Connected

Become A School Governor

Join us at our upcoming webinar to find out more about becoming a school governor, in partnership with Governors for Schools. School governors play a vital role in leading schools and ensuring every child gets the best education possible. Whether...

Everybody Can Do Something

From flying solo around the world, to a Donkathon, to taking in Ukrainian refugees, Polly Vacher is a firm believer that ‘everybody can do something’. CONNECTED sat down with Reading graduate and shortlisted Celebration of Volunteering...

Resilience Rucksacks

The ‘Resilience Rucksack’ project will see more than 1000 Year 6 and 7 pupils (aged 10-12) in Berkshire and Oxfordshire receive a rucksack filled with items specially designed to build their mental wellbeing and resilience.  This...

Features

An empty school classroom in Ghana

A Voice For The Voiceless

To celebrate Volunteering Week, CONNECTED is sharing the inspirational stories of some of our alumni who volunteer. Today, we hear from Mabel Senaa Bonsuuri, who is helping change the lives of young girls in Ghana...

A person in a wheelchair holding a basketball

Rebuilding Independence

To celebrate Volunteering Week, CONNECTED is sharing the inspirational stories of some of our alumni who volunteer. Today, we shine the spotlight on Dr Alison Wheeler who has been volunteering for national spinal cord...

Group of diverse people with arms and hands raised towards a hand painted heart.

A Local Community Champion

CONNECTED speaks to Reading graduate and local councillor, Sarah Hacker, about her fundraising efforts for local charities that are close to her heart, and her commitment to supporting her community. Sarah recalled of...

An array of baby equipment laid out on top of a moses basket.

Supporting Families In Extreme Need

Reading graduate, Amy Tisi, is committed to helping her community. Through her teaching, setting up one of the first baby banks, and being a local councillor, she has helped thousands of families in desperate need. The...

Cat and dog in field

Giving Something Back

CONNECTED speaks to Reading graduate, Katie Lawman, about all things charities – from her time as a student ambassador, to puppies in the office at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Katie studied English Literature at...

Clive and Sheila Payne at the Celebration of Volunteering awards

Whiteknights In All Weathers

CONNECTED speak to the couple helping to keep our university green. Come rain or shine, Clive and Sheila Payne can be seen litter-picking around campus. What started three years ago as part of their daily permitted...

Brian Heathcote in Peak District

A Wide-Ranging Dedication to Volunteering

Reading graduate and long-time volunteer, Brian Heathcote, was one of the alumni shortlisted in Reading’s inaugural Celebration of Volunteering for his incredible commitment to voluntary action around the world. ...

Oxford Road sign

Hidden Stories From Oxford Road

CONNECTED speaks to Alice Mpofu-Coles, one of the University of Reading’s researchers who helped curate the exhibition that is uncovering stories from one of Reading’s most diverse and multicultural streets...

Group of 4 girls hugging and smiling at the camera

Girls Can do Anything

Reading graduate, Karen Dwyer, has been volunteering with Girlguiding for nearly 45 years. Her longstanding commitment is inspired by her love of Girlguiding and helping young girls grow into confident women. ...

Snake coiled on the floor, with a catcher nearby

Saving Lives From Snakebites

CONNECTED delves into the research of University of Reading’s Professor Sakthi Vaiyapuri, who is helping to save countless lives from venomous snakebites in rural India.Snakebites are a significant health risk...