Reading Voluntary Action

03/06/2026

In the next instalment of our Volunteers’ Week inspiration series, we are focusing on roles working with children and young people.

Volunteering with children and young people can be a fun and rewarding way of giving back to the local community. Whether helping with skills development, facilitating inspiring activities or offering support and guidance, these opportunities offer the chance to have a positive impact on a young life whilst enhancing your own.
Here are a few ways that you can get involved:

ABC to Read is seeking volunteers to work in schools helping children that struggle to read (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/61)

Berkshire Scouts have a variety of roles helping them to create experiences that prepare young people with skills for life.(https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/882)

National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is seeking volunteers who can provide support and friendship to a young person in care. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/400)

Chapter2 is looking for volunteers who can act as mentors to young boys in Reading who are growing up without a father (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/836)

Home-Start Reading is looking for volunteers to help local families get through difficult times and thrive (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/634)

Take a look at our Reading Volunteer Connect platform to find more roles (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/.../Volu.../OpportunitySearch)

02/06/2026

As well as a time of thanks and celebration, Volunteers’ Week is also about inspiration. If you have been thinking about volunteering, now is a great time to take the first step! To help you, we will be showcasing a range of opportunities in the coming days that demonstrate the diversity of ways to get involved.

This first set of opportunities focuses on volunteering connected with nature and the great outdoors. A range of research indicates the positive impact that nature connectedness can have on individual wellbeing. In and around Reading, there are a variety of groups harnessing the power of nature and green space to therapeutic ends. There are also groups dedicated to ensuring that the green spaces across our town remain well-maintained and open for all to enjoy.

Here are a few ways that you can get involved with some of those groups as a volunteer:

Ridgeline Trust is seeking volunteers to join their Horticultural Therapy Support volunteer team (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/725)

Five A Day Market Garden is seeking volunteers to support their friendly social and therapeutic gardening group for older folk (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/886)

The Conservation Volunteers Reading are seeking volunteers to join their Biodiversity Action Team, as well as for other projects across the area (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/450)

And you don’t necessarily need to be green-fingered to support these nature boosting groups. Reading Green Wellbeing Network is seeking an Assistant Treasurer (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/888)

Take a look at our Reading Volunteer Connect platform to find more roles (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/OpportunitySearch)

01/06/2026

Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June 2026) has arrived! – A huge thank you to all of Reading’s amazing volunteers

Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.

Across the country, volunteers play a vital role at the very heart of the community, and Reading is no exception. The town benefits from thousands of volunteers who freely give their time, talents and skills to help others and make Reading the thriving community it is.

Whether helping out at a weekly club, sharing knowledge and experience as a trustee or lending a hand at the many events that happen throughout the year, volunteers are making valuable contributions.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all of Reading’s volunteers; you are making a positive difference to life in our town.

Not volunteering yet? Volunteers’ Week is the perfect opportunity to discover how you can make a difference right here in Reading. Why not pop along to our Volunteering drop-in at Reading Civic Centre on Tuesday, 2nd June (11 am – 2 pm) and have a chat to help identify the volunteering role that is right for you?

Are you part of an organisation that is celebrating its volunteers this week? Why not let us know how and share your pictures with us? We will use these in a round-up after the week to show how valued the town’s volunteers are. Email: [email protected]

27/05/2026

Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of the incredible people who give their time to help others and strengthen local communities. It’s also the perfect opportunity to discover how you can make a difference right here in Reading.

To mark the occasion, Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) will be hosting a drop-in session at the Civic Centre on Tuesday, 2 June, from 11am to 2pm.

Whether you’re thinking about volunteering for the first time or looking for a new opportunity, our Volunteering Development Manager will be on hand to help you find a role that matches your interests, skills and availability. You can also ask questions, explore different opportunities and get practical advice on how to get started.

There are volunteering roles across Reading to suit all backgrounds, experiences and motivations. Whatever inspires you, there’s likely to be a role that’s right for you.

Can’t make the drop-in session? Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Reading by visiting www.rva.org.uk/volunteering

06/05/2026

05/05/2026

Rhiannon's last Ready Friends News is out now! Ready Friends will continue, so keep an eye on RVA News for updates and dates for future Befriending Forums.

27/04/2026

A very busy and fascinating Befriending Forum on 'men's loneliness', last Thursday. Thanks to our speakers from Andys Man Club Reading Men's Shed, Together for Mental Wellbeing and MAN v FAT

02/04/2026

April's Ready Friends News is out now!

Saturday 11 April Welcome to Reading Info Hub, Reading Central Library This is a drop in session from 11am with no need to book and free refreshments are provided. There will be leaflets and information about services in the local area and a chance to chat to friendly staff and volunteers hosting th...

05/03/2026

Our recent article on how Reading’s voluntary and community groups are providing safe and inclusive spaces for people facing loneliness in different communities.

The last three Ready Friends Befriending Forums clearly demonstrated how Reading’s voluntary and community groups are providing safe and inclusive spaces for people facing loneliness in diffe…

05/03/2026

If you've got 30 minutes to spare on Wednesday 11 March from 1pm, you'll be very welcome to join us to find out more about connecting local people with your services, using the Joy Marketplace online platform (free for community groups and chairites).

Free visibility online connecting local people to your services and activities. NB - this is for community groups active in Reading.