Wokingham Borough Connect
The next edition of our Sport, Leisure and Health newsletter was due to be published on Monday 25 December. We will therefore delay publication until Monday 8 January.
 Dance, yoga and more at children's exercise classes
Children aged eight to 12 are invited to take part in virtual instructor-led classes across the borough.
They can enjoy a range of activities through Born to Move, including dance, martial arts and yoga, all with a fun twist. These are delivered virtually, but a qualified member of staff is present during the class to support the children taking part.
Sessions are held at:
- Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley on Mondays from 4pm to 4.45pm
- Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley on Mondays from 4pm to 4.45pm
- Wokingham Leisure Centre @ Carnival Hub on Tuesdays from 4.15pm to 5pm and Wednesdays from 4pm to 4.45pm
Younger siblings are welcome, but children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions cost £3.50 per child, with no charge for parents and carers.
 Paddle (or dash) while dressed as Father Christmas
As we are approaching the holiday season, many of us may have started planning to do something festive. Apart from Christmas markets, lightings or films, you can also be a bit more active.
At Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst, there will be two Santa-themed events coming up next month.
Santa Paddle
Grab your Santa costume and join us for a guided Santa Paddle on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December.
The two-hour event (10.30am to 12.30pm) is suitable for everyone aged eight and above. You can choose to head out on the water in a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy paddling on the beautiful Black Swan Lake for an hour and a half. Then, come back ashore to have a hot chocolate and a mince pie to warm yourself up again.
Don't worry if you haven't paddled before as our experienced instructors from Dinton Activity Centre will be there to help you get started and have a great time. Book online to secure your spot.
Santa Dash
The Santa Dash organised by Barnes Fitness will return to Dinton Pastures Country Park on Saturday 16 December.
An annual tradition, the event is fun-filled, festive and suitable for the whole family. All runners will be dressed in a Santa suit and after crossing the finish line receive a Christmas medal and a mince pie, or chocolates.
There is no minimum age requirement. You and your children can choose to complete a 2km or a full 5km fun run together, both of which are not timed.
Taking part in the run will also help children who are in need of warm beds this winter, as Barnes Fitness will donate £2 of each entry to First Days Children’s Charity for the good cause.
To find out more or sign up, visit the Barnes Fitness website.
 All that racquet! Tennis and badminton for over 50s
Are you aged 50 and over and want to play more badminton and tennis?
Forever Active sessions are held at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley and are free for Places Leisure members, or £3.95 per session for non-members.
Classes include:
- Badminton and tennis, Mondays from 1.30pm to 3pm
- Tennis, Tuesdays from 10am to 12noon
- Badminton and Tennis, Thursdays from 10am to 12noon
You can book your place by visiting the Places Leisure website.
 Make new friends at Sport in Mind activity sessions
Free and fun sessions are being organised by Sport in Mind, a mental health charity, to help improve and support the wellbeing of children and young people.
These are a great way to build confidence and self-esteem, as well as being a great opportunity to meet new friends.
Sessions are for young people aged 14 to 16 and are held at St Crispin's Leisure Centre in Wokingham on Mondays from 5pm to 6pm. These run weekly, excluding school holidays.
You can sign up here and if you want to know more, you can email Sport in Mind.
 Provide feedback on your experience of GP surgeries
Come and meet the team from Healthwatch Wokingham Borough to share your views on what could be better and what works well at your GP surgery.
Join the conversation at Arborfield Village Hall on Wednesday 6 December from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.
The event forms part of a project that was launched across Berkshire West to help improve GP services for everyone.
Healthwatch is an independent body for people that works to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of those who use health and social care services and speak out on their behalf.
Email Healthwatch to find out more about the project, or call (0118) 418 1418.
 Protect your child against flu by visiting vaccine bus
Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children. Getting vaccinated early can protect them and help stop the virus spreading to friends and family.
All school-aged children in England (from Reception to Year 11, or all year groups in special education needs school) are offered a flu vaccination.
If your child has not had their flu vaccine, or missed their appointment at school, don’t worry – it's not too late to catch up.
A vaccine bus will be visiting Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 5 December. This service is by appointment only and offers children the painless nasal spray flu vaccine, as well as the injectable option for those with religious, dietary, cultural or medical concerns.
To book, complete the consent form sent via a link from your child’s school, or send an email.
 A safe space for young people to share their concerns
When you are struggling, having someone to talk to can make a big difference to how you feel.
Tellmi is a safe, anonymous app where you can talk about absolutely anything. From anxiety to autism, dating to depression, or self-harm to self-esteem. Moderators check everything to keep you safe and counsellors are on hand if you need extra support.
It is available for free to young people aged 11 to 17 and referrals can be made by parents, carers and health professionals.
Those who used Tellmi have reported an increase in confidence by having the tools to manager their own mental health, while also helping children to feel less lonely.
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