Su Hamblyn, Chief Executive of Launchpad welcomed the Right Reverend Mary Gregory, Bishop of Reading for a visit to our recently refurbished offices.
During the visit, the bishop met members of the wider team, and was given a tour of our premises in Friar Street. This included our free drop-in service, which provides a welcoming and practical space for people at risk of homelessness to access advice, support and onward referrals.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss shared priorities around social justice, early intervention and support for people facing complex challenges. Conversations also highlighted Launchpad’s ongoing work with the local probation service, supporting people to rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of homelessness after involvement with the criminal justice system.
Drawing on the bishop’s previous experience working within prisons, there was a shared recognition of the importance of joined-up support for people transitioning back into the community, and the vital role that charities, faith organisations and statutory services can play by working together.
Su Hamblyn, Chief Executive of Launchpad, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Bishop of Reading to Launchpad and to share how our new drop‑in offices are helping people get support earlier, before housing problems escalate. The visit provided an opportunity to talk about the scale of housing insecurity locally and the importance of strong, joined‑up responses from organisations across Reading.”
The Bishop of Reading commented on the value of seeing Launchpad’s work first hand and praised our commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the town, particularly those with experience of the criminal justice system.
The visit concluded with a shared recognition of the role that community leaders, charities and statutory partners all play in preventing homelessness. Strengthening understanding and collaboration across the local sector helps ensure people at risk can access timely, practical and effective support, whatever their background or circumstances.