A short questionnaire has been created for the young people of reading to complete.

It will help us to understand how effective the websites are, that provide information about activities for you.

Click here to start questionnaire.

Reading Pride was founded in 2003. They are a registered charity run solely by volunteers, aiming to promote equality and diversity, advance education and work towards eliminating discrimination in relation to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people, in Reading and across the Thames Valley.

Reading Pride is best known for the annual festival they stage. The free-to-enter event celebrates our local community and has made significant progress in encouraging the promotion of LGBT equality.

Throughout the year they work to raise public awareness, and support, of friends and colleagues at other charitable and voluntary organisations in the Thames Valley area which provide information, advice and support on a breadth of LGBT issues.

Over the last six years they have worked tirelessly to raise funds for the community and for annual festivals where they showcase diversity and encourage acceptance throughout Berkshire. 

The next festival will be where and when?

It will be held at Kings Meadow on Saturday 4th Spetember 2010 from 12pm. The parade will leave Civic Centre at 11am. We excpet over 12,500 local residents to attend and hope you will join in with the celebration.

Click here to take survey

North Reading Youth Project are running a PGL residential in Liddington during the Summer holiday from the 23rd - 26th August.

We have 15 spaces left on the residential and would like invite you!

PGL Multi-Activity residential course is a structured and supervised programme.

Each activity session provides the opportunity for groups to learn and develop a variety of skills. These activity sessions encourage teamwork, problem solving and improve communication.

These courses can help to establish team building or set physical and mental challenges for participants - within a safe, encouraging environment.

The trip costs £30 and we are holding a parents evening on 16th August at Amersham Road from 7pm.

 Please contact your local youth team if you are interested and to receive medical anr parental consent form.

Any questions please call,

Katie Myerscough

Youth Development Worker

North Reading Youth Project

0118 9015610

If you would like to apply, cliick here for application form.

This Summer activities and trips have been organised for you and your family to get involved in.

Clcik here to see dates, times and costs for activities.

If you're between 11 and 19 and need confidential help with any health issues, you can start with Juice - the juiciest health advice for you.

We talked to over 100 young people in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire to find out what you want and together came up with Juice.

You will find Juice Points all over the area where you can get:

• help if you are worried or stressed about something
• advice on diet and nutrition
• advice on drugs
• help to stop smoking and cut down drinking
• free condoms
• pregnancy tests
• emergency contraception (morning after pill)
• info on and FREE supplies of different contraception
• chlamydia testing

Look out for Juice Points at schools, colleges, hospitals, youth clubs and in Connexions at times that suit you.

You can also get help with at some of the things above, like free condoms or help to stop smoking in other places like chemists, youth clubs or at school. Look out for Juice posters here too. But to find everything in one place, come to a Juice Point.

You need to know that if you go to a juice point, even if it is just for a chat, it will be kept private. We won't tell anyone you know, like your parents or your doctor, unless we think you are in danger.

You can find out more www.getjuicy.co.uk including where to find your nearest Juice Point and opening times.

All areas around Reading have organised activities for to participate in this summer. You can attend any activity going on around Reading, it doesn't matter where you live.

Click on the links below to see what your area is offering.

Whatever you do this summer, make sure you join us for a summer you'll never forget!!

Emmer Green Youth & Community Centre is closed for re-development.

For seniors it will re-open on the 13th September.

For inters it will re-open on 17th September.

Young people can still engage with youth workers at Emmer Green Park between 7-9 as they will be in the park arranging games and consulting young people on developments. 

Any young person wishing to speak to a youth worker and see them on Monday or Friday night in the park.

If you have any questions please contact;

Katie Myerscough 

Youth Development Worker

North Reading Youth Project

0118 9015610

The BACYP have joined with Dented Records and are holding a one-off workshop where you can learn to SPIT with two of the UK's biggest hip hop artists.
The afternoon of Thursday 3rd June at South Reading Community Centre.

Click Here for promotional flyer

Fairview Youth and Community Centre have joined with Reading FC Kickz Project to create activitiies for you to come aliong and enjoy on Wednesday 2nd June 12 - 3pm.

Click Here to see promotional flyer

Save the Children are conducting a survey to get young people involved in the work they do and are currently trying to assess how they can further engage all children and young people in our campaigns.

In order to successfully do this and to give young people their voice, they need you to help us by letting as many people as possible know about the Young Action Survey we are currently running, which will help us understand how young people view campaigning and charity work: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HM6J8SW. 

With only ten questions to answer the survey should only take around five minutes to complete and will help us to make a big difference to our campaigns. Please pass this link to as many young people as possible, or to anyone who you think may be interested. 

Thank you for your support.

 This years festival celebrates its 21st anniversary with three fun packed weeks of events and activities all over the borough for children of all ages.

Clicking on the link below, will give you access to a diary which you can use as your guide to make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun, and remember many of these activities are free!

http://issuu.com/readingarts/docs/brochure_e-shot_version_2010

Want to take up a new dance style? Fancy a fun day out with friends and family? You can do all that and more at the Reading Dance Showcase!

• See over 35 performances from local dance schools and clubs
• Take part in free taster classes
• Visit the Dancia stand for quality dancewear at show prices
• On-site café for hot & cold refreshments
• Charity raffles throughout the day

£2.50 admission throughout the day
All profits will be donated to Reading Area Charities Together (RACT) is a consortium of nine local Reading Charities that have come together to create a new way of giving.

When: Sunday 6th June, 10am - 6pm

Where: Rivermead Leisure Complex, 
Richfield Avenue, Reading, RG1 8EQ

Tel: 0118 901 5000

Want to know more?

Visit: www,dancia.co.uk/showcase

Mr Shaodow is a hot new MC and performer and is available for bookings to visit young people around the UK, enlightning you as to how music can help change your lives!

To see promotional flyer click here

Aiming High offers a sport, leisure & culture programme for children & young people with disabilities or additional needs.

We work with children aged from birth - 19 years old (up to 25 years old for children with Special Needs/ Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD)) living in Reading.

By clicking on the link below you can see a Newsletter containing some activities you can take part throughout May & June.

Aiming High Newsletter

TVU are doing Football Studies Recruitment Events and Trials for boys and girls aged 16 to 19.

If you would be interested in registering for this click here for more information.

Reading Arts Week is comming to you, starting from Monday 21st to Sunday 27th June 2010.

This outdoor event will be open to the public to watch the performances and visit the outdoor art gallery among many other free activities for the whole family.

We are looking for young people to perform on Wednesday 23rd June  during 12pm - 8pm for 'The Big Art Picnic' being held at Caversham Court Gardens.

Performances can be individual or done in a group. Community dance, music, singing or acting groups, school choirs, Y&C streetdancers, bollywood dancers and local bands are all the kinds of things we are looking for to entertain the public.

We are also looking for art work to be exhibited throughout the course of Reading Arts Week in various exhibitions across town.

We welcome paintings, pottery, sculptural ceramics, stained glass, jewellery, fashion, quilting, photography, installation and new media work, including video.

If you are inrested in taking part in submitting some art work or performing please contact Sam Watkins 

sam.watkins@reading.gov.uk

To submit art work please click on the link to fill out application form - http://www.newdirectionsreading.co.uk/artsweek/SubmissionofArtwork.doc

To book yourself in for a perforamnce please click on the link to fill out application form - htttp://www.newdirectionsreading.co.uk/artsweek/PerformingArtistsBookingForm.doc

For more information go to http://readingartsweek.ning.com

BACYP are holding an Athletic Championship, on Wednesday 19^th May 2010 at Bracknell Leisure Centre, 6pm to 10pm.You can take part in track and field events and no previous experience in competing in athletics is needed.

Championships are open for boys and girl's aged 11-19, competing in U12's, U14's, U16's and U19's categories. Prizes will be available for individuals and teams.

Places are limited so an early registration required.

To book or for any enquiries please contact Andy Horner.

Telephone: 0118 923 1259 or 07825 699050

Email: andrew.horner@bacyp.co.uk

Click on the link for registration form

http://www.bacyp.co.uk/documents/BACYPAthleticsChampionship2010RegistrationForm.doc

Do you need to talk to a Health Trainer?

Are you over 16?

Are you ready to make a healthy lifestyle change?

We offer FREE one to one support to help you improve your health and wellbeing.

What can a Health Trainer help you with?

To eat more healthily - Be more active - Stop smoking - Lose weight - Drink sensibly - And more…

A Health Trainer is

• Someone who is recruited from your community.

• Trained to work one to one with you to help you improve your health.

• Not a personal trainer or physical instructor and does not give medical advice.

• Non judgmental and will always encourage and support you.

What does the NHS Health Trainer

Service offer?

• A one to one look at your health and lifestyle to see what areas you could improve.

• A tailor made health plan to help you achieve a realistic goal.

• An improvement in your wellbeing and ability to manage stress.

• Support, encouragement and motivation with up to seven follow up meetings.

• Information on local activities and groups to help you achieve your goals.

• Assistance with accessing other local services.

The service is currently prioritising individuals who live in the Abbey, Battle, Caversham, Southcote, Minster,

Norcot, Kentwood, Whitley, Church, Redlands and Katesgrove wards in Reading and Greenham and

Thatcham wards in West Berkshire and Norreys and Winnersh wards in Wokingham.

Not sure which ward you live in? Give us a call.

Contact Details

Parkwood Healthcare Ltd

Health Trainer Service

Thames Valley Probation Service

Greyfriars House

30 Greyfriars Road

Reading

RG1 1PE

Tel: 0118 955 1214

Text: 07795 128219

Email: berkshirewesthealthtrainers@parkwoodhealthcare.co.uk

Web page: www.parkwoodhealthcare.co.uk  

We have created this survey for our research on Relationship and Sexual Health choices made by young females in Reading.  We are aiming this survey at girls aged 16 to 17 ONLY. This will help us to develop young people friendly services that are better suited to meet your needs .

To take part,  Please click here to start the survey.

It is completely confidential and will close on 12th May.

The West Area Youth Team are opening a new Youth Club available to you in Tilehurst..

Monday 26th of April, is your chance to bring along your friends to meet the team and give ideas on the things you would like to do with your time. 

For more information click here.

 On Saturday 24th April East Area Youth Forum are having a FUN DAY, that will give you a chance to put across your ideas about the future of your area and see what can become of them. But most importantly to have fun and meet new peers.

It costs nothing to attend and as well as taking part in the activities there is a possiblty of winning some fantastic prizes.

For more information click here. 

Reading Borough Libraries are looking for young people (15+) to volunteer this summer and encourage children to take part in and complete this year's Summer Reading Challenge, Space Hop.

Tasks will include:

Talking with, and listening to, children aged 4 to 12 about the books they have been reading and suggesting other things they may like to read.

Understanding the way the summer reading challenge works so you can help the children and their parents and carers.

Handing out reading rewards.

Helping children and their parents/carers fill in forms.

Assisting with administration, e.g. filing of membership cards.

Helping library staff run specific Space Hop events and craft activities.

We will provide training, supervision and support.

They are looking for people who are:

Good at talking to young children.

Enthusiastic about reading.

Calm when things are busy, but able to cope when things are quiet.

Committed to helping libraries and our customers.

Age 15 years and above.

By becoming a volunteer you will:

Develop useful skills for the future.

• Make a contribution to your community through supporting libraries.
• Gain experience of a work environment for your CV.
• Raise your confidence and self-esteem.

There are 7 libraries in Reading - Central Library, Battle Library, Caversham Library, Palmer

Park Library, Southcote Library, Tilehurst Library and Whitley Library.  Ideally, you would be based at the branch

 nearest to your home but they are happy to reimburse your bus fares when travelling within the borough.

A minimum of 2 hours a week from Saturday 10^th July to Saturday 4^th September should be done but you can do more if you like!  Days and times would be negotiable with the library Branch Manager.

For more information, please contact Nicci Shepherd or Suzan Davis on 0118 9399849 or email Nicci.Shepherd@reading.gov.uk or Suzan.Davis@reading.gov.uk

RBC Sport Reading Development, co-ordinate the "Reading Walks" Walk Your Way To Health Programme. We have a number of weekly walks that take place and every 2 or 3 months we organise a day walk trip to a local area of interest such as Dinton Pastures and The Chilterns. We have also had some history walks around the Abby Ruins and The Kennet Canal. All of our walks are lead by qualified walk leaders who attend training that we provide free of cost, gaining a nationally recognised accredited qualification.

The walks are predominantly attended by people aged 50+ and as such, we are looking at ideas to get more young people attending the walks. We would like to give young people (aged 16yrs+) the opportunity to undertake Volunteer Walk Leader Training and we will then work with them to plan and lead a walk trip for older people to attend. People can be accredited through the Duke of Edinburgh Award as part of the volunteering section.

We have full funding available and would support you throughout the process. If we have enough interest we would hold a number of walk leader training sessions to ensure that everyone who would like to become qualified can be and we could organise a number of walk trips during the summer / autumn period.

If you are interested please contact either Alison Steedman (RBC alison.steedman@reading.gov.uk) or Luke Lloyd  (luke.lloyd@reading.gov.uk)

Whacky Scrap Races is a project funded by The National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund. Join in these free Saturday morning family fun sessions. Bring your friends, cousins, aunties, uncles and grandparents. Teams must be sized beteewn 2-6 people and you will be focusing on building a model boat and other art & craft items. No experience necessary. The project is for 5+.

8 Weekly sessions running from 22 May to 17 July 2010 starting at 10.30am to 12.00noon. Whose team will win the grand finals in July 2010?

No charge necessary and all materials are provided. Free creche and transport costs can be covered.

Book a place with Sue Hale now to avoid disappointment!

Denefield School, Long Lane, Tilehurst, Reading Berkshire RG31 6XY

Telephone: 0118 9728978

Email: shale@denefield.org.uk

 Website: www.whackyscrapraces.org.uk

Dates of sessions:

Sat 22 May, Sat 29 May, Sat 12 Jun, Sat 19 Jun, Sat 26 Jun, Sat 3 Jul, Sat 10 Jul, Sat 17 Jul.

THE YOF (Youth Opportunity Fund) APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECIEVED BY MONDAY 12TH APRIL BEFORE 5PM.

APPLICATIONS CAN BE FOUND AND DOWNLOADED FROM THE FUNDING PAGE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT TOM WOOLMER.

E-Mail: tom.woolmer@reading.gov.uk

Contact No: 07803833705

The Reading 2020 Partnership aims to improve the quality of life in Reading. It brings together key local organizations (including the public sector - Reading Borough Council, The NHS, Thames Valley Police, the Royal Berks Fire and Rescue Service  and our Universities - as well as local community groups, voluntary organizations and businesses) to work together across Reading to make living, working and visiting here even better.

They want to find out what the people of Reading, including young people, think about their vision for the future of Reading and how to develop the town over the next 20 years. To find out more and to give your response, follow this link: 

www.reading.gov.uk/LSPConsultation

The Berkshire Autisitc Society aim to enhance the support currently available with the purpose of improving the quality of life for children and adults with ASD, their carers and families within the Berkshire community.

They are now having ASD Support Meetings open to anyone affected by or working with children with an ASD.

Sessions times are 9.30am-11.30am and are currently once a month - but if required can be held every fortnight.

Dates of the support meetings for the next four months;

The guest speaker will talk about strategies and support, there will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and take part in a general disussion. Tea/Coffe and biscuits will also be provided.

Contact us for more infromation

Our Address: 197 Oxford Road Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7UZ

Helpline: 0118 959 4534

E-mail: contact@autismberkshire.org.uk

www.autismberkshire.org.uk

Reading Central Library is holding bookstalls, exhibitions and a number of  workshops as part of Comic Book Day on Saturday 8th May 2010 between 10am - 4pm.

Join in and take part in the 'Create your own Superhero' competiotin. Entry forms are available at all Reading Libraries and Red Garden Manga Bookshop.

It's open to all ages. Closing date Thursday 6 May.

 Copies of The Spider Moon, the latest comic from the DFC Library will be able to be signed by  Kate Brown between 12pm-2pm.

 

ART WORKSHOPS

Are you interested in Comic/Manga art ? Are you a comic drawer looking for help?  Four themed workshops are being run by local artists will be able to help.

It costs £5 per workshop and up to 7 people per workshop. Get your tickets from Reading Central Library.

Manga Art Exhibition also on 2nd Floor Reading Central Library 4th -15th May.

As part of a UK Youth Parliament campaign for compulsory Political Education in schools in Reading to sign up and take part in a trial wherein they would be the subjects of a case study for the whole of the South East of England...

Interested?

Want your school to be involved in this fantastic opportunity?

Want some free politics resources for your school and its students?

Email Josh Harsant, Member of Youth Parliament for Reading, for more information at myp@readingyouth.com. Alternatively, call the Youth Service on 0118-937-4084 and leave a message.

Dance Factory - April 2010

Dance Factory is opening its doors to Reading on Saturday April 24^th  2010 for a unique and inspiring range of classes and workshops. Following years of experience and a passion for teaching talent they are offering 5 to 18 year olds a chance to take part in acting, singing, and dancing.

This new exciting and performance academy will take over Earley Crescent Community Resource Centre each and every Saturday (during school terms), from 2pm to 5pm, and is open to everyone: from complete beginner all the way up to the more experienced performer. 

Following a love of professional training, Dance Factory was created by Bonny Lockhart and Lisa Jones, who between them have over twenty successful years of singing, acting, dancing, and modelling experience.

They will teach a vast range of dance styles, and are currently working across the board within the entertainment industry, supporting acts such as Take That, Cheryl Cole, Pixie Lott and Girls Aloud.

The singing and drama coaches will bring years of experience to the academy, starring in West End productions such as Crazy For You, whilst being trained professionals in one on one vocal training and acting tutoring.

Supported by Fame Academy's Kevin Adams and Boyzone's Mikie Graham, who together are ambassadors of emerging talent and teaching performance to a younger generation.  

Aims 

To professionally teach and educate anyone with a passion for performance, using experienced dancers, teachers, choreographers, and retired performers.

The classes will use current and commercial techniques built on a foundation of fun, education, and a one of a kind experience for all of its students.

Classes take place at:

Earley Crescent Community Resource Centre

Warbler Drive, Earley, Reading. RG6 4HB

Saturday afternoons from 2pm - 5pm.

For more information, please visit www.dancefactory.tv or contact info@dancefactory.tv

Join our social networking pages for exciting news and opening offers:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dance-Factory/317076833795?ref=ts

Twitter  - www.twitter.com/dancefactoryuk

The application deadlines for the 2010 - 2011 funding round are....

Monday April 12th 2010 - 5pm

Monday June 21st 2010 - 5pm

Monday September 6th 2010 - 5pm

Monday November 1st 2010 - 5pm

There is a new application form for this year.

Please be patient, we will upload the form on Monday 15th March 2010.

In the meantime, please read the guidelines carefully before you complete the application to make sure you have the best possible chance of being successful!

Click here for the guidelines

Congratulations to Sarah Bellinger and Jocelyn Hutch who are the winners of the 11 Million. Question for Council competition.

Sarah & Jocelyn win £25 Oracle vouchers each and will be formally delivering their motion tomorrow to the full Council!

YOF/YCF has some funds remaining!  

If you or your group would like to apply for some Capital money, please click here for information and the form!

On Monday 4 Jan, Reading Youth Cabinet elected their officers for 2010.

They also elected their UK Youth Parliament representative. Congratulations to you all!

Youth Cabinet Officers:

	Chair - Saraniya Thayaparan
	Vice Chair - Wendy Flanagan
	Administrator - Anne Ebue  Follow Anne on Twitter: twitter.com/peabrain12  Read Anne's Blog: mspeabrain12.blogspot.com
	Events Coordinator - Daniel Mija

UK Youth Parliament Team:

	Member of Youth Parliament - Josh Harsant  Follow Josh on Twitter: twitter.com/joshharsant  Read Josh's Blog: joshharsant.blogspot.com
	Deputy Member of Youth Parliament - Faye Gobbi  Read Faye's Blog: fayegobbi.blogspot.com