Latest News
Volunteer Centre’s West Berkshire’s Christmas Party 2025
On Friday 6th December we held our Christmas party for our staff and volunteers. 
We were pleased that so many of our friends were able to join us.
Thank you everyone for your support and dedication this year.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Volunteer Centre West Berkshire’s letter to MPs – impact of increased employer National Insurance contributions
The recent news of the planned increased employer National Insurance Contributions has caused concern within the charity sector.
Considering the significant impact this will have locally, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire sent a letter to our local MPs earlier this week. Here is copy of the letter.
We are still collecting data on the financial impact this will have so please do continue to send over any figures you have to rachel@vcwb.org.uk so we can add them to the record.
Posted 14/11/24
Volunteer Centre’s West Berkshire’s 50th Anniversary Variety Show
On Saturday 29th June Volunteer Centre West Berkshire held its 50th Anniversary at Ace Space in the form of a variety concert.
Thank you Brien and Ian for your hard work!
In July 2024 Volunteer Centre West Berkshire said goodbye to two of our trustees who have served their maximum term. Brien Beharrell has been a trustee for ten years and has been our chair for the last five. Ian Nichol has been a trustee for ten years. Thank you Brien and Ian for your hard work, dedication and insight – we will miss you greatly.
We are pleased to announce that our new chair will be Gary Walsh, who has been a trustee with us since 2020. Gary is also a volunteer driver so understands and values the work we do.
On her departure, Brien says:
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve as a VCWB volunteer, and as a Trustee on the board for 10 years, the last five of those as Chairman. The charity is incredibly fortunate to continue to have such an active board of trustees all of whom participate, at a very practical level, in support of the volunteering community in Newbury and West Berkshire.
I offer my successor Gary Walsh, CEO Rachel Peters, all the office team, and the wider community of wonderful volunteers, success and every good wish for the future. Each year brings fresh challenges to our community. Demonstrably, the need for the goodwill of volunteers willing to give their time to help others has never been greater – even after the height of the Covid pandemic. We should all be grateful that the VCWB and other community groups are there to respond to those needs.”
Photo:
Back row: Ian Nichol (departing trustee), Ellis Banfield (trustee), Malcolm Poynter (Vice Chair)
Front row: Chris Armitage (Honorary Treasurer), Lesley Wyman (trustee), Brien Beharrell (departing Chair), Rachel Peters (CEO), Andy Moore (Newbury Town Council – VCWB link observer on the board).
Thanks to trustee Rob Cao for taking the photo.
“Arrival of Spring signals the start of a new chapter at VCWB as long serving director retires and new CEO appointed”
In these times when many of us have very varied career paths, more than twenty five years in one occupation is a truly remarkable professional landmark. The trick, if we may call it that in its broadest sense, is to be still be making a success of it when you finally decide to hand over the reins.
I have known Garry Poulson for all of the 25 years he has led the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire. Some reading this Newsletter will have known him for longer than that. All may bear witness to the fact that not only has he talked the volunteering talk he has walked that walk too.
Now, while from April 1 Rachel will be leading the charity overall, her focus continues to be the further development of her work in support of partnerships and engagement within the voluntary sector.
Given her understanding of the sector, and our charity in particular, we are delighted that she is the Volunteer Centre’s new CEO. We wish her, the office team, and all the volunteers and organisations associated with the charity every success in the future.
BRIEN BEHARRELL
Chair of Trustees VCWB.
Dear Reader,
I am sure that like me you will hear about or indeed be discussing within your groups or own families about the impact and experiences of people of all ages
Enduring poor mental health. Last year The Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust commissioned us to undertake a series of consultations across West Berkshire talking to organisations and their service users about their experiences of the mental services in West Berkshire.
We are pleased to publish this report today. Following a meeting with the report commissioners last week our next steps will be to meet with service providers in order to consider the recommendations contained within the report.
Please do share this report amongst your colleagues and service users where appropriate.
Garry Poulson (Director)
50th Anniversary Volunteer – Recruitment Fair
We are always proud of our event which showcases West Berkshire Volunteering organisations and the interesting ways that the public can volunteer. Last year we had a record attendance by the public visiting 55 charities.
2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of our charity and we hope that you will book your table and take part.
Knowledge Event 2023!
On Monday 20th March our hard working team brought together 95 charities all of whom work in West Berkshire. The Knowledge event held at Shaw House played host to the event which was designed to improve the working knowledge Of the voluntary sector, bring together statutory partners and provide an opportunity for networking. To add lustre to the event we were greatly honoured by the attendance of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester who met with and chatted To around 70 people. We are pleased to attach a slide show of the pictures that were kindly provided by The Newbury Weekly News.
Volunteer Recruitment Event V365 2023!
After a break of 3 years we are excited to announce that our successful Volunteer Recruitment event at The Corn Exchange is set to return on Saturday 14th January, 10am to 3pm.Come and join us for V365 2023! and meet meet 55 charitable orgnisations all under one roof all seeking volunteers.
West Berkshire Voluntary Sector Forum
We are really excited to announce the launch of The West Berkshire Voluntary Sector Forum, which will bring together representatives of all voluntary, self-help, not for profit (including CICs) organisations and charities that provide services in West Berkshire.
New Handybus Service starting Spring 2022
'Jubliee' is our brand new 16-seater Handybus modified to provide easy access. The bus will provide transport for anyone who would like to go shopping, or for social meetings, but find it difficult or inconvenient to use public transport.
Volunteer Centre and Greenham Trust supporting voluntry and community action in West Berkshire
In July 21, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire and Greenham Trust announced our Voluntary Sector Support Alliance. Our two charities have formed this alliance to better support new and existing community and voluntary groups across the district.
Virtual Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2022
The Virtual Volunteer Fair is free to attend and open to all residents interested in volunteering. Join us online and meet some of the inspiring local charities that need your help across West Berkshire and find out how to get involved Click on the Zoom link on the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire home page at any time during the event and find out what they do and how you can support.