Latest news

Wokingham United Charities - Grants Manager

Wokingham United Charities is a local grant charity serving Wokingham town and surrounding parishes going back over 500 years. We make grants to local individuals in need and to voluntary and community organisations which work in our area of benefit. We also provide the Westende Almshouses (in Wokingham) for 27 residents. We are now in a position to increase significantly our grant making to provide support to the most disadvantaged in our area of benefit.

We are looking for a Grants manager with experience in the voluntary sector to help us develop the Charity’s future. This is a new role, with the opportunity for you to shape and grow the role as we seek to maximise our impact in Wokingham. The Grants Manager will play a pivotal role in the development and growth of the Wokingham United Charities Grant making programme. Under the direction of the Grants Committee, the Grants Manager provides high quality, timely and accurate support across all aspects of the Charity’s grant making activities. This ranges from researching potential grants areas, promoting the charity externally to encourage appropriate applications, managing all aspects of the applications process through to monitoring the outcomes and impact of grants made. This is a new role with the potential to develop for the right candidate.

For further information and to apply, please visit the Job Opportunity page.

To apply please send your CV with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in this role and how you feel your skills and experience make you suitable for the position. Email: grants@westende.org.uk.

Community Support Service procurement

Bracknell Forest Council's Adult Social Care, Health & Housing is looking to procure an outcome-based, flexible and sustainable Community Support Service: (previously known as Domiciliary Care or Home Care service)

• Supports people to regain or attain independence to an optimum level.
• Maximises and maintains people to live independently for as long as possible.
• Provides value for money and addresses the containment of costs.

This drive to maximising independence for the people supported will require a significant cultural change both within the council, the individual and the provider market. In particular we are looking for Providers to partner with the voluntary and community sector creatively and flexibly to meet the needs of people.

It is anticipated that through this approach, the level of care provision will reduce over the life of the contract. In so doing the department is seeking to commission a community based support service for adults who reside in Bracknell Forest through the procurement of a framework contract with 5-9 organisations.

More information is available here and here.

Does your organisation need more trustees?

Finding your next trustee has never been easier

inTRUSTed is a brand new bespoke trustee headhunting, recruitment and training solution designed to bring you informed, engaged candidates with the right skills for your board.

inTRUSTed comes to you from a collaboration between involve community services and leading recruitment company mabella solutions.

Capitalising on a number of the countries top job sites we work with you to engage with top business professionals with the right skills to take your organisation forward.

If you would like to know how inTRUSTed could change the face of your leadership board call us today for a chat on 01344 304404 or drop an email to Martin Starkey.

Stroke care improvements will save lives

Stroke services are set to improve for more than 430,000 people living in the east of Berkshire.

This means that, from January 1, local people suspected of having a stroke will be taken straight to the nearest hyper acute stroke unit by ambulance to receive the best possible care.

The improvements are the culmination of two years’ planning by the east Berkshire clinical commissioning groups, involving local clinicians, patients, the public and the Stroke Association from the start.

These plans aim to improve patients’ health after a stroke, with fast access to clot-busting treatment (thrombolysis) and 24-hour specialist stroke care, which have been proven to give patients a better chance of recovery when combined with therapy support as needed.

Hyper acute stroke units that are local for residents in the east of Berkshire are:

• Frimley Park Hospital, Camberley
• Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
• St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey
• Wycombe General Hospital, High Wycombe
• Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow

Most patients will go home after hospital treatment, with additional support if they need it. People who need rehabilitation in hospital will be transferred to an inpatient unit as close as possible to where they live.

For patients in the east of Berkshire, the plans mean:

• from January 1, most stroke patients who would previously have gone to the acute stroke unit at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough will go to the hyper acute stroke unit at Wycombe General Hospital
• Wexham Park Hospital will no longer have an acute stroke unit, but will have a new stroke rehabilitation unit
• the reconfiguration will mainly affect Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor patients who would previously have gone to Wexham Park Hospital
• Bracknell and Ascot patients will be largely unaffected, as almost seven out of ten already go to the hyper acute stroke units at Frimley Park Hospital or the Royal Berkshire Hospital

We believe these new arrangements will save lives in the years ahead. They will improve people’s quality of life after a stroke through maximising their chances of remaining independent at home.

While we realise some families and carers may need to travel slightly further to visit their loved ones in a specialist stroke unit, it is important to us that local people receive the best possible care.

Fiona Slevin-Brown
Director of Strategy and Operations, East Berkshire CCGs

involve Christmas Party

Bracknell-based companies, including Redwood Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bracknell Forest Homes and Waitrose were delighted to continue their support of the local community by sponsoring involve’s annual Befrienders Christmas party.

Held at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Crowthorne, the event saw over 60 people enjoy sandwiches, mince pies and good company in an effort to address the issue of social isolation, which can become more prevalent over the Christmas period. The event saw local handbell ringers The Crowthorne Chimes perform a medley of classic Christmas songs and share a few humorous readings on the festive season. Staff from involve and volunteers from Redwood Technologies also attended the event and spent time socialising with guests.

involve is a charity that provides central support for a range of voluntary community organisations in Bracknell Forest. The befriending service sets up isolated members of the community with amicable volunteers. Since it was founded in 2009, the scheme has helped over 300 people to connect with their community and make new friends.

The event was the first of two Christmas parties run by involve, with the next event taking place on Tuesday 20th December at the Capitol Building in Bracknell.

Generous donations for the party were received from Redwood Technologies and the Easthampstead Rotary Club, the latter also helped with transporting some of the attendees. Boehringer Ingelheim’s staff donated many of the gifts for those that attended, Bracknell Forest Homes provided raffle presents and Waitrose, once again, kindly donated the food and drinks for the party.

Martin Taylor, CMO of Redwood Technologies, commented:

“It’s always fantastic to see the great work that involve is carrying out in our local area. We’re pleased to see our donation go to an event that brings such joy to so many people’s lives over the festive period. I know a lot of local people look forward to involve's Christmas events and, in this technological age, it’s more important than ever to remember the value of spending quality time with others.”

Philip Cook, General Manager at involve said:

“Christmas can be a lonely time for many people. This is a hugely popular event and it is great for us to be able to provide people from the Befriending project a Christmas party every year. We couldn’t do this without the help of so many local organisations so my thanks goes to all of that have made this happen. involve has 100 volunteers currently visiting 100 socially isolated members of our local community every week. We are always looking for support to grow this scheme as we sadly have a waiting list too. If anyone would like more information about the project or would like to contribute to it in anyway, then please get in touch.”

If you are looking to take part in the befriending scheme, whether as a volunteer or befriendee, see our befriending page, call 01344 304404 or email us.

URGENT Volunteer needed!

Bracknell Forest Voluntary Car Scheme is looking for Volunteer Organisers five mornings a week.

The Car Scheme has been has been registered as a charity and operating across Bracknell Forest since 1975, transporting hundreds of local people to medical appointments. This service enables anyone in the Bracknell Forest area to be picked up from their homes and dropped to hospitals, doctor appointments and all medical requirements within the Bracknell Forest area. Volunteer drivers do the driving and transporting, but a new dedicated volunteer is now required to answer the phones at Coopers Hill Community Centre, the base of the organisation, to coordinate the scheme.

The Volunteer Coordinator will be required to answer phones, communicate clearly and allocate 'jobs' to drivers. If you feel you can help this invaluable organisation by volunteering for a morning a week (preferably 5 mornings a week!) then please contact John Woods on 01344 426320.

This is a great opportunity for someone that finds they have some time on their hands, is organised and professional and wants to get involved with and be a bigger part of the local community. Be a part of the Bracknell Forest Voluntary Car Scheme's future and success and call John today!

involve picked as 'Highly Commended' at the Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards 2016!

Following on from being the Runner Up for Charity of the Year at the Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards in April this year, involve Community Services was delighted to be at the annual Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards 2016 on the 17th November as a contender for the Charity of the Year award.

Along with 5 other charities from the Thames Valley: Alexander Devine Children's Hospice, ARCh, Oxford Homeless Pathways, Step by Step Partnership and Thrive, involve Community Services had got through the application and interview stages to get to the final and the awards ceremony.

The Charity of the Year Award is open to charities, social enterprises and not for profit organisations which have a base in the Thames Valley and have been operating for more than 2 years. The judges considered the outstanding achievement and services of the charity to its beneficiaries, innovative fundraising ideas and the achievement of its goals over the course of the last year.

The very worthy winners for 2016 were the Alexander Devine Children's Hospice, a local charity that is developing Berkshire's very own local children's hospice service. They support children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families throughout the area.

Despite not winning the overall award, involve were overjoyed to be recognised at this level and were identified as being 'highly commended' by the judges.

The awards were presented at the Madejski Stadium in Reading and involve was represented by General Manager Philip Cook, Chair of Trustees Peter Redford and his wife Val and 4 members of the involve staff team; Clare Rebbeck, Jo Hawkins, Claire Page and Martin Starkey.

White Ribbon Day

What is White Ribbon Day?

The 25th November marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day. The first White Ribbon Campaign was launched in Canada by a group of men after the brutal mass shooting of 14 female students at the University of Montreal. The first White Ribbon Day in the UK was launched in 1998 and has grown stronger and bigger every year since then.

The White Ribbon Campaign UK is part of a world wide movement led by men who know that there is never an excuse for violence against women and pledge to never condone it or stand by when they know it is happening.

Why do we need it?

• On average two women are killed by their partner or ex-partner every week in England and Wales. (Office for National Statistics, 2015).
• Women are twice as likely as men to experience domestic abuse (CSEW, 2015).
• Domestic cases account for 14.1% of all court prosecutions. 92.4% of defendants were male and 7.6% were women. 84% of victims were female and 16% were male. (CPS VAWG report 2014/15).
• Women are 5 times more likely to experience sexual assault than men (CSEW, 2015).
• Up to 700,000 women are stalked every year (CSEW, 2012).
• Of all reported cases of “Honour killing” in the UK in last 5 years the majority of victims were females (Dyer, 2015).

What can you do?

Come and meet BWA between 10 am and 4pm at Wokingham Borough Council Shute End on Friday 25th November White Ribbon Day

Join BWA in pledging your support and make a commitment to stand up and condemn violence against women and girls at the White Ribbon Campaign pledge page.

Donate and pick up a White Ribbon at

• Shute End Wokingham Borough Council
• Easthampstead House Bracknell
• Time Square Bracknell

Share your comments and selfies of you and friends and colleagues wearing your White Ribbons using #bwa #wrc25Nov.

White Ribbon UK are seeking new Ambassadors as positive male role models; to take a stand against all male violence against women and girls and encouraging other men to do so too. More information is available at the White Ribbon ambassador page.

Pilgrim Hearts - Vacancy

DEPUTY MANAGER: NIGHT SHELTER for Bracknell Homeless

Can you manage a team of volunteers? Do you have experience in caring for the homeless? Are you OK with working nights on 2 nights a week, usually Fridays and Saturdays from 7.00pm to 7.00am?

This is a part-time paid role (sessional worker) for 4 months starting from 2nd December 2016 to the end of March 2017. £100 / night for 2 nights per week

This winter there will be a night shelter for the homeless in Bracknell based in local churches around the town. We are looking for someone with the right skills to run the shelter where up to 12 beneficiaries will be given a hot evening meal, a bed for the night and breakfast the next morning.

Training will be provided. An understanding of, and a sympathy for, the needs of homeless and vulnerable adults is essential.

For details contact Elaine Chalmers-Brown 01344 307030.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week

To coincide with National Hate Crime Awareness Week which runs from 8 - 15 October 2016, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) will be launching a new campaign under the banner "Let's Hate, Hate". This campaign builds upon their work in supporting victims of crime including providing support to hate crime victims. It urges action on the part of witnesses to events and reinforces the message that incidents of hate related activity are not accepted in our communities.

The Bracknell Forest hate crime campaign "One Community: stop hate crime now", first launched in 2012, also aims to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage more people to report hate crime and provide support to victims. Information about the campaign is available in their Stop hate crime now document.

Levels of hate crime in Bracknell Forest are very low. In fact they are the lowest of all the local Police areas in Berkshire. However the Council and Police are committed to tackling any incidents in a bid to stamp out this type of crime completely.

A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability or against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender. Hate crime is not just about physical attacks- it can take the form of verbal attacks, vandalism, graffiti or online abuse.

The Leader of Bracknell Forest Council and Executive Member for Community Cohesion Cllr Paul Bettison OBE launched the "One Community: stop hate crime now" campaign in 2012; 'there are still people living and working in this borough who are victims of harassment or abuse because of their race, faith, disability or sexual orientation. We are sending out a strong and clear message from the Council, the Police and our partners across the public and voluntary sector, that we will not tolerate hate crime; it is completely unacceptable'.

Remember - Anyone can report a hate crime or incident. You don't have to have been the victim. The Hate Crime Network's number for reporting hate crime is 0300 1234 148 and here is the hate crime website.

If you would like more information about either campaign, contact Thames Valley Police by following your neighbourhood Twitter account and signing up to receive Thames Valley Alerts or call Bracknell Forest Council on 01344 353307.

Could you be a Community Navigator?

The involve Community Navigation Scheme is now up and running across Wokingham Borough.

Community Navigation is a guided process to enable people to access local community organisations and voluntary groups. People are currently referred to the scheme by healthcare professionals if they are considered to be in need of additional, perhaps non-medical, support to give them a better sense of wellbeing, social inclusion and independence. Once the person has been referred, they meet with a volunteer Community Navigator who will discuss their needs with them and decide where to go next.

So, what is it like being a Community Navigator?

We spoke to two volunteers, Wendy and Les, about their experiences so far. They both came into the role following retirement, from different backgrounds covering careers in teaching, the police service and nursing, bringing with them various skills and lots of experience. We asked them what they thought the benefits of the scheme are for those using it.

Les: "It's a 'listening, face to face' service. Even if you can't solve the problem, the fact that you're listening makes a difference. Active listening is the keystone of the scheme. Also, we have the time to signpost, which GPs don't have. Feedback tells me we are improving the quality of people's lives."

Wendy: "It's a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, which I don't think doctors have time for. It fills that gap."

Navigators are there to listen and advise only; it is up to the client to follow up the suggestions made, as Wendy points out: "You need to be impartial and independent – not sway or steer..."

We asked our Community Navigators what skills and attributes they felt a Community Navigator needs, besides being impartial.

Wendy: "Empathy; you need to like people! Creativity, problem solving skills; to be able to provide a listening ear."

Les: "Approachable, friendly, welcoming. You need to be able to put someone at their ease. You also need to be non-judgmental, trustworthy and appreciate the need for confidentiality. Above all, a Community Navigator needs to be a good listener."

So, what does being a Community Navigator mean to the volunteer themselves?

"If you are retired," says Wendy, "it's a rewarding role to fill time. If you're not retired, it will enhance your CV and skill base. Working with a team is great. We all have different skill sets. If I don't know something, I will know someone who does."

Les: "It keeps my skills up to date, it's challenging, makes me think and there is, of course, an altruistic side to it too. The best thing is the feedback, knowing it has made a difference. Personal feedback is very rewarding - and so is having repeat clients."

Wendy adds: "I am always excited when I get another client. I enjoy the problem solving, research and appreciate the flexibility. It's good to have a role!"

People like Les and Wendy are already helping their local community by volunteering as Community Navigators. If you are interested in joining them, please contact Diane Benford on 01344 383515 to arrange to come in for a chat.

You can follow us on Twitter @involve_WB (Wokingham) and @involve_BF (Bracknell), and on Facebook.

Register for our FREE digital resources and get the help you need today.

Caring for a loved one who is ill, disabled or older can be valuable and rewarding, but without the right support caring can have an impact on your health, your job, your finances and your social life.

Bracknell Forest Council has teamed up with Carers UK to offer carers in our area a comprehensive solution, bringing together Carers UK's digital products and online resources with our own information and support for carers onto a single webpage.

You can create an account here and get free access to all the products and support resources.

What's included?

• About Me: building resilience for carers, an e-learning resource developed by Carers UK that aims to help you identify and find resources, technologies and sources of support in order to prevent your caring responsibilities from becoming overwhelming.
• Jointly, Carers UK’s care co-ordination app for people managing or sharing care.
• Upfront Guide to Caring, a simple assessment tool to guide people new to caring or seeking support for the first time to navigate the Carers UK website.
• Looking after someone: Carers Rights Guide, which aims to help you understand your rights as a carer and where to go for financial or practical help.
• Being Heard: a self-advocacy guide for carers, which helps carers develop the skills to self-advocate.
• Our own information and support resources for carers.

Stronger Communities – making a difference in Bracknell

Do you have the time to be a Volunteer in your local community?

Or do you know someone who would be interested?

ALL YOU NEED IS a friendly and flexible nature, the ability to listen, understand the need for confidentiality and to be able to offer a few hours of your time.

You have the potential to be a great volunteer!

We will offer the training necessary for you to undertake a range of volunteering roles for which you will receive a certificate on completion.

The training is free and a free lunch and crèche will be provided for participants, all training is during school hours.

The next course is starting on 23rd September for 5 Fridays, or January 10th 2017 for 5 Tuesdays.

If this is of interest please contact us on 01344 304404, Jo Hawkins or Yvette Hockley.

Karma Nirvana Day of Memory

Next Thursday, 14 July will be a Day of Memory to commemorate victims of honour killings. The 14th July 2016 would have been Shafilea Ahmed's 30th birthday. 17 year old Shafilea was killed by her parents in 2003 for bringing perceived shame on her family by rejecting her arranged marriage.

The Day of Memory is led by UK charity Karma Nirvana, who work to support victims of forced marriage and honour crimes, and there are several things you can do in support:

• Update your Facebook profile picture and Twitter status image with the images found on the Karma Nirvana Day of Memory page.
• Tweet about the day, referencing #WeRemember and @KNFMHBV (suggestion: Today, the International Day of Memory, commemorates those taken in the name of 'honour'. Support Karma Nirvana to show #WeRemember @KNFMHBV)
• Increase awareness by liking and sharing Karma Nirvana's Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Contact Karma Nirvana to get an honourable wristband.

Celebrating Volunteer's Week

What do volunteers mean to the organisations they volunteer with?

It's Volunteer's Week again, the time of year to recognise the great work being done by volunteers. Across the country, people who give up their time to help charities and community groups will be attending events and get-togethers laid on as a BIG THANK YOU for all their hard work.

So, who are these people who give up their time to make a difference? And how much of a difference do they really make to the organisations they join?

A volunteer role can be anything from admin support, IT support to retail, to Trustees and committee members, to volunteer support for children and families in need. They can be a team comprising a couple of casual 'helping hands', an army of support covering all areas of expertise and skill-sets, and every variation in between. Volunteers come from many different backgrounds and bring all sorts of skills and attributes with them.

Tessa Dove, Scheme Manager, Home-Start Bracknell Forest says: "Volunteers bring skills, experience, connections. Everyone has something to add, a different point of view." While Lorraine Keogh, Volunteer Training Adviser with British Heart Foundation (BHF), sees them as "the most amazing people in the world – so happy to give up their time to help other people… Without our volunteers, we would never be able to fund the research we're doing. We appreciate every single one."

As Lorraine points out, the work volunteers do can be vital to an organisation's existence. When asked if they could continue to function as they do without their volunteers, 100% of those asked came back with an emphatic: NO!

Here, Catherine Barrett, CEO of Create Hope, discusses the role that trustees play in starting and building a charity: "There would be no organisation without trustees. They are the foundation of a charity – making sure we stick to our objectives, policies and procedures." Atarah Jacobs, Chair of Trustees, adds: "With the aid of volunteers, we are able to ensure that monies are re-invested into the charity to grow its work and help as many people as possible."

What do the organisations say when it comes to advising someone who would like to volunteer?

Tessa Dove suggests asking lots of questions. For example: what are you looking for? Have you got the time? Can you commit to the role? Do you enjoy meeting people? What can we help you to achieve through volunteering?

Lorraine from BHF agrees: "Make certain it is right for you. It has to be a good fit, right for the organisation and the individual."

Catherine Barrett: "Find out about the area of volunteering you're interested in. You might be surprised by what is needed. Give it a go – you've nothing to lose."

Julie Pizzey, who works as a paid administrator as well as volunteering as a home visitor with Home-Start says: "It's rewarding. You'll find a circle of friends, a routine. It can be a pathway to other things."

Patricia Poole, volunteer admin support with Home-Start adds: "Do it. You'll feel you're doing something worthwhile - and you'll meet some nice people!"

So, once you've made the leap and volunteered your services, as Julie and Patricia have done, what can you - and what should you - expect from an organisation? Lorraine Keogh explains: "Volunteering can lead to training, development and a 'foot in the door' - an opportunity to expand your knowledge and enhance your prospects. We make sure we make our volunteers feel appreciated and part of the team."

Tessa Dove adds: "We always try to remember they're volunteers and don't have to be here. We try to say thank you in many ways, holding regular supervisions with them and organising social events."

Catherine, from Create Hope says: "A big part of it is to support the volunteers – to give them the opportunity to grow. We nurture them – whether they're here short term or long term." Atarah Jacobs agrees: "Volunteers need to feel heard, respected and appreciated in the work they do. I also feel it's important to offer flexibility and training in order to ensure the volunteer is getting the most out of the placement and it is mutually beneficial."

So, what is the best thing about being a volunteer? We asked our three charities to answer this question in relation to their own organisations, and here's what they said.

Home-Start: "The people, the well-supported volunteers, the feeling that you're really making a difference."

BHF: "It changes lives, gives you an experience you can't put a price on, gives your CV a new lease of life and is a real pick-me-up as you start a new chapter -- and can be Bags of Fun!"

Create Hope: "Because we are pioneering in the local area, there is an opportunity to be a part of something new and to grow with us. 'Create Hope', a play on words, is our goal for all concerned."

So, all of our charities agree: without their volunteers, they wouldn't exist in the way they do – and, on top of that, volunteering is a great thing to do; and we at involve couldn't agree more. So, start today, do something great – become a volunteer!

Many thanks to the three wonderful organisations who gave their time to share what their volunteers mean to them. They are:

• Home Start
• British Heart Foundation
• Create Hope

If you are an organisation looking for volunteers, or if you would like to offer your services to an organisation as a volunteer, please contact involve on 01344 304404. You can follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @involve_BF & @involve_WB.

Interviews conducted by Rebecca Benwell, involve.

Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards

On Friday, 29th April, the Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards were held at Bracknell & Wokingham College. It was a great success, with around 150 guests in attendance to enjoy a three course meal, entertainment, and to celebrate the people, organisations and unsung heroes who strive to make the Borough a better place.

As usual, there were several awards to hand out, including Volunteer of the year, Team of the Year, School of the Year, Business of the Year and Charity of the Year, as well as awards for special achievement and lifetime service. It was a wonderful opportunity to mingle, celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of the past year, as representatives from the voluntary, community and corporate sector, supporters, nominees, winners and runners-up all joined together for a glittering evening.

involve were very much involved, both as organisers and as nominees. We are very proud to say that we were runners up in the Charity of the Year award, having been shortlisted alongside Red Diamond whose win coincided with their 40th anniversary.

So, many congrats to them, to us – and to all of the worthy winners, runners-up and nominees. It was a superb evening and a great showcase for the great work going on in our Borough.

To find out more about all of the categories, winners and runners up, please see the special 8-page pull-out section in this week's Bracknell News.

The Bracknell News has a photo gallery of the event.

East Berks CCG - help wanted

We need your help.

All public bodies have a specific duty relating to promoting equality and diversity in the way we work. We have recently reviewed our progress in this area and have published our self assessments (one for each Clinical Commissioning Group).

The protected characteristics we need to consider are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

We are now looking to set some stretching objectives for the year ahead. We intend to choose 3 of 4 objectives so we can focus our attention in a few areas and deliver them.

We would appreciate your help in deciding which objectives to choose. The survey has three questions. Each presents a short list of possible objectives relating to patient experience and engagement, our role as commissioners and our role as employers. We would like you to select the ones you think would be most important for us to concentrate on.

The survey is here.

Bracknell and Ascot Clinical Commissioning Group
Slough Clinical Commissioning Group
Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead Clinical Commissioning Group.

For media enquiries please use the following contact details:

Email the CCG

Telephone: 01753 636 836

Autism Berkshire Open Forum

Autism Berkshire is looking for stories of people's lives with autism in recent times and the past as part of a project launched last year to mark the 25th anniversary of the charity, which was founded as the Berkshire Autistic Society.

The aim is to create a written and spoken record of the history and development of autism understanding in the county since Victorian times.

As well as forming an archive, the material gathered will also be used to create a touring exhibition for display at venues across the county which will highlight a number of individual stories and how understanding of autism has changed over the years. We want to hear individuals' own stories and those of family members, relatives and friends.

These could include experiences of life in the community or in medical facilities. Initial research suggests that people with autism spectrum conditions may in the past have been sent to the former Fair Mile Hospital, near Cholsey, which was founded in 1870 as the County Lunatic Asylum for Berkshire, and closed in 2003. The project is also looking to gather stories from older special schools such as The Avenue, in Reading, which was founded more than 100 years ago.

As part of the research process, two open forum meetings will be held in Reading.

The first forum will focus on older people's experiences and will involve facilitated story-telling, gathering stories and memories of living with autism. It will take place at RISC (Reading International Solidarity Centre), in London Street, on Tuesday, April 19, from 10am to 1pm.

Anyone who would like more information about the project, or wants to attend the forum, should email Autism Berkshire or call 01189 594 594.

People around the county who want to take part by sharing their or their family's stories can also send information to Autism Berkshire's office in Reading, or ask for a researcher to visit them, using the contact details above.

Autism Berkshire trustee Rachel Cotton said: "We think this is a really exciting project to record the lives of ordinary people with extraordinary experiences. Please do get in touch."

The project is funded with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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Strength, Culture and Diversity shine through at Bracknell Forest Cultural Festival 2016

On Saturday 19th March, involve held Bracknell Forest's first Cultural Festival at the Bracknell and Wokingham College, in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council.

The event showed the diversity of the different communities living and working across Bracknell Forest, bringing everyone together in harmony to share food, arts, crafts and music from many different countries.

The event, attended by both the Mayor of Bracknell Forest, Dee Hamilton, and the Leader of Council, Cllr Paul Bettison, included music from the Bracknell forest Ghanaian Youth Choir, arts from the Chinese community, Warfield Churches and the Bracknell Islamic Cultural Society and foods from Thailand, India and Nepal.

"It was an honour to be invited to officially open the Bracknell Forest Cultural Festival and I was delighted that so many people came along to enjoy the food, music and superb arts and crafts on display," said Cllr Bettison. "It was wonderful that all the different communities living in Bracknell Forest came together to celebrate the richness of our cultures, and to share our interests with each other."

Over 300 residents of the Borough attended the event.

"We, involve, were delighted with the event and felt it was an excellent demonstration of diversity, cohesion, equality and strength from the people and communities of Bracknell Forest," said Philip Cook, Manager at involve. "All the feedback received was so positive. It was such a great day! I would like to thank everyone from the different communities that attended, bringing fabrics, art work, music, food, flowers and more from their various cultures. Thanks also to the College for hosting, all the staff at involve for delivering such an excellent event and everyone from the area that attended."

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New bearings for Berkshire Carers Service

It is with sadness that Berkshire Carers Service has to announce it will no longer be providing any services to carers from Thursday 31 March 2016.

Our carers' information, advice and support services which have been commissioned by our local authorities and the NHS Berkshire come to a close finally on March 31.

Future services for carers based in Reading and West Berkshire have been commissioned from Nottingham-based, Carers Trust East Midlands. Their Helpline number is 0118 324 7333.

Services for carers in Bracknell will be provided by the Ark Trust. The new service will be called Signal, telephone 01344 266 088 or email Signal.

In Wokingham, contact the Council's Customer Service team on 0118 974 6000.

A decision on carers' services in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead has not yet been announced. We will update carers via the Berkshire Carers website as soon as this information is confirmed.

You can also get information and advice from Carers UK on 0808 808 7777 and Carers Direct on 0300 123 1053. If you would like us to pass on your contact details so you can continue to receive support, please turn to the back page of the Berkshire Carers Newsletter for information about how to do this.

If you wish your name and contact details to be passed on to the organisation which is providing services for carers in your area you need to tell us.

Please either: Call us on 0800 9885462 to give your permission or email the helpline with your name, address and telephone number and state you are giving your permission for these details to be passed on.

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Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards return for 2016 and we want YOUR nominations

The imminent completion of Bracknell's regenerated town centre has been inspiring the team behind the 11th annual Pride of Bracknell Forest awards.

With the big reveal of the much-anticipated town centre redevelopment set for Spring 2017, this year's community awards will focus on 'new' Bracknell and the borough as a whole, with the growth that goes along with it.

The Lexicon project, new businesses and thousands of new homes planned for the borough are all signs of how the area will grow over the coming years, and the awards want to support that by recognising the contribution of the community to making the borough such a success.

Supporting the Pride of Bracknell Forest awards in 2016 is John Nike, entrepreneur and owner of the John Nike Leisuresport Complex, who will join the awards panel to decide on the finalists in each of the ten awards categories.

He said: "I am thrilled to be a part of the group of business people who have decided to back the continuation of giving awards to members of our community for their outstanding attributes in society whether humanitarian, educational, work related, sporting, theatrical, personal skills or simply outstanding in the year in an unusual way.

"I shall feel sheer delight as a member of the panel of judges selecting those worthy of winning an award from the regenerated Pride of Bracknell Forest awards 2016."

He will join representatives from Redwood Technologies, Bracknell and Wokingham College, involve, Waitrose and the Bracknell News to decide on the finalists who will be invited along to a glittering awards ceremony in April.

To nominate a community hero, team, school or business you think deserves some recognition for their outstanding contribution to Bracknell Forest either fill out a nomination form - found on page two of the Bracknell News out now - or email it in.

Email entries should include:

• Your name
• Your contact number
• The name of your nominee
• Your nominee's contact details and address
• A brief description of why your nominee should be awarded

Email your entry to Bracknell News.

Postal entries should be addressed to Pride of Bracknell Forest, Bowman House, 2-10 Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday, 23 March 23.

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Volunteering opportunities for residents with parenting skills

Residents with parenting skills have the chance to gain valuable volunteering experience while giving back to the community.

In partnership with involve, Bracknell Forest Council is looking for people with parenting experience, a caring, friendly and flexible nature and the ability to offer two to three volunteering hours per week to work with children and parents in the Borough.

Volunteers will gain experience in a variety of settings including working with parents on a one-to-one basis to provide support to struggling families, as well as in schools, children's centres and community groups across Bracknell Forest.

This is the third volunteer training course to be run in conjunction with involve and forms part of the Council plan 2015 - 2019 to increase participation levels of volunteering among Bracknell Forest residents.

The scheme will cover the Council's Safeguarding Level 1 (Universal) qualification, enabling volunteers to gain transferable skills in working with children and families. Residents who have taken part in previous courses have gained increased confidence when looking for work and additional training opportunities.

Michelle Eatock from Binfield, a volunteer at involve said: "Last year I lost my job unexpectedly after 16 years. It took me a couple of months to come to terms with this and I thought 'what now?' but I was fortunate enough to come across involve. "Not only do I feel that I have helped others by volunteering, it has helped me by giving me back some self-confidence and self-worth. It is definitely one of the best things I have done in the past year".

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children, young people and learning, said: "Since July 2015, we have recruited 16 volunteers who have been a great source of support to local parents, as well as helping in local schools, children's centres and community groups.

"If you have parenting experience and can give up a few hours a week to provide a school or someone in your neighbourhood with a helping hand, I'd urge you to considering becoming a volunteer. Your help and knowledge could make a huge difference to the local community."

Volunteer training is running at the Open Learning Centre, Rectory Lane, Bracknell, over five dates (1, 8, 10, 15 and 22 March) during school hours, between 9.15am and 2.45pm. The sessions will cover topics such as family life and supporting parents, the role of volunteers and Safeguarding Level 1. Attendance will be required at all five sessions.

To find out more about the volunteer training scheme please call involve on 01344 304404 or Zoey Sibley.

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Dress to Impress in Bracknell Forest!

Dress to Impress is a new initiative in Bracknell Forest, providing extra help to people accessing local job clubs/job centres to get a job!

The new initiative provides free good quality, second hand professional clothing to local unemployed people to give a boost for their interviews as they look for work. It was conceived by Allegis Global Solutions, an International Company with offices in Bracknell. Global Solutions staff have donated good quality, second hand professional clothing which is being made available to local unemployed people.

"The local job clubs across Bracknell Forest and courses such as Bracknell Forest Homes' employment programme are great and do so much to help people get into work – this adds an extra level now. You have your CV up to date, you've found the job you want and been offered an interview, and now with this project, you can 'Dress to Impress' and get that job!" said Philip Cook, Manager at involve.

From Thursday 4th February 2016, The Open Learning Centre will hold a selection of donated clothes for those wishing to make use of them. They will be available for collection in exchange for vouchers, provided by the job clubs/employment courses run by Bracknell Forest Homes, the Open Learning Centre and the Kerith Centre.

This project is a partnership between Global Solutions, involve Community Services, The Kerith Community Church, Bracknell Forest Homes and The Open Learning Centre. The Kerith Community Church runs a job club on a Tuesday, the Open Learning Centre on a Thursday and Bracknell Forest Homes run employment courses during the week.

Philip Cook added, "This is a great project that is really bringing the community and corporate sectors to join together to change the lives of people in Bracknell Forest."

For more support and information about getting back into employment or starting your career you can contact: The Kerith Centre Job Club, The Bracknell Forest Job Club, or Kate Darrall, Employment Advice Co-ordinator, Telephone: 01344 382819 at Bracknell Forest Homes.

"We are hoping this project will grow and will be looking for more partners locally to support the scheme," said Philip. "If you or your organisation want to get involved in some way then please contact Diane Benford at involve on 01344 383513."

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Biggest annual survey of charities and voluntary organisations

Take part in the biggest annual survey of charities and voluntary organisations. The survey, run by a coalition of charities, is gathering evidence about how charities are able to get their voice heard and the support they need.

By taking part you will be helping make sure that funders and decision makers know more about your needs. By being the biggest survey of charities and voluntary organisations this survey is a powerful way of getting your voice heard.

The survey can be completed in 15 minutes. Deadline 31 January 2016.

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