
Launchpad partners with the Nescafé Azera Barista+ Coffee Bar at The Oracle
Nescafé Azera Barista+ Coffee Bar at The Oracle Riverside have partnered with Launchpad, and introduced a new coffee loyalty card scheme which offers customers the option to donate and help prevent homelessness in Reading. The Oracle introduced Nescafe to Launchpad earlier this year as they were looking to support a local charity with their community engagement mission to provide ‘mojo with purpose’.

Launchpad wins £1,000 Movement for Good award
Launchpad is pleased to be awarded a £1,000 Movement for Good award from Ecclesiastical Insurance Group thanks to kind nominations from you – our fantastic supporters!

Our new work and life skills centre, Launchpad 135, opens its doors to clients
In 2019, thanks to a successful fundraising appeal and the generosity of our supporters, we were able to raise £80,000 to start work on completely refurbishing our life skills centre.

Su Hamblyn announced as Launchpad’s new CEO
Launchpad is delighted to announce the appointment of Su Hamblyn as the charity’s new Chief Executive.

Our building is now open to drop-in visitors
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.

High Sheriff Award nomination for Launchpad
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’.

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

Pancake Race 2021 statement
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.

Our services are still running during the national lockdown
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.

Team Launchpad raise £800 in Tribute Audax cycle ride
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.