Let's Talk

Information | Advice | Support

We know that accessing council services and getting the right support can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why we run regular Let's Talk events across West Berkshire - so you can speak to someone face-to-face, get advice, and find the help you need.

If you have questions about benefits, housing, forms, technology, or just need some guidance, our friendly team is here to help.

What to expect

At each session, staff from West Berkshire Council will be there to help, and other organisations often join us as well. These events are relaxed and informal, so you can just drop in and chat without needing an appointment.

At these events we may also offer:

• Recycling advice - learn how to recycle more, waste less, and pick up free resources like caddy liners thanks to our waste team.
• NHS Health Checks (for ages 30-74) from Solutions4Health - including blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle advice.
• General health assessments for anyone who wants to stay on top of their wellbeing.
• Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing Services advice- talk to the team from our Public Protection Partnership about covering everything from housing standards and food safety to fair trading and licensing.

Where these teams are able to join us we've noted this on the schedule below.

When and where

Join us in September:

Burghfield

• Thursday, 18 September - 10am to 12pm at Burghfield Library.

Calcot

• Monday, 1 September - 1pm to 3pm at Calcot Foodbank, Calcot Centre. This session will include the Public Protection Partnership.

Hungerford

• Wednesday, 10 September - 9.30am to 12.30pm at Hungerford Town Hall.
• Wednesday, 24 September - 9.30am to 12.30pm at Hungerford Town Hall.

Newbury

• Tuesday, 2 September - 10am to 12am at Northcroft Leisure Centre. This will include Solutions4Health and the Public Protection Partnership.
• Wednesday, 3 September - 10.30am to 12pm at Newbury Library.
• Tuesday, 9 September - 10am to 12am at Northcroft Leisure Centre. This will include Solutions4Health and the Public Protection Partnership.
• Tuesday, 9 September - 1pm to 3pm at Newbury Foodbank at The Kennet Christian Centre. This will include Solutions4Health. 
• Tuesday, 16 September - 10am to 12am at Northcroft Leisure Centre. This will include Solutions4Health and the Public Protection Partnership.
• Tuesday, 23 September - 10am to 12am at Northcroft Leisure Centre. This will include Solutions4Health and the Public Protection Partnership.
• Tuesday, 30 September - 10am to 12am at Northcroft Leisure Centre. This will include Solutions4Health and the Public Protection Partnership.

Speen

• Wednesday, 3 September - 2pm to 4pm at Speen Community Café. This will include the Public Protection Partnership.

Thatcham

• Thursday, 4 September - 10am to 12pm at Alice Bye Court in Thatcham. This session includes attendance by our waste and recycling team.
• Thursday, 11 September - 9.30am to 12.30pm at Thatcham Library.
• Thursday, 11 September - 1pm to 3pm at Thatcham Baptist Church. This session will be attended by Solutions4Health.
• Friday, 19 September - 10am to 1pm at Thatcham Market. This session will be attended by the waste and recycling team, and officers ready to talk about the consultation for a Public Spaces Prevention Order in Thatcham town centre. 
• Thursday, 25 September - 10am to 12pm at Alice Bye Court in Thatcham. This session includes attendance by our waste and recycling team.

Theale

• Monday, 1 September - 3.30pm to 5pm at Theale Library. This session will also be attended by the Public Protection team.

Whatever your question is, we're here to help.

Feel free to drop in, say hello, and let us know how we can help. We look forward to seeing you soon!

About our partners:

Solutions4Health will be at a number of our sessions to provide NHS Health Checks for people aged 30-74 who live or work in West Berkshire. These checks include height and weight measurements, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar testing, and tailored lifestyle advice. For those not eligible for the full check, they offer a General Health Assessment to help you stay on top of your wellbeing.

Public Protection Partnership is a shared service providing environmental health, trading standards and licensing services on behalf of West Berkshire Council and Bracknell Forest Council. These services encompass a wide range of areas of responsibility from environmental protection to fair trading, food safety to animal health and housing standards to taxi licensing and much more.