Start planning Your Big Sleep Out

woman in launchpad woolly hat in sleeping bag

Do you have what it takes to spend a night outdoors, braving the elements to support vulnerable people in our community? In 2026, we’re calling on supporters to host their own Big Sleep Out and help raise vital funds for Launchpad by spending just one night sleeping outside. Schools, colleges and youth groups Your Big […]

Living well with Launchpad

Women sat in a circle

Live Well with Launchpad is a holistic wellbeing programme designed to support vulnerable adults across Reading. (*stock photo for illustrative purpose)

Flip! Pancake races and NO rain = broad smiles on Broad Street!

Winners of the 2026 Pancake Race - AirIT - dressed as Scooby Doo characters take a winning leap.

Reading’s Broad Street saw a flurry of flying pancakes on Shrove Tuesday as Launchpad’s 29th annual Pancake Race took place—raising an impressive £10,393.57 for our essential services supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Reading. A cracking twenty-one teams, representing local businesses and community groups, competed for first place and the […]

Join us for our Pancake Day Race

Woman dressed as a playing card running in Pancake Day Race

Join our legendary Pancake Day Race on Shrove Tuesday, 17th February in Reading town centre raising funds to prevent homelessness.

Festive fundraising success

Man in kilt playing the bagpipes standing by a Christmas tree

We’re thrilled to announce that collective fundraising activities over the festive season has brought in more than £60,000!

Hats off to the Mini Vinnies!

Schoolboy with knitted hats

We were delighted to host a visit to our work and life skills centre with children from the English Martyrs Primary School in Reading who are known as the Mini Vinnies!

Carols by Candlelight raises more than £10,000

Choirs and audience at Carols By Candlelight

Latest news, Carols by Candlelight has raised more than £13,000 and is still climbing! We are delighted to announce that our much-loved Carols by Candlelight event, held on Tuesday 2 December at Reading Town Hall, was a resounding success – marking the official start of Christmas in Reading. Hosted by Launchpad Patron and BBC presenter […]

Renters Rights Act

for sale signs

No fault evictions, also known as Section 21s, will be banned from 1 May 2026 meaning landlords must give a valid reason to regain possession of the property.

Join us for Carols by Candlelight

Four ladies wearing a blue dress standing by a Christmas tree

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Carols by Candlelight is a fantastic evening which kick-starts the festive season. And ticket sales support Launchpad.

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