Basic needs

Readifood is an independent food bank providing food parcels to those in severe need in the greater Reading area. By referral. Call 0118 987 2672.
Whitley Community Development Association is a surplus food project which enables sharing of fresh and perishable food with all members of the community. No referral needed. Call 0118 374 0052 or email surplus@whitley-cda.org. 252 Northumberland Ave, RG2 7QA.
The Weller Centre distributes surplus fresh and perishable food by request. It also offers signposting to specialist services for benefits, budgeting, employment, housing, parent supports and more. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am–12pm. Call 0118 947 5828 or email admin@wellercentre.org.uk. 110 Amersham Road, RG4 5NA.
New Beginnings Reading offers free food at its Community Fridge, Tuesdays to Fridays, 6 to 7pm, and free clothes and toiletries on Mondays, 6 to 7pm. No referral needed. Email contactus@newbeginningsreading.org. Queens Arms, Great Knollys St, RG1 7HL.
Wycliffe Baptist Church shares fresh and perishable food with all members of the community. No referral needed. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 8pm–8:30pm. Call 07395 242372. Lower Back Hall, 233 King’s Rd, Reading RG1 4LS.
Dee Caf offers surplus food from a community fridge on Monday and Wednesday at 3:15pm. No referral needed. Montague House, 12 Spey Road, Tilehurst, RG30 4DG.

Energy vouchers available from Citizens Advice Reading – by referral until 21 January 2021.
Christian Community Action’s Furniture Shop/Support Centre provides furniture and other household necessities such as bedding and kitchen packs at a price based on needs and income level. Call 0118 951 2337.
The Cowshed provides good quality cleaned and ironed clothes and other
essentials free to anyone (newborns though to adults) in need. Call 0118 934 5120 or email info@thecowshed.org.
First Days provide everyday essentials to families in need of toiletries, school uniforms, infant equipment or furniture, toys and books. (They do not provide clothes for children, except school uniforms for ages 3-18, winter coats, shoes and baby essentials 0-3 months. Read more about what you can refer for here). Call 0118 921 9338 (emergency referrals number out of hours 07811 11 564) or email info@firstdays.net.

When a child dies A guide for parents and carers – this NHS England guide is helpful for family workers to have access to and familiarise themselves with, to help them to understand the wider process and support the family at the most difficult of times.
Peace of Mind Matters project a new service from Citizens Advice Reading which can help support with advice and guidance after the death of a loved one and help anyone plan for the future.
Bereavement, grief and loss during Covid-19 (download) – by Deb Robinson, Trauma Informed Practitioner, Brighter Futures for Children.
The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford has produced a series of step-by-step guides and animations for healthcare workers, care staff, teachers and families on communicating the death of a relative. Access their guides here.
Daisy’s Dream supports children and their families who have been affected by the life threatening illness or bereavement of someone close to them. See the Daisy’s Dream website for more information about their resources and helpline.
Winston’s Wish, the childhood bereavement charity, has created four free e-learning courses for those in contact with bereaved children. The courses are designed for schools, but would be useful for anyone who works with bereaved children. Read more here.