16 days of activism against gender-based violence
RBWM is supporting this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by raising awareness of the support that is available if you are experiencing domestic abuse or are worried about someone else.
It is estimated that domestic abuse will affect one in five people in their lifetime, including one in every four women. Domestic abuse is not always physical and can involve economic abuse, psychological abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour.
If you witness or are experiencing domestic abuse, support is available from The DASH Charity by calling its helpline on 01753 549865 (Monday to Thursday 9.30am – 3pm and Fridays 9.30am to 12 noon) or by calling the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 20000247.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Read more about the range of support that is available in the Royal Borough
Primary school admissions for 2025
The RBWM online portal for applying for a primary school place in September 2025 is now open.
Applications can be made for children who were born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021. It is important that you read the Online Guide for Admission into Primary School September 2025 before completing your application.
The deadline for applications is 15 January 2025. Offers for school places will then be made in April 2025.
For more information about moving up to primary school and to apply, visit the Achieving for Children website or contact us by calling 01628 683870.
Celebrate December nights at Windsor & Eton Living Advent Calendar events
Windsor and Eton are sparkling as the much-loved Living Advent Calendar returns for 2024! It started at the Windsor Guildhall on Sunday 1 December, when the Windsor and Eton Business Partnership began delivering a free series of enchanting events by local businesses and performers every night until Christmas – concluding with a magical finale at Windsor Parish Church on Tuesday 24 December.
The locations for each event have been revealed on the Living Advent Calendar Facebook page – but the details of what will happen behind each ‘door’ remains a closely guarded secret until the chosen venue reveals a surprise at 6.15pm each night!
Simply turn up on the day for festive fun including live music, theatre, storytelling and much more – don’t forget to share your images from each unforgettable night using the hashtag #MyFestiveRoyalBorough
Share your experiences to help shape women’s health services
Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead is working on a project to find out more about women and girl’s experience of health services in our borough.
They would like to hear from you about your experience of women’s health services for things like painful periods, contraception, gynaecology and menopause. Your opinion matters and will help shape these services in the future.
Learn more about the survey on the Healthwatch website
Check your eligibility for pension credit by 21 December
If you’re over the State Pension age, you could be entitled to Pension Credit to help you with living costs. If you receive Pension Credit, you may also receive other help including Cold Weather payments and the Winter Fuel Payment.
You could get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person, and can claim Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or your own home.
In order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment for 2024/25 you’ll need to apply for Pension Credit before 21 December 2024. Check your eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit
If you need help getting online, you can seek assistance at a local library. You can also get in touch with our Financial Inclusion officers if you need help making a claim.
What’s happening in and around Windsor
- Braywick Plant Nurseries are holding Christmas Wreath and Table Decoration Workshops on weekday and Saturdays up to 14 December, including demonstrations, foliage, decorations, hot drink and a mince pie. Visit their website for info and tickets
- Students and staff from the Green Room School in Windsor will be hosting their Christmas Fayre in the magical courtyard of The Swan, Mill Lane, from 4pm to 8pm on Friday 6 December. There will be something for all ages with food, games, arts and crafts, a visit from Santa and more! Visit their website
- Friends of Windsor Parish Church are hosting a Coffee Morning from 10am on Saturday 7 December at St John the Baptist Church in High Street, Windsor. It will be followed by a concert by Ascot Music School from 11am to 12pm. Everyone is welcome for join for free (donations welcome)
- Citizens Advice East Berkshire helps thousands of people find a way forward with free, impartial advice on a wide range of topics and are looking for a Treasurer and Company Secretary to join their Trustee Board. If you’d like to contribute your expertise & time to help, please visit their website
Everyone is invited to celebrate the Light of the World with King’s Church International this Christmas, with a month of special events in Braywick, London, Windsor and online!
More details of all our Christmas services are available on the KCI webite, and our Christmas invitation leaflets are available to collect at our weekly services and at King’s House.
On Sunday 15 December, KCI Windsor and London will meet together 5-6.30pm in the Emmanuel Centre, Westminster for a special united evening service (there is no morning service that day). Admission is free but admission tickets must be booked using the link below. You can also buy coach tickets which will take you from Slough or Windsor to the Emmanuel Centre, and include a special tour of the Christmas lights in London on the return journey!
And join us for a special outdoors carol service on Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December, at King’s House, with live music, hot drinks, delicious food and a hope filled message. This event is free and open to all, but for security purposes pre-registration is required for all attending, so please complete the free registration below.
So make sure to save the dates in your diary now, and invite everyone you know to join you at these special, hope-filled services in December!