News and Donations
Office re-opening after refurbishment
On Tuesday 10 October 2017. The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Rose Williams, launched the recently refurbished office of Reading Dispensary Trust in Wokingham Road.
The Mayor, who is also a Trustee of the charity, welcomed current and past Trustees and representatives of organisations that work with RDT to help their clients. Jean Turton, Chair of the Trust, also spoke thanking everyone attending for their participation in the work of the Trust. The charity gives grants to those with any type of medical need to help them purchase items including carpets, white goods, mobility aids, furniture, holidays and other items. Applicants must live within a seven mile radius of Reading town centre, and should be referred by a medical professional or agency.
Councillor Williams said: “I am delighted to launch this splendidly refurbished office. Reading Dispensary Trust provides an important service to people in need in Reading, and refurbishing the office is all part of making sure that the charity can operate professionally for years to come.”
The newly refurbished office was formerly one of the dispensaries for the charity, opening every week to distribute medicines, medical advice and other help. Read more….
Recent Donations
May 2018
Working with the referring agency, the Trust granted travel costs for medical treatment for a family member. This has made a huge change and has make the daily routine for the family far far easier than before.
The cost was granted as a one off payment.
A Day Away in Bristol
With help from Reading Dispensary Trust, during the February half term, Me2 took 8 Me2 Club teenagers on a ‘Day Away’ to Bristol, as part of their ‘Day Away Project’. The main aims of the project are to promote confidence and independence in young people. To find out more visit ME2 website.
Reading Dispensary Trust have supported Launchpad’s clients with medical needs for many years, helping us to supply our clients with various items from white goods and clothing to taxis to and from medical appointments.
In 2017 alone we were awarded approx. £1600 for 7 clients.
This support really can change lives and we are very grateful for all their help to date.
Reading Dispensary Trust have very generously been providing help for our clients for many years. Our clients have needed help, either due to their caring responsibilities, or because of a disability they have and have been unable to work. Whilst some families are on a single wage, or are getting benefits due to the levels of disability or care they provide.
We have been granted many items over the years, which have included, white goods, such as fridges and washing machines as well as new carpets and beds. They’ve even provided the funds towards the costs of a family holiday. These items and costs can relieve the families of the worry of finding the money for such large items.
Thank you Reading Dispensary Trust for all the help and support you provide to our clients. I know you don’t get to see the relief on the faces of our clients when I let them know that a grant has been awarded. I have been very humbled by some responses, and know that our clients are very appreciative for the items they’ve received.
February 2018
Mother of son with medical need. Requested help for the cost of driving lessons to enable her to attend his medical appointments and activities more easily and reduce their isolation.
£500 Donation made to Myaware charity in November 2017
Myaware Reading group meet every few months, and is led by Steve, our area Regional Organiser. The group welcomes all those affected by myasthenia; those with the condition, and their families, friends and carers. It enables people to join together in self-help, and gain the most up-to-date information about treatments for the condition, developments in research and to meet others to share experiences over a cup of tea. We welcome new members and offer them support and encouragement. Click here to visit the myaware website
£500 Donation made to the AgeUK Reading charity in November 2017
The Age UK Reading Befriending service aims to improve the quality of life for older people who live in the greater Reading area. Volunteer befrienders provide friendship and support either by regular personal visits or telephone calls. All volunteers are interviewed and provide references. A Disclosure and Barring Service check is also made before a volunteer can participate in the befriending service.
A single person without family to support them. Recently rehoused by the Local Authority, the applicant had no furniture and has been suffering from long-term mental health issues.
Difficult to find work because of the problems.
Requesting a £300 grant for basic furnishings and a washing machine.
The referral was via the Local authority.
A 70+-year-old applicant suffering from and receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
Has moved into local authority housing and needs help carpeting their new accommodation.
£385 granted to go towards carpeting
The referral was via the Local authority.
Female who is currently undergoing medical treatment for mental health problems, requested help with funding travel to appointments by taxi.
An amount was granted for a specific number of trips
Rubbish Clearance
Single female supported by family member, has accumulated a lot of rubbish which needs clearing. Funding for skip granted.
Carpet Cleaning
Single male recently moved into a new property, which is in poor condition, requested funding for cleaning of carpets £75.00 granted.
