Wokingham Borough Connect
 Give us your views to help keep communities moving
We are looking for your feedback about the exercise opportunities available to you, in order to help make improvements across the borough.
In partnership with Sport England, we are running a short survey that will help us to understand your views about physical activity, including what challenges you face in getting moving and staying active.
The survey also covers opportunities for children and young people and covers the leisure centre provision, as well as active travel. Responses will help us to identify any gaps that exist, as we strive to make sure everyone has the opportunity to exercise.
You have until Monday 21 October to share your thoughts, with all responses kept anonymous.
 Howzat! Free and inclusive cricket sessions are back
Inclusive cricket sessions are being held at two of our leisure centres, including a new group starting in Wokingham.
Organised by Berkshire Cricket, sessions are held at Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley from 5pm to 6pm on Wednesdays. This is the third year the group has run and it meets every week during term-time, with sessions suitable for everyone aged 12 to 25.
The new group is starting at Wokingham Leisure Centre from Monday 7 October, also from 5pm to 6pm.
There are opportunities to play regular matches and in the summer there are also cricket festivals. All sessions are free, with equipment provided and t-shirts for newcomers.
To find out more about the sessions, contact Chris Baker.
 Light up your night with annual glow walk for charity
The highly anticipated Glow Walk, organised by First Days Children’s Charity, is returning to Dinton Pastures Country Park on Saturday 16 November.
You and your family can immerse yourselves in a beautifully illuminated two-mile course around Black Swan Lake, adorned with LED lights and glow in the dark decorations, from 5pm to 9pm.
There will be live music along the walk and you can sign up for a special glowing stand-up paddleboarding session too.
Hot and cold refreshments will be on sale and you are encouraged to put on your own accessories to make yourself glow.
First Days is offering tiered pricing to make this fundraising event accessible to as many people as possible. You can contribute based on your own circumstances and how much you can afford.
 Winter vaccination campaign set to get underway
The main flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign will commence on Thursday (3 October).
Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.
You can get both vaccines if you:
- Are aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- Have certain health conditions
- Are pregnant
- Are a frontline health or social care worker
- Live in a care home for older adults
You can book a flu vaccination or Covid-19 vaccination appointment online or by using the NHS app.
Children aged two and three can get the children's flu vaccine at their GP surgery. School-aged children will get their vaccine through their school or a community clinic.
 Build confidence and self-esteem at sports sessions
Fun, free and interactive sessions are held in Woodley every Tuesday in term-time to support youth mental wellbeing.
Run by Sport in Mind, these take place at Bulmershe Leisure Centre from 5pm to 6pm and are suitable for children aged 10 to 14.
These are a great way to build confidence, get physically active and meet new people.
You can find out more about the activities run by Sport in Mind online and if you want to know more, send them an email.
 Get the help you need to give up smoking for good
Did you know that you are five times more likely to quit smoking for good if you can make it to 28 days smoke-free?
In Wokingham Borough, we have one of the lowest smoking prevalence rates in the entire country, but we still want to do all we can to help.
Stoptober has already helped more than two million people to give up smoking, with lots of help and advice available from the NHS to get you started.
Pop-up clinics run at:
- Morrisons Superstore, Woosehilll Shopping Centre, Smokefree van in car park, on Fridays, 9am to 5.30pm
- Woodley Library, on Thursdays, 9am to 7pm
- Tesco Wokingham, the pod outside entrance or inside Costa, on Fridays, 9am to 5pm
You can also find your nearest clinic online.
Locally, free support can be accessed from Smokefreelife Berkshire, which offers a ‘Quitline’ with weekly consultation via text, telephone or video chat. There is also a free 12-week programme of nicotine replacement therapy with behavioural support.
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