Here you can keep up with the latest from Reading’s 1000+ voluntary organisations and other voluntary sector news from around the area.
Reading VCS Assembly
2 October 2024The theme for this Reading VCS Assembly is ‘making the case for prevention.’ How to raise the needs of your organisation and community or service users. Find out about the RBC Closing the Gap commissioning process for prevention services. Hear about small community grants from Greenham Common Trust. Book a space on Eventbrite Agenda Cllr Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough ...
Calling the Reading LGBTQIA+ community!
30 September 2024We want you to come and join us at our monthly meet-up! Based in the Burnham area of Slough, we are just a short train ride or trip down the M4 and thanks to the wonderful folks at Reading Borough Council we are able to offer help with travel costs, if you are struggling financially, for ...
The Many Faces of Oxford Road, Reading – book launch
30 September 2024
Stories, experiences and memories of lives in our community You are invited to the launch of a new book – The Many Faces of Oxford Road, Reading, part of The Oxford Road: Lifespring Stories project. Wednesday 16 October 2024, 12pm–2pm, Lifespring at The Pavilion, 143-145 Oxford Road, Reading. Friday 18 October 2024, 12pm–2pm, University of Reading, Sorby Room, Wager ...
Reading’s Voluntary and Community Sector Survey 2024
30 September 2024
Reading’s Voluntary and Community Sector Survey 2024 aims to enhance understanding of the makeup of our vibrant and diverse voluntary and community sector and the challenges it faces. We would like you to share your experiences and insights with us which will be used to produce a report on “Reading’s Community and Voluntary Sector in 2024”. ...
Volunteers needed for new Thames Hospice Superstore – opening Thursday 17 October
26 September 2024
With less than a month to go, we are now in the final stages of transforming an empty warehouse into our new, vibrant and emporium-like Reading Superstore. It’s sustainable shopping on the grandest of scales, providing a complete shopper experience with something for the entire family. The Superstore will include quality, preloved and upcycled furniture together ...
RBC Closing the Gap 2 – Procurement and Outcomes update on Monday 7 October 2024
26 September 2024
During this session, RBC will provide an overview of their procurement approach and the key outcomes they aim to achieve through the commissioned services in CTG 2. Online only (Microsoft Teams link below). All documents shared during the sessions will be shared via email afterwards. If you have any questions, please contact: Taylor Lehec at Taylor.Lehec@reading.gov.uk. You are ...
Groundwork Grassroots Grants – Deadline 30 September 2024
26 September 2024Introduction – overview of the funding The Groundwork Grassroots Grants Programme is provided by the Postcode Local Trust, Postcode Places Trust, and Postcode Society Trust, and is administered by Groundwork. Grassroots Grants provides unrestricted funding for small, local organisations in England who are making a positive difference in their communities. Who is eligible to apply? Applications are accepted from small, ...
Supplement trial at the University of Reading – call for participants
23 September 2024Are you interested in participating in a pro-cognitive function supplement trial at the University of Reading? This trial is looking for volunteers between 45 and 60 years old. The tasks required for this trial are all computer-based at the University and the 12-week course of supplements are already deemed as Safe by the UK and EU food ...
Fight for Sight – Social Change Fund – Deadline 14 October 2024
21 September 2024Introduction – overview of the funding Fight for Sight is a registered charity in England and Wales that funds sustainable projects that build connections and confidence for people who are blind and vision impaired. It also funds scientific research that advances the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. The organisation’s single vision is to Save Sight. Change Lives. Who is ...
Formal bidding process opens for land to the rear of 88 Knights Way, Caversham, RG4 8RH – Deadline 6 Nov 2024
18 September 2024Reading Borough Council have now commenced the 8-week bidding process for the release of the freehold land to the rear of 88 Knights Way, Caversham, RG4 8RH. This land is being concurrently released to the local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and on the open market via Vails Estate Agents for bids. Deadline: Local VCS organisations are ...
Could you be part of the next chapter in the Arthros story?
6 September 2024In 1990, after a lot of work and preparation, a nurse and doctor on the Rheumatology ward at Battle Hospital, together with other like-minded local volunteers, a lot of local fundraising and some generous bequests, set up Reading Charity ‘Arthros’, to help local Arthritis sufferers. Staff Nurse Lya Turner saw firsthand the impact of Arthritis and ...
The King’s Award For Voluntary Service 2025
4 September 2024
Nominations for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025 are now open This is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK and is the equivalent to an MBE. A list of all the past winners in Berkshire can be downloaded here. There are many more fantastic organisations/groups across the county, doing amazing work who ...
The Branding Project from the University of Reading – open for applications
4 September 2024Are you a new charity looking to establish a brand identity but lacking the resources to do so? Or are you a not-for-profit in need of a brand refresh or re-positioning and would welcome some input from students at the University of Reading? The University will be holding a structured six-week ‘design-thinking brand jam’ with Part ...
Formal bidding process opens for land at 82 Gosbrook Road, Caversham (formerly The Heights Primary School) Deadline 30 Oct 2024
4 September 2024Reading Borough Council have now commenced the 8-week bidding process for the release of the freehold land at 82 Gosbrook Road, Caversham, RG4 8BH. This is the former The Heights Primary School site and is being concurrently released to the local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and on the open market via Vails Estate Agents ...
Slides and resources from the Community Buildings Forum, 3 Sep 2024
3 September 2024
Thanks to everyone who attended the Community Buildings Forum on 3 September 2024. Once again this was a well attended session with plenty of opportunity for networking and a diverse range of speakers/topics, including the ‘third sector process’ i.e. how RBC releases properties and assets to the sector voluntary sector groups who have space to rent/lease (including ...
The Earley Charity – Capital Projects Programme – Deadline 30 September 2024
29 August 2024
The Earley Charity’s Capital Projects Programme has reopened for a second round of funding. By Capital we mean bricks and mortar such as new builds, extensions and large-scale refurbishments. The programme has a budget of £105,000 and is open to local organisations that work in or predominately serve the Earley Charity’s area of benefit. The ...
PCC Thames Valley Community Fund – Deadline 9 September 2024
22 August 2024
Introduction – overview of the funding This Fund is an opportunity for community and voluntary groups to get involved and assist both the PCC and Thames Valley Police in tackling and reducing crime The Community Fund comes from the proceeds from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owner. Its ...
Congratulations to ABC to Read on their Safe and Sound Award!
16 August 2024
Congratulations to another local charity, Assisting Berkshire Children (ABC) to Read, who have attained a continuation of their Safe and Sound Award for Good Governance in Charities for a further three years following a review. Read on to hear from CEO, Marcia Rowlinson about what the charity has been focussed on recently, how the review ...
Small Groups Forum – September session
14 August 2024
Reading has a wide variety of charities and community groups, of various sizes. Smaller groups have told us that they would like more specialist support as they have different challenges to larger groups. RVA therefore runs a Small Groups’ Forum for charities and community groups who are: mainly volunteer led with an income below £50K If you are ...
Heritage Open Days in Caversham Court Gardens
12 August 2024This year’s theme for Heritage Open Days is Routes, Networks, Connections. Bring the whole family along to Caversham Court Gardens on Saturday 7 September or Sunday 8 September 1100-1600 : circumnavigate the globe learning the origins of some of the fine collection of plants and trees in Caversham Court Gardens. Throughout history, travellers have collected useful and ...