Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
 Annual barn dance returns to raise funds for Understanding Dementia
A Twyford-based charity supporting carers of people with dementia has announced the return of its annual Barn Dance.
Understanding Dementia will hold the event on Saturday 6 June at Loddon Hall from 7:30pm, bringing people together for an evening of folk dancing, a ploughman’s supper and a community raffle.
Funds raised will support Understanding Dementia’s work to improve wellbeing in dementia. The charity provides weekly training courses for family carers, health and care professionals and volunteers, sharing practical approaches that can be used day to day.
One carer shared: “The course is just amazing. It has given me an entirely new perspective of the effects of dementia on people. I am able to understand my mother’s condition much better, resulting in a much better relationship with her. The content and delivery of the course is par excellence."
Courses are free for family carers and start from 27 April, with both online and face-to-face options available.
Places for the Barn Dance can be booked via the Understanding Dementia website by May 31.
 Charity praised as 'shining example' after improving long-term outcomes for local children
A huge congrats to local charity ABC to Read on receiving a Mayor’s Honour Award in recognition of the profound difference it makes to families across the borough.
ABC to Read supports children who are finding reading difficult by offering regular one‑to‑one help in primary schools. Its dedicated volunteers now work in 26 schools across Wokingham Borough, supporting more than 90 children every week with consistent and encouraging sessions that help build confidence and essential literacy skills.
The charity has been praised as a "shining example" of how community organisations can positively shape young lives and improve long‑term outcomes.
Marcia Rowlingson, CEO of ABC to Read, said: “We are very grateful to receive the Mayor’s Honour Award from Wokingham Borough Council. It is a wonderful recognition of the dedication and commitment shown by our volunteers, staff, trustees and the schools we work with.”
With 2026 named the National Year of Reading, ABC to Read has pledged to deliver 50,000 reading sessions across Berkshire and welcomes new volunteers and schools to get involved.
If you are interested in volunteering with ABC to Read, email claire@abctoread.org.uk
 Finding my way back: A member's story
Social Care Future is a movement working toward communities where everyone feels they belong - bringing together charities, community groups, care providers and residents. We're sharing stories that show what this vision looks like in practice and the different ways of supporting people.
This story comes from one of our partners, CLASP, a self-advocacy group run by and for people with learning disabilities in Wokingham Borough. It shows the power of gentle support and genuine community.
When mental health challenges forced one CLASP member to step away from everything, the team never gave up. They kept gently checking in - not pushing, just reminding them: you're valued, you're missed, and when you're ready, we're here.
The member shares: "Coming back to CLASP reminded me that I am valued - not just as a member, but as a person. Those small moments of contact meant everything. I felt welcomed, appreciated and recognised for who I am and what I can contribute.
"Now I'm looking ahead to the future with hope - because I know there are people who care, who stand beside me, and who believe each of us deserves a happy and fulfilling life."
CLASP's work demonstrates that effective support goes beyond services - it's about creating communities where people are seen, valued, and supported to live the lives they want.
 Teen urges Government action on PSHE ‘postcode lottery’
A young person from Wokingham has called on the Government to improve the quality of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education in schools, highlighting significant differences in provision across the country.
Maya Guelbert, Member of the Youth Parliament for Wokingham Borough from 2024 to 2026, was part of the UK Youth Parliament’s Youth Select Committee. In her final week as Youth MP, Maya called for lasting change and fairer opportunities for young people across the UK.
The Committee’s new report found that 70 per cent of young people feel PSHE lessons are not preparing them for adult life, with the quality of teaching often depending on where they live.
Based on evidence from young people, teachers and education experts, the report highlights concerns about inconsistent lessons, a lack of trained staff and guidance that has not kept up with modern challenges such as online harm and artificial intelligence.
The Committee is calling for PSHE to be given statutory status, alongside improved funding for teacher training, to ensure all young people receive the same high-quality education, regardless of postcode.
Maya's term as Youth MP ended on 31 March. Jasmine Dix and Laima Dhimitri will begin work this month as they take over as Youth MPs for the borough.
 Supporting people through chemotherapy
Chemogiftbags is a charity supporting men and women in the Thames Valley who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.
The charity provides carefully prepared gift bags designed to bring comfort and reassurance at a difficult time. Each bag contains thoughtful items chosen to help ease the physical and emotional challenges of chemotherapy and to remind patients that they are not alone.
Chemogiftbags is currently looking for volunteers to help support its work. Opportunities include social media and marketing volunteers to raise awareness and engage supporters online, a grant or bid writer to help secure funding, an events organiser to plan and coordinate fundraising and awareness events, and ad hoc volunteers to help with activities as and when needed.
To get involved, email lynne.shipton@chemogiftbags.org or visit the website.
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.
 New festival promises a weekend of culture, connection and community
Wokingham is set to host a vibrant celebration of culture and community with the Wokingham Mela, taking place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April from 11.30am to 6.30pm at Elms Field.
Inspired by the Hindi word ‘Mela’, meaning a community fair, the event is envisioned as one of the largest multicultural celebrations in Berkshire, bringing residents together to enjoy music, food, performances and a shared sense of togetherness.
Led by Varun Prabhakar, CEO and Organiser, the Mela is delivered by Heal Harmony England CIC and Bollywood Events UK Ltd.
Heal Harmony England CIC is a community-focused organisation dedicated to promoting wellbeing, cultural understanding and social cohesion through inclusive arts and heritage initiatives.
A key highlight is ‘Wokingham’s Got Talent’, which offers people of all ages the chance to take centre stage and showcase local talent.
The Mela also provides a valuable platform for local businesses, independent traders and food entrepreneurs to connect with the wider community and celebrate Wokingham’s rich diversity.
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