Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
 Charity says goodbye to oldest volunteer
The Cowshed recently said a heartfelt and bittersweet goodbye to one of its longest standing volunteers, Barbara, as she moves to Ruislip to be closer to her family.
At 85 years old, Barbara has been a cornerstone of The Cowshed for over five years, volunteering three days a week with extraordinary dedication. Her warmth, humour and kindness made a lasting impact on both fellow volunteers and the families supported by the charity.
The Cowshed supports people across Berkshire who are experiencing hardship by providing free, good quality clothing and essential items, helping individuals and families through times of personal crisis.
Barbara often shared how volunteering at The Cowshed “saved her life” by giving her purpose later in life, as well as a strong circle of friends and a valued support network.
Her contribution reflects the spirit of The Cowshed’s wider volunteer community, which includes more than 400 registered volunteers.
Barbara will be greatly missed, but her legacy of generosity and compassion will remain a cherished part of The Cowshed community.
 Springing into action with community growing
Freely Fruity has had a busy and inspiring spring, bringing communities across Reading and Wokingham together to grow food, learn new skills and improve wellbeing.
Highlights include hands on holiday activities and food sessions, where children and families planted seeds, explored soil and compost, and took home the confidence to grow their own food. The charity’s partnership with Whitley GrowAllot continues to create welcoming spaces for growing, learning and connection, while a grafting workshop at Woosehill Meadow helped residents create new apple trees from local heritage varieties.
Matt Knight, CEO of Freely Fruity, said: “When we plant trees, share skills or grow food side by side, we build confidence, connection and genuine local resilience.”
There is plenty more to look forward to. Upcoming activities include building a community garden with Wokingham In Need at Windmill School, events at the University of Reading’s Centenary Fair on 16 May, volunteer days across local growing sites, and a show garden at the Royal Windsor Flower Show on 6 June.
Residents can get involved by emailing info@freelyfruity.org
 Youth counsellors providing 'life changing' support
Two youth counsellors have been recognised with Mayor’s Honour Awards for their outstanding commitment to supporting young people’s mental health across Wokingham Borough.
Paul Cassidy and Shaffrina Rogers, both from ARC Counselling, received the awards in recognition of the support they provide to local young people and families.
Paul, founder of ARC Counselling, was praised for helping to make it easier for young people to find and access free counselling support.
Reflecting on the recognition, Paul said: “Over more than 20 years, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when people are given the space to talk and the support to make sense of what they’re going through.”
Shaffrina was recognised for her compassion and dedication, and was described by families and schools as a "steady and reassuring presence". She said receiving the award meant a great deal and hoped it would “highlight the essential and necessary work for our young people”.
ARC Counselling is a local charity providing free counselling for children and young people, alongside low cost support for adults across the borough.
 Keeping in Touch: Helping older residents stay connected
A new Keeping in Touch Programme is available to support older people living in Wokingham Borough who may be feeling lonely, low or in need of additional emotional support.
Delivered in partnership by Mind in Berkshire and Age UK Berkshire, the programme offers a friendly and relaxed way for residents to stay connected. The service provides regular contact with trained support workers who listen without judgement and take time to understand what matters to each individual. The aim is to help people feel heard, supported and more confident while improving overall wellbeing.
Support is personalised and may include regular check-in calls or meetings, one-to-one wellbeing conversations and help to explore local activities, services and community groups.
The programme is open to older residents and referrals can be made by professionals such as GPs, social prescribers and community workers directly to Age UK Berkshire.
 Autism Strategy: One year on
In April 2025, the Wokingham Autism Partnership launched the All Age Autism Strategy - created with autistic residents, families and other interested people.
A new video reflects on the first year of this five-year plan. This is just the beginning of a long-term journey.
The video offers a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the work underway across six priority areas.
Resident involvement and personal experiences continue to shape the projects. The partnership is committed to improving experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent residents across Wokingham Borough and is continuing to build on this momentum.
The strategy is jointly owned by Wokingham Borough Council, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, SEND Voices Wokingham, Promise Inclusion, ASD Family Help, Autism Berkshire and CLASP.
Watch the video
 Could you support your community through driving?
Wokingham and Earley Transport Schemes are looking for volunteer drivers to help older residents get to vital medical appointments and social activities. Volunteers use their own car and have all expenses reimbursed, so there is no cost to take part.
Drivers help people attend hospital appointments, GP surgeries, dentists, opticians and physiotherapy, as well as one-off social trips such as shopping or visiting friends and family. There are also regular trips to lunch clubs and activities.
The role is flexible and mainly takes place on weekdays during the day. Volunteers choose when they are available each week. Applicants must live in Wokingham, Finchampstead, Crowthorne, Winnersh, Barkham or Earley, hold a full driving licence and have their own car. Volunteers must be aged 21 to 80 and able to commit for at least six months.
To get involved or 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
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