Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
 Helping children turn the page
As the school year comes to an end and children begin their summer holidays, it's a good time to recognise the volunteers working quietly behind the scenes to help young readers thrive.
Through its network of trained volunteers, ABC to read supports around 90 children every week in Wokingham Borough, providing regular one-to-one reading support in schools. The charity's impact is clear: all children supported last year improved their reading age, with 40 per cent increasing it by more than a year.
The difference this support makes can be life-changing. Speaking about a pupil, a school shared: "There is a big difference between his attitude to reading at the beginning of the school year and his attitude to reading now. His enthusiasm, self-confidence and reading ability have drastically improved."
While ABC to read's school-based sessions pause during the holidays, families can keep the momentum going through the Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, at Wokingham Borough libraries. With free books to borrow, rewards to collect and events running throughout the summer, it's a fun way to help children maintain their reading confidence and discover a lifelong love of books.
What's on this summer: Free activities, events and support
Portraits of resilience: Stories of courage, contribution and belonging
Portraits of Resilience, a powerful photography exhibition celebrating the lives and experiences of people seeking sanctuary, is on display at Wokingham Library until 27 July.
The exhibition features striking portraits and personal stories that highlight the resilience, skills, cultures and contributions of refugees and asylum seekers who are helping to enrich communities across the UK.
As exhibition participant Amal explains: “I hope people see us not simply as refugees, but as individuals with lives, families, aspirations and experiences.”
Visit Wokingham Library in Carnival Hub to explore these inspiring stories and learn more about the journeys, courage and achievements of people rebuilding their lives after being forced to flee their homes. Admission is free and all are welcome.
 Give unused medical equipment a second life
Do you have crutches, walking sticks, shower stools or other support equipment at home that you no longer need?
Residents can now return small items of health and social care equipment at re3 recycling centres in Bracknell and Reading, helping them to be cleaned, safety checked and reused by someone else in the local community.
Returning equipment helps ensure valuable items are available when needed, while reducing waste and making the best use of resources.
If you're unable to visit a recycling centre, Millbrook Healthcare also offers a free collection service for larger items such as beds and chairs.
Are you looking for a job, returning to work, changing career or wanting to develop your skills? We're proposing a new digital hub with face-to-face support to help people access jobs, training and career advice. Take our short survey and tell us what support you need. The survey closes on 14 August.
 Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with special webinar
Join us for a free online event celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2026 and this year's theme, Unity in Diversity. Taking place on Monday 27 July at 5pm, the webinar will explore identity, inclusion, belonging and the rich cultural heritage of South Asian communities.
The event will feature a panel of inspiring guest speakers sharing their personal experiences and insights:
- Hannah Kumari: British South Asian actor and theatre producer whose work explores themes of identity and belonging
- Vijay Chohan: Senior Inclusion and Diversity Manager at British Airways and Trustee of Wokingham Pride
- Rupee Chagar: Chaplain and Perinatal Befriender at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Whether you have a personal connection to South Asian heritage or would simply like to learn more about the cultures, histories and contributions of South Asian communities, everyone is welcome to attend this engaging and thought-provoking event.
Register today - to secure your place
 Could you help a local family?
For 30 years, Home-Start Wokingham District has been supporting local families with young children across the borough. Their volunteers provide practical and emotional support through simple acts of kindness – whether that’s sharing a cup of tea and a chat, helping with a trip to the park or simply being there to listen.
You don’t need any special qualifications to volunteer. If you’re friendly, reliable and willing to support others, Home-Start will provide full training and ongoing guidance. Many volunteers draw on their own experience as parents, grandparents or carers to help families through challenging times.
Home-Start is also looking for people to join its new Fundraising Community. No experience is needed – just enthusiasm, ideas and a willingness to get involved.
To find out more about volunteering or joining the Fundraising Community, visit Home-Start Wokingham District.
For other volunteering opportunities across the borough, contact Wokingham Volunteer Centre on 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit the Wokingham Volunteer Centre website.
 Finding community when life changes
When Gordon's wife, Anne, went into a care home four years ago, he faced isolation for the first time in 69 years of marriage.
His daughter got him involved with The Link Visiting Scheme - a friendship café that meets weekly across the borough.
"It just clicked. It really did," Gordon said.
Now, at 91, Gordon has activities most days - Link Thursdays, Monday friendship tables, bowling and a gentlemen's friendship group on Fridays. He has people to talk to, familiar faces and a reason to get out.
This is Social Care Future in action, community stepping in when it matters most.
Social Care Future is about communities where we look out for one another, especially when life changes suddenly.
If you're caring for someone, or facing a major life change, support is available.
Find out more about The Link Visiting Scheme or read Gordon's full story on our website.
New walk and talk wellbeing sessions available
Delivered by Mind in Berkshire, the new sessions offer the same free one-to-one wellbeing support from experienced Wellbeing Workers, but in a more flexible setting. Many people find walking side-by-side in the fresh air feels more relaxed and makes it easier to open up about how they're feeling.
The Wokingham Wellbeing Service is available to adults aged 18 and over who are registered with a Wokingham GP. Support is designed to help people manage stress, improve their wellbeing, build resilience and work towards personal goals.
Walk and Talk sessions are an additional option, giving residents greater choice in how they access support.
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