The COVID vaccine reduces your risk of getting seriously ill and catching and passing on the virus - every vaccine you have makes a difference. You can walk in and get your COVID vaccine at the town centre vaccination clinic in the Broad Street Mall. Check here on the NHS website for up-to-date opening days and times.
 
If you or someone you know have questions about accessing a vaccine, we are working with Reading Voluntary Action to support you. You can call them on 01183 341091 - they can answer your questions and also help with translators. It’s never too late to get your first vaccine.

Heat warning – take care
The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning as temperatures continue to stay extremely high this week and through the weekend. Please look out for each other during the hot weather - the heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on their health; older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
 
Advice to combat the heat is to:

• Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• Use high factor 30-50 SPF with a high star UVA rating, apply sun cream 20 mins before going out and every 2 hours in the sun and make sure your sun cream is in date, if it has been open for more than 12 months it may not be as effective
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• Make sure you take water to drink with you
• Look out for people who may need support in your community and check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather

• Taking the person’s temperature.
• If possible, move them somewhere cooler.
• Cool them down as quickly as possible by giving them a cool shower, sprinkling them with water or wrapping them in a damp sheet, and using a fan to create an air current.
• Encouraging them to drink fluids if they are conscious.

More heat health information is available from the NHS. 
 
Staying safe around water
In this heat it is important to be sensible around water. All waters around the UK are cold enough to give you cold water shock, even in high summer. Don't be tempted to jump into lakes, rivers, or canals to cool off. Advice on staying safe around water is below. Over 60% of drownings happen when people accidentally fall into the water, so knowing how to float could save your life. Almost everyone can float if they take the right steps.

Thames Water planning to introduce hosepipe ban
In the extreme heat and dry weather we have been experiencing this summer, Thames Water are urging customers to only use water that they need for essential use. With a long-term forecast of dry weather they are planning to announce a temporary use ban in the coming weeks, so whatever you can do to help reduce what you use in the meantime will help. Some helpful tips on how you can do your bit to conserve water can be found at the bottom of this email.
 
Could you offer a home to Ukrainian families?
In Reading we stand together with the people of Ukraine whose lives continue to be affected by this terrible war. Do you have at least two spare rooms in your home you could offer a family who have fled Ukraine? If you would be able to help out this summer or autumn please get in touch by completing our Sponsor: Expression of Interest form. We’ll then be in contact to help with any questions you have and to provide more information.
 
Invitation to ‘Beat the Bounds’ with the Mayor of Reading for charity
 A centuries-old tradition of ‘Beating of the Bounds’ will be observed in Reading this summer for the first time since 1912, to raise money for this year’s Mayoral charities.
 
Traditionally, the beating of the bounds involves swatting local landmarks with branches to maintain a shared mental map of parish boundaries. This year, the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, will be walking a specially mapped route on Tuesday 30 August based on the original 1912 map, using public rights of way, and you are invited to take part to help raise funds for good causes. Copies of the map to help plan your journey will be available to purchase soon for £3 via Reading Town Hall and Museum, The Hexagon, and Central, Tilehurst, Battle, Caversham, Palmer Park and Southcote libraries.
 
You can take part with the Mayor or enjoy the route at your leisure, with eleven QR check points dotted along the route which can be scanned to reveal interesting facts about Reading’s history. A full route description, as well as fundraising information can be found here on our website.
 
Reading Festival 2022
Reading Festival is back in a couple of weeks, so please be prepared as shops, public transport and roads will be a lot busier than usual. From Friday 26 through to Sunday 28 August more than 100,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event. We’ll provide more details as we get closer to the event, including a dedicated residents’ phoneline and contact details if you have any concerns.