George’s story
George’s story The 67-year-old father and grandfather has also been helped by our friends at Reading Welfare Rights who made sure he was getting all the correct benefits. George said: “Trace at Launchpad could not believe what I had been through. Now, for the first time in many, many years I feel settled. I have […]
Jing’s story
Jing’s story Jing came to the UK from Guangzhou, China 36 years ago. She lived with her husband and extended family in Birmingham and had also lived in Newbury for a time. After separating from her husband, she came to live in Reading to be near her sons and lived with one of them who […]
Levi’s story
Levi’s story Levi came to see our team at drop-in a few years ago after finding himself sofa surfing and unable to find suitable accommodation. Levi had been struggling with his health since losing his job during the pandemic. In fact, he had been suffering with pain, anxiety and depression since being involved in a […]
Sue’s story
Sue’s story Sue had lived and worked in Reading most of her life and when she needed support, was pleased to have found Launchpad’s work and life skills centre. Following the breakdown of her marriage 13 years ago, Sue decided to buy a motorhome, leave the area and travel around the country. She returned to […]
Stephen’s Story
Stephen’s story Stephen has lived in Reading his whole life and has strong family connections across the town. Stephen started working as soon as he left school and had many jobs which he enjoyed – including being a tree surgeon, and a landscape gardener. Stephen reflects: “I got on well with family, I had a […]
Brian’s story
Brian’s story Brian is 65 and has been a Reading resident for 35 years. He has been homeless many times over the years. Brian had an extremely difficult early family life. For a long time he was resilient to the challenges he faced, but in 2022, things became too much for Brian and he accepted that […]
Dave’s story
Dave’s story Dave was at rock bottom when he came to our drop-in service. He’d suffered a nervous breakdown and left his job, and was facing eviction. Nikki, from floating support, assessed Dave at the time and said: “When Dave first came to us, he was physically quite withdrawn, didn’t make eye contact, was low […]
Frank’s story
Frank’s story After confusion and lack of support with his benefits, Frank became street homeless when he was in his 60s. Within 24 hours, Launchpad housed him. “I came to live in Reading in 1988 and was in private rented accommodation for many years before I got my name on the council house list, and […]
Bob’s story
Bob’s story When 57-year-old Bob’s marriage broke down and he lost his business – he turned to drink to numb the pain and soon found himself homeless. He even considered taking his own life. “I set up a small gardening business and employed a friend to help me run it, and he took my missus […]
Sam’s story
Sam’s story When I first went to Launchpad 135, I was quite broken. I was in my mid-30s and had just been diagnosed with Autism. I could no longer work as a social worker, something I’d done for many years and in several countries. After a lifetime of coping as an undiagnosed autistic person, I […]