Partnerships
Partnership isn't something we do occasionally, it's the foundation of how The Link Visiting Scheme operates. We have championed collaboration across Wokingham's voluntary sector for many years, and that commitment deepened further during the pandemic, when we worked closely with Wokingham Borough Council to reach the 3,000 most vulnerable residents in the borough. We are proud to be part of a united, passionate network of organisations, dedicated to changing lives with friendship.
The Friendship Alliance
We lead the Friendship Alliance, a network of four local charities. Our partners are Age UK Berkshire, Involve Community Services and Wokingham Volunteer Centre. Each bringing specialist expertise in befriending, digital inclusion, grassroots community development, information and advice, and accessible transport for social activities. Through the Alliance, we also coordinate:
The Ambassadors ForumBringing clubs, faith groups and community organisations together around a shared commitment to friendship
Friendship Tables Relaxed, regular meetups held in venues across the borough
A bi-monthly newsletter Sharing all the friendship activities older people can get involved with across Wokingham
The Dementia Alliance
Alongside Age UK Berkshire and Understanding Dementia UK, we improve support for people living with dementia and their families. Together we develop Dementia Friendly Wokingham, coordinate activities during Dementia Action Week, run dementia-friendly activities and courses, and provide free Dementia Information Sessions open to everyone in the community.
The Carers Partnership
Led by Age UK Berkshire, this partnership brings together voluntary organisations, health partners and statutory services. We sit on the Carers Strategy Group, working to improve wellbeing for unpaid carers and ensure high‑value, joined‑up support alongside Wokingham Borough Council.
WBC Social Isolation & Loneliness Action Group (SiL)
A Public Health–led partnership focusing on groups most at risk of isolation, this has included reaching men, LGBTQAI+ residents, care home and sheltered housing residents, and people new to the area. We work together to spot gaps, share learning and strengthen borough‑wide support.
Voluntary Sector Partnership Board
A monthly meeting of VCSE organisations focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing best practice, identifying gaps and improving how our sector works together.
Voluntary Sector Action Group (VSAG)
We meet weekly with senior officers and decision-makers at Wokingham Borough Council, one of the most valuable spaces for two-way communication. It helps us shape strategy, stay informed on adult social care developments and ensure the voluntary sector's voice is heard.
Wokingham Integrated Partnership Board
We are active members of this board, which brings together the local authority, health partners and the voluntary sector to create more integrated, neighbourhood-focused support across the borough.
Our commitment
Community Vision 2035 is a borough‑wide commitment to shaping a future where every resident can flourish. It outlines ambitions around community cohesion, wellbeing, access, opportunity and sustainable growth. Signing up to this vision shows our commitment to a shared future, one where wellbeing, inclusion, independence and connection sit at the heart of community life. Read more >
Social Care Futures A national movement calling for a shift in how we think about social care — rooted in the belief that everyone should be able to live in the place they call home, as part of communities where we look out for one another. This aligns deeply with everything The Link does. Read more >
BOB ICB VCSE Health Alliance Uniting voluntary and community organisations across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West to work alongside the NHS toward a healthier, more equal future. Through our seat on the Alliance's Ageing Well sub-group, we bring the voices of lonely and isolated older people into system-level conversations, ensuring that ageing well is always grounded in connection, dignity and community. Read more >
National memberships
Befriending Networks We are long-standing members, benefiting from training, standards, peer support and best practice guidance for befriending services across the UK. Learn more >
NCVO Our membership of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations helps keep our governance, policies and practices strong and up to date. Learn more >
In our community
Wokingham Positive Difference A monthly forum connecting local businesses, charities and the council. A vital space for building relationships, sharing opportunities and raising the profile of our work.
VINE — Voice of Inclusion and Equality Wokingham's borough-wide partnership promoting inclusion and belonging. We are proud active members. Learn more >
Link to Nature In collaboration with Wokingham in Bloom and the Wokingham Horticultural Association, we deliver Link to Nature, our National Lottery funded wellbeing project encouraging connection through gardening, growing, bird‑watching and time outdoors. These partnerships help us bring nature‑based activities to older people who benefit most. Learn more >
Bowls In partnership with Hurst Bowls Club and Whiteknights Bowls Club, we host bowls sessions for our Link Friends, a wonderful activity that brings people together in a relaxed, sociable setting.
