Here you can keep up with the latest from Reading’s 900+ voluntary organisations and other voluntary sector news from around the area.
Land off Overdown Road for sale – third sector bidding opportunity
26 November 2019
Reading Borough Council are inviting offers for land off Overdown Road Reading. In accordance with the council’s Third Sector Premises Policy, the property is being advertised by RVA News. Voluntary and community groups have until 22 January 2020 to make an offer. Key facts Triangular shaped site as shown edged red on the plan (above). Pedestrian and vehicular ...
Vacant shop at 479 Northumberland Avenue to let – third sector bidding opportunity
26 November 2019
A vacant shop at 479 Northumberland Avenue Reading, RG2 8LZ is available to let In accordance with Reading Borough Council’s Third Sector Premises Policy, the property is being advertised by RVA News. Voluntary and community organisations have until 29 January 2020 to make an offer. Please contact the Property, Estates & Valuation Section of RBC for ...
Co-location opportunities at Battle and Tilehurst libraries for voluntary and community groups
22 November 2019Reading Borough Council Library Services have previously advertised spaces at Tilehurst library and Battle library for potential co-location with partners. This was previously on a zero rent but on the proviso that partners would be present at certain hours to help with single staffing the libraries involved. They are now looking at changing the approach ...
Tech to Connect finalists
21 November 2019The next Ready Friends Befriending Forum will focus on how technology can help reduce loneliness and social isolation. Following the publication of the government’s Loneliness Strategy in October 2018, a new funding programme was launched to offer development funding and support to online technology that reduces loneliness and social isolation. A summary of the finalists’ projects ...
What’s On Reading website – new guide to arts, culture and heritage events
20 November 2019
Have you seen the new What’s On Reading website, which aims to provide the most extensive listings guide for arts, culture and heritage events in the town? What’s On Reading is co-produced by Reading UK and Reading Arts and Venues, and welcomes event listings from organisations of all kinds. Voluntary and community groups can register as ...
Christmas gift collections at RVA
20 November 2019
This year, Reading Voluntary Action hosted Christmas gift collections on behalf of the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Giving Tree, and Reading Family Trust’s Toys and Teens appeal. We would like to thank everyone for their wonderful response, but note that both these collections have now stopped accepting donations. For any further information on the Toys and Teens Appeal, ...
Alternative to Crisis – your opinion matters
20 November 2019The Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group would like your opinion about developing a Mental Health Crisis Café in Berkshire West (to serve Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire). This is part of a review into Mental Health Crisis Services for the population of Berkshire West Take part in the survey The survey is open from 15 November – ...
Are you registered to vote? The deadline is midnight on 26 November 2019
20 November 2019Residents do not have much time left to register to vote in the General Election on 12 December 2019 With news of the General Election next month, Reading Borough Council is reminding residents they need to register to have their say on who forms the next Government. Residents living in Kentwood Ward will additionally need to ...
Making your community warmer this winter
19 November 2019
The Great Get Together is back this winter and they’d love for you to be part of it and to share some #mincepiemoments in your community! Jo Cox was passionate about building kinder communities and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging wherever they live. However, over 9 million of us in the UK currently ...
Dr Rebecca Nowland to speak on teenage loneliness and technology at Befriending Forum
19 November 2019
Dr Rebecca Nowland from the University of Central Lancashire will be presenting her research on technology and loneliness at the Befriending Forum on 5 December 2019. She will talk about her recent work with Talk Talk and the findings presented in their report on Teenage Loneliness and Technology. According to the report, there is a stark ...
Encouraging open discussion – National Safeguarding Week 2019
13 November 2019
It’s National Safeguarding Week from 18 – 22 November 2019 and the theme this year is encouraging open discussion in order to keep adults safe from harm. Safeguarding adults is the responsibility of everyone in the organisation, including volunteers, staff and trustees. True open discussion throughout the organisation means we can get safeguarding right. National ...
Meet the RBC Safeguarding Adults Team
13 November 2019Meet the RBC Safeguarding Adults Team, a local event during National Safeguarding Week 2019. An opportunity to meet informally with the RBC Safeguarding Adults team, to seek advice and guidance or just to find out more about their role and how they can support you. Open to all sectors, whether you are supporting people directly in ...
Wellbeing Forum – remember to book your place!
12 November 2019
Remember to book your place for the next Wellbeing Forum for the Voluntary and Community Sector. The Forum is on Thursday 12 December 2019 in the conference room at RISC. Come along from 9:30am for refreshments and networking in time for a prompt start at 10:00am. We aim to finish at 12.45pm. The programme will ...
The Berkshire Observatory
12 November 2019
The Berkshire Observatory is a new, one-stop shop for data on the local population. It covers all six Berkshire local authorities, including Reading. The website, www.berkshireobservatory.co.uk, offers a goldmine of local statistical information on the Reading population, at your fingertips. What can I use it for? The easy-to-use site lets you make data comparisons at a council ...
Befriending Forum
12 November 2019The role of technology in reducing loneliness and social isolation For anyone interested in taking action on loneliness and social isolation, the Ready friends Befriending Forum brings local voluntary and community sector groups together to network, share ideas and best practice. Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/befriending-forum-tickets-81451994107I The agenda will include: A networking lunch and sharing good news. Teenage Loneliness and Technology Dr ...
Celebrating Friendship Volunteers
6 November 2019
Fifty volunteers and support staff from twenty of Reading’s community groups enjoyed an evening of celebration, sharing and learning on 1 November. The Crowne Plaza by Caversham Bridge hosted the first-of-its-kind event, which brought together volunteers who are helping local people facing loneliness and social isolation, all year round. The purpose of the evening was to ...
Reading Santa Run 2019
6 November 2019
Reading Santa Run time is here again, raising tens of thousands of pounds for local charities. Reading Rotary’s race attracts around 1,500 runners to Reading town centre every December with 1k and 5k races. Entrants come from all walks of life and abilities and include children, babies in buggies, those with disabilities, dog owners and ...
‘Tis (almost) the season! Tell us about your festive volunteering opportunities now
5 November 2019
Yup, it is almost that time of year again and here at RVA we are starting to see the first signs of people seeking out festive volunteering opportunities. We have already had enquiries from groups of colleagues looking to do some team volunteering in December and from individuals seeking to find a place to give ...
Let’s celebrate Trustees’ Week 2019! NEW Video, opportunities and resources!
4 November 2019
Happy Trustees’ Week 2019 everyone! Reading is packed with social action stories and trusteeship is just one way of getting involved, this week join us in celebrating all the amazing work trustees do! This article also shares resources for trustees and opportunities for becoming a trustee. Celebration Trustees’ Week is an annual occasion to showcase the great ...
Formal bidding process now open for Southcote Library freehold disposal – until 16 January 2020
30 October 2019
The formal bidding process through the open market and also through third sector process has now commenced for the Southcote Library building. Local voluntary organisations are invited to submit their proposals by 12noon on 16 January 2020. The application process Applications and accompanying documents should be sent to: Committee Administration, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, ...