Engage Befriending

Engage Befriending We connect people who are isolated and alone with a volunteer befriender to help them thrive. We can accompany people out locally to the shops or for a coffee.

Engage Befriending volunteers visit older people who would otherwise be lonely. We signpost to other organisations to provide help and support and inform people about local services to increase health and wellbeing. We also connect people up with social clubs and activities so they can meet new people and keep active.

Thank you to    The Berkshire Community Foundation and Pargiter Trust for their generous grant for our Engage Project.  ...
27/08/2026

Thank you to The Berkshire Community Foundation and Pargiter Trust for their generous grant for our Engage Project.

Their funding will enable us to expand our befriending activity, enabling more older people to find connection and reducing loneliness in our communities.

You can find out more about what we do and get involved here: https://engage-uk.org/ and https://themustardtree.org/

🌟 Volunteer Befriending Training – Join Us! 🌟Our next volunteer training session is coming up!If you’re interested in le...
25/08/2026

🌟 Volunteer Befriending Training – Join Us! 🌟

Our next volunteer training session is coming up!

If you’re interested in learning more about befriending older people and how you can make a positive difference through friendship, conversation and companionship, we’d love to have you join us.

šŸ“… Date: Tuesday 15th September
šŸ• Time: 1:30pm

Book now to learn something new and take the first step towards making a real difference in someone’s life. šŸ¤

Interested? Email [email protected] to book your place!

If you'd like to join us as a volunteer but can't make this training please complete an application form and we will be in touch to arrange a more suitable training date. https://forms.volunteero.org/view/6300dafe-e08f-48a9-85ce-c52dfd1c13ef

Join us for a sporty night of exhilarating Padel action to help raise funds for The Mustard Tree on Friday 18th Septembe...
23/08/2026

Join us for a sporty night of exhilarating Padel action to help raise funds for The Mustard Tree on Friday 18th September 7–10pm

The tournament is being held at the Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane, Tilehurst. We have 48 spaces, and you can sign up on our website. https://themustardtree.org/padel/

This is a mixed doubles challenge, so you can sign up with a partner or be teamed up with someone on the day.

All abilities welcome. No experience necessary.
Refreshments will be available and there’s a trophy to be won

Make a real difference in someone’s life – volunteer with Engage!Our amazing volunteers make a huge difference through r...
20/08/2026

Make a real difference in someone’s life – volunteer with Engage!

Our amazing volunteers make a huge difference through regular visits, phone calls and, most importantly, friendship and companionship.

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our clients have said about their volunteer matches:

ā€œI feel free from anxiety when she’s with me. I feel very satisfied with the service. You’re the best thing since sliced bread!ā€

ā€œIt’s company for me. She takes me out once a week. We go out at other times and have a cuppa.

On my birthday we went to a large charity shop. She told the staff in the coffee shop, and they sang ā€˜Happy Birthday’ to me.ā€

These might seem like simple moments, but they can make a huge difference to someone who feels lonely or isolated.

🌟 Could you make a difference?
Volunteer with Engage and help bring friendship, connection and brighter moments into someone’s life.

Have your say! Reading council are consulting about the future of Adult Social care. They would be grateful if you could...
13/08/2026

Have your say!

Reading council are consulting about the future of Adult Social care. They would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to tell them whether you think they are focusing on the right things. The consultation is open until 31 August 2026, and all feedback received will help shape the final strategy. To find out more and have your say go to https://reading.govocal.com/en-GB/projects/adult-social-care-strategy-2026-2031

They also have drop in sessions to discuss the strategy with Adult Social Care staff, all are welcome!

Brilliant news… We have received a Ā£20,000 grant for our Engage Project. This will help us bring valuable connection and...
07/07/2026

Brilliant news… We have received a Ā£20,000 grant for our Engage Project. This will help us bring valuable connection and support to older people who would otherwise be isolated or struggling alone. It will make a huge difference and bring a smile to many faces.

Thank you everyone at Awards for All for your support, and for being as passionate about strengthening communities as we are! šŸ„³šŸ™ŒšŸ¼

It's not too late to apply for this exciting role! Applications should be with us by 5th July.We’re looking for a passio...
30/06/2026

It's not too late to apply for this exciting role! Applications should be with us by 5th July.

We’re looking for a passionate and proactive leader to help shape and grow our Starting Point project. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people while building strong partnerships and developing sustainable funding to support our work.

Grounded in our Christian ethos, you’ll play a key role in strengthening our impact and expanding our reach. We’re seeking someone with vision, energy, and initiative—ready to lead people and programmes that make a real difference.

For more information visit our website: https://themustardtree.org/.../starting-point-manager.../

If you have a heart for community and the drive to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

Don't miss out! The Mustard Tree Quiz is on Monday evening. We only have a few tickets left, so get yours today. We have...
18/06/2026

Don't miss out! The Mustard Tree Quiz is on Monday evening. We only have a few tickets left, so get yours today.

We have some very generous prizes for the raffle that will be happening on the night. Prizes include:

A stay at the Holiday Inn
Luxury Chocolates from the Chocolate Detective
A trip on the canal from the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
Gin tasting experience courtesy of the Henley Distillery
Free Bowling at Bowl Central Reading
Ā£20 worth of fun at Urban Fun
Pampering hamper including j'adore perfume
Wine and chocolates
A cute panda bear.

To get your tickets see us at the quiz night, or ask a member of the Mustard Tree team to purchase in advance.

https://themustardtree.org/quiz/

We would like to say a big thank you for a generous grant from the Innholders’ Charitable Foundation for our Engage proj...
17/06/2026

We would like to say a big thank you for a generous grant from the Innholders’ Charitable Foundation for our Engage project. At a time when many older people face loneliness and significant challenges, your grant will make a huge difference and enable us to bring smiles to lots of faces!

Address

4 Sackville Stret
Reading
RG11NT

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