Grants worth £150,000 allocated to support Health and Wellbeing of people in Reading

A community-based project that has helped people access medical, practical, and emotional support is one of 10 awarded a Better Care Fund grant in this year’s funding.

The grants totalling £150,000 are part of the Council’s commitment to support and empower people to remain as independent and well as possible.

Since receiving funding in 2024, the Parish Nurse project at Reading Gateway Church, Whitley, has assisted hundreds of residents to get timely support.

One resident was helped by the Parish Nurse to get equipment in their home to assist with personal care after revealing they were struggling; another was diagnosed with a cardiac condition early, preventing hospitalisation and further deterioration; and a family surviving domestic violence was supported to create a new home and learn new skills. With early intervention, support can be put in place before long-term issues develop.

The Reading Gateway Church is among the successful projects which will receive a grant this year.

Councillor Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said:

“Staying well and getting help early is vital for residents and Reading is lucky to have so many amazing community and charity organisations who know how to work with and are trusted by our residents.

“I’m delighted that the council is able to allocate this funding to support them in helping residents who don’t know they may need some support, or know they need help but not where to get it.

“This funding will help to ensure that these organisations, that are often the first place our residents turn for help, have the resources they need to provide that support.

“The good news is that this will help people stay mentally and physically well, leading to living independently in their own homes and communities.”

This is the full list of Better Care Fund recipients:

Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality, ACRE (Acre – Alliance For Cohesion and Racial Equality): Teaching beginners, particularly elderly residents, essential IT skills to access online GP booking and promote safe internet use. Teaching beginner sewing skills to tackle isolation and provide health workshops and activities in the hub in Battle ward.

Berkshire Vision (Sight Loss Support Berkshire Vision): Part-fund the Sight Loss Support service, providing additional capacity for an outreach service for visually impaired adults.

Get Berkshire Active (Get Berkshire Active − Our Strategic Intent): Running seated wellbeing sessions supporting older adults and those with long-term health conditions to remain active, socially connected and independent.

Launchpad Reading (Working To End Homelessness Across Reading): A holistic well-being programme providing a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment and the ability to access a range of physical, mental and social wellbeing activities.

Mustard Tree (The Mustard Tree): Supporting disadvantaged women with an outreach service to deliver health and wellbeing advice, and team members can accompany them to addiction services and other appointments.

Parenting Special Children (Home Page - PSC parentingspecialchildren.co.uk): Supporting carers of SEND children who are in the most economically deprived areas of Reading experiencing multiple causes of health inequalities and providing support to prevent crisis.

Project Salama (https://projectsalama.co.uk/): Providing a 12-month peer-led programme to support people affected by trauma, abuse, migration and marginalisation. This initiative will combine therapeutic group sessions, peer-led support, and community outreach, fostering healing and resilience in a safe, inclusive environment.

Reading Gateway Church, Parish Nurse (https://www.readinggateway.church/parish-nurse/): Funding parish nurses and combating loneliness, improving health and wellbeing, supporting those with mental health issues with health advice, and signposting to additional assistance.

Reading Islamic Cultural Centre (CRMasjid): Providing culturally sensitive women-only fitness classes, including swimming and exercise classes, as a gateway to health and wellbeing support for women at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and strokes.

Reading Mencap (www.readingmencap.org.uk or call 0118 966 2518): Providing a Learning Disability Family Health Adviser to help clients maintain and improve their physical and mental health through free information, advice, casework and practical support.

For more information about all services available in the area, visit Reading Services Guide.

The Better Care Fund managed by the Council and the NHS Integrated Care Board.