Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
 Meet the furry friend bringing joy to local people
Pets as Therapy is a national charity that brings friendly, well-trained pets into schools, hospitals, care homes and community spaces to brighten people's days.
Their volunteers help ease loneliness, reduce anxiety and create moments of calm for thousands of people each year.
Fraser, a much-loved spaniel, has been doing just that across Wokingham Borough. He visits Austen House, West Oak Care Home and Royal Berkshire Hospital, where he now supports patients and staff on the cancer ward.
Fraser's impact was recognised in 2024 when he received a Special Recognition Award from Earley Town Council. One resident's family described him as an "unsung hero" for the comfort he brought to their dad.
The value of the charity's work was highlighted again at a recent council health and wellbeing meeting, when 11-year-old Eden Edwards asked how her nan's care home and her school could receive visits.
Anyone can request a visit through the Pets as Therapy website. Residents can also volunteer with their own dog or cat once they've completed a simple temperament assessment.
 New service helping residents cut energy costs
Energywise Wokingham is a new free service delivered by Citizens Advice to support residents across the borough who are struggling with rising living costs, energy debt or unaffordable fuel bills. The service provides tailored home energy assessments to help residents understand their energy use and identify practical steps to make their homes warmer, more efficient and more affordable to run.
The specialist Energywise Wokingham team explores all available grants, discounts and financial support so residents can access the help they are entitled to. The service focuses on those who need it most, including low income households, residents with health conditions, pensioners, families with young children and people living in energy inefficient homes.
Residents can choose a face to face or telephone appointment. Support aims to reduce energy costs, prevent debt and improve wellbeing through warmer homes and greater financial stability. Energywise Wokingham offers trusted guidance every step of the way.
To request support, visit the website and complete the online form, email energyadvice@cawokingham.org.uk or call the advice line on 0808 278 7958.
Celebrating the borough’s community champions
Wokingham Borough Mayor, Councillor Carol Jewell, celebrated the remarkable individuals and groups who make a real difference in our community at this year’s Mayor’s Honour Awards.
Held at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley on Tuesday 10 March, the event brought together residents, charities and volunteers for an uplifting evening recognising outstanding service and dedication.
Cllr Jewell launched the awards last September, inviting nominations for those who go above and beyond to support others, with submissions closing in January.
Winners were presented with certificates and lapel badges, followed by a relaxed buffet where guests could connect and share their experiences.
The Mayor praised the compassion and perseverance shown by nominees, highlighting how their quiet, everyday actions help keep the borough strong and connected.
Jake Meghji, 11, is a dedicated volunteer at Woodley Repair Café, where he helps track waste saved from landfill. Over the past two years he has shown maturity, technical skill and a caring approach when supporting older visitors.
Commenting on the award, Jake said: "It is an honour to be receiving this and a big thank you to the borough mayor and everyone at Woodley Repair Café who has guided me."
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Bob Collis of the Earley Environmental Group has shown strong leadership in protecting local green spaces. His advocacy for Swallows Meadow has brought the University of Reading and local residents together, improving access and inspiring many volunteers to take part in conservation projects. |
 Help make a difference through therapeutic gardening
Thrive has been transforming lives through social and therapeutic horticulture since 1979. The charity is passionate about the wellbeing benefits that gardening and time spent in nature can bring. Thrive is now seeking Client Support Volunteers and Minibus Escort Volunteers to help continue this important work.
Based at Thrive’s garden site in Beech Hill near Swallowfield, Client Support Volunteers work alongside gardeners who attend the service, encouraging them with their tasks and helping to build confidence and social interaction. The focus is on offering support and motivation, rather than completing tasks on their behalf, and on creating a friendly, inclusive environment.
Thrive is also looking for Minibus Escort Volunteers to support its driver when meeting and returning gardeners from Basingstoke Railway Station. This is not a driving role and is suitable for people without a driving licence. Volunteers are needed Tuesday to Friday, mornings or afternoons. Anyone interested can email trunkwell@thrive.org.uk.
To find out more about volunteering in Wokingham Borough, visit the Wokingham Volunteer Centre website, call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk.
 Josie finds a home at Bluebell House
Our partners Optalis are showing what the Social Care Future vision looks like in practice at Bluebell House - creating a place where people truly feel at home.
When Josie moved into the residential care home, her family worried she wouldn't settle after living independently for so long. Like many of us, they shared concerns about care homes being quiet and clinical places.
What they found at Bluebell House was very different. Josie's granddaughter Carol describes it as "a place filled with warmth, laughter and energy." She said: "Every time we visit, we feel like we are visiting Nan at home, not somewhere she simply needs to be to stay safe." Josie says: "The people here are friendly. We can have a laugh together and that's important."
Social Care Future is our shared vision for communities where everyone can live in a place they call home, with the people and things that they love, in communities where everyone looks out for one another.
Read the full story: Finding home at Bluebell House
Other things that may be of interest:
The Society of Later Life Advisers is a not-for-profit organisation that helps older people and their families find trusted financial guidance tailored to later life. It works closely with care homes, charities and local professionals to raise awareness of the specialist advice available to support those navigating care needs, retirement planning and other later life decisions.
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