Dear friends of Reading Community Learning Centre,
As we come to the end of a very busy autumn term at RCLC, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. To our learners, volunteers, trustees, staff, partners and supporters, your time, energy and belief in our work continue to shape this Centre into a place of learning, safety and belonging.
This term, we welcomed 187 learners onto our core courses and 26 children into our crèche. Each woman and child who walks through our doors reminds us why RCLC exists, to provide a safe, welcoming space where confidence, connection and opportunity can grow.
One of the highlights of the term was our 18th Annual General Meeting, where learners, volunteers, staff and trustees came together to reflect on the year. Hearing women share their journeys and the impact RCLC has had on their lives was deeply moving and reaffirmed that RCLC is about far more than classes, it is about belonging.
We also launched our Annual Report, which captures the breadth of our work and the voices at its heart. You can read it here.
We were proud to be part of Connect Reading’s Giving Tree Campaign, which enabled women and families connected to RCLC to receive thoughtful gifts as the year came to a close. These simple acts of generosity bring comfort and care at a time that can feel uncertain for many. Our thanks go to Novotel, The Curious Network (Reading) and everyone at Connect Reading.
Funding news worth celebrating
We are incredibly grateful for the support received this term, including:
- £75,000 over three years from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales through their Racial Equity Programme
- £10,000 from the Hilden Charitable Fund
- £7,402.51 raised through The Big Give, including matched funding
- Support from Reading Borough Council’s Closing the Gap Programme
- Selection as one of three charities to receive a Stronger Starts Tesco donation in the New Year
This funding helps keep our doors open, our classrooms running, and our community supported.
Beyond the classroom
Alongside learning, this term included enrichment, wellbeing and progression activities, including:
- Receiving the Grassroots Community Award from Utulivu Women’s Project and ACRE
- Art workshops led by Reading-based artist Hadil Tamim, delivered at RCLC and the RISC Rooftop Gardens
- Learner visits to the RISC Rooftop Gardens and the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)
- Learner Voice Forum, ensuring women actively shape the Centre
- Careers and progression talks with New Directions College
- Volunteering pathways with RVA
- 1:1 health checks delivered through the MEET PEET Community Wellness Outreach Project
- Weekly CommuniCare benefit and housing advice surgeries
Looking ahead
This term has also highlighted the growing challenges faced by migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women. In an increasingly uncertain national context, RCLC remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive place where women can learn, rebuild confidence and find their voice.
If you can, donating to our current appeal helps us cover essential running costs, from utilities to resources, so learning can continue in warmth and dignity. Donate to our appeal here.
Spring term and staying connected
Our Spring Term flyer is attached, and we would be grateful if you could share it with anyone who may benefit from our classes or want to support our work. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.
Thank you for standing with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to RCLC in 2026.
With warmest thanks,
Aisha, Ali, Hema & Samar
Reading Community Learning Centre
