We’ve been managing the Pods and Nova projects for one year. We take a look at what has been achieved in that time.
What are the Pods and Nova?
The Pods are self-contained modular homes established in 2021 by Reading Borough Council. Since April 2024, Launchpad has provided housing-related support for people who are experiencing multiple disadvantages and are currently sleeping rough, or who have a history of recurrent rough sleeping. Our support staff are on site 24/7.
Tenants at the Pods can be accommodated for up to three years which gives them the time and stability to rebuild their lives with support from us and other agencies, such as drugs and alcohol charity Change, Grow, Live.
The Nova project is a specialist service for women, again established in 2021 by Reading Borough Council, to provide longer-term homes for multiply disadvantaged single females with gender and trauma informed housing-related support.
The home is a safe space for ten female residents to help them begin to recover from the experience of homelessness and to help them rebuild their lives until they are ready to move on.
As women experience homelessness differently from men – affected by violence, abuse and sexual harassment – there is a need for specialised, individual, gender-informed support to work through severe traumas such as domestic abuse which Launchpad staff provide alongside partner agencies.
Pods
For the first time since 2021, ten people have moved on from the Pods – four followed the *Housing First Pathway and secured long term tenancies. One person moved in with friends and three have moved into Launchpad Supported Housing.
We produced a new handbook for tenants which welcomes them to their new accommodation and details everything they need to know about the site and what they can expect, and useful contacts.
Pods manager Mandy wanted to introduce activities to help tenants feel welcome, connected and seen.
A Women’s Wellness Day was held, which was linked with HOLT – the Health Outreach Liaison Team – and many aspects of women’s health needs were discussed, including the importance of smear tests and breast screenings. Sanitary products and menstrual planners were given out
Micro-sessions of activities have been introduced, including chair yoga and craft.
New washing machines and dryers have been installed at the site in partnership with Reading Borough Council, providing a crucial resource, life skills and more independence to the residents.
A monthly meeting for tenants is also being held, again encouraging community and openness.
*Housing First (HF) is a homelessness intervention strategy, aimed at people with multiple and complex needs, particularly rough sleepers. It provides access to permanent housing as a starting point to help tackle their non-housing needs as well.
Nova
At Nova ten new clients have been welcomed since April 2024 and our dedicated team has supported them with acquiring benefits and bank accounts, connecting with drug services as well as addressing physical health concerns.
It has been great to see them start to settle in and work together with the staff towards meeting their goals.
A pamper day was held and gave the ladies a chance to unwind and practice some self-care, which may sometimes be forgotten when you have faced such trauma.
We also had a watercolour paint event to mark World Art Day where residents were given equipment to paint canvas inspired by what art means to them. These masterpieces will be put up as artwork around the project.
Four clients have successfully moved-on from Nova and the team were particularly thrilled for one of them who had resided at Nova since its inception in 2021.
The lady in question had a long history of street homelessness, significant physical health issues and is classed as a vulnerable adult.
The team linked her to physical health services, adult social care and substance services.
Through joint working and advocacy, they have been able to support her to increase engagement with these services leading to her being able to address substance misuse and better manage her physical health conditions.
Staff went above and beyond to research and pursue suitable move on accommodation for this client and even in instances where there were barriers, the team were able to push through and advocate for her special circumstances to get a positive result.
She has now moved successfully into supported living where she is continuing her journey towards independence and increase her quality of life, getting the help that she needs.
