Wokingham Borough Connect
We will be reducing the frequency of this newsletter from fortnightly to monthly. You will receive your next Sport, Leisure and Health newsletter on 4 September.
 Free activities for children to enjoy this summer
The Holiday, Activities and Food Programme is back, bringing your school-aged children free activities during the summer holidays for those entitled to benefits-related free school meals (or who have been referred by someone working with the family).
Primary-aged children will receive a voucher to sign up to summer camps, which are held at schools across the borough.
Secondary-aged young people have a choice of up to 12 fun days, with activities including gaming, mini golf, water sports, orienteering, forestry and a trip to Thorpe Park.
For those with special educational needs and disabilities, weekly stay and play sessions will be taking place, as well as a picnic in the park, days out at Camp Mohawk in Wargrave and new for summer 2023, drop-off sessions including activities such as arts and crafts, sensory play, outdoor play and toys and games.
Don't forget, if you are in receipt of benefit-related free school meals, you can apply for food vouchers of £15 per child, per week of the school holidays through our Household Support Fund.
 Have your say on future of St Crispin's Leisure Centre
We're running a consultation on the future of St Crispin's Leisure Centre in Wokingham and we want you to take part in our survey.
A consultation is taking place because user numbers have been declining at the centre for a number of years. Therefore, we are considering whether the centre should remain open, or if an alternative use should be found for the site.
We have invested significantly in leisure facilities in recent years and will continue to do so. We would like to reassure residents this is not a cost cutting exercise, but is about ensuring the best community use for this asset.
The consultation will gather information to help us make a decision and feedback will be actively considered before any decision is made.
The consultation closes on 4 September. To take part, select the button below.
 Free sessions to help people with their mental health
Wokingham Leisure Centre at Carnival Hub is hosting free weekly sessions run by Sport in Mind, a mental health charity.
You can play badminton and table tennis every Friday from 2pm to 3pm and no experience is needed.
These sessions are open to anyone over the age of 17 who is experiencing low mood, social isolation, loneliness or with a diagnosed mental health condition.
The sessions are lots of fun and all about getting as active as you like in a safe and supportive environment. They are drop-in sessions, so there is no need to book and all equipment is provided.
New participants are asked to complete a short form before attending, which can be done online.
There's also sessions running every Monday from 12 noon to 1pm at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley.
 Make new friends at dementia friendly tea dance
Do you live with or know someone living with dementia?
Each month, our Sport and Leisure Team run a dementia friendly tea dance in the Ashridge Room at Cantley Park Café in Wokingham.
The next tea dances take place from 12.30pm to 2pm on:
- Monday 21 August
- Monday 11 September
The dances are available to all borough residents living with dementia and it’s a great opportunity to make new friends, sing along, dance and have fun, all while enjoying tea, coffee and a slice of cake.
For more information and to book a place, email preventionteam@wokingham.gov.uk or call (0118) 974 3728.
 Free classes to help manage your well being
The Wokingham Recovery College delivers co-produced courses, workshops and support groups designed to teach skills for managing and improving well being. All sessions are free to attend.
Upcoming classes for August:
- Bring your own craft - 9 August*, 6pm to 8pm and 18 August, 10am to 12 noon
- Hearing voices group - 10 and 24* August, 11am to 12.30pm
- Have your say: menstrual and mental health - 11 August, 10am to 11am
- Recovering together - 14 and 21* August, 11am to 12.30pm
- Improving self-esteem - 17 August, 10am to 11.30am
- Managing low mood* - 23 and 30 August, 6.30pm to 8pm
- Walk and talk - 25 August, 10am to 11am
The Wokingham Recovery College accepts registrations from anyone aged 18 and over living or working in Wokingham Borough.
To enrol in the Recovery College, complete an online registration form available on our website and email it to recoverycollege@wokingham.gov.uk. If you need help filling out the form, call (0118) 989 0707 and the Recovery College team will support you.
*Online classes.
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