We rely on a small army of dedicated staff and volunteers to help prevent homelessness in Reading.
From caretakers, fundraisers and counsellors, to support officers, finance administrators and activities coordinators – there are a wide range of disciplines at Launchpad and our team are a talented bunch.
Find out more about some of them, what their jobs entail and why they enjoy working for Launchpad.
If you’re interested in paid employment with Launchpad, we post all vacancies on our Jobs page. To find out more about volunteering and student placements, visit our volunteering page, email volunteers@launchpadreading.org.uk or telephone 0118 950 7656 and select option 4.

Nav, HR Officer
Nav’s passion is HR, but in her spare time you will find her writing blogs and making fun TikTok videos.

Cliff, Floating Support Officer
Cliff has always used his skills to help vulnerable people and now he is one of our Floating Support Officers

Alyson, Digital Communications Officer
Alyson worked as a local newspaper journalist for many years before moving into the charity sector.

Sharon, Life Skills and Volunteer Project Manager
Sharon started at Launchpad on a three month contract, but has now been here for more than 10 years!

Steve, Ambassador
Steve is one of our charity ambassadors who regularly gives talks about Launchpad and the impact on people in the area.

Kirsti, Head of Marketing and Fundraising
Kirsti is our Head of Marketing and Fundraising at Launchpad ensuring the charity is seen and heard across Reading.

Tom, Housing Manager
Tom is our Housing Manager ensuring rents are paid and our accommodation is kept in good condition for our clients.

Zandi, Head of Services
Zandi is our Head of Services and has operational, strategic and management responsibility of teams. She joined Launchpad in the summer of 2022.

Siân, Team Leader at Launchpad 135
Siân works at Launchpad 135, our work and life skills centre in Cardiff Road, Reading and a place where vulnerable people can learn new skills, build confidence and get back into work.

Lizzy, Supported Housing Assessment and Information Coordinator
Lizzy works in our supported housing team and carries out all the assessments for potential clients. She has been at Launchpad for almost one year.

Nikki, Floating Support Specialist Officer
Nikki works in our floating support team – which supports individuals, couples and families facing homelessness to try and prevent the situation from getting worse. She specialises in supporting clients with offending backgrounds and those with particularly complex needs.

Rachel, Volunteer Counsellor
Rachel joined Launchpad in July 2022 and volunteers once a week at Launchpad 135, our work and life skills centre, using a person-centred approach. She can also integrate CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and art therapy if this is a helpful way for the client to unpack their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Jacqueline, Supported Housing Assistant
Jacqueline has worked for Launchpad for almost 5 years. Working in the supported housing team, she supports clients in Launchpad’s temporary housing. She really likes helping people, who for whatever reason, need assistance in getting on their feet.

Holly, HR Manager
A busy mum to four children, Holly joined Launchpad in 2021 as HR Officer and in 2023 became our HR Manager. Passionate about the charity sector, she loves finding people who are the right fit for Launchpad’s mission and values.

Paul, Drop-in Volunteer
Paul volunteers at Launchpad’s drop-in service one day a week, where absolutely anyone in housing crisis can come for information and support.

Ellen, Floating Support Assistant
Ellen recently joined the floating support team and says the thing she likes most about her job is working directly with the clients to help them resolve their housing issues.

Lucy, MEAM Coordinator
Lucy is our MEAM (Making Every Adult Matter) Coordinator and has been working in the homelessness sector for eight years. Before she moved to Reading she was working in a punk rock cafe in Exeter.

Stella, Income and Accounts Officer
Stella works in the housing team as an income and accounts officer, processing rent payments and managing arrears for Launchpad’s supported housing.