Bringing support to the community with new outreach project

Wokingham Borough Council and charity partners are getting out into the community to take help and advice direct to communities.

The aim of Residents’ Reception is to act as a one-stop shop for people to get help and information directly on a range of subjects, as well as being helped to find support elsewhere if needed.

Swallowfield will host the first of these sessions at the parish hall (RG7 1QW) on Thursday 19 September from 10am to 1pm. These will continue to be held at the same location on the third Thursday of the month.

Other sessions will be held at:

• Woodley Library, Headley Road (RG5 4JA) starting on 3 October and held on the first Thursday of the month, from 10am to 1pm
• Wokingham Without (starting date and venue to be confirmed) to be held on the second Thursday of the month, from 10am to 1pm
• Arborfield Green Community Centre, Princess Marina Drive (RG2 9NN) starting on 26 September and held on the fourth Thursday of the month, from 10am to 1pm

Understanding our communities better

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, executive member for resident services, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work together with so many of our amazing partners in the community to be able to launch these support sessions, which will allow us to connect with residents across the borough.

“We hope to engage with our residents at a very local level to give early help advice and support, alongside getting to understand our communities better. We hope you will pop in to find out what’s going on in your area, have a health check, seek advice or just come along and say hello.

“Instead of people thinking that they always have to come to us when they have an issue, we want to bring help to them in a format that is supportive, free of judgement easy to access and at a regular time each month. We want to provide a service that informs residents of their rights on hugely important subjects, such as their health and wellbeing, financial matters and housing support.”

Working with our charity partners

The council is delighted to be working with so many partners from across the voluntary and community sector on this project, bringing added experience and insight that will benefit residents. Organisations taking part in Residents' Reception include:

• Citizens Advice Wokingham: A local charity that offers free, confidential and impartial advice and information to anyone living or working in Wokingham Borough. Advice areas include benefits, debt, energy, housing and employment
• The Cowshed: A compassionate charity providing free quality clothing and essential items to individuals of all backgrounds facing personal crises. It supports those affected by issues such as domestic abuse, emergency rehousing, health-related poverty, homelessness and more, ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities
• First Days Children’s Charity: Supports families suffering from financial hardship, offering emotional, practical and peer support and coaching, as well as distributing items to families who are struggling to help them thrive
• Involve: An information giving and signposting services that helps to connect residents to services and interest groups
• Community Wellness Outreach Wokingham: Encourages residents to get a free health check, aimed at helping them to better understand their current health and access advice and information on how they can improve their health and wellbeing

The council’s Adult Social Care and Community Engagement teams will also be present. The Adult Social Care services support people aged 18 and over living in Wokingham Borough who need extra help due to care and support needs, illness, disability or frailty.