Reading Student‘s Union

A charity building stronger connections between students and the wider Reading community has been nominated for Charity of the Year, sponsored by Cream Design.

Reading Students’ Union has been recognised for the wide-ranging community partnerships, giving students opportunities to connect with and contribute to local schools, charities, older residents and community organisations.

One of the flagship projects, University of Monsters, introduces Year 6 pupils to university learning, careers and student life through campus visits, workshops and even a graduation ceremony.

“Student volunteers lead activities and mini-lectures, becoming relatable role models and helping children see higher education as somewhere they could belong,” the nominator said.

They also highlighted the Tea Party Project, which brings students together with older residents to tackle social isolation. Students help organise the events, bake, perform and spend time with guests, with a recent tea party welcoming more than 150 people.

In 2026, its partnership work reached a new scale through the revival of the historic RAG Parade, which involved more than 100 volunteers and attracted around 3,000 people to Reading town centre.

“The Union does far more than support students on campus,” the nominator added. “It builds relationships across generations, responds to issues affecting the community and enables students to become active citizens.”