Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
Friendships and fun at summer party
The Link Visiting Scheme’s annual summer party brought about 150 older people, volunteers and guests together at Loddon Hall in Twyford for an afternoon of friendship, music and celebration.
A highlight of the charity’s calendar, the event offered older residents the chance to dress up, enjoy a meal, listen to live music and spend time with friends old and new. For many attendees, events like these provide an important opportunity to feel connected, valued and part of their community.
The Link Visiting Scheme is an award-winning charity bringing connection and companionship to older people and volunteers across Wokingham Borough, helping to tackle loneliness and build lasting friendships.
Marjie Walker, chief executive of The Link Visiting Scheme, said: “Our Summer Party is much more than just an afternoon out. Having something special to look forward to, getting dressed up, sharing a meal, enjoying music and spending time with other people can make a real difference to someone’s wellbeing.”
The event was funded by Berkshire Nurses and Relief in Sickness Trust, with practical support from Berkshire Freemasons. Thanks also went to the charity’s dedicated staff and volunteers, whose hard work helped make the day such a memorable success.
 Finding independence at home: Colin's story
Social Care Future is our commitment to help everyone in Wokingham Borough live in a place they call home, doing the things that matter to them, with the people they love.
Colin's story is a perfect example of what that means in practice. When he moved into supported living accommodation with Optalis in May 2025, he gained independence, confidence and choice about how he lives his life.
He now walks to the supermarket independently, works at a local charity shop, goes out regularly with friends and celebrates milestones like his 40th birthday at Reading Football Club.
As well as becoming more active in his community, Colin has built the confidence to share his experiences with others. He has spoken at local events and helped people learn more about supported living, showing what can be achieved when people are given the right support, opportunities and freedom to make their own choices.
He's healthier, happier and surrounded by people who know and value him. "My life is better than it was before. I've got friends who all know me," Colin said.
Funding plays ‘vital role’ in supporting charity
The Wokingham Borough Community Lottery is helping local charities make a real difference, including Kaleidoscopic UK, a survivor-led charity that supports children and adults affected by domestic abuse. The charity provides free, ongoing peer support, education and awareness programmes, helping people rebuild their lives and find support in a safe and welcoming environment.
Since joining the lottery last year, the charity has received £488 in funding, including £222 raised this year alone. While modest in size, this funding helps the organisation provide vital support for people affected by abuse and trauma.
Funding from the lottery contributes towards creating safe and welcoming community spaces where people can connect, access peer support and reduce isolation. It also helps provide resources including books for a community library, food for the charity's foodbank and materials for wellbeing and recovery activities.
Vickie Robertson BEM, founder and CEO of Kaleidoscopic UK, said: "Every ticket purchased represents local people choosing to invest in organisations that make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for that support."
You can support local causes through the Wokingham Borough Community Lottery for just £1 a ticket, with 50p from each ticket going to a good cause of your choice. Weekly and monthly cash prizes are up for grabs.
While many people will be enjoying the excitement of the World Cup, we know that major sporting events can also see an increase in domestic abuse.
If you're worried about yourself or someone else, please remember that support is available. If you're in immediate danger, call 999 (press 55 if you can't speak).
For advice, support and information on local services, visit our domestic abuse support pages.
Support children through school uniform appeal
The Cowshed has been selected as one of just 20 finalists in the Cash for Kids Community Challenge 2026 with Absolute Radio, and is appealing for donations to help provide school uniforms for children facing hardship across Berkshire.
Since opening in 2019, The Cowshed has supported more than 40,000 people across Berkshire. The charity provides free, good-quality clothing, shoes, bedding, toiletries, baby equipment and other essential items to families and individuals experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, domestic abuse and other crises. It also offers school uniforms, backpacks and children's essentials, helping young people feel confident and ready to learn.
Funds raised through this campaign will help provide school uniforms, underwear, socks and tights for children whose families are struggling with the rising cost of living. A school uniform is about more than clothing – it helps children feel included, build confidence and participate fully in school life.
This July marks the start of South Asian Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the diverse cultures, histories and achievements of South Asian communities. A webinar hosted in partnership with VINE will take place on 27 July at 5pm. You can sign-up here.
 Help shape health and social care for young people
Healthwatch Wokingham Borough is looking for volunteers aged 16 to 24 to help improve local health and social care services.
Healthwatch listens to people’s experiences, researches public views and produces reports that help drive positive change.
This volunteering opportunity is ideal for young people who are interested in working with a friendly team to explore and discuss the local health and social care system. Volunteers will engage with local communities, gather feedback about people’s experiences and contribute to research that can influence services both locally and nationally.
Full training, an induction and ongoing support are provided, making this a great opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experience and strengthen a CV.
Feedback gathered by volunteers may also contribute to reports produced by Healthwatch England, helping to ensure local voices are heard.
To find out more, visit the Healthwatch Wokingham Borough website, where you can apply online or email enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk.
For information about other volunteering opportunities across the borough, visit the Wokingham Volunteer Centre website, call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk.
 Positive Relationships Awards celebrate those who make a difference
Children in care and care leavers took centre stage at our first Positive Relationships Awards, held at Cantley House Hotel as part of Positive Relationships Week (29 June to 5 July).
The awards gave young people the opportunity to recognise the adults who have made a positive difference in their lives, including foster carers, teachers, social workers, participation workers, residential support workers and personal advisers.
During an emotional ceremony, children and young people presented awards and shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting the importance of trusted and supportive relationships.
One young person said: “Earlier on in our relationship, I thought you were just another person telling me what to do, but as I grew older I realised you weren’t there to tell me to do my laundry or clean my room. You were there to support me and watch me grow.”
The event celebrated the positive relationships that help children and young people feel supported, valued and able to thrive, and reinforced the important role they play in shaping brighter futures.
As part of the week, we also launched a new Black hair and skincare guide for foster carers, written by care-experienced young person Destiny Nicholls, to help carers better understand and support the specific needs of Black children and young people.
Find out more about fostering on our website.
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