RISC is part of WEB/ RISC, an educational charity (Charity No: 293799) which has been raising awareness about development issues since the early 1980’s. RISC’s aim is to actively support and promote the actions of people across the world working for equality, justice and sustainable development.

The Building

RISC moved into the Centre which has become its home in 1994 and are still rennovating the furthest corners of the complex.

It comprises of three buildings: 35, 37 and 39 London street, in the heart of Reading’s busy centre. The buildings include,

Office space for six local voluntary sector organisations,
Conference facilities for up to a hundred
Exhibition and meeting space – available for local groups,
Our World Shop,
The Global Cafe
3 self contained flats.
RISC also boasts a remarkable a roof garden of medicinal plants and fruiting trees and shrubs
The People

RISC charity is managed by a board of trustees, RISC itself is comprised of a collective of eleven members, supported by staff and volunteers.

RISC Collective
The Charity Trustees
Staff and volunteers

What does RISC do?

RISC is Reading’s Development Education Centre; working with schools and community organisations, raising the profile of international issues and promoting action for sustainable development, equality and social justice.

RISC has long-standing and far-reaching connections to the education and voluntary sectors in the S.E. region of the Uk and the developing world.

RISC is funded by a mixture of revenue from trading and room hire, and project incomes, raised from supporting organisations like Christian Aid, The National Lottery and others

More about RISC’s activities

Teacher training and support

With a focus on bringing a global perspective into the classroom. Primary and Secondary support services available. The RISC educational team specialises in teacher support in key curriculum areas like Citizenship, Education for Sustainable Development.

Teaching resources

RISC stocks a wide range of resources, books and artefacts which help address issues about poverty, injustice and inequality around the world.

RISC events
RISC holds regular events, from music nights in the Global Cafe to public speakers on key issues of the day. See the events page for the latest details. Email Dan@risc.org.uk if you would like to be added to the events mailing list.

Room hire & community events

In addition to regular RISC events, part of the RISC building is a suite of conference rooms, which are hire-able individually or as whole by the hour or day.

Users range from local campaign groups, Reading Borough Council to evening salsa and yoga lessons . The rooms are also available for private functions, but priority is given to community events.

This service has been used by over 300 local groups over the past few years, many staging regular events. Book early for your event!
World Shop

Fair trade produce, gifts and crafts from around the world

Bookshop

We stock a wide selection of books exploring issues such as human rights, environment, personal development, and from an internationalist and global perspective.

Roof garden

The RISC garden is a unique resource for exploring issues of sustainability. With over 140 species of plants from around the world and incorporating many recycled and sustainable materials, water and energy it is more than just a tranquil green oasis in the heart of Reading’s bustling street

Public open days, also open for school visits.

Contact the garden project to find out more.
Global Cafe

Freshly cooked meals and snacks served in bright friendly atmosphere.

Open 5 days (closed Sun and Mon) Late night opening Friday’s and Saturdays.

Catering for conferences and meetings

Licensed bar

Manager: Russ

Tel:0118 958 3555

Global Kidz

Global Kidz is a pre-school playgroup, with a global perspecitve. this highly popular group has sessions every week in the main hall at RISC. Story telling, creative play and healthy fair traded snacks.

Details from Louise or Leslee

World in Their Hands

This collection of Khaya bowls from South Africa is available for loan via the Risc loan service ‘world in their hands’. The are made from labels from old sardine cans and match boxes. They embody some of the incredible ingenuity and resilience of the South African people who made them. The World in their hands loan service is a free service for teachers and eductors, please get in touch with our education team to find out more.

Supporting RISC

Save money with this highly competitive, ethical company and raise money for RISC! Its the UK’s only co-operative phone company and is also its fastest growing!

RISC Internet
We manage our own Internet Service and can help your organisation do the same, save money and get a full professional service.

Roof garden open days
The RISC Roof Garden has been invited to take part in the prestigeous National Gardens Scheme, with public open days in July and August, and again in Sept as part of the Reading Heritage Trail. Features half hour guided tours, packed with information: See Garden Pages for opening dates and more details.