Elizabeth is a project worker at the Pods which Launchpad manages on behalf of Reading Borough Council.
The Pods are self-contained modular homes in Reading established in 2021, providing wrap around care for 40 people who have been found sleeping rough and have complex needs. Launchpad support staff are on site 24/7.
What is your career background?
I started my career at 18 in childcare. I worked in private nurseries and enjoyed the work but decided on a career change during the pandemic. I took up some temporary work in a hostel and really enjoyed it. I started working at the Pods in April 2023.
What does your job entail?
Day-to-day it’s very varied, you never quite know what’s going to happen. The Pods are staffed 24-hours a day and we work a shift pattern so the daytime can be very different to what it’s like at night. We help make sure people attend their appointments, be it at the Job Centre or Doctors; we support them with anything practical that may be needed, such as benefits and support with independent living skills, such as tidying of their Pod.
There are so many things that we take for granted and think that people can do, but if no-one as shown them or taken an interest then it’s down to us to help. This can include basic life skills and move on to more complex areas of claiming benefits and budgeting.
What are the challenges of your role?
Sadly, substance use can be an issue. A lot of the residents are on treatment plans which can include scripting (this means a prescription for a substitute like methadone or buprenorphine) and we try to support them with this and engage with other organisations. A big barrier is also mental health. Many will take drugs because of mental ill health; others think substance use has caused their mental illness. We support residents who have complex backgrounds. We try to keep them safe, off the streets and help them as much as we can.
Can you tell us about some successes?
We take the small wins! People who live here who ask us for help or advice. Residents engaging with treatment for substance use. We’ve had one person positively move from here since I’ve been here, so that’s brilliant news.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I’ve finally bought a camper van, having talked about doing so for many, many years! It’s nothing fancy and I’m an avid camper so when my shift patterns allow, I’m off for a few days in the mountains and hills, walking and enjoying the freedom and nature.
You can read about more of our staff and volunteers here.