The latest lockdown restrictions have started to lift and as of Monday 12 April, our building is open to drop-in visitors who need help with a housing or homelessness issue.

We are so pleased to announce that Launchpad was been nominated for a High Sheriff Award – which is a prestigious accolade given by Mary Riall, the High Sheriff of Berkshire, to recognise the exceptional work done by the county’s ‘unsung heroes’.

Ian Caren, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Launchpad for over 15 years, has announced he is leaving the charity on 30 April 2021.

After 23 years of annual Shrove Tuesday fun on Broad Street, it’s with a really heavy heart that we are announcing the cancellation of Launchpad’s Pancake Race for 2021.

As of Thursday 5 November 2020, we will be making some adjustments so we can continue providing our vital service to people in need during the national lockdown.

Members of staff decided to gather a small team together to take part and fundraise so Launchpad can continue supporting vulnerable people in Reading. The brave team included fundraising manager Kate, CEO Ian, caretaker Paul and supporters Laura and Edd, and they completed 58km through Berkshire and Oxfordshire whilst battling the pouring rain and harsh winds.

We’re excited to announce that Chris Tarrant, Launchpad patron Matt Allwright, and BBC Radio’s Michelle ‘Babs’ Jordan will be making guest appearances at the Big Sleep Out at home – which is taking place on World Homeless Day, Saturday 10 October, to help raise £25,000 to prevent homelessness in Reading.

Professor Robert Van de Noort has joined the charity as a patron and will be taking part in Launchpad’s fundraiser, Big Sleep Out at home, later this year on World Homeless Day, Saturday 10 October.

We didn’t want COVID-19 and social distancing to put a stop to the much-loved annual event, the Big Sleep Out. Which is why this year, we are hosting the event virtually and asking people to brave the outdoors to raise vital funds in a garden!