The Community Health Champion (CHC) ‘Let’s catch up’ event at Coley Park Community Centre on the 17th April 2025 hosted by Reading Borough Council in partnership with ACRE. The event brought together health champions, local partners, and council representatives to reflect on achievements, share updates, and plan forward looking actions for community health and wellbeing.

The conference opened with remarks from George Mathew, Interim CEO of ACRE who commended the dedication of the champions and outlines plans to maintain momentum through monthly meetings.  He emphasised the critical in community health and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their service.

Dayna White, Reading Borough Councils Lead on Community Partnerships, expressed appreciation for the champions ongoing contributions. She acknowledged delays in launching the year’s action plan but reassured attendees of the council’s renewed commitment to treating to treating CHC support requests as a priority moving forward.

The team from Compass Recovery College delivered a presentation on the services they can offer to support mental health and wellbeing across communities. They expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with health champions to deliver meaningful outcomes on the ground.

Pennylope Kapere the Council’s Facilities Manager also addressed the audience, offering practical support through access to community venues and resources for wellbeing activities such as indoor games and social events.

In closing Martin White Consultant in Public Health to Reading Borough Council, reiterated the value of the champions in raising awareness, promoting health behaviours, and  to services. While acknowledging existing and connecting residents to services, he pledged to work closely with partners to resolve any barriers and strengthen the Community Health Champions network before the year’s end.

The conference concluded with a shared sense of purpose and optimism, reinforcing the vital role community champions play in improving health outcomes across Reading.