Reading Voluntary Action

For the final post in our Volunteers’ Week inspiration series, we are focusing on some of the more unusual opportunities available.

There is such a diverse range of opportunities available in the town, needing different skills and experiences, as well as requiring different levels of commitment.

At RVA we are confident that there is a role for everyone, and if you haven’t found it yet, we are here to help. Why not visit our website and request an appointment to have a chat about the options available (www.rgneeds.me)

Here is our final selection of opportunities:

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is looking for Puppy Raisers who look after a puppy for 12-16 months and guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences, whilst providing a loving home. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/844)

Berkshire Family History Society are seeking a Journal Editor and/or Graphic Designer to produce their quarterly journal. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/825)

Reading Sea Cadets is currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join their team as Sea Cadet Instructors. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/859)

Thames Hospice are looking for volunteers to help upcycle donated furniture at their Reading Superstore (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/571)

We hope you have enjoyed these posts and that you have had a fabulous Volunteers’ Week!

Reading offers a wide array of sports, heritage and cultural pursuits, and volunteers play a key role in making these happen.

Volunteering in one of these fields can be an excellent way of combining your interests with the chance to give back to the community.

Here are a few examples:

Berkshire Vision are looking for a Rambling Guide to walk alongside their visually impaired members, assisting them throughout the walk or offering general support. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/440)

Get Berkshire Active are seeking a female Volunteer Walk Leader to help create relaxed, friendly walking groups for women in Reading (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/833)

Friends of Reading Museum are seeking a new Chair for the Council (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/877)

Sport in Mind is offering the opportunity to be part of their Reading Festival 2026 team, promoting the organisation and supporting festival goers (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/811)

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

Loneliness can affect anyone, and the reasons resulting in someone becoming socially isolated can be complex.

The impact of loneliness can be profound; recent research has likened the physiological and psychological impact to smoking 15 ci******es a day.

Reading is fortunate to have a host of organisations working to combat loneliness and social isolation, and volunteers play a critical role.

Here are examples of how you can get involved:

Enrych Berkshire is seeking volunteers to match with their members to participate in shared activities and pastimes. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/816)

Age UK Reading is seeking volunteers to help improve the quality of life for older people who live in the Reading area by providing friendship and support. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/25)

Berkshire Vision are seeking volunteers to have a weekly friendly chat over the phone with one of their members. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/347)

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

Up next in our Volunteers’ Week inspiration series is the often overlooked role volunteers play as charity trustees.

Trustees are responsible for the governance, strategy and management of a charity. Volunteer trustees are the backbone of Reading’s voluntary and community sector, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences and insights to local groups.

Joining a trustee board can be a fantastic way of contributing to a cause you feel passionately about, whilst developing new skills and gaining valuable experience.

Here are some roles currently being advertised:

Arthros needs a Marketing Trustee with the skills to be able to reach out to inform local organisations and services supporting those living with Arthritis.
(https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/747)

Reading Sea Cadets are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated trustees to join its Unit Management Team. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/857)

Sport in Mind is looking for a Chair to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for governance and strategic direction. (https://vcconnectsystem.org.uk/ReadingVMS2/VolunteerOpportunities/DetailsForSearch/823)

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)

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)

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]

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

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.

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