Wokingham In Need is winning with the help of the local community

BY SUE JACKSON

Wokingham is considered an affluent area but is not immune to difficulties caused by financial, medical or mental health problems. There is a wealth of vulnerable people, young and old falling on hard times in our local area. They are in need as they are often not supported or able to follow regular channels resulting in homelessness and hardship. Identifying the need is where the seed was sown for what is not just a charity but a catalyst in uniting the local community.

The beginning – helping the homeless and vulnerable by funding proper facilities and a Drop in Centre at Salvation Army - Sturges Road which is a reactive premises providing assistance to the homeless.. WIN continues to support the Salvation Army and the Centre and has completed another refurbishment of the kitchen and shower room and bought a new washing machine.

WIN have a group called the Creative Nightingales who sew and knit items for terminally ill patients at the RBH and support the Dementia and

Children’s Wards.

WIN have embarked on a new project a Junior Ambassadors Project where 16 children were chosen to learn how the hospital works and a Project for the ICU Unit where noise cancelling headphones were donated to help a pilot scheme whereby specific music is played to patients to assist in their recovery and help cut out the general noises in an ICU unit.

WIN supports adults with learning disabilities and raised funds for a Sensory Garden at the Acorn Centre £34K+.

WIN has just started a project at Wokingham Hospital - a Sensory Garden for patients and staff. If you wish to get involved contact us.

A Talent Show for Clasp members took place at The Whitty Theatre which was highly successful and rewarding.

It was a pleasure to work with Clasp and we continue to support them by sponsoring membership packs and wish to do more.

Caring is what it is all about. WIN provides Mental Health Workshops for children and work with Circus Scene to provide and fund workshops to allow children to feel special, talented, brave and able. In addition, working with DrugFAM WIN organises workshops for secondary schools addressing drug and alcohol misuse.

WIN put Mental Health Wellbeing and Dementia Workshops into care homes also Early Years workshops to assist young children who suffered due to the pandemic.

Friendship Cafes are also supported.

It is not only local causes that WIN get involved with, the charity look to Wokingham and Beyond and are in discussion with groups to assist Ukrainian Refugees. A donation was given to Wokingham Borough Council for Ukraine.

The WIN team (all volunteers) are helping with many projects and causes in the local area it is impossible to mention them all but rest assured WIN will continue to assist anyone who is vulnerable and in need.

Upcoming Fundraisers

- Wokingham’s Got Talent - 29th July 2023 Peach Place 12 – 6 (courtesy of My Wokingham)

- Art Themen and Friends – The Whitty Theatre – 29th September 2023

Why not get involved? From volunteering to joining events contact us via website or social media. Financial help is always welcome via our donate button on Website/Facebook – cheques can be dropped off at Prospect Estate Agents in Wokingham.

Look forward to hearing from you. WOKINGHAM IN NEED – STRIVING TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY