Launchpad is Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity, providing vital information and support for individuals, couples and families who don’t have a stable place to live or are at risk of losing their home.
Founded as a soup kitchen in 1979 by students at the University of Reading, the charity now provides a holistic service to help vulnerable people in the town tackle their housing-related problems, obtain and sustain a long-term home and lead full and independent lives.
Our drop-in, legal advice and floating support services prevent homelessness by helping people overcome housing-related challenges before they get worse.
We aim to break the cycle of homelessness by providing temporary homes with bespoke support for more than 100 people in Reading, as well as ten long-term homes in the town for people in housing need.
Launchpad also rebuilds lives at our work and life skills centre, Launchpad 135 – a place where vulnerable people can learn new skills, build confidence and get back into work.
With your support and generosity, we helped more than 1,400 people in Reading to get back on their feet last year.
Learn more about what we do or read our latest impact report below.

Impact report 2022/23
Find out more about how Launchpad has prevented homelessness in 2022/23, who we helped and how your donations made a difference.
Annual accounts
Read our annual accounts for a more in-depth look at our future plans, funding needs and financial statements for the year.

Staff and volunteers
Our team are a talented bunch – find out more about some of our staff and volunteers, and what their jobs entail.

Work at Launchpad
Join our committed and talented team, and you will be part of something special.