Here you can keep up with the latest from Reading’s 1000+ voluntary organisations and other voluntary sector news from around the area.
Volunteer for Sport in Mind at Reading Festival and receive a free weekend wristband
17 July 2025
We are at Reading Festival again this year, and we are going even bigger! We have an AIRHUB onsite, hosting football matches for festival goers and an onsite run club. We are looking for volunteers to help run all of these activities, below are the volunteer role descriptions and commitments needed in order to receive your ...
Join the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme as a Core20PLUS Ambassador
14 July 2025
What is the Core20PLUS Ambassadors programme? The Core20PLUS Ambassadors programme is part of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme, working to reduce healthcare inequalities across the NHS. The programme focuses on ‘Core20PLUS’ populations which are more likely to experience healthcare inequalities, including people living in areas of high deprivation, ethnic minority communities and inclusion health groups. The programme is designed ...
Goodbye Library, hello RISC!
10 July 2025
Many of you know that RVA is moving this month due to the planned relocation of Central Library The library has been home to RVA for 10 years and we have hosted countless events, training sessions, appointments and health check sessions there. We are now excited to be moving to offices at RISC and you can ...
RVA is moving – free furniture and office equipment available
10 July 2025Reading Voluntary Action is moving to new offices at RISC, 35-39 London Street, RG1 4PS. There’s more information about our new location here. As part of the move we are offering furniture, office equipment and stationery free to charities and community groups in Reading. All items are available for collection from the 3rd floor of Reading ...
Reading Integration Board (RIB) Better Care Fund – short deadline 23 July 2025
9 July 2025Reading Integration Board (RIB) is now inviting applications for (2025/26 funding) for projects and at the heart of our communities, which prevent the impact of physical and mental illness for adults. The awards from the Fund can reach up to £15,000, and more in some circumstances. Who is eligible to apply? The grants are aimed at all ...
Entry level – Understanding Charity Finances for trustees and managers – Nov session via Zoom
8 July 2025
RVA is pleased to introduce this NEW training for charity trustees/ committee members and managers. This training has been gratefully funded by Berkshire Community Foundation, which means we can offer FREE of charge spaces to local groups. We will be repeating this training later in the year. This is our entry level training. We also have ...
James Cowper Kreston Foundation (regional funder) – deadline 18 July 2025
27 June 2025
The James Cowper Kreston Foundation is a charitable organisation incorporated in 2021 and has been set up to help support local charities achieve their goals. Whilst majority of the funds come from donations from James Cowper LLP Partners, the Foundation will also be running several fundraising activities through the firm. The Foundation will provide financial help ...
SNG Thriving Communities Fund – long deadline: submit anytime before 30 January 2026
27 June 2025SNG offers place-based grants that empower local groups to take action and deliver cohesive, sustainable and resilient communities which people are proud to be part of. Who is eligible to apply? Projects must be taking place in an SNG community and be actively promoted to SNG customers. This covers areas in Reading but you can contact Darryl ...
Congratulations to Citizen’s Advice Reading – Safe and Sound Award renewed!
26 June 2025
We’re pleased to share that Citizen’s Advice Reading (CAR) have recently reviewed their Safe and Sound Good Governance Award and successfully attained a certificate for a further three years! Well done to the whole team. In this article we took the opportunity to interview Tina Stevenson (CEO) and Ian Curtis-Nye (Chair of Trustees) on their ...
Reading Festival Salvage – applications now open
25 June 2025
Reading Festival Salvage is a chance to salvage useful, nearly-new goods for free, to give to your charity’s clients or sell to raise funds Your charity or not-for-profit group can apply to be permitted to salvage on (usually) at least the Monday or Tuesday after Reading Festival. The image in this article is an aerial view of ...
Volunteer Fair 2025 Review
25 June 2025
On Saturday, 14 June, Reading Voluntary Action hosted a Volunteer Fair at the Reading Biscuit Factory. A range of organisations came together to promote their opportunities and meet prospective volunteers. The event was attended by approximately 160 members of the public, and there was a lot of interest in the opportunities available. We would like to thank ...
Community Buildings Forum – October 2025
17 June 2025
Are you a charity or community group in Reading looking for space to run your activities or services, or do you have space within your building that you would like to hire out, lease or offer to others? Then come along to our next Community Buildings Forum on 21 October 2025, 10am -12noon. (Registration and refreshments ...
Entry level – Understanding Charity Finances for trustees and managers – Sep session via Zoom
17 June 2025RVA is pleased to introduce this NEW training for charity trustees/ committee members and managers. This training has been gratefully funded by Berkshire Community Foundation, which means we can offer FREE of charge spaces to local groups. We will be repeating this training later in the year. This is our entry level training – we also ...
Small Groups’ Forum September 2025 – monitoring workshop from funder BCF, networking and more
12 June 2025
Are you are small community group in Reading? Come along to our next Small Groups’ Forum on Tuesday 23 September 2025, 10am – 12noon to hear about support, funding and networking for smaller groups like yours. The session is informal, friendly and catered specifically for smaller groups as we know the challenges and support you ...
BiomeBakery Calling for participants aged 60-75 years old!
12 June 2025Are you interested in knowing whether a prebiotic fibre enriched bread roll can improve your memory and mood? Take part in the BiomeBakery study, please go to: https://research.reading.ac.uk/cinn/biomebakery/ To participate, you have to: Be healthy Aged 60-75 years Not smoke Not be vegan/vegetarian Not suffer from food allergies The study will involve: Completing telephone surveys Consuming a bread roll for 12 weeks Undertaking cognitive, mood and ...
The Oracle Reading partners with Cianna’s Smile for networking event to mark World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
12 June 2025
Community networking, film screening, live fitness challenge, and community lunch planned for 19 June 2025 in Reading, UK In recognition of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, local charity Cianna’s Smile is proud to announce a new partnership as charity bursary partners with The Oracle shopping centre and invite the public to a day of awareness, empowerment, ...
NEW free of charge offer: Treasurer Training – July session
4 June 2025Please note this session has been postponed. Contact training@rva.org.uk for details of future dates. Are you new to being a treasurer of a charity or community group in Reading, or perhaps you are interested in taking on this role? If so, this training is for you. Details of the training session: Aims: To build an understanding of the role ...
Keeping everybody safe: Reading VCS Safety and Safeguarding Forum
29 May 2025
Keeping everybody safe is an increasing priority for many VCS organisations We will discuss how you can be supported to protect your community members, service users, as well as staff and volunteers. Join us to hear from statutory partners and share your experiences as we discuss the following: An Adult Safeguarding Escalation Process: developing a process with ...
Pride of Reading 2025 – nominations open
29 May 2025
Nominations are now open for the Pride of Reading Awards 2025 This is the 21st year of the awards which highlight those who make or have made an impact within our local community. Do you know someone who has made a difference? Categories include: Local hero Neighbourhood Champion Volunteer/s of the Year The Green Award Charity of the Year Community of the Year See all ...
Reading Climate Festival 2025
29 May 2025
Wouldn’t it be amazing to live in a healthier, happier, more climate-friendly town? Reading Climate Festival brings two weeks of inspiring free events to our town from Saturday 7 June to Saturday 21 June 2025. Visit a secret roof garden with fruit trees, veggies and flowers Join a tour of Reading Hydro or the Green Park Wind Turbine Get tips for making your home and lifestyle healthier and more ...