Launchpad is delighted to announce that Dr Anna Ghelli has been appointed as a trustee on the charity’s board of trustees. Anna brings her passion and experience in research, training and operational services, and will help oversee and develop Launchpad’s vital work and support more people in housing crisis.

Groups of local students have been working hard as part of the NCS (National Citizenship Scheme) to raise money for Launchpad – taking on a sponsored walk at Dinton Pastures and cleaning cars in Reading!

Launchpad 135 held it’s summer art exhibition this week – and displayed stunning pieces created by eight Launchpad clients, which included forms such as stone carving, collage and block printing.

Launchpad is tackling an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and exploitation in properties in south Reading by introducing a weekly housing support surgery at the South Reading Community Hub in Whitley.

Our brand-new fundraising event – Swim 68 – will see 8-16 year olds take on the challenge of swimming 68 lengths of a pool throughout June, all to raise vital funds for homeless people in Reading.

At Launchpad 135, our clients attend weekly job shop sessions to build their confidence, learn new skills and hear about the range of jobs available – and last week they were joined by Tom from local water services company, Thames Water, who talked about his career journey and facilitated a lively question and answer session.

A pan-tastic total of £7,450 was raised at our annual Pancake Race, which saw 32 teams batter it out on Broad Street on Shrove Tuesday, 1 March 2022 and accountancy firm, Crowe UK, take home the coveted frying pan trophy.

Launchpad supporter, Liz Real, is a well-known Reading artist and over the last two years has been using her talent to raise vital funds for Launchpad – most recently exhibiting her work at the Geo Café in Caversham and donating 10% of the sales to us.

We are delighted to announce Launchpad has been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to support the maintenance of Launchpad 135, our life and work skills centre.

Appearing on Beat the Chasers in October 2021 and Weakest Link in December 2021, Matt has won over £85,000 for Launchpad.