Launchpad staff are key workers during this national emergency and we are pulling out all the stops to ensure our clients and members of the public receive vital support during the pandemic – while keeping our teams, clients and the community safe.
We are actively monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and senior management are regularly meeting to respond to the developing situation and make the necessary changes to our work and services.
Please see below for all service amendments. The page will be updated regularly, so please check back.
If you think you may have Coronavirus (COVID-19), please follow the current Government advice.
Supported housing and floating support clients
Please note that while we are not having face-to-face support meetings, our teams are still working at Launchpad’s office to make daily calls and offer emotional support, check everyone is safe and well, and ensure you have the resources you need at this difficult time.
If you would like to speak to your support worker or there is an issue with your property, please call 0118 929 1111 or email support@launchpadreading.org.uk from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
If you have an emergency, please call 999.
Covid-19 ‘here for you’ telephone service for the Reading community
Community is important to Launchpad and during these uncertain and unprecedented times, we want to do everything we can to support people in Reading. Our ‘here for you’ telephone service is for absolutely anyone in need – whether they have housing or homelessness issues or not. This might include those who are self-isolating or social distancing and feeling lonely; people who need support with practical issues; and those who feel concerned about the future and their loved ones.
While we are unable to provide resources such as food packages and our staff are not trained counsellors, we can signpost to services in the Reading area and offer a listening ear at a difficult time.
Please call our team on 0118 929 1111 or email support@launchpadreading.org.uk from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Do you have a housing or homelessness issue?
We are no longer accepting visitors to our drop-in service at Launchpad’s offices – but if you have a housing or homelessness issue, and need information and support, please call 0118 929 1111 or email support@launchpadreading.org.uk from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Please note, we will not be providing drop-in outreach as per our usual schedule at locations such as CIRDIC or Probation.
Activities for clients
We are suspending our activities – such as sewing, art, and our education, training and employment hub – to protect our clients, staff, volunteers and the community. All clients will be contacted directly to notify them of the cancellations and will be made aware when activities are reinstated.
Contacting our non-support teams
Launchpad staff who do not directly support clients have been asked to work from home. The following departments are contactable via email during this time – Marketing and Fundraising, HR, Finance, Volunteering and Activities.
Volunteers
We currently have no requirements for new volunteers, and are asking current volunteers and students on placement to not attend the office and carry out their role at this present time. All volunteers will be sent communications via email from Launchpad’s volunteer manager, and alerted when the situation changes.
