The National Garden Scheme has open gardens in Reading, online talks and an interactive, digital booklet entitled 'The Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health' packed with stories and case studies from garden owners, garden visitors and beneficiaries who have found solace and improved health and wellbeing by immersing themselves in nature.
National Garden Scheme https://ngs.org.uk/
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#SafeRamadan #SafeEid
Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing Ramadan in Reading. May this holy time bring you peace and good health.
Reading Borough Council has been speaking with representatives from mosques across the borough. Here is a joint message from the mosques across Greater Reading as we approach Eid al-Fitr celebrations in May:
As Muslim communities across all of Reading and beyond move towards the end of the holy month of Ramadan, their thoughts and prayers continue to be for those who have lost loved ones, those who are working on the frontline and generally for the health and well-being of all. Ramadan is a time for deep reflection and to come closer to God through fasting, prayer and charity.
Once again, Eid will be a very different experience for us all in the face of the ongoing pandemic. Whilst restrictions will be more relaxed compared to 2020, many of the usual practices normally observed such as visiting friends and family indoors will sadly still not be possible this year.
It is important to celebrate Eid safely in order to protect our communities. We know that handshaking and hugging are traditional during Eid, but please try to avoid this with members of other households. Try to distance from others, avoid large gatherings and follow the national safety guidelines. By staying as safe as possible this year, we hope next year may return to something closer to normality.
Muslims increase their charity during Ramadan and this year has been no different. Mosques, organisations and individuals have been supporting local charities and services, as they always have. This will continue.
The Muslim Council of Britain has provided COVID-19 guidance including
#SafeRamadan21
Visit the Muslim Council of Britain’s website for more information: https://mcb.org.uk/resources/ramadan
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Talkback TV
Looking for free online classes for people with a learning disability and autism? Mindfulness, cooking, dance, art, sports - explore the fantastic range of free content created y Talkback's experienced staff. Connect with a growing digital world and get free, 24/7 access to online lessons.
Anyone can join, just press subscribe.
https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkbackTVUK
Tel: 0118 322 8700
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Why not get involved in the Big Knit and support Age UK Berkshire while doing so!
Create tiny hats to go on Innocent smoothie bottles, and post them to AgeUK Berkshire, drop them off at the Reading office or get them collected (if you have many!)
The proceeds from each smoothie bought will go from Innocent straight to us, to help local, socially-isolated and vulnerable older people in your communities.
We've already got a band of lovely knitters and groups who are creating hats, but more are needed. If you're part of a knitting/crocheting/crafts group or you're an individual who loves to create things, get in touch.
TO GET INVOLVED:
Email sabita.burke@ageukberkshire.org.uk
You can create as many or few hats as you want, and the deadline is mid-June so you've got time to get knitting...
The address to send hats to is: Age UK Berkshire, Huntley House, 119 London St, Reading, RG1 4QA.
More info on the Big Knit: https://www.thebigknit.co.uk
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Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
This year we are coming together to Make Caring Visible and Valued.
Tuvida Carers Hub gives support unpaid carers in Reading with advice and guidance, carer’s assessment, access to carers breaks, emotional support and wellbeing.
During Carers Week, there will be a series of activities and that you can take part in, check Tuvida's website in June for the details.
Visit https://www.tuvida.org/berkshirehub to find out more.
The Caring in Reading Information pack has been specifically prepared for unpaid carers with advice and guidance on what carers are entitled to and information on what local services and support activities are available, click here to find out more.
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The Big Ask is the largest ever survey of children in England, designed to find out what their concerns and aspirations about the future are. Take part in the survey: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigask/
Find out more from this short video with England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford here.
The survey can be taken by children from age 4 to age 17 and by adults who are a care leaver, parent or work with children. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
The results from this survey will help to identify the barriers preventing children from reaching their potential, put forward solutions and set ambitious goals for the country to achieve. The more children respond, the stronger the results will be!
https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigask/
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Having interviews online can feel like a very different experience, learn how to prepare with these free sessions or find out more about how to kickstart that business idea.
For more information visit: https://www.earleycrescent.org/
Call: 0118 921 0555
Email: earleycrescent@btconnect.com
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Compass Recovery College has something for everyone, offering a wide range of courses that are an educational route to recovery from mental health challenges and increasing positive wellbeing.
If you are interested in volunteering or enrolling in a free course visit: https://www.compassrecoverycollege.uk/
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Odysseys is an opportunity for those who have had a stroke or brain injury to become part of a unique creative community.
Sparking recovery through movement, music and song-writing to overcome anxiety, depression, and lowered self-esteem after a brain injury.
https://strokeodysseys.org/
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Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC) exists to help marginalised women from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to achieve their individual potential.
During the current lock down due to Covid-19 please use the mobile numbers below.
Petra Robinson (main office and enquiries): 07923 138 681
Shaheen Kausar (for advice, support and outreach): 07923 138 730
E-mail: rclcinfo@yahoo.co.uk
Visit: https://rclc.org.uk/
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Reading Borough Council Winterwatch service is Free and is open all year round. We are here to help vulnerable families stay safe and warm during the colder months.
Our top tips for the Spring to keep your home warm and safe all year round
Turn down, not off the radiators in the rooms you aren’t using.
Switch your energy supplier - this could save you hundreds of pounds.
Register for the Warm homes Discount - £140 credit for those on means tested benefits.
The application opens in the summer
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme or contact your energy supplier.
Can’t top up your Pay as you go meters? No problem, contact your energy supplier and they will provide you with emergency funds to support you until your finances are corrected.
Apply for the Green homes grant to help improve the energy efficiency of your home. Loft and cavity wall insulation will help your home feel warmer and help reduce fuel your bills https://www.gov.uk/apply-green-homes-grant
For help with your energy please call Reading Borough Council Winterwatch
0118 937 3747 or email Winter.watch@reading.gov.uk
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For anyone who is already receiving support from Reading Borough Council’s social care teams call: 0118 937 3747
For anyone not in receipt of support from adult social care contact the One Reading Community Hub: Fill in the online coronavirus support form or call 0808 1894325
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