Whitley CDA is a key part of the daily lives of local residents, we have always been about the whole community. Working FOR and WITH the community. Whitley is a place which we are proud to call home.
Local residents have played a crucial role in shaping our activities and services, driven by the belief in ‘Paying it Forward.’ In Whitley, people often seek ways to support others after receiving help themselves. We witness daily that ‘those with the least give the most’ within our community. Contributions come in many forms—financial support, time, skills, or other means—and we value them all.
By partnering with other services and organisations, we can genuinely say lives have been positively changed. Local residents serve as staff, volunteers, and participants, and they are at the heart of everything we do.
Our cafe remains the pivotal hub of the work we do within the community. It’s a safe and welcoming space where everyone can come together. We offer a range of delicious foods and drinks at affordable prices. The community café is your ideal starting point for everything Whitley, connecting you with local resources, support, and friendly faces.
Beyond the café, we are deeply involved in numerous community projects. From surplus food tables and access to democracy, to medical health checks, benefits advisory sessions, fun activities like the Knit and Natter group and walking netball sessions, and the fresh fruit and vegetable stall as well as youth clubs, we strive to address the diverse needs of Whitley. Our mantra, "for and with the community," ensures that we work collaboratively to provide essential services and support, making a real difference in the lives of our residents.
What local people say about us
Our News
Nourishing Whitley: Community Efforts for Better Food Access
Voices of Whitley: Community Insights from the Beating Heart of Whitley on BBC Radio Berkshire
Supporting The Beating Heart of Whitley Together: Whitley CDA Needs Your Help
🌟 Congratulations and Thank You! For our sponsored walk🌟
Listen to Dr Trisha Bennett of WCDA discussing the voucher scheme on Radio Berkshire
Whitley CDA discuss the new voucher scheme on BBC South Today
Aspiration In Whitley
The Whitley Researchers is a partnership between the Whitley Community Development Association, local residents and the University of Reading, together they engaged and involve communities in conducting their own research. You can read the full report here.
The heart of Whitley
Whitley Community Development Association was established in 2013 to work with local people for local people. Originally funded by Local Trust we are now working to be a self-sustainable organisation, that supports and encourages local people to get involved, to make the changes and improvements they want.
"My 20 year old son said he wanted Whitley to be a better place to raise his kids one day. He want's to make a difference"
As a result of our working with the community from our base at the Community Cafe, we have earned the title "the beating heart of Whitley".
Our
WCDA is a registered charity managed by a board of volunteer Trustees. They are all either living or working locally in Whitley. We feel it is essential that we have direct links with the people in the community and are a part of the community.
The day to day work is carried out by a number of passionate and committed staff who also work and live in Whitley.
We are the beating heart of Whitley.
Our
WCDA aspires to provide community led spaces across Whitley. Currently, we operate from South Reading Community Hub and The Whitley Advice Shop. We are also the catalyst and facilitator for various partnerships who provide community engagement and activity within Whitley.
Our
We are the beating heart of a number of projects providing community-led engagement and activity throughout Whitley. The projects are as diverse as our community and range from cafes to gardens and include museums, joining the dots and radio stations.
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