Think Global, Act Local - a development education and community centre

RISC is a development education centre working with schools, community groups and the general public to raise the profile of global issues and promote action for sustainable development, human rights and social justice. The centre includes a fair trade shop, café and permaculture roof garden along with office space for six voluntary sector organisations, three meeting rooms, a hall and kitchen available for hire at low cost to communtiy groups and individuals

Why the community needs this charity

We work with schools, community organisations and the general public to help them understand global issues and to act for sustainable development and social justice. We do this through arts, community events, education seminars and training. Our work benefits the community we work with as well as communities around the world. We help people undestand links between their lives and those of people throughout the world. Through our work we offer volunteering opportunities to the community.

Results and outcomes

We work towards a huge number of projects and organise many events for the local community. Since 1995 when RISC moved to its current location over 1000 people have volunteered with us. Through our education work we have seen a measurable attitudinal change towards global issues in schools.

Latest activities and projects

RISC Events and Education

There are many kinds of events held here but some examples are events that host a speaker talking about global issues. Or during Fair Trade fortnight, a producer talking about what Fair Trade means to them. The Global Cafe is used as an exhibition space displaying works by artists who have a focus on development issues. Throughout all of these activities we provide opportunities for people to volunteer and try to organise events that appeal to all members of the community. read more

Gardens: growing our futures

Our 3 main projects are: Schools Global Gardens Network - supporting the sustainable schools framework by creating environmentally friendly gardens. Food 4 Families - a unique project that aims to help a whole new generation of children and families in Reading to grow food. Growing our Futures - RISC's Edible forest garden on the roof, with 13 layers of vegetation and about 120 difference species. The roof garden enables full use of the local resources produced by our building. read more