Do you run a small community group in Reading? Come along to our next Small Groups' Forum on Tuesday 23 September 2025, 10am - 12noon to hear about support, funding and networking for smaller groups like yours. The session is informal, friendly and catered specifically for smaller groups as we know the challenges and support you need can be different to that of larger groups.

Who are small groups:

mainly volunteer led
with an income below £50K

If you don't think you fit this category but still identify as a small group, you're welcome to come along. You just need to ensure your group is offering some activities or services in Reading.

What will the forum cover:

At previous forums we have asked groups attending what they would like covered and we will include these topics in our 2025/2026 forums. If you have other ideas, just let us know.

The September session will cover:

Monitoring and evaluation workshop with Ellie from Berkshire Community Foundation. This workshop is designed to help you understand what funders expect from groups when they are considering giving funding and what and how to monitor your projects.
An update on the VCS Safety and Safeguarding Partnership - a new initiative to help VCS groups to better navigate serious incidents and protect themselves and their members, in light of learning following the 2024 riots and other safeguarding learning.
Networking with each other

This is a friendly, informal session hosted by the Herjeet Vass from the RVA team, so don't worry if you haven't attended one of these sessions before. Refreshments will be provided.

If you have any access needs (such as a visual or physical impairment), just let us know in advance by emailing training@rva.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

NEW Venue: Meeting Room 3 (The Stones Room), Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), 35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS. See this map https://risc.org.uk/about/how-to-find-us/

Registration and refreshments from 9.45am. Session starts at 10am and finishes at 12noon.

Please book through the link below. We hope to see you there!

RVA Cancellation Policy:

If you are no longer able to attend the event, please let us know by emailing training@rva.org.uk with at least 48 hours notice . We aim to provide our events free of charge however we may charge you £20 fee if you fail to give notice of cancellation.

Small Groups' Forum - September 2025