Supporting the ambitions of the Communities Vision
We usually send this newsletter out every other Wednesday. We're sending this special to celebrate our diverse communities and the work achieved over the last year. Your next Community Matters will be sent as usual on 30 September.
 Office for National Statistics - How life has changed in Wokingham census 2021
Our growing borough
Wokingham Borough is a thriving and growing place to live, work and raise a family. According to the 2021 census, our borough is home to more than 177,500 residents and our population has grown by 15 per cent over the past decade, making us one of the fastest-growing areas in the South East.
As our borough has grown, it has also become increasingly diverse. Today, 12.9 per cent of residents identify as Asian or British Asian, while 118 languages are spoken in our schools, reflecting the many cultures, backgrounds and experiences that make up our communities.
Over the past year, we have celebrated and supported our diverse communities in many ways. From Wokingham Pride, South Asian Heritage Month and Armed Forces Day to Learning Disability Awareness Week, Black History Month and the Safe Places scheme, these initiatives have helped create a borough where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to thrive.
This special edition of Community Matters looks back at some of these moments, celebrates residents' experiences and explores the work taking place to ensure everyone feels they belong.
 Celebrating culture, heritage and identity
Throughout the past year, communities across the borough came together to celebrate culture, heritage and identity.
Last October, more than 500 people attended the Diwali Mela at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre. Hosted by Art Celebration, the event featured cultural dance performances, traditional dress showcases, food, music and community activities that brought people together to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
That same month our schools marked Black History Month with cultural workshops for primary and secondary school children.
South Asian Heritage Month in July also provided opportunities for residents to explore identity, inclusion and belonging. A special webinar brought together guest speakers who shared personal experiences and perspectives on South Asian heritage and the importance of celebrating diversity.
Wokingham Pride returned in the summer, bringing residents together to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and promote inclusion across the borough. Ahead of the event, Pride flags were raised as a visible sign of support and solidarity.
 Stories of courage, identity and belonging
Personal stories can help break down barriers, challenge misconceptions and encourage greater understanding.
In July, residents visited Portraits of Resilience, a photography exhibition at Wokingham Library sharing the experiences of people seeking sanctuary. Through powerful portraits and personal stories, the exhibition highlighted the resilience, skills, cultures and contributions of refugees and asylum seekers rebuilding their lives in the UK.
The borough also marked Black History Month last October through a series of local activities celebrating the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities. A special video featured local voices reflecting on the theme Standing Firm in Power and Pride, exploring identity, heritage and belonging.
By providing opportunities for people to share their own stories and experiences, these projects encouraged greater understanding while celebrating the diverse people and communities that contribute to life across the borough.
 Honouring service and contribution
Diversity is also reflected in the wide range of experiences, backgrounds and traditions represented within our communities.
In June, residents, veterans, serving personnel and community representatives gathered for the borough's annual Armed Forces Day flag-raising ceremony. The event recognised the contribution made by members of the Armed Forces, past and present, while celebrating the strong connections between the Armed Forces community and Wokingham Borough.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families and to recognise the important role veterans continue to play within local communities.
We've also been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2026. The award recognises employers that go beyond words to actively support reservists, veterans and military families in the workplace. For us, this means supporting reservists to balance their service with their careers, recognising the skills and experience they bring to our organisation and creating an inclusive workplace where they can thrive.
 Building a borough where everyone belongs
Alongside community celebrations, important work has continued to ensure inclusion and belonging are embedded across the borough.
A major milestone was the adoption of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy. Developed with residents, council staff networks and the Voice of Inclusion and Equality (VINE), the policy reaffirmed a commitment to making Wokingham Borough a fair place to live for all residents.
The policy focuses on improving outcomes for those with the greatest need, building welcoming communities and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
This work is closely linked to the Communities Vision 2035, which was developed by residents and helped shape the Council Plan 2025-30. Created through extensive engagement with local people, the vision reflects shared ambitions for a borough where communities are connected, welcoming and inclusive.
The return of the Safe Places scheme also supported these aims by creating a network of locations where residents can seek support if they feel lost, anxious or unsafe while out in the community.
 Making sure every voice is heard
Several projects over the past year focused on ensuring people who are not always represented have opportunities to share their experiences and help shape services.
Learning Disability Awareness Week, held from 15 to 21 June, highlighted the theme "Do you see me?" and celebrated the contribution people with learning disabilities make across the borough. Working alongside CLASP, Promise Inclusion and other partners, local residents shared their experiences through a video created to raise awareness and promote understanding.
The borough also reflected on the first year of the All Age Autism Strategy. Developed with autistic residents, families and partner organisations, the strategy has continued to guide work aimed at improving experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent residents.
Alongside this, a partnership with CLASP produced a video exploring the impact of online hate crime on people with learning disabilities and encouraging people to seek support and report incidents when they occur.
 (Left) Fancis Kaninda and (right) Rachel Hassan who will both be taking part in the exhibition
Future celebrations in our community
Next month we'll be marking Black History Month with a photography exhibition at Wokingham Library. Made up of portraits, the exhibition celebrates the stories, heritage and contributions of Black residents, staff and councillors across the borough - marking this year's theme of 'Honouring our Communities'.
The exhibition, a collaboration with the Voice of Inclusion and Equality (VINE) will be launched on 5 October. Visitors will be able to view the portraits, read participants' stories and hear from some of the people featured about their experiences and what belonging means to them.
If you are interested in attending the launch event, which will be held from 6pm to 8pm on 5 October, you can email wokinghamvine@wokinhgam.gov.uk. The exhibition will be open during normal library opening hours until the end of October.
At the end of October, Diwali Mela is returning to Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on Saturday, 31 October. The cultural celebration is set to include an ethnic fashion show, various performances, festive stalls, food and more. Buy your ticket here.
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