Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC) is delighted to have been awarded £5,000 through Berkshire Community Foundation’s 2026 Priorities Funding Round to support essential fire safety and building improvements at our Centre.

The grant will contribute towards our Safe Spaces, Strong Foundations project, helping us undertake important safety improvements identified through professional fire risk assessments.

Protecting a Vital Community Space

For many of the women we support, RCLC is much more than a place to learn. It is a safe, welcoming environment where women from diverse backgrounds, including refugees, asylum seekers and those experiencing disadvantage, can develop confidence, build friendships and access education, wellbeing activities and practical support.

Operating from a Grade II listed building brings significant maintenance and safety responsibilities. As a small, independent charity, meeting these costs alongside our frontline services can be challenging.

This funding will help us make essential improvements to protect our learners, children, staff and volunteers, ensuring that our Centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone who uses it.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We are extremely grateful to Berkshire Community Foundation for recognising the importance of investing in the safety and sustainability of grassroots community organisations.

While building safety improvements may not always be visible, they are fundamental to ensuring that charities like ours can continue providing essential services to those who need them most.

Thank you, Berkshire Community Foundation, for your generous support and for helping us protect a space that means so much to the women and families we serve.

Supported by Berkshire Community Foundation.