 Free lunches in school holidays
Over the summer holidays, volunteers at Woodley Lunch Bunch worked hard to provide more than 1,800 lunches to families in need, as well as activities for them to play with.
Woodley Lunch Bunch was formed in 2020, in response to pressures arising from lockdown, to provide lunches to children from families facing financial hardship during school holidays. However, as time went on, the cost-of-living crisis has meant that demand for the service has continued.
The packed lunches are delivered to families who are having a difficult time financially, or in other ways.
As well as providing lunches and activities, volunteers are also on hand to signpost families to other support and make referrals. Woodley Lunch Bunch is currently supporting 179 children from 84 families.
 Celebrations at care leavers prom
Our Here4U team hosted a prom for care leavers in Wokingham Borough.
About 60 people attended the event, including young people, staff and partners at Dinton Activity Centre in Hurst.
Some of the young people performed on the night, which also included a red carpet arrival, photobooth, disco and yearbook style awards for the young people.
Our thanks to The Cowshed for providing outfits, Mass Barbers in Woodley for providing free haircuts and 365 Moments, which donated the photobooth.
The Here4U team supports care leavers in the borough and organised this event, as many young people in care usually miss out on these types of celebration.
Nominate your local hero
Do you know someone making a real difference in Wokingham Borough? Nominate them for the Mayor’s Honour Awards 2026.
The annual scheme celebrates outstanding contributions from adults, young people, and community groups. Each year, up to six adult/group and six junior awards are presented by the Wokingham Borough Mayor.
Whether they’re a resident, volunteer, carer, teacher, fosterer, or council employee, we want to hear about those who go above and beyond.
Submissions close on 1 January 2026. Winners will be invited to a special event next year to receive their award from Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Carol Jewell.
Let’s celebrate the everyday heroes who make our borough a better place!
Marking 10 years of Chemogiftbags
Founded in Woodley a decade ago, Chemogiftbags operates in the Thames Valley to provide free care packages to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Lynne Shipton was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and whilst having treatment heard and saw first-hand the impact of chemotherapy. After her treatment, Lynne decided to embark on a practical mission to help others – leading to the creation of Chemogiftbags and the idea of a ‘hug in a bag’.
Each bag costs approximately £90 to produce and is thoughtfully filled with practical items that bring comfort and reassurance during treatment.
Over the last year Chemogiftbags has supported more than 450 patients.
To mark a decade of Chemogiftbags, the charity is hosting a black tie gala on Saturday, 4 October at Sindlesham Court, Wokingham RG41 5EA.
Every penny raised goes directly toward producing and delivering more Chemogiftbags for patients in the community.
 Get involved - Date for Autumn Volunteer Fair
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is a charity which provides support to those who live in and around Wokingham Borough to find the right volunteer role for them. It works with community, voluntary and charitable groups across the borough to help them recruit volunteers.
Next month, it will be holding a Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Saturday 11 October from 10am to 1pm at Wokingham Town Hall. There will be a variety of different organisations, looking for all kinds of volunteers; there will be something for everyone!
Attending charities include ABC to Read, First Days Children's Charity, Wokingham Foodbank, Citizens Advice Wokingham and Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue - among many more.
The event is free and there is no need to book. If you are considering volunteering, turn up and have an informal chat with some of the amazing local charities and see how you can get involved.
 New safe space for women
A new women-only service is launching in Wokingham this October to offer support and connection.
Cranstoun Wokingham, a community drug and alcohol service, has identified that women are often underrepresented in treatment and may not seek help even when needed.
In response, Cranstoun is introducing WISE (Women in Safe Environments) at The Salvation Army in Wokingham.
WISE is free and open to all women, not just those with substance use issues. It provides a safe, welcoming space to chat, enjoy a cup of tea, join therapeutic group sessions, and access advice on topics like healthy relationships, health and finances.
Sessions will run weekly on Tuesdays from 9am to 4pm, starting 7 October. Activities will be shaped by attendees’ interests, and could include health clinics and arts and crafts.
October is Black History Month. As we recognise and celebrate the history, achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK, we’d love to hear from anyone planning a Black History Month event in Wokingham Borough. Please let us know by emailing community.matters@wokingham.gov.uk so we can include it in the next newsletter.
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