Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
 Braking the cycle - Teens ride against domestic abuse
Two local teenagers are gearing up for an ambitious charity cycle from Reading to Rosslare Harbour in Ireland and back, covering around 420km each way — an incredible 840km return journey — in support of Berkshire Women’s Aid.
After completing a smaller ride last year, Harley Russell and Noah Reid were inspired to go further. “This fundraiser is a chance for us to play our part in tackling domestic abuse, while celebrating finishing our GCSEs after a long year of exams,” they said.
Cycling more than 80km a day, they have been training and planning carefully for the challenge. Their motivation is deeply personal: “We have seen people close to us have their lives turned upside down by domestic abuse, so supporting Berkshire Women’s Aid felt like the right choice.”
Having already exceeded their fundraising target of £2,000, they added: “We are incredibly grateful for every single donation,” with the growing support providing “positive pressure” to keep pushing forward.
 Marking Learning Disability Week
Last week was Learning Disability Awareness Week (Monday 15 to Sunday 21 June 2026). This year’s theme, “Do you see me?”, highlights the importance of people with learning disabilities being seen, heard and valued in our communities.
At Wokingham Borough Council, we marked the week by celebrating the contributions people with learning disabilities make across the borough. Working with the Wokingham Voice of Inclusion and Equality (VINE) Forum, CLASP and Promise Inclusion, we created a short video featuring local residents who shared their experiences and what the theme means to them.
With more than 500 residents in Wokingham Borough known to have a learning disability, this work supports our commitment to inclusion and building a strong sense of belonging for everyone.
CEO of CLASP, Debs Morrison, said: “It is always fantastic to have an opportunity to raise awareness of all the amazing things our members can achieve and their contributions to the borough and wider community.”
The Wokingham Bikeathon is taking place this Sunday (28 June), bringing free family bike rides for little explorers alongside its wider programme of activities. Join from 10am at Cantley Park for short, fully marshalled rides suitable for all ages, with no booking required.
 Supporting boys growing up through mentoring
Chapter2 is helping to rebuild the “village” many young people are missing today. Through mentoring, they connect men who want to support boys growing up without a consistent father figure, offering a positive sense of belonging and community.
Mentor manager at Chapter2, Rob Lewis, explains: “There’s a belief that it takes a village to raise a child - and that’s something we’ve lost over time. But the need for that village is just as prevalent as it ever was.”
Mentor training days bring people together around a shared purpose, while events help families feel less isolated, particularly single mothers. One recent trip to the beach saw boys and mentors spend time together, with some experiencing the seaside for the first time, building confidence and connection.
Mentoring can improve wellbeing and stability, helping young people to thrive.
Click here to register your interest.
 Athlon Chan taking photographs for Wokingham 360
Creating spaces for connection
This month we’re celebrating 15 years of transforming Wokingham town centre. From the outset, the aim has been simple – to create places where people want to spend time together.
Today, spaces like Elms Field and Peach Place are part of everyday life, offering somewhere to relax, meet friends and enjoy the town. They have become welcoming, flexible spaces that support both quiet moments and larger community gatherings.
Athlon Chan, who moved to Wokingham in 2022 from Hong Kong, has seen the impact first-hand. He said: “When my family and I moved to Wokingham a few years ago, one of the things that stood out to me was how much the town values coming together. Events like the May Fair, Party in the Park and the Winter Carnival are more than just events, they are moments when the whole town feels connected.”
Athlon also set up the Wokingham 360 Facebook page to celebrate the town he now calls home.
It’s this sense of connection that makes these places special.
 Help an older resident feel connected again
Could you give your time to befriend an older resident in the borough?
The Link Visiting Scheme is a local charity working to reduce loneliness and social isolation by building genuine friendships and strengthening community connections. Volunteer befrienders provide regular home visits to people who may be feeling isolated, offering companionship and a friendly, listening ear.
By giving just one to two hours a week or fortnight, volunteers can make a real difference. Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea, having a chat or going on a short outing, these small moments can brighten someone’s day and improve their wellbeing.
Full training and ongoing support are provided, so volunteers feel confident and supported from the start.
To find out more or sign up, visit The Link Visiting Scheme website.
For other opportunities, contact Wokingham Volunteer Centre on 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit the website.
 Turn up the volume on reading this summer
As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer activities.
The Reading Agency’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, invites children to discover the joy of reading through a fun, music-themed journey.
With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels and non-fiction suitable for all reading levels. Best of all, books are free to borrow from the library.
Children can sign up at their local library and enjoy rewards along the way as they read.
The challenge launches on Monday 29 June at Wokingham Borough libraries, which will also host a range of events throughout the summer.
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