Community projects boosted by University funding

Fifteen community projects have been awarded funding grants as part of the University of Reading's Community Engagement Fund initiative.

The Community Engagement Fund, now in its fifth year, sets aside £30,000 each year and allows University staff members to apply for funding to support community projects they are involved with either as part of their job, or in a voluntary capacity.

Projects must benefit community groups or individuals across the Thames Valley region, defined as Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, and must further at least one of the University's charitable objectives of advancing education, learning and research.

Some of the projects that have received funding for the 2025/26 academic year include:

• Reading Together, a shared reading group helping vulnerable local women build self-esteem and language skills
• Supporting Healthy Ageing, exploring the benefits of chair-based yoga for older adults in the Thames Valley
• Providing digital learning access for secondary school students in hospital, ensuring continued education during medical treatment
• 'The Circle', led by Through a Different Lens, a space supporting black and black mixed heritage filmmakers to develop creative ideas and produce film projects in the Thames Valley area
• Together as One, exploring the impact and therapeutic benefits of beekeeping on young people's well-being
• Reading Climate Theatre Festival, using performance to engage communities with environmental issues.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "I am continually impressed by the breadth and depth of community work undertaken by our staff members, who dedicate themselves to improving lives across the Thames Valley.

"As a University committed to making a meaningful difference locally, we are delighted to support these diverse projects that will bring lasting benefits to individuals and communities throughout the Thames Valley region."

The Community Engagement Fund provides one-off, small awards (usually around £1,000 per year), as well as larger awards (up to a maximum of £10,000 per year) on a one-off or multi-year basis. The scheme forms part of the University's commitment to working with and supporting the local community and being "a University for Reading".

More information about the Community Engagement Fund, including case studies of previous projects, can be found online.