It is impossible to thank everyone in person who has supported Launchpad over the past year at a single event, but we were able to enjoy a volunteer celebration brunch with some of those who have given so many hours of their time to the charity.
Held at Launchpad 135, our work and life skills centre, the volunteers heard from our CEO, Su Hamblyn, on the difference they make to the charity.
Su said: “While it’s likely to be challenging for everyone next year with the rising cost of living, we will continue to innovate – adapting and growing our services to ensure that we continue to help the many people in Reading who need it. That’s why we are here.
“But we would not be able to do this and help 1,129 people in the last financial year, without you, such committed volunteers who provide brilliant support to our dedicated and hard-working staff.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers for choosing to support us when there are many other charities out there, and for staying with us. We appreciate everything you do for us and hope you enjoy volunteering as well.”
Volunteers with over five years’ service were given a thank you gift from Debs Edwards, one of our trustees who is also Reading’s deputy mayor. All volunteers at the celebration received a small gift.
The volunteers and staff at the event were offered the chance to take part in pebble painting, an activity that clients who come to the centre enjoy once a week, which is run by volunteer Richard.
In the past few weeks Launchpad has welcomed six new volunteers in teams across the organisation – including HR, drop-in and floating support.
One of the new volunteers has lived experience of homelessness and has been helping at Launchpad 135 for the past year.
Launchpad is lucky enough to have a team of 60 dedicated and talented volunteers ranging from 19-70 years old, all with a multitude of different skills and experience.
Last year, they gave 4,022 hours of time, which is equivalent to more than 536 working days.
Volunteers work in both client-facing and back-office roles and can be regulars at the charity or support us on a more ad-hoc basis at fundraising events such as the Big Sleep Out or Pancake Race.
If you are interested in volunteering with us in 2023, please email volunteers@launchpadreading.org.uk