Berkshire Phab

25/08/2021

FREE Hammond organ available for collection from the MAPP Centre, 22 Mount Pleasant, RG1 2TD

Berkshire Phab is offering this on a 'taken as seen' basis, free to a good home. Sadly we are closing and can no longer make use of the organ.

It would benefit from a service and has one loose key but otherwise seems to be in working order.

contact us: info@berkshirephab.org

04/08/2021

04/08/2021

Arts and crafts materials, wool, books and puzzles available to a good home!

*** please share****

Collect on Saturday 7th August 2021 from Berkshire Phab, The MAPP Centre, 22 Mount Pleasant, Reading RG1 2TD

10.30 - 11.30 FREE to charities, voluntary and community groups, social enterprises

11.30 - 1.30pm available to the public - donations requested

Do get in touch if you’re planning to come down so we know when to expect you.

After nearly 30 years of offering a special environment to people with disabilities, Berkshire Phab closed its doors permanently in June. We have loads of great stuff arts and crafts materials that many people could make good use of. Any donations gratefully received to help us pay our final bills.

Reading Voluntary Action Reading Council Wokingham Borough Council West Berkshire Council Reading Phab Reading Mencap West Berkshire Mencap Age UK Berkshire Autism Berkshire Reading Families Forum Stepping Forward UK

04/08/2021

Friends, most of you will already know the sad news but here’s the full statement we released a couple of months ago:

It is with great sadness that the Trustees of Berkshire Phab have decided to close its doors to members after nearly 30 years of offering a special environment to people with disabilities.

There has been a Phab club in Reading for over 40 years but in 1993, with Berkshire County Council funding, a day time club was formed to provide a safe social space for people to come and try out new skills and get a good lunch. In 2002 it moved to a temporary home in North Street whilst the MAPP Centre was being built and we returned to our original location in 2006 with a fully accessible space including a sensory room and adaptable height kitchen.

Over 500 members and their families have benefitted from being part of the Phab family and over the years Berkshire Phab’s staff and volunteers have helped offer a vibrant and welcoming place to visit.

Anna Smy, Chair of Trustees, said: “Like many small businesses and charities, in recent years we have faced an ever-growing set of challenges, and the pandemic has made an already difficult financial situation much worse. Despite the efforts of our volunteer Board, our fundraisers and supporters, and our wonderful team of staff and volunteers, we have sadly reached the point at which it no longer seems possible for Berkshire Phab to continue. at this difficult time”

Berkshire Phab is working closely with Reading Voluntary Action, local authorities and other local charities to help our members find alternative services and support them as best they can at this difficult time.

Berkshire Phab are hoping to celebrate the amazing work everyone has put into the charity through the years with a party in June, however they may have to put things on hold as the pandemic continues.

There does continue to be a Phab Club in Reading as Reading Phab will be reopening soon for adults on a Wednesday evening to enjoy the same fun activities as the Berkshire Phab members have over many years.

04/07/2021

Still time....the sun is coming out for us too 🤞

Just one hour to go! Join us live at 2pm for The Great Phab Picnic, it’s going to be amazing! Sign up link below. 🎥🤩

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p6f1re3FSOCaVmtlujr3GA?fbclid=IwAR23Za-c5BPxuHYmPiXakPf-Nj2Cay8JYSEyNxu2O_pTGI-rr3I-yETnhQw

04/07/2021

Just a reminder that the Phab Virtual Picnic is on today. I'm sorry we aren't able to meet at the centre to join as a group but hope you can join from home.
Anna

Ohh my goodness, just 3 days to go until the Great Phab Picnic! Join us and Phab Clubs and supporters for a virtual Phab celebration, highlighting positive stories of Phab clubs, members and activities.

Join us at 2pm Sunday 4th July! Sign up link below. Please share this far and wide, anyone is welcome!

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p6f1re3FSOCaVmtlujr3GA?fbclid=IwAR23Za-c5BPxuHYmPiXakPf-Nj2Cay8JYSEyNxu2O_pTGI-rr3I-yETnhQw

30/06/2021

Just a quick update on things. We are having issues with our info@berkshirephab.org emails so please copy trustees@berkshirephab.org if you need to contact us. Unfortunately due to personal circumstances we can not hold the Phab Picnic from the centre on Sunday but we will share the event link with you all and hope to see you as I join from my garden. We will be looking at how best to share remaining assets in the building and are working with MAPP about leaving the building. Krissy and Stephen have now left the charity and we still hope to have a celebration later in the year to thank them for their hard work over the years they have been with us. Alec will be leaving on the 8th July so if you want/need to call into the centre before then please call or email to book a time slot.
Thanks
Anna
Chair of Berkshire Phab

21/06/2021

Just a gentle reminder to all that we are no longer open to members from today. If you need to visit the centre to collect arts, crafts, mugs or anything you may have left please call and book an appointment with the staff. We will update on Facebook and by email any further news about the closure. Please check your emails for info on other services around the area and support which is available.

17/06/2021

Even on our last day our members are enjoying some fantastic crafting. We're all looking forward to our roast dinner 🙂