About us

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.

Cover photo of the 2002/23 Impact Report

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.

Annual accounts 2021/22

Annual accounts 2020/21

Annual accounts 2019/20

Annual accounts 2018/19

Annual accounts 2017/18

 

News

Discover the latest news at Launchpad and keep-up-to date with what is going on behind our colourful stable doors.

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Our work

Anyone can find themselves being homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless Sometimes all it can take are a few poor decisions, some bad luck

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Patrons

Our patrons represent Launchpad, increase our profile and spread news about the good work we do to prevent homelessness in Reading.

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Trustees

Our trustees give Launchpad their time and expertise to make sure we provide vital accommodation and effective support to vulnerable people in Reading.

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