We’re pleased to announce that Alison Wright has joined Launchpad as our newest trustee.
Reading resident Alison has built a life, career and family in the local area having moved to the town for her first job after graduating.
“It is a town that I have come to love and feel pride in calling home,” said Alison, who is a senior Director for Microsoft UK leading their small and medium business segment.
“I’ve always been active in my community in terms of volunteering, and homelessness is something that has become more apparent in some of the past work I’ve done as well as more prevalent in our town.
“Whilst central government can make a difference through legislation and investment, it is local action by people with knowledge of the area that can best take the services to the local populations, and this is what I firmly believe Launchpad do.”
Alison is particularly interested in both the drop-in service and Launchpad 135 – our work and life skills centre.
“The drop-in service will continue to play an ever more important role in supporting Reading’s residents as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. It’s a vital service in that it provides expert, friendly and confidential advice for anyone that feels they need it,” she said.
“135 is an incredible space offering vital training and skills to the community, as well as offering a range of classes for attendees to meet new people and build their confidence.”
Alison heard about Launchpad through volunteering work with a homeless shelter and became aware of the vital work we do in preventing homelessness.
“I’ve always been interested in understanding different societal challenges and how positive action can make a difference,” said Alison.
“For example, during my time as a Special Constable I grew interested in how we could prevent re-offending, and this led me to volunteering with Reading’s Youth Offending Services.
“After Covid I wanted to restart some work in the community; I did some research and found that Launchpad had an active board of trustees from the local area, so I proactively contacted Su, the CEO, to offer my services. The rest, as they say, is history!”
Alison is also a trustee for her son’s school parent teacher association.
“It’s a small school and we raise funds both for charity and to spend on extra-curricular equipment and activities for the children. I’m currently organising the Valentine’s disco, so it takes me back to my own school days!”
Alison describes herself as an all-rounder with her day job requiring a mix of skills across operations, leadership, finance, marketing, and sales.
She concluded: “As Launchpad looks to the future, I’m excited to be a part of their planning and to help ensure that we develop services that continue to evolve with the users’ needs.”