Bumper harvest from our allotment
For our allotment volunteers, 2022 has been bit of a tricky year due to soaring temperatures and drought.
Yet Barry, Andy and Theresa, with the help of corporate volunteers, have been able to reap quite a lot of what they sowed for our clients to use at Launchpad 135 and Readifood, the local food bank.
Big Sleep Out is back at the historic Reading Abbey Ruins
We’re so excited to be back at the historic Reading Abbey Ruins for the Big Sleep Out on 8 October and we hope you can join us!
Dr Anna Ghelli announced as new Launchpad trustee
Launchpad is delighted to announce that Dr Anna Ghelli has been appointed as a trustee on the charity’s board of trustees. Anna brings her passion and experience in research, training and operational services, and will help oversee and develop Launchpad’s vital work and support more people in housing crisis.
Local youth fundraise for Launchpad
Groups of local students have been working hard as part of the NCS (National Citizenship Scheme) to raise money for Launchpad – taking on a sponsored walk at Dinton Pastures and cleaning cars in Reading!
Launchpad 135 holds summer art exhibition of client’s work
Launchpad 135 held it’s summer art exhibition this week – and displayed stunning pieces created by eight Launchpad clients, which included forms such as stone carving, collage and block printing.
Launchpad tackles exploitation and ASB in south Reading
Launchpad is tackling an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and exploitation in properties in south Reading by introducing a weekly housing support surgery at the South Reading Community Hub in Whitley.
Calling all children and young people – make a splash for cash!
Our brand-new fundraising event – Swim 68 – will see 8-16 year olds take on the challenge of swimming 68 lengths of a pool throughout June, all to raise vital funds for homeless people in Reading.
Thames Water visits Launchpad 135 to talk careers
At Launchpad 135, our clients attend weekly job shop sessions to build their confidence, learn new skills and hear about the range of jobs available – and last week they were joined by Tom from local water services company, Thames Water, who talked about his career journey and facilitated a lively question and answer session.
Launchpad’s egg-citing Pancake Race raises over £7,400 for people in need
A pan-tastic total of £7,450 was raised at our annual Pancake Race, which saw 32 teams batter it out on Broad Street on Shrove Tuesday, 1 March 2022 and accountancy firm, Crowe UK, take home the coveted frying pan trophy.
Local artist uses her talent for good
Launchpad supporter, Liz Real, is a well-known Reading artist and over the last two years has been using her talent to raise vital funds for Launchpad – most recently exhibiting her work at the Geo Café in Caversham and donating 10% of the sales to us.