In Wokingham Borough, we are fortunate to have a large number of good people who put themselves out to help others. The number of local voluntary and charitable bodies, all dedicated to improving life for members of our community, is truly amazing.

I'm thinking of a wide range of different voluntary bodies, from sports, arts, music, and gardening clubs, and local history societies, to charities helping people in financial hardship, or with disabilities. 

They all play a key role in making life better for a great many Wokingham Borough residents. Never have voluntary and charitable bodies been more needed, but never have they been under more pressure.

A worrying number of clubs, societies, and charities are struggling financially, mainly due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The borough council recognises and wants to support the valuable work undertaken by volunteers and their organizations. We want to work alongside them.

We don't always get it right, but I am personally very committed to forging a stronger partnership with all of the voluntary and charitable sector organisations in the borough. 

Last week, I attended the founding assembly of Reading Citizens. This is an umbrella organization that brings together voluntary and charitable bodies, clubs, societies, Reading University, and faith groups across the Reading area. 

It describes itself as ‘a people-powered alliance of local institutions working together to win positive change for our communities’. 

As I heard about the good work being done by its constituent organizations, it made me wonder whether we would benefit from having something similar in Wokingham Borough. 

If you think the time is ripe for a Wokingham citizens assembly, to celebrate and promote the work being done by voluntary and charitable bodies across the borough, please contact me on Stephen.Conway@wokingham.gov.uk and we can discuss how best to carry the idea forward.