Launchpad has announced exciting plans to open Reading’s first work and life skills centre to help rebuild the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.

Launchpad has been awarded the Reading Advice Network (RAN) Quality Standard – meaning the information and advice we offer at our drop-in service meets the very highest standards.

University College of Estate Management (UCEM) is hosting ‘Housing for Good’ at Reading Town Hall in September as part of its centenary activity – and the event will be in aid of Launchpad.

We are pleased to announce that The Oracle in Reading – which opened in 1999 and contains 90 shops, over 20 restaurants, cafes and bars and a cinema – is kindly sponsoring Launchpad’s Big Sleep Out!

It’s Volunteers’ Week and we are celebrating Launchpad’s dedicated, talented and hardworking team of volunteers – who have a multitude of different skills and experience, and collectively gave an impressive 7,207 hours of their time last year to prevent homelessness in Reading.

Launchpad reveal 68% of the charity’s clients have a diagnosed mental health condition – almost three times more than the number of adults from the general population who experience a diagnosable mental health problem.

Launchpad opened five brand new flats in Reading earlier this year – and we’re absolutely delighted to say our first three residents have recently moved in!

Launchpad has launched Financial Skills for Independence – a new programme to arm clients with life-changing financial management skills, thanks to grants from Nationwide and NatWest.

We are thrilled to announce that booking has now officially opened for this year’s Big Sleep Out, which is taking place on World Homeless Day and in a brand new location – the iconic and historic Reading Abbey Ruins!

Following the very sad news that our Patron, The Honourable Mrs Mary Bayliss CVO JP DL, passed away last week, Ian Caren, Chief Executive of Launchpad, makes a statement.