A pioneering mental health training and research centre based at the University of Reading celebrated its 5th birthday this week.
Since opening in 2008, The Charlie Waller Institute of Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment (CWI) has trained over 300 highly skilled mental health clinicians. After receiving training from national and international experts in the field, many have gone on to treat patients in the local area. In addition the Institute has provided over 5000 training days to support improvements in mental health care across the UK.
The CWI attracts world experts who help train local NHS staff to use the most effective therapy when treating patients with mental health issues. CWI was the first of its type to train clinicians in proven psychological treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
The importance of effective, accessible mental health treatment was highlighted this week by new figures showing the number of people taking their own life in the UK rose “significantly” in 2011.
More information about the Charlie Waller Institute phone 0118 378 6668.
January 29, 2013 | editor
Reading residents bin collections returned to normal on Monday 14 January. The council are recommending resident’s re-cycle as much as possible.
Christmas cards and wrapping paper – put in your red bin or box (but no foil wrapping paper please). You can also take your cards along to one of the high street stores which have collection boxes. Proceeds from the scheme are donated to the Woodland Trust to help them plant new trees.
Bottles – take your empty bottles and jars to one of the numerous bottle banks across Reading. There are now special banks for Tetrapak cartons too.
Food Waste – If you find you’ve overdone the festive food shopping check out the Love Food Hate Waste website for great recipes for your leftovers.
Electrical Items – If you’ve got any small electrical items you no longer want we will be running a ‘Don’t Bin it, Bring it’ campaign in the new year where residents can dispose of unwanted small electrical items at local road shows around Reading. Alternatively, they can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) at Smallmead.
Textiles – If you’re having a clear out over the Christmas holiday, take your old clothes, bedding and curtains to a nearby textile bank, charity shop or the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) at Smallmead.
January 24, 2013 | editor
The Museum of English Rural Life at the University of Reading present Where does your food come from? an event on Saturday 23 March, 1-5pm.
There are a range of activities that explain where your food comes from. Have a go at milking Daisy the cow, see how our quern stones are used to turn corn into flour and take part in a family tour of the food related collections. You can also have a go at making a flower pot loaf!
The Museum of English Rural Life houses the most comprehensive national collection of objects, books and archives relating to the history of food, farming and the countryside.
More information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/merl/whatson/merl-specialevents.aspx
January 22, 2013 | editor
University of Reading present Reading Science Week – Field to Fork exhibition on view 19 to 24 March, 2013.
‘Field to Fork’ is a thought-provoking, interactive exhibition produced by the Global Food Security Programme, which is led by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) The exhibition aims to engage people with the challenges of ensuring food security for a growing global population whilst highlighting the research that is being done to address the challenges.
To find out more about this exhibition, and related evnets, which are part of MERL’s National Science & Engineering Week programme visit: http://www.reading.ac.uk/merl/whatson/merl-specialevents.aspx
January 22, 2013 | editor
Reading Borough Council tenants are set to benefit from 10% increase in the Decent Neighbourhood Fund, which supports community improvement projects, as the Council keeps the annual rent increase to a below inflation rate of 3%.
This recommended average increase was brought before Cabinet at last night’s meeting (Jan 21) and a final decision will be made at Full Council on January 29, before the rent increase is introduced at the start of the new financial year in April 2013.
The proposed 3% increase is below the Retail Price Index (RPI) which currently stands at 3.1%, as the Council is mindful of the severe financial challenges being placed on families and tenants living in Reading.
The Council consulted with the tenant’s Joint Consultative Committee about the proposed rent increases for 2013/2014, who understood the need for an increase. On average, the 3% increase in rent will add a further £2.98 on to the weekly average rent for Council tenants.
Reading Borough Council offers tenants a Debt Advice Service with information on national and local support groups, where they can discuss their financial situation. Council officers are also on hand to talk to residents about managing their debt and finances to make manageable payments. For more information on this service please phone (0118) 937 2197.
January 22, 2013 | editor
