Here you can keep up with the latest from Reading’s 1000+ voluntary organisations and other voluntary sector news from around the area.
Have your say on the Berkshire West Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy
9 February 2021
The consultation closing date has been extended to 5pm on 28 February 2021 Berkshire West Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy public engagement group need your help Please raise awareness of the opportunity for the public to have their say in the development of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Berkshire West. Please share the survey below ...
Over 50? Had a positive Covid test with symptoms? Researchers need your help
9 February 2021
People aged over 50 who have had a positive Covid test and are showing symptoms of the virus are being sought for research into helping them get better quickly. Over 50s with certain underlying health conditions and all over 65s with suspected Covid-19 can apply to take part in the University of Oxford study at ...
One Stop – Community Partnership programme
8 February 2021
Groundwork is working with One Stop Stores to administer the One Stop Community Partnership programme This programme is designed to support groups who are working to tackle food poverty or supporting the elderly within the local community. One Stop shops will support local good causes offering a tailored approach for every local partnership which may include funding, ...
University of Reading launches Cuppa over Community
4 February 2021
Cuppa over Community is a brand-new pilot scheme aimed at providing the local community with a chance to have their voices heard in a meaningful, personal and informal way. The voices of the local community matter a lot to us and we want to take the time to listen to your perspectives and provide you ...
The SHARE checklist – tackling misinformation
4 February 2021
The government has launched a new website aimed at stopping the spread of false information It encourages people to use the SHARE checklist before liking, commenting or sharing content online, with the aim of stopping the spread of false and harmful information about medical advice, vaccines, and technology scares. Source: Rely on official sources for medical and ...
Meet Johanna Ardern, vaccine hub volunteer
3 February 2021
Johanna Ardern’s participation in the Parent Employment Wellbeing Project led to her volunteering at the central Reading vaccine hub. Here she reflects on what volunteering means to her. I contacted Anna at RVA when I read an email offering help and advice to parents who wanted to return to work. She has been fantastic! She has ...
Support and resources to help you deliver services safely online
3 February 2021
Is your organisation delivering online services or are you struggling with seeing how you might do this safely in view of specific needs of your service users, such as mental health needs? Many of us had to adapt quickly to the various lockdown restrictions, and you might be trying to balance: Maintaining much-needed service delivery during ...
Tribute to Phillip Kallay
2 February 2021
We would like to pay tribute to one of Reading’s community champions, Phillip Edmond Kallay, who passed away after a short illness on 5 January 2021 aged 46. Philip moved with his family to the Hexham area in 2010 and became an active member of the Hexham Community Association (HCA) after making friends with the then ...
National Lottery Grants for Heritage – focusing on inclusion – rolling deadline
1 February 2021
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is accepting applications for grants from £3,000 to £10,000 and £10,000 to £100,000 for projects that are focused on inclusion, led by and/or engaging diverse groups typically under-represented in heritage (for example, young people, minority ethnic and LGBT+ communities, disabled people and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds). This work could include: exploring different ...
The Clothworkers’ Foundation – Open Grants Programme
1 February 2021
The Open Grants Programme accepts applications from UK registered charities or not-for-profits and who meet the eligibility criteria, for funding towards capital projects. The work of the organisation must fit within one or more of the specified programme areas. This Programme does not award grants for work outside the UK, even if the organisation is ...
Freehold disposal of 2–4 Darwin Close – bidding open until 9 April 2021
1 February 2021
The council property 2–4 Darwin Close, Reading, RG2 0RB is now on the market The formal bidding process through the open market and the third sector process has now commenced and local voluntary organisations are invited to submit their proposals by 5pm on Friday 9 April 2021. The property, which comprises office and warehouse space, is ...
Buttle UK – Chances for Children grants
29 January 2021
Buttle UK’s Chances for Children grants can provide an enhanced package of support for children and young people dealing with a variety of issues ranging from, but not limited to: kinship care arrangements, domestic abuse, estrangement, physical and mental ill health, and substance abuse. Who can they help? This scheme is for children experiencing lasting emotional, social ...
Seeking to understand – watch the video from the Trauma-Informed Reading Conference
28 January 2021
The Trauma-Informed Reading Conference took place between 30 November and 7 December 2020, reaching 142 professionals across workshops, Q&A sessions and other learning and sharing opportunities. Free professional development materials from the conference, including the video below, will be added to the trauma-informed working page of the One Reading Children and Young People’s Partnership resources. Seeking to ...
Snow day at the vaccine hub
27 January 2021
The snow on Sunday 23 January presented challenging conditions for the Reading Central and Whitley Vaccination Hub. Volunteers from the charity Re:Act were on standby to help, through the VCS Emergencies Partnership, but weren’t needed in the end. With grit, brooms and spades, RVA volunteers were able to keep the area clear and run the ...
Updated guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – furlough and caring responsibilities
27 January 2021
HMRC has updated its guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to confirm that employees may be furloughed if they are unable to work or are working reduced hours because of caring responsibilities which have arisen as a result of covid-19. The amended guidance states that caring responsibilities include caring for: children who are at home ...
Peace of Mind Matters project – Citizens Advice Reading
26 January 2021
The Peace of Mind Matters project at Citizens Advice is a new service which can help support with advice and guidance after the death of a loved one. It can advise on practicalities such as: who can make arrangements after a death who to inform after a death information on what happens after someone dies information on organ donation obtaining ...
New Directions College – your partner in your learning journey
22 January 2021
Lockdown doesn’t mean you have to put your dreams on hold. You can continue to learn new skills with our fantastic range of online courses. We also have a range of free courses to improve your employment prospects. New Directions College can help kickstart your learning journey through a range of courses in English, Maths, ESOL, ...
Women’s Voices 2021 – apply for place at Media Trust event by 9am on 25 January
21 January 2021
If your charity supports women, girls or those who identify as female, and is looking to reach new audiences, develop a campaign or raise awareness about your cause, then Media Trust invite you to apply for a place at Women’s Voices 2021, in celebration of International Women’s Day. Join them virtually on Monday 8 March 2021 ...
Community Participatory Action Research – apply for funded training
21 January 2021
Applications are open until 12 noon on 16 February 2021 Health Education England South East and Public Health England South East are offering a programme of training and mentoring to develop community-based researchers. The programme will involve training up community researchers to undertake a piece of work to understand the issues and inequalities impacting black and ...
Start your own business workshops by The Real Business Club
20 January 2021
We know that some people have lost or are going to loose jobs. Some are going to be on reduced hours. These workshops would help anyone considering what it would mean to start a full time or part time business. They are suitable for people who may be thinking about: working for themselves – being self ...