Homelessness in Reading

We’d like to explain Launchpad’s role in tackling homelessness in Reading – both for those who already know us, and for those who are new to our work – and to set this in the context of the wider local support system.

Launchpad welcomes Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire

We were delighted to welcome the Lord‑Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Andrew Try Esq. to our Work and Life Skills Centre at 135 Cardiff Road, Reading on Wednesday, 11 March. The Lord‑Lieutenant was hosted by Launchpad Chief Executive Officer Su Hamblyn and Centre Manager Zoe Shawcroft, who gave him a tour of the […]

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 […]

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