in previous years and the theme will be The Roaring Twenties. Think Bugsy Malone and The Great Gatsby! Ball and raffle tickets will be available early in the New ...
Christmas and New Year events and information for older people
1 December 2016Ho Ho Ho, it’s that time again! From skittles & supper to mince pies & music and everything in between, there are a sleigh full of events going on in Reading for older people over this festive season. Take a look HERE for details of events happening in your area and other information. Fancy helping out? Please contact ...
Voluntary and Community Sector Representative required
1 December 2016Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Ltd is seeking a highly experienced Voluntary and Community Sector Representative who can bring their commitment passion and energy to the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP Forum. With a successful track record in Berkshire you will bring your skills, experience and constructive challenge to our well-developed ambitions. If you have ...
Health & Safety and Risk Assessment Training
28 November 2016All voluntary and community groups are legally required to have basic health and safety measures in place. This one day course will provide a basic health and safety overview as well as guidance on how to complete risk assessments.
Free Get Berkshire Active open days
28 November 2016Get Berkshire Active is coordinating a series of open days which will be hosted at sites in West Berkshire in January. These events are free and open to older adults and disabled adults. Carers are welcome too. They’re a great opportunity to get out of the house, socialise, try something new and get active. It doesn’t ...
Mills Archive awarded accreditation by the National Archives
28 November 2016The Mills Archive is one of the first charities to receive accreditation by the National Archives, and joins a prestigious group of national archives that have also become accredited. The badge of accreditation is national recognition for the quality of its work caring for the vulnerable records of milling history. The Archive Service Accreditation Panel “praised the ...
Brighter Berkshire Year of Mental Health 2017 – be involved in the planning
25 November 2016Supporters of Brighter Berkshire Year of Mental Health 2017 aim to maximise the use of all community networks and assets to raise awareness, reduce stigma and improve support for those who need it most in Berkshire. Cllr Graeme Hoskin is Chair of Reading’s Health & Wellbeing Board, and also the Mental Health Challenge Council Champion. He ...
Reading’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy – update from consultation event
25 November 2016Reading Borough Council hosted a consultation meeting about the Health and Wellbeing Draft Strategy 2017-20 on Monday 21st November in the Council Chamber. It was well attended by voluntary organisations, patient groups and members of the public. Here is a link with the presentations from the key partners on the suggested priorities that are out for ...
Expressions of Interest invited – could you provide support for people receiving Direct Payments?
24 November 2016Our uptake of Direct Payments currently stands at around 11% amongst eligible Social Care clients. We wish to achieve a 25% uptake, in order to promote greater levels of choice and independence amongst our service users, and in order to generate savings against our existing social care spend. Support to enable a person to set up ...
Charitable Companies and CICs – are you PSC compliant?
22 November 2016All charitable companies and CICs must comply with the new regulations to list Persons of Significant Control (PSC). RVA have prepared an easy read factsheet to help you work out whether you have any PSCs in your organisation and the reporting requirements.
Focus on wellbeing: Rachel Goater returns to work!
18 November 2016I’ve been on maternity leave for 9 months but am happy to be working at RVA again and with your organisations. I thought I’d just say a quick hello to let you know I was back, but also to outline what I’ll be working on as a few things have changed while I’ve been away! Wellbeing Directory I ...
Reading Rotary seek to celebrate the positive contribution of young people in the town
17 November 2016The Rotary Club of Reading are looking for a young person or group of young people (under 25) making a positive difference here in Reading Borough through the Young Citizens Award 2017. Suitable nominees will have their contribution recognised by the Reading club. One nominee will potentially be adopted by the District Rotary organisation to go ...
Elevate Hub open for your Toys and Teens 2016 Christmas donations
16 November 2016The Elevate Hub, 3rd floor Reading Central Library, is acting once again as a collection point for the Reading Family Aid Toys and Teens Christmas appeal. The appeal is now up and running and we are very pleased to accept donations of new or nearly new toys or vouchers appropriate for children between the ages of ...
Getting Home Steering Group – a brief introduction!
16 November 2016When a patient is ready to leave hospital, the priority for local authorities, hospitals, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and community healthcare trusts is to ensure that the patient can move back home with the care they need, or to an appropriate care home or nursing setting. Longer stays in hospital can have a negative impact on ...