What is your volunteering role at Launchpad?
I’m one of the Ambassadors for the charity. I get to talk about Launchpad and its impact on people in the Reading area. I often give talks at schools and cub and scout groups and they constantly surprise me with how quick they are to understand what we do. As I no longer work in the corporate world I also do daytime talks at a wide range of groups who meet regularly and want to know about what is going on around them.
Please do get in touch with fundraising@launchpadreading.org.uk if you would like a talk.
How did you get involved with volunteering here?
It was just before Covid and I saw an advert for the Big Sleep Out. I thought that sounded intriguing so decided to find out more about the charity. It was a great thing to do and immediately felt like it was something I wanted to be involved in. It even got me onto BBC Radio 2’s Sunday morning programme!
Are you retired or do you still work – what was your job?
I am lucky enough to be semi-retired which just means I work as hard but don’t get paid! I am still kept busy – but in more of a relaxed way. I worked in business development for data and privacy for a number of companies within the pharma and MedTech industries. I have been blessed in my career to travel a lot around Europe and the USA to meet a lot of amazing people.
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
I really enjoy giving talks and getting people involved, and realised that played to my strengths, which I feel is important when it comes to finding something you are comfortable with doing when volunteering. I also help out at the work and life skills centre with the money matters sessions. As well as volunteering with Launchpad I’m part of the garden team at the National Trust property Grey’s Court near Henley-on-Thames, I play the guitar and I’ve just taken up tennis.
What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering?
Launchpad has a great range of volunteering roles and flexibility to work around the hours that you can provide. The staff are great and working with them as part of a team helps provide a vital role to so many people within the local community and gives a good sense of giving to our community.
Can you share a success story from your time volunteering with us?
While Launchpad give me the tools to deliver a talk, I like to think outside the box. I like to challenge their views on who can become homeless, what it feels like and why people become homeless. With groups like cubs and scouts I use games and their imagination to think about what it would be like sleeping on a cold, hard surface every night; are they worried about their belongings, how do they feel – scared, ignored, mistrustful maybe? I really enjoy their level of engagement, and many ask such intelligent questions about homelessness. Learning more about homelessness and taking action, such as taking part in a Big Sleep Out, can also help towards their badges.
You can read about more of our staff and volunteers here.