Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
 A tyre, sledge and 3.2 tonnes of litter cleared
Residents across Wokingham Borough came together to clear a mix of everyday rubbish and some more unusual finds during this year’s annual community litter pick that took place on 21 to 22 March.
The litter picks were organised by town and parish councils across the borough, supported by local community groups and volunteers.
We've now weighed it and can share that our amazing residents collected around 3.2 tonnes of waste. That's the weight of two cars. This was thanks to the 16 parish and community groups who took part and the hundreds of volunteers who gave their time.
Across the borough, people filled dozens of bags and helped tidy streets, parks and green spaces. Scout groups, parish councillors and local families all played their part.
Some areas also reported less litter than in previous years, showing the impact of ongoing community action.
Thank you for helping keep our borough clean and green.
 Thrive Life Changers programme – now enrolling
Thrive, a leading UK gardening for health charity based in Beech Hill, runs Life Changers – a free, four-month programme supporting people living with a life-changing illness, injury or major life event.
Whether recovering from stroke, cancer or surgery, or managing conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or Long Covid, participants can improve their wellbeing through gardening, build confidence and form new friendships.
Sessions run on Tuesdays, 10.30am to 2.30pm, and include activities such as seed sowing, planting, growing herbs and salads, and seasonal crafts. No gardening experience is needed—just a willingness to get involved.
Participants say the programme is “inclusive, motivating and uplifting,” helping them feel healthier and more connected.
Places are limited, so early booking is encouraged.
Find out more on Thrive's website, call 0118 988 4844 or email trunkwell@thrive.org.uk.
Join Thrive’s Open Garden afternoon on Sunday 5 July, 2 to 4pm, with guided tours, a plant sale and refreshments.
 From ‘just getting on with it’ to getting support
Carers Week 2026 (8–14 June) is a national opportunity to recognise the vital role unpaid carers play and make sure they know where to get support.
In Wokingham Borough, thousands of people care for someone who needs extra help - often without thinking of themselves as carers. Recognising that role can open the door to practical, emotional and financial support.
If you’re juggling appointments, calls, forms and constant planning for someone you love, you might be an unpaid carer, even if you’ve never used that word.
Emma (pictured) cares for her son Adam, 16, who has ADHD, dyspraxia and Gorlin syndrome. For a long time it was simply ‘getting on with it’.
Then she found local groups where people understood the hidden work.
The groups also helped her make sense of complicated processes, as well as giving her a couple of hours to craft, breathe and feel like herself.
“You realise you’re not alone, and it’s ok to ask," Emma says. If this sounds like you, you don’t have to cope quietly.
If you're supporting a partner, parent, child or friend - help is available.
 Lead the Way with 1st Woosehill Scouts
Are you passionate about helping young people reach their potential? 1st Woosehill Scouts is looking for a section team leader to inspire and support a friendly team of volunteers. This is a great opportunity for someone with leadership experience or anyone ready to step into a management role.
As section team leader, you will help young people learn new skills, build confidence and gain valuable life experiences through fun and engaging activities. You’ll also have the chance to develop your own leadership, management and team-building skills, with full training and support provided.
If you’re ready to make a real difference in your community, get in touch at join@1stwoosehill.org.uk or visit www.1stwoosehill.org.uk.
To explore more volunteering opportunities across Wokingham Borough, contact Wokingham Volunteer Centre on 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit the website.
Next week is Learning Disability Week and the Learning Disability Partnership Board has a packed timetable of events taking place. The week kicks off with the CLASP choir singing outside Wokingham Town Hall on Friday (12 June) from 12:30pm.
 Bringing older people together in Twyford and beyond
Age Concern Twyford & District Social Club has been supporting older residents in the heart of the community for over 40 years. The club provides a welcoming and friendly space where people can enjoy good company, take part in activities and feel a strong sense of belonging, including those living with dementia or with more complex needs.
Members enjoy home-cooked lunches prepared on-site, alongside a varied programme of activities such as crafts, quizzes, gentle exercise and live entertainment. Seasonal events and themed Thursday afternoons add something extra to the week.
The club also offers practical services, including accessible transport within a four-mile radius, a hair salon, foot care, a nail bar and a take-home evening meal option. Families can access support through coffee mornings and help with Blue Badge and Attendance Allowance applications. Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
New members aged 55 and over are always welcome. Age Concern is also looking for volunteers.
 Celebrating the difference foster carers make
The life-changing work done by local foster carers was celebrated at an event to mark Foster Care Fortnight.
Around 30 people attended at South Hill Park in Bracknell. It was a chance to recognise milestones reached by foster carers and the years they have given to helping children and young people in the borough. New foster carers were also welcomed into the community.
Author Jenny Molloy gave a talk and shared a short film, reading from her acclaimed autobiographical book Hackney Child about growing up in care in 1980s London.
Jenny spoke about the vital need today for more foster carers.
Reflecting on the role, one local foster carer said: “At first, children come into our home frightened and unsure about what the future looks like for them. What we, as a family, like more than anything is seeing them then grow, get stronger, thrive and become a part of our family.”
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