Wokingham Borough Council’s over 60s activities programme, SHINE, will be upgrading its current Eventbrite online booking system to a new online platform called My PT Hub next month (Monday 13 September 2021).

A series of question-and-answer sessions will be held from 10 to 25 August 2021 at leisure centres around the borough, for residents to learn more, voice questions, comments, and concerns, about the new platform.

The change to My PT Hub will reflect adjustments for Covid-19 measures and safeguard both members and instructors, allowing SHINE to continue to run activity classes efficiently and with minimum disruption. Benefits of the new My PT Hub platform include Covid-secure, contactless booking, eliminating cross-contamination through the handling of coupon cards. There will be more choice of membership options, bespoke to members’ needs, plus more choices of accessing both in-person and virtual exercise classes. My PT Hub will also feature a live booking system with a waiting list to maximise space efficiency. Members will be able to access live streamed classes and a virtual library of activities in the comfort of their own home.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure said, “We are delighted to be offering residents a new platform that offers a more personalised, contactless booking system. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, SHINE has adapted quickly to the changing demands and needs of our members, for instance, the success of our virtual classes. My PT Hub is easy to use and most importantly, safeguards both members and instructors. We will be holding a series of question-and-answer sessions throughout August, and I urge members to pop in to learn more about the new platform.”

Q&A session locations

The question-and-answer sessions will take place on 10 August at Bulmershe Leisure Centre, 11 August at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, 13 August at Cantley Park, 24 August at Bulmershe Leisure Centre, and 25 August at Cantley Park, between 9am to 11am, and 1pm to 3pm.

Members attending the question-and-answer sessions will be shown how to log in and use My PT Hub and how to book classes. They will also be given an opportunity to voice concerns, ask questions and comment on the new platform. 

Annual memberships will be refunded. Members who have coupon cards will have credits transferred to the new My PT Hub or a refund.

Take part in SHINE’s short survey

SHINE is keen to hear people’s views on improvements and enhancements that could be made to ensure the activities programme continuously meets the needs and expectations of residents. Members and residents are invited to an online consultation to complete a short survey to express their views.

Residents will be receiving communications from Wokingham Borough Council in August and September requesting information for the electoral register. An email form will be sent to residents week commencing 16 August, followed by a postal form in September.

The annual canvass of residents ensures that the council can keep the electoral register up to date, so there are fewer last-minute applications when an election is called. Both the email and postal forms will include instructions on how to complete them.

The email form will ask residents to check and confirm their details at the Household Response Service website. It is important that all residents living within the property are registered to vote. The email will contain the security codes needed to complete the process. The deadline for completing the email form is 30 August 2021.

Not all residents will be contacted by email. Residents are advised to wait for the postal form if they do not receive an email in August, and to complete as soon as possible. The deadline for completing the postal form is 21 September 2021.

Andrew Moulton, electoral registration officer said: “It’s important we have the right details for every property in the borough. We are urging residents to check their email and look out for a postal form when it arrives, and complete as soon as possible to continue to have a say at future elections. If you’re not currently registered at your address, your name will not appear on the form.

“Using the automated response facilities which are quick and easy, is our preferred method of updating our records, but you can also complete and return the paper form if you prefer.”

Residents who have moved address recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check their details. If you need any help completing the form, or would like any further information about electoral registration, please contact Wokingham Borough Council’s Electoral Services team by email atelectoralservices@wokingham.gov.uk or on 0118 974 6000. 

Wokingham Borough Council has launched a consultation on its draft Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2021-2024, and wants to hear residents’ views on its proposals, particularly from those who feel that it would be difficult for them, or others they know, to access services and support. The consultation survey runs from 26 July until 20 August 2021. 

As a result of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Wokingham Borough Council has put in place a consultation strategy to ensure support is available for victims of domestic abuse and their children in safe accommodation, whilst holding perpetrators to account, and working towards long-term wellbeing. The Domestic Abuse Strategy Consultation survey seeks residents’ thoughts, comments, and opinions to meet these duties alongside the council’s wider approach to domestic abuse. The aims include reaching out to Wokingham borough residents who are suffering from domestic abuse, whilst working towards a society in which people can live without fear of abuse or violence.

Executive member for neighbourhood and communities Cllr Bill Soane said: “Domestic abuse can directly or indirectly affect many people, and it is very often hidden with people not feeling able to access help and support. We have a duty to protect and safeguard children, young and vulnerable people, and the aim of this consultation is to find out residents’ views to help inform the Wokingham Domestic Abuse Strategy. In Wokingham, we want to reach out to all residents in the borough to help us understand if we are on the right track with our draft Domestic Abuse Strategy by completing a short survey”.

Complete the survey

Wokingham borough residents are invited to complete a short survey on the consultation strategy here before 11.59pm on 20 August 2021. The survey is open to all residents, including those who have been affected by violence or abuse. Views of professionals supporting those affected by domestic abuse are also welcomed.  

About domestic abuse

Domestic abuse affects one in four women and one in six men during their lifetime, shattering the lives of those affected, including children. It can happen to people regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, faith, disability, and financial situation, impacting on feelings of safety as well as short and long-term physical and mental wellbeing.

Abusive behaviour consists of any of the following: physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, or psychological, emotional, or other abuse. This includes incidences where the abusive party directs their behaviour at another person, e.g., a child. Economic abuse means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on someone’s ability to acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or obtain goods or services.

Complete the Domestic Abuse consultation strategy survey here