Community United

Join Us for Live Pongal in Newbury! 📅 Date: 19th January 2025 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 📍 Venue: Shaw House, Newbury Experience the vibrant celebration of Pongal, a heartfelt tribute to the Sun, Mother Nature, and the farm animals that sustain a bountiful harvest. This cherished Tamil festival, celebrated over four days, also marks the start of the auspicious Tamil month of Thai, symbolising prosperity and new beginnings. Come and immerse yourself in this joyous cultural tradition with Newbury Tamil School. We look forward to celebrating with you. 🌞🌾🐂 West Berkshire Council Newbury Town Council Thatcham Town Council Greenham Trust Kennet Radio Bbc Radio Berkshire

The cold, white blanket of winter is a reminder of nature’s quiet beauty, but it also brings its challenges. Stay warm, take extra care on icy paths, and look out for one another. A little caution goes a long way in turning this season into a safe and cozy experience. A small act of kindness—a warm smile, a helping hand—can make this season brighter and safer for everyone. Stay warm, stay kind, and cherish the beauty as well as enjoy the charm of winter.

🌟 New Year, New You! 🌟 What are your New Year’s resolutions? Share them in the comments below! 👇 Why not make 2025 the year you give back? Join Community United as a flexible volunteer and make a real difference: ✅ Discover the true meaning of belonging. ✅ Build confidence while helping others. ✅ Connect with diverse communities. ✅ Champion inclusion and diversity. Get involved today! Let’s work together to create a stronger, more connected community. 💕 📩 Message us to learn more - hello@communityunited.uk Volunteer Centre West Berkshire Reading Voluntary Action involve Community Services The Wokingham Volunteer Centre

#AmberAlert Weather Warning Reminder: Reading, Wokingham & West Berkshire As the weather takes a harsh turn, let’s come together to support those most at risk in our community. Please check on vulnerable individuals such as: • The homeless: Direct them to local shelters or provide essentials if you can. • The elderly: Ensure they are warm and have everything they need. • Young children: Check they are safe and protected from the cold. A simple check-in on your neighbors could make all the difference. Let’s look out for one another. Key Resources: • Reading: St Mungo’s Day Centre: • Wokingham: Wokingham Winter Warm Hubs: • West Berkshire: Two Saints Homeless Support: Together, we can ensure no one is left behind. #BeKind #CommunitySupport #CommunityUnited West Berkshire Council Reading Borough Council Wokingham Borough Council

Congratulations to the many that have been awarded honours today. These award is not just an achievement of an individual ; it belongs to the family and community who have been the unwavering foundation, the source of strength, and might have been the greatest cheerleaders. The love, sacrifices, and belief in the individual made this possible. It’s a shared triumph, reminding us that success is never a solo journey but a collective celebration of the bonds that lift us higher. There are those among us who, out of principle or humility, choose not to accept awards. Their stance is a reminder of the strength of character and the value of quiet service. While we respect and honour their choices, it is also important to recognise that awards have the power to open doors and inspire change. They move mountains of possibilities, shining a light on efforts that might otherwise remain unseen. Let us respect both perspectives—those who lead quietly and those who embrace recognition to create even greater impact. There are people who give endlessly, work tirelessly, and make an immeasurable impact without seeking recognition. Their contributions often go unnoticed in the moment, yet their legacy lives on in the hearts and lives they touch. True greatness isn’t measured by accolades but by the lasting difference one makes. These silent heroes remind us that the most meaningful rewards are not trophies but the gratitude and memories they leave behind. Let us honour them by carrying forward their spirit of selfless giving. #unsungheroes Julian Swift-Hook Carol Jackson-Doerge DL Anbumurasoli Batumalai Kurien Philip, PRINCE2, MBCS Pragna Hay

Community United: The Story of Belonging, Wellbeing, and Safety As we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Community United, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact we’ve made by bringing communities together. Over the years, our mission has been to create spaces where culture, health, and safety intersect, reducing health inequalities while fostering a sense of belonging. Through sports, food, music, and shared cultural experiences, we’ve built connections that promote both physical and mental wellbeing. At the heart of our work are our dedicated volunteers—individuals who contribute their time and energy to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, feels welcomed and supported. Our activities, from community sports events to cultural food exchanges, not only bring people closer but also serve as powerful tools for improving public health and creating a safer environment for all. We believe that community safety and health go hand in hand. When people feel safe, heard, and included, they are more likely to engage in activities that improve their overall wellbeing. Our work is grounded in the belief that no one should face health inequalities due to lack of access, opportunities, or support. By promoting safety, we reduce barriers that often prevent people from achieving optimal health, be it mental, emotional, or physical. Through collaborative efforts, we have seen how culture can play a pivotal role in reducing health disparities. Activities like community sports not only promote fitness but also provide a platform for reducing social isolation, which is often linked to poor mental health. Similarly, cultural celebrations like food festivals or music performances offer safe spaces where individuals from different backgrounds can come together, creating a sense of belonging that has a profound impact on health outcomes. As we celebrate our 5th birthday, we invite you to be a part of this movement. Join us for our upcoming activities, designed to continue promoting inclusivity, reducing health inequalities, and ensuring that everyone has access to the health, safety, and wellbeing they deserve. Together, let’s continue building a community where culture, health, and safety unite for a better future for all, beauty of diversity and inclusivity. https://lnkd.in/ew_eKkdj. #CommunityUnited #Celebrating5Years #Belonging #HealthAndWellbeing #SafetyAndInclusivity #ReducingHealthInequalities #Volunteer #Diversity Julian Swift-Hook Carol Jackson-Doerge DL Pragna Hay Anbumurasoli Batumalai Kurien Philip, PRINCE2, MBCS

This New Year, let’s make a collective resolution to join hands in building a stronger, more inclusive community. Together, as part of Community United, we can celebrate cultural diversity, create meaningful connections, and uplift one another. Let’s resolve to listen more, learn from each other’s traditions, and share the beauty of our unique journeys. By celebrating culturally better together, we nurture understanding, kindness, and unity—the values that make a community truly thrive. Join us in making this resolution a reality and let’s start 2025 with hope, purpose, and a commitment to togetherness! Reach out to @Community United and let’s be the integrated partners Email : hello@communityunited.uk West Berkshire Council Reading Borough Council Wokingham Borough Council Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Basingstoke and North Hampshire Foundation Trust NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust Greenham Trust Berkshire West Primary Care Alliance Berkshire Community Foundation BOB VCSE Health Alliance involve Community Services University of Reading Thames Valley Police #CulturallyBetterTogether #Community #Diversity #Inclusion #Reading #Wokingham #WestBerkshire

“Auld Lang Syne” resonates deeply because it reminds us to cherish the moments and people that have shaped our lives, even as we look forward to what lies ahead. As we turn the page to a new year, let us hold onto the lessons of the past, embrace the present with gratitude, and step into the future with hope. May this year bring renewed strength, meaningful connections, and endless possibilities for joy and growth. Here’s to making every moment count and keeping the spirit of togetherness alive. Happy New Year to all! #Belonging #CulturallyBetterTogether #Inclusion #Equity #Diversity

New Year’s Message from Community United As we step into 2025, we reflect on the values that unite us: Love, Hope, Culture, Inclusion, Community, and Peace. Let this year be a beacon of love that connects hearts, a time for hope that inspires change, and a celebration of culture that enriches our shared humanity. Together, we strive for inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard and every individual is valued. Our strength lies in our community, and our vision is a world where peace prevails—one act of kindness at a time. Wishing you and your loved ones a year of joy, growth, and unity. Welcome to 2025

#Kwanzaa Celebration As Kwanzaa begins, we honour this beautiful time of learning, family, and celebration. May this week be filled with unity, reflection, and joy as families and communities come together to share a feast, honor ancestors, and affirm the enduring bonds of love and heritage. Let us celebrate the richness of African culture, the values that strengthen us, and the hope that lights the way forward. Wishing everyone a meaningful and joyous Kwanzaa filled with peace, prosperity, and pride. Habari Gani!