Reading service updates during the coronavirus outbreak

Thank you to all the community groups and charities providing coronavirus support services

For lockdown 3, we’re bringing back our service updates page. We’ll add updates as we find out about them and you can always let us know if you would like something added or amended by emailing info@rva.org.uk.

  • The list below is organised alphabetically by group or service and the date of the update is given in brackets.
  • The list was last updated on 18 January 2021.
A
B
  • Berkshire Vision offer a number of remote activities for members – find out more, including this month’s schedule, at www.berkshirevision.org.uk/general/our-virtual-events. (7 January 2021)
  • Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA) is still open and providing support to people experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The outreach services and refuges are open and so is the 24/7 helpline 0118 950 4003. They can be contacted via Facebook or email helpline@bwaid.org.uk. See update on BWA website. (7 January 2021)
  • Berkshire Youth have extended their hub across the whole of Berkshire. The Berkshire Youth Hubs are a virtual and telephone-based support platform with resources and opportunities designed around connecting, listening to and providing solutions for young people as they try to cope with the current lockdown and restrictions. With specific pages for young people, parents/carers and youth workers, users can visit the hub to find links to clubs, activities, careers, counselling services and more which are still available at this time. Go to the website here, call 07377 997495 or 01635 889764 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email admin@berkshireyouth.co.uk. (18 January 2021)
  • Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) is a support programme developed by Parents And Children Together (PACT) for children and parents who have been affected by or witnessed domestic abuse. They are producing a positive and supportive monthly newsletter – you can download the newsletters from the PACT website. BB4K are also offering remote one-to-one support and workshops for parents. Read more here or email BB4K@pactcharity.org for more information. (8 January 2021)
C
  • Citizens Advice Reading are working remotely. Their volunteers are trained to advise on virtually any issue, including welfare benefits, money and credit problems, employment, consumer rights, housing, neighbourhood disputes, education and healthcare, immigration and residency queries, human rights, family and personal issues. You can complete an online enquiry form at www.rcab.org.uk, call 03444 111 306 or 03444 111 444, textphone 03444 111 or get advice online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk. Citizens Advice Reading also offer free Energy Advice appointments by telephone; further details can be found here. (8 January 2021)
  • CommuniCare offer information, support and advice on benefits, debt, divorce and separation, form filling, housing, and local community services. They are currently offering advice by telephone on 0118 9263941 or email office@communicare.org.uk. Read more on their website www.communicare.org.uk. (8 January 2021)
  • Compass Recovery College continues to run free mental health and wellbeing courses. Read more and download the January to April prospectus on their website www.compassrecoverycollege.uk. (7 January 2021)
E
  • Earley Crescent Resource Centre have postponed their training programme and will review it again after February half term. For more information and contact details see www.earleycrescent.org. (12 January 2021)
G
  • Get Berkshire Active have created a new web page that brings together all the best advice, support and ideas. There is specific help for older people, children and families. There are also links to resources supporting good mental health and links to support individuals and organisations working remotely from home. They have a set of ‘Fall-Proof’ resources which outline a series of 6 exercises you can do at home. A video of these exercises can be found here. Alternatively, if you, or someone you know/care for would like a set of cards that outline these exercises in a hard copy please get in touch with Get Berkshire Active via info@getberkshireactive.org. On Get Berkshire Active’s workforce page they have collated the latest guidance on Covid-19 measures from the Government and Sport England that impact participating in, leading and organising Sport and Physical Activity. (8 January 2021)
H
  • Healthwatch Reading continue to offer a free, independent and confidential service to Reading people throughout the third lockdown via virtual ways of working – read more on their website here. They have collated details of venues and start dates for Covid-19 immunisations in Reading here. (8 January 2021)
P
  • Parenting Special Children continues to support families over the phone, via email, and through video links. Their helpline is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 2.30pm. Call the helpline on 0118 9863532 or email dss@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk. For families who need a bespoke package of support, their team of specialist practitioners can be commissioned to provide this over the phone, via email or through video call. To find out more or to commission, contact Zobia Kalim on 07557 102623 or email zobia@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk. (8 January 2021)
R
  • Reading Association for the Blind (RAB) are providing advice, signposting and support on sight-loss related issues via telephone. This service is available to anyone living with sight loss in the borough. Referrals should go to their Outreach Manager, Gabrielle Watts – vo3@raftb.org. If email isn’t an option, leave a voicemail on the Walford Hall Phone (0118 957 2960) but email is preferred. This service is provided by RAB staff. RAB are also providing a telephone befriending for people with sight loss – this is open to anyone living with sight loss in the borough. Referrals should go to adele.b-w@raftb.org, or left on the voicemail above but, again email is preferred and will get a swifter response. This service is provided by RAB’s volunteers with staff support. RAB’s Hall at Home activities for members are listed on www.readingassociationfortheblind.org. Scroll down the page for a list and email hannahp@rabsightloss.org for joining instructions. (12 January 2021)
  • Reading Community Learning Centre are teaching their spring term 2021 online via Zoom. Download a flyer with the timetable or read more on their website www.rclc.org.uk. (7 January 2021)
  • Reading Community Welfare Rights Unit are working remotely and can help people by email advisor@readingspecialist.co.uk or phone 0118 955 1070. They also operate outreach sessions at Launchpad by appointment only. Their webiste is www.readingspecialist.co.uk. (January 2021)

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