Richard is one of our peer-to-peer volunteers who welcomes new members to the Monday art group at Launchpad 135. He also introduced us all to rock painting!
What brought you to Launchpad?
I was a former client. I had a breakdown, there is no other way to describe it.
I was holding down three jobs, caring for a friend who was withdrawing from a drug addiction, and all this took a toll on my mental health.
I became unemployed and started struggling to make ends meet. I spent months with no money and avoided opening bills or the eviction notices that came through the door and was just about getting by with food parcels. I knew I was going to lose the house.
But with support from my friends, I got some professional medical help and found the strength to visit the job centre and Reading Borough Council, which is where I found out about Launchpad. I went to a drop-in session for housing information and support.
Then I was allocated a support worker who helped me set up and manage my benefits so I could address my immediate financial issues and pay rent.
What did you think about Launchpad?
What I liked about Launchpad is how non-judgemental it is. You can talk about everything you’ve been through and they’re not going to tell you ‘well you shouldn’t have done this, you shouldn’t have done that’.
The other thing I like is that whilst Launchpad help and guide people – they don’t turn around and do it all for you. It makes you responsible and gives you a bit of self-esteem back.
How did Launchpad help you?
After I got my home life into a better place, I felt able to attend the therapeutic activities and classes that help clients socialise in a safe space, develop coping strategies, learn new skills and build confidence.
I had to get to a certain point myself before I could think about going and doing stuff, and kind of enjoying myself. It was almost like I wasn’t allowed to enjoy myself because I was in that place. Eventually I decided to give it a go and I started doing art and sewing classes, as well as gardening.
It did me good to start meeting people I didn’t know, who had also been through tough times – because sometimes you can feel like the only one when life goes pear-shaped.
It’s also a nice positive vibe at Launchpad 135. What I liked about the classes is that whatever you feel like doing, it’s not wrong. It’s a safe environment that you need when you first start going out and being social again; to know nothing nasty is going to happen.
When did you become a volunteer?
I was coming to the art classes on a regular basis and enjoyed talking to others. Sharon then asked if I wanted to take on a more official role as a peer support volunteer which means I welcome any new members at 135 and am happy to talk to them, putting them at ease.
I suppose I have come full circle as a peer support volunteer, and I was so pleased to be able to introduce rock painting at Launchpad 135. (Richard is an active member of Reading Kindness Rocks).
It is great to be able to still be part of Launchpad and support people. It is also nice to be able to give something back – Launchpad has been great for me, and I want others to feel supported.
I also think it reassures people when talking to someone like me that I have been there, maybe been through something similar; I can be empathetic.
For more information on volunteering at Launchpad email volunteering@launchpadreading.org.uk or for details on what takes place at Launchpad 135, visit Launchpad 135 – our work and life skills centre