The Mayor of Reading

Today, on the National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, we remember and stand in solidarity with all those whose lives have been affected by terrorism. We honour the strength of victims, survivors and bereaved families, and encourage everyone to mark the day in a way that is meaningful to them.

This day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the specialist support available, deepen understanding of the lasting impact of terrorism, and ensure that the voices and experiences of victims and survivors continue to be heard, recognised and remembered.

It was a pleasure to attend the book launch of The Cost of Belonging by Marcel J Kamga and join residents, NHS staff and community leaders from across Reading's communities.

The book shines a light on the human stories behind migration, identity and belonging, encouraging understanding, empathy and meaningful dialogue. Thank you to the author and everyone who contributed to such a thought-provoking evening.

Proud to be supporting Refugee Support Group as one of my chosen charities this year. Since 1994, Refugee Support Group has sought to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of refugees and asylum seekers in Berkshire by providing legal advice and casework, English language lessons, practical information and integration support, direct assistance, and referral services which help refugees and asylum seekers active participation and contribution in the Berkshire community.

Please consider supporting this important cause.

For the next few weeks, your donation can have double the impact.
Every donation made through their Crowdfunder campaign will be matched pound for pound by the Aviva Foundation, up to a maximum matched donation of £250 per person.
This is a fantastic opportunity to help them raise vital funds to provide:

• Financial wellbeing workshops, one-to-one casework, interpreters & volunteer support.
• Emergency hardship support for refugees and asylum seekers

To donate, please visit the link in the comments.

Double your Donation This is "Double your Donation" by Refugee Support Group on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

On Saturday 25 July I had a great time at Reading Rath Yatra and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Reading Swahili Community.

On Wednesday I was delighted to attend the opening of Refugee Support Group's Sanctuary Café, a welcoming community space in the historic RISC, World Shop, Global Refills & Room Hire building on London Street.

The Sanctuary Café will be open to the public every weekday from 8am to 2pm, serving freshly prepared meals and speciality coffee made by refugee chefs, cooks and baristas. Every purchase directly supports Refugee Support Group's work helping refugees and people seeking asylum rebuild their lives.

I was delighted to attend the Coley Summer Fete together with Deputy Mayor Cllr Amjad Tarar last Saturday. It was wonderful to see local residents, families, community organisations and partners come together to celebrate community spirit, promote healthy lifestyles and raise funds for Grassrootz.

A huge thank you to the RBC Sustainable Communities Team for organising such a fantastic event, and to everyone who took part. Special congratulations to the runners who completed the fun run in the scorching heat!

I am glad to be supporting Refugee Support Group as one of my chosen charities this year. Since 1994, Refugee Support Group has sought to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of refugees and asylum seekers in Berkshire by providing legal advice and casework, English language lessons, practical information and integration support, direct assistance, and referral services which help refugees and asylum seekers active participation and contribution in the Berkshire community.

Please consider donating for this important cause.

Moreover, for the next few weeks you can double your donation and your impact to Refugee Support Group.
Every donation made through their Crowdfunder campaign will be matched pound for pound by the Aviva Foundation, up to a maximum matched donation of £250 per person.
This is a fantastic opportunity to double your impact and help them raise vital funds to provide:
• Financial wellbeing workshops, one-to-one casework, interpreters & volunteer support.
• Emergency hardship support for refugees and asylum seekers

To donate, please visit the link in the comments ⬇️

Double your Donation This is "Double your Donation" by Refugee Support Group on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Thank you to Deeper Christian Life Ministry in Reading for inviting me to the Living Hope Musical Concert 2026 on Saturday 18 July - it was a wonderful afternoon of worship, music, and connection.

This morning, we were delighted to welcome back last year's Mayor, Cllr Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles to present cheques to her chosen mayoral charities.
During her term, Cllr Mpofu-Coles proudly supported ReadiFood Food Bank (part of FAITH Christian Group) and Utulivu Women's Group, two fantastic local charities that do so much for families across the borough.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated, attended events, or gave their time to help raise funds during the mayoral year - your support made a big difference to both organisations and the wider Reading community.

I had a great time joining the Reading Men Walking and Talking group for a nice walk and dinner alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Andrew Try.