Community Wellbeing Newsletter - Latest Updates March 2024
Children's Social Care Conference
Tuesday 5th March 2024 0930-1430 The Pavilion 143-145 Oxford Rd, Reading, RG1 7UY
An opportunity to find out more about children’s social care in Reading and ask questions. The event is free with lunch and coffee included. Please let our new Trustee - Kira Lloyd know if you would like to attend.
kira@readingfamiliesforum.co.uk
Please mention any dietary requirements you may have when emailing.
Community Wellness Outreach
The Reading Community Wellbeing Outreach (CWO) partnership project will run in Reading to the end of June 2025. The partnership is funded by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to pilot outreach activities to reduce health inequalities for our most vulnerable communities. The programme is open to all, but people at risk of developing cardiovascular conditions are a priority.
Dates, Times and Locations:
- 6 March 2024, The Weller Centre110 Amersham Road RG4 5NA12.00 pm - 5.30 pm
- 7 March 2024 Launchpad 135 Work and Life Skills centre135 Cardiff Road RG1 8JF10.00 am - 1.00 pm
- 11 March 2024By Appointment only- Al Majid Centre215 Northumberland Avenue RG2 7PX10.00 am - 1.00 pm
- 12 March 2024 Coley Park Community Centre140 Wensley Road RG1 6DW10.00 am - 2.00 pm
- 13 March 2024Whitley Wood Community Centre Swallowfield Drive, RG2 8UH9.00 am - 1.00 pm
- 14 March 2024 ACRE344 Oxford Road RG30 1AF9.00 am - 1.00 pm
- 15 March 2024 By Appointment Only - The Forgotten British Gurkha Centre 6 Queens Walk RG1 7QF10.00 am - 3.30 pm
- 16 March 2024 WCDA/South Reading Community Hub252 Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA9.00 am - 12.00 pm
- 18 March 2024 By Appointment only- Al Majid Centre215 Northumberland Avenue RG2 7PX10.00 am - 1.00 pm
- 19 March 2024 Southcote Community Hub Coronation Square RG30 3BA9.00 am - 12.00 pm
- 20 March 2024 WCDA/South Reading Community Hub252 Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA9.30 am - 2.30 pm
- 21 March 2024 Reading Central Library, 3rd Floor Abbey Square RG1 3BQ2.30 pm - 6.00 pm
- 25 March 2024 By Appointment only- Al Majid Centre215 Northumberland Avenue RG2 7PX10.00 am - 1.00 pm
- 26 March 2024 ACRE344 Oxford Road RG30 1AF10.00 am - 2.00 pm
- 28 March 2024Reading Central Library, 3rd Floor Abbey Square RG1 3BQ2.30 pm - 6.00 pm
Love your Neighbourhood Roadshows
Come along to get to know about and get involved in activities in your neighbourhood!
- Have your say in future activities and events
- Information about your local services
- Free refreshments and Free hot food!
Dates in March 2024:
Wednesday 13th March, 3pm-5pm, Whitley Wood Community Centre, Swallowfield Dr, Reading RG2 8UH
Tuesday 19th March, 2pm-4pm, Coley Park Community Centre, 140 Wensley Rd, Coley Park, Reading RG1 6DW
Thursday 21st March, 3pm-5pm, Lyndhurst Road Community Centre, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 6UB
Smoke Free Life Berkshire - Very Brief Advice training
CPD-accredited Very Brief Advice Stop Smoking Training for those who come into contact with smokers to confidently ask smoking status, advise on local support and refer to Somefreelife Berkshire.
- Tuesday 5th March 2024 - 10am - 11am
- Friday 22nd March 2024 - 12pm - 1pm
To book your place contact Smokefreelife.berkshire@nhs.net
or call 0800 622 6360 / 0118 449 2026
Get Berkshire Active's Women and Girls Wellness Series Webinar: Pre-teens
Wednesday 6th March 2024 (1300-1500)
This webinar will explore some of the challenges and barriers that girls face during this life stage, and we want you to join us to help explore how we can work collaboratively to influence the system and support teenage girls to be more physically active. This session will be useful to any organisation working with pre-teens and teenagers (or related work) to help explore ways we can all play a role in supporting the concerning drop off levels in physical activity across this age group.
Please register your attendance via the link below:
REGISTER: Get Berkshire Active's Women and Girls Wellness Series Webinar: Pre-teens & Teenagers
Weaving Resilience: A 5-Session Journey for Mental Wellbeing through Art
Join us for our upcoming workshop led by Farah Taha, a master graduate and international artist. This workshop will provide a therapeutic space for refugees, and members of the community to find support, express themselves, and cultivate resilience through art therapy. Through the use of patterns and repetition, participants will embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and mutual support. Our aim is to create a safe environment for exploration, introduce the therapeutic benefits of patterns, build community, impart coping skills, and empower individuals to embrace their resilience. Starting on Thursday, 7th March, from 2 PM to 3.30 PM at Together's main office in Reading.
Session 1 – 7th of March: Introduction to Art Therapy and Safe Space Creation
Session 2 – 14th of March: Exploring Emotions Through Patterns
Session 3 – 21st of March: Finding Strength in Repetition
Session 4 – 28th of March: Building Community Through Shared Stories
Session 5 – 4th of April: Celebration of Resilience and Self-Expression
To register your interest please contact readingcos@together-uk.org
Functional Wellbeing
This workshop will focus on achieving mental wellbeing through functional physical exercise. Led by Haroon Rehman, a certified level 3 Trainer, the workshops are scheduled for Fridays on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd of March 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Together’s main office in Reading.
To register your interest please contact readingcos@together-uk.org.
Spring Wellness Workshops
Join our friendly group for FREE weekly creative workshops in Reading!
Where: Reading Central Library, RVA on 3rd Floor, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ
When: Every Thursdays
- 12:00-13:30
- 14:30-16:00
To book your place contact wintersupport@together-uk.org
RCLC Chair Vacancy
Apply by Friday 8th March by 5pm
Reading Community Learning Centre is looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees. If you think this could be you, we would love to hear from you! You would be a part of something truly special as we transform the lives of minority ethnic women through the power of learning and support. To fid out more about the role and application process click here.
BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference Awards are back for 2024!
Deadline Sunday 10th of March 2024 at 11PM
For the third year, BBC Radio Berkshire wants to celebrate and say thank you to people living in our villages and towns who make where we live a better place.
Every day we hear stories of people doing incredible things for each other and their communities. Now it’s time to recognise them for all their hard work.
Whether it’s caring for someone in need, being a brilliant neighbour, or inspiring children in the classroom, if you know someone who is really making a difference to your life or where you live, then you can nominate them for an Award.
You can nominate someone you know here http://www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see full Terms and our Privacy Notice.
This Mum Moves Ambassador Training
Monday 11th March 2024 via Zoom
This Mum Moves (TMM) Ambassador Training is a half-day training event that will equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to discuss physical activity during pregnancy and after childbirth. The training is delivered live via Zoom and will provide learners with access to a digital toolkit to support conversations and further learning. It will also provide participants with the resources to facilitate the promotion of physical activity, including cascade and promotional materials. This training has been accredited by the CPD Standards Office and equates to 3 CPD points.
Applying for a training place: To apply for a training place, please contact – mumszone@getberkshireactive.org
Welcome to Reading Coffee Mornings
Reading Coffee Morning Saturday Saturday 16th March 11am to 1pm Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ.
Come along to this friendly information hub and meet new people over a free cuppa, no need to book. Find out about local organisations, events and services. Find us on Reading Libraries Twitter, Facebook and whatsonreading.com.
For mroe information visit What's On at Reading Libraries | What's On Reading (whatsonreading.com)
Mental Health First Aid Training available for Carers
Dates: 18th March 2024 and 19th March 2024 at London House, Bracknell, RG12 2UT and via Zoom
Starting in March 2024, a new pilot will see Mental Health First Aid training offered to carers, friends and family members of people accessing Berkshire's Mental Health Services.
Online training
Location: You will need access to an internet-enabled device. This training will take place over Zoom.
Dates: 16th April 2024 and 24th April 2024.
To find out more and book for a session click here. Places note spaces are limited and assigned on a first come bases.
Refugee and Asylum Seeker event
Tuesday 21st May 2024 from 2PM-4PM, Council Chamber, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LU
Information event for Refugees and Asylum seekers in Reading, all welcome!
Reading Community Health Champions Projects Grants
Deadline: Friday 22nd March 2024
the Community Health Champions project is to strengthen community action, improve health and wellbeing beyond just vaccination and focus on health inequalities. As part of the project, Reading Borough Council and Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE) are inviting local organisations who are supporting Reading residents with their health and wellbeing to apply for this project grant. We are keen to support local organisations working with those in our community who are at a greater risk of experiencing poor health outcomes and health inequalities, including those groups who experience barriers to vaccination. For more information and the application process, click here.
Wellbeing Sessions
Led by qualified instructors these chair-based sessions are perfect for gently rebuilding your strength, suppleness, skill and stamina and more importantly, provide an opportunity to reconnect and socialise with others. Click here to find out more.
Call or email Kate to book or for more info kate.wiggins@getberkshireactive.org 07706357801.
The Reader
The Reader is a charity that uses the power of literature and reading aloud to transform lives.
Our volunteers and staff bring people together to read great stories and poems - creating powerful moments of connection. We call this Shared Reading.
Every Monday at 10.15am to 11.45am Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, RG1 3BQ
To find out more email info@readinglibraries.org.uk
DRUG ALERT
Wednesday 730PM - 830PM via Zoom
A free online parent, carer and teacher drug awareness session is online each Wednesday at 730pm – Please circulate the link to all parent, school and teacher networks.
click on link to join meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87069299511?pwd=cHdOM3JWZWEwZWlSMUxCbkljQWdFQT09
Meeting ID: 870 6929 9511 Passcode: 283623
Community Health Champion Project
ACRE, in partnership with the RBC Public Health Team, has resumed the Community Health Champions (CHC) Project and is now well underway.
The project is all about local people who care about the health and wellbeing of their community. They are residents of Reading who come from all different backgrounds and share the experiences of their own communities with health and wellbeing services.
It is a voluntary role and if you or anyone in your organisation is passionate and interested in supporting your community watch this video (Ctrl + click the link below).
https://youtube.com/@communityhealthchampionsrdg?si=f12XuvuzLdvdpt8T
To register to become a CHC click here
Alana House Group
Click here for the latest Alana House Group leaflet for January – March 2024. Alana House groups are open only to current service users. To make a referral into Alana House, you can use our website: Refer a client to Alana House - PACT (pactcharity.org)
The Art of Giving
The Art of Giving designs and produces art in the form of meaningful words and imagery about life and mental health which are in the community such as NHS waiting areas and staff rooms as well as delivering talks to help you capture and keep life’s memories alive. To find out more click here.
Support for victims of domestic abuse
How to make a silent 999 call
Call 999 from a mobile
If you don't speak or answer questions, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and doesn't allow the police to track your location. If you don't press 55 your call will be ended.
Call 999 from a landline
If you don't speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they'll transfer your call to the police.
If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again.
Calling 999 from a landline automatically gives the police information about your location.
Brave
BRAVE stands for Building Resilience and Valuing Emotions
This NHS service provides therapeutic support for adults of all genders across Berkshire who have experienced domestic abuse emotional difficulties following this abuse.
To use BRAVE, individuals must be:
- registered with a GP in Berkshire
- living away from the alleged perpetrator of their abuse
- not currently engaging in other forms of therapy.
A support worker, social worker, or mental health professional can:
- email BRAVE@berkshire.nhs.uk to discuss whether the service could be helpful for you.
- make a referral by downloading the referral form on the BRAVE website and email it to the BRAVE email address.
Stop Loan Sharks
Since its launch in 2004, the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) has supported over 31,000 people and written off over £91 million worth of illegal debt, securing over 410 prosecutions for illegal money lending.
Its Christmas campaign for 2023 is urging families to #ShopSmartNotShark and not to resort to illegal lenders if money is tight and consider safer options such as credit unions.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Household Support Fund open for applications
Reading residents on low incomes who may be struggling to make ends meet during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis may be eligible to apply for a payment of £125 from the council through the Household Support Fund. Find out more and apply at www.reading.gov.uk/household-support-fund.
Keep your home warm
Reading Borough Council Energy Support Team
You may be eligible for benefits, discounts and/or energy efficiency improvements to help with heating costs.
The council can provide general energy saving advice to help you and your household stay safe and warm through winter. The service is available to owner occupied, private, council and housing association residents. Please call 0118 937 3747
https://www.reading.gov.uk/housing/benefits-and-assistance/winter-watch/
Advice on keeping warm
Heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you have medical conditions or are older.
Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm. These include:
- try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C
- try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply
- keep your bedroom windows closed at night
- wear several layers of thinner clothing; this could keep you warmer than one thicker layer
AgeUK have also shared practical advice on preparing for bad weather:
- Telephone 105. Remember the number 105, which is a free number, to find information during a power cut.
- Make sure you have everything you need. Check you’ve got enough medication and food in case it’s harder to leave the house. A bottle of water could be handy if the water supply is interrupted.
- Have torches handy around the home in case of a power cut. And some spare batteries too.
For more information and guidance visit Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Warm Welcome Space
Meadway Sports Centre is opening up the upstairs studio space:
Wednesday's 12:30 - 14:30 for you to come and have a complimentary hot drink, socialise and play board games
Thursday's 10:00 - 12:00 for you to come and have a complimentary hot drink, socialise and entertain your young children with our soft play activity.
Additionally, during these times you'll be able to use the WiFi and access the showers.
https://www.warmwelcome.uk/space?l=23659
For more warm spaces in Reading visit https://www.reading.gov.uk/housing/money-matters/warm-spaces-in-reading/
Fuel Poverty Helpline
Fuel poverty helpline service run by the National Energy Foundation that offers residents energy efficiency advice, access to free home energy visits and grant funding, and have recently secured Emergency Fuel Vouchers.
For further information or to submit a referral online, please visit https://www.bhbh.org.uk/ or call 0800 107 0044
Have your say!
Click on the links below to have your say and contribute your views and ideas to the development of local services and initiatives:
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust are on the New Hospital Programme and will receive significant investment for a new hospital. Click here to give your thoughts on what would be important to you in a new site.
Reading Services Guide updates
Healthcare and wellbeing information page for Refugees and Asylum seekers
What carers can expect from their GP practice?
Embrace Community Care Service Limited
Through winter's chill, Together we heal: Strengthening Mental Health
Compass Recovery College
Regular drop-in Social Sessions include:
- Coffee and Chat, Tuesdays at the Biscuit Factory 11:00 - 12:30
- Walk-Talk-Walk, Fridays in Palmer Park 10.30-11.30
Participants can register for workshops via our online form: Compass Registration Form (Page 1 of 10) (office.com). Please feel free to support them in registering, or they can:
- Call or email us on 01189373945 or compass.opportunities@reading.gov.uk
Cost of living - Money matters
Many people struggle financially, sometimes this is because of a change in circumstances. If you are struggling, it’s important you get the help you need.
To find out how you can get help and support locally, please visit https://www.reading.gov.uk/housing/money-matters/
Topics covered include:
- Struggling to pay your rent
- Help with energy costs
- Help with food costs
- Struggling with your mortgage payments
- Money advice
- ...and more
Find out more about the range of government support with the cost of living, including Pension Credit and Cold Weather Payments at gov.uk/helpforhouseholds