Wokingham Lions organise a number of services to support the local community.
Lions Share
We are working with Wokingham Foodbank to help collect food donations. The Foodbank already collect from the main supermarkets but we are increasing the coverage:
We are placing bins in convenience stores, cafes and residential addresses to encourage their customers, neigbours and passers-by to donate. We then collect the donations and deliver them to the Foodbank.
We also run the annual Wokingham Lions Christmas Food Collection, locally known as the Can Can, which started over 30 years ago, long before Foodbanks came into existence. The project’s original aim was to support the elderly in Wokingham over the festive period.
With the amazing loyalty and support we receive from local supermarkets, we set up a stall and ask shoppers if they could buy an extra item of non-perishable food and then donate it to us as they leave.
In more recent years we have been working with Wokingham based charities First Days, The Grub Club, Homestart and Wokingham Foodbank so in addition to the elderly we are also able to support local families. Last Christmas we distributed over 300 parcels to the needy of Wokingham.
Message in a Bottle
Message in a Bottle is a scheme organised by Lions Clubs throughout the country, aimed mainly at people who may be housebound.
Small plastic containers are distributed for free through doctor’s surgeries and pharmacies. The user completes a form with their medical details and contact names and phone numbers, places the form in the container, then puts the container in their fridge. There is a sticker for the front door so if emergency services are called they know the information is in the fridge.
Recycled For Sight
Recycled For Sight is a Lion’s project which collects unwanted spectacles and recycles them for re-distribution to people who would not otherwise have access to spectacles, Lions Clubs in the UK and from other European countries including France, Germany, Greece, Spain and Switzerland participate in this project.
ReTec
ReTec is a project we started in 2024 to collect unused laptop computers, restore them and then give them to families in need. So far we have recycled over 200 laptops.
Wild Tribe Books
The Wild Tribe Heroes books are a collection of gentle and engaging true stories about animals that find themselves in trouble when their lives are affected by plastic in the oceans or palm oil deforestation.
These books have been donated by the Lions to several local schools, as a useful resource that is relevant to schools curriculum, supporting children’s learning about the world around us.
If you’d be interested in some of these books for your school please contact us here.
Lions Child Sight UK
Wokingham Lions started this eye screening programme in 2026.
Lions Child Sight UK is a vision screening initiative led by trained Lions volunteers using advanced, non-invasive vision cameras. It helps detect eyesight issues in children aged 4-7, before they affect education and wellbeing. This matters because:
- 1 in 5 children have undiagnosed vision issues
- 80% of learning is visual
- Over 75,000 UK children miss out on NHS screening each year
- Screening can uncover conditions like amblyopia astigmatism and refractive errors – often before symptoms appear
These screenings have a proven impact in schools. In recent screenings of children carried out by trained Lions members we note that 10% of those children screened have a vision issue.
Screenings are quick, child-friendly, and conducted by DBS-checked fully trained Lions volunteers.
First Days Low Cost School Uniform Shop
Throughout the year First Days make school uniform available from their shop in Denmark Street – Wokingham Lions staff the shop every Thursday from 3-6pm.
School Uniform is one of the biggest expenses for parents with school aged children. It comes at a time, often all at once at the end of the summer holidays, when money is tight for a lot of people. Additionally, a huge amount of School Uniform ends up in landfill and this initiative gives good quality school uniform a second life.
Support to Individuals
We are happy to support individuals or families in need of help, but we need referrals from organisations such as social services or doctor’s surgeries. If you think we can help please contact us.
Community Stories
We also support local community events – some are run by charities and local community groups, others organised by some of our neighbouring Lions Clubs. Here are some stories about how we’ve helped in the community.
Wokingham Lions Club ⭐️ Golden Award ⭐️
We regularly make donations of £500 to support local Wokingham charities and community organisations that wish to start a new initiative and need help with funding.
Our next award winner is - The Chill and Fun Crew! A community club supporting children with SEN
This community club's mission is to create a welcoming, understanding and inclusive community for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), neurodivergent children, and families who may feel isolated, overwhelmed or unsure where to turn for support. Through their not-for-profit project, 'The Chill and Fun Crew', they provide relaxed, sensory-aware stay-and-play sessions for children aged 5–12 and their families in a safe, informal and non-judgemental environment.
One of the core aims of the organisation is to celebrate and support children’s deep interests and passions — something that is incredibly common in neurodivergent children, yet often misunderstood in everyday settings. Many children with SEN develop strong special interests in areas such as animals, gaming, Pokémon, Minecraft, art, sensory play, nature, baking, beauty, crafts or collecting. These interests are not “just hobbies”; they are often how children regulate emotions, build confidence, communicate, learn and connect with others. Despite this, there are very few local clubs where children can safely explore these interests freely, without pressure, overstimulation or fear of being judged.
The Chill and Fun Crew has been designed to fill that gap. Their sessions are intentionally unstructured and child-led, allowing children to explore activities at their own pace in ways that feel comfortable and enjoyable to them. We plan to offer a wide range of engaging experiences tailored around children’s interests, including animal handling visits, slime workshops, Lego and gaming activities, cake decorating, arts and crafts, hairdressing experiences, sensory play and more. Alongside this, we aim to invite a variety of professionals to sessions so that parents can access informal advice, guidance and signposting in a relaxed and approachable setting.
The £500 grant will be used to help launch and develop new inclusive activities, sensory support resources and special-interest-based experiences within 'The Chill and Fun Crew' sessions for children with SEN and neurodivergent children in our local community.
A key priority would be purchasing tablets that can be used as communication devices and accessible learning tools for children who may struggle with verbal communication, social interaction or emotional expression. Many neurodivergent children communicate more confidently through technology, visual supports and interest-led activities, yet families often do not have access to these resources in community settings. The tablets would allow children to engage in communication apps, creative activities, calming sensory games and accessible learning opportunities during sessions.
Do you represent a charity or community organisation that would appreciate some support for a new project? Take a look here wokinghamlions.org.uk/golden
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Wokingham Lions Club have been out with Bracknell Forest Lions Club marshalling The Lexicon Bracknell half marathon!
Just one of the ways we raise funds for the local community - want to join us? Go to wokinghamlions.org.uk/getinvolved for more info.
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Our banners advertising the Wokingham Lions Club May Fayre are all around town - have you seen one?
This coming bank holiday Monday, 4th May, sees one of Wokingham's biggest events - we'll have over 140 stalls, entertainment, rides, a children's zoo, food & drink and lots more besides!
Download your programme to see what's on: wokinghamlions.org.uk/mayfayre
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🎡 Wokingham May Fayre: More Stalls Than Ever! 🎡
Get ready, Wokingham! The Wokingham Lions Club annual May Fayre is back, and this year, we’re taking "variety" to a whole new level.
If you love a good wander, you’re in for a treat. We have over 140 stalls lining the streets, making this one of the biggest and most vibrant events in the town's calendar! 🛍️✨
What’s waiting for you?
☀️ Artisan Crafts: Unique, handmade treasures you won't find on the high street.
☀️ Local Produce: Fresh flavours and treats from our brilliant local producers.
☀️ Charity Showcases: Meet the incredible teams making a difference in our community.
☀️ Delicious Street Food: From savory bites to sweet delights, come hungry!
Whether you're looking for a specific gift, wanting to support a local cause, or just fancy a browse with a coffee in hand, there is quite literally something for everyone.
Our programme has a full list of stalls - plus details of all the entertainment we have on offer - download from our website now! See picture for details.
📅 When: May Day Bank Holiday 4th May
📍 Where: Wokingham Town Centre
🎟️ Entry: Free!
Bring the family, bring your friends, and come explore the sea of stalls. We can't wait to see you there! 🦁💛
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🎡 The Countdown is ON for Wokingham May Fayre! 🎡
We are just days away from one of the biggest highlights in the Wokingham calendar! While we’re busy prepping the bunting and getting the stages ready, we wanted to take a moment to look at the sponsors who help make it all happen.
An event this size takes a village—and a lot of generous backing. We want to say a massive THANK YOU in advance to our incredible sponsors and supporters for 2026.
🌟 Shining a Light on Our Supporters:
Our Lead Sponsor: Clifton Ingram
Our Grant Supporters: Wokingham Town Council & Wokingham Society
Sponsors: Allder Glass LTD, Blandy & Blandy Solicitors, Grilko & Melanie Curtis Accountants.
Your contribution ensures we can keep the May Fayre a free, fun-filled day for everyone.
📅 Save the Date!
When: Bank Holiday Monday, May 4th
Where: Wokingham Town Centre & Elms Field
Why: For fun, food, and fundraising for our local charities!
What's On: Download the programme from our Wokingham Lions Club website - link in picture.
Community Power: Our sponsors are local businesses you know and love. Give them a shout-out in the comments if you're excited for the big day! 👇
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The wait is over - The Wokingham Walk is happening tomorrow, Sunday 19th April, and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible! Whether you're coming for the fresh air, the great company, or to support a fantastic cause, it’s set to be a brilliant day out.
A huge thank you to all our amazing supporters, volunteers, and local partners who’ve helped make this event possible. Tesco and Morrisons have donated food & drink, Ollie Young Foundation are helping out on the course, Nuffield Health are offering saunas and Clifton Ingram are our main event sponsor. Your time, effort, and generosity mean everything 🙌
You can get details and sign up here to avoid the registration queue wokinghamlions.org.uk/walk - or you can register from 9am-10:30am in Elms Field in Wokingham town centre.
Don’t forget to bring your comfy shoes, a smile, and maybe a friend or two!
Let’s come together, enjoy the walk, and make it a day to remember. See you there!
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Earlier this week Wokingham Lions Club attended the opening of the Jasmine Garden in the Phoenix School at Wokingham Community Hospital. The CAMHS Phoenix School provides education for patients aged 11-18 years who have been admitted to CAMHS Phoenix Unit at Wokingham Hospital.
The Club was pleased to make a donation of £5000 during our 50th Charter year to help rebuild the outdoor space to create a beautiful garden area and an outdoor classroom - it's great to see the result!
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Throughout the year First Days Children's Charity make school uniform available from their shop in Denmark Street – Wokingham Lions Club volunteers staff the shop every Thursday from 3-6pm.
School Uniform is one of the biggest expenses for parents with school aged children. It comes at a time, often all at once at the end of the summer holidays, when money is tight for a lot of people. Additionally, a huge amount of School Uniform ends up in landfill and this initiative gives good quality school uniform a second life.
More details on First Days website www.firstdays.net/copy-of-what-we-do
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Thank you for your support Clifton Ingram - having the backing of companies such as you helps us deliver more support to our community.
#WokinghamLionsWe’re proud to support the fantastic work of Wokingham Lions 🦁
This dedicated group of volunteers makes a real difference across the local community — from fundraising and events to practical support for those who need it most. Their commitment to helping others reflects values we care deeply about at Clifton Ingram.
As a firm with strong roots in Wokingham, we’re delighted to sponsor and champion organisations that bring people together and create positive change.
Find out more about their work: bit.ly/4sRmyUm
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