How important are volunteers to Launchpad?
We simply couldn’t run our services without the support of our amazing volunteers. They work across all areas of the organisation and in all sorts of roles – and last year volunteers gave 4022 hours, which is equivalent to more than 536 working days. Their work makes a huge difference to the way we work and the people we support.
What is a typical volunteer role at Launchpad and how much time do people give?
There isn’t a typical role! Our volunteers work in both client-facing or back office roles – they provide counselling, support homeless people at our drop-in service, run activities at Launchpad 135, cheer on runners at our events, give community talks about the charity, and help with office-based administration.
Our regular volunteers work with us for a few hours or even days a week, and other volunteers support us on a more ad-hoc basis at fundraising events such as Big Sleep Out and the Pancake Race.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community and it is incredibly rewarding – but it isn’t just about doing good. Giving your time to charity can help you develop new skills, boost your confidence, give you a chance to meet new people and open up new career opportunities. It can also make you really feel like part of something – especially at Launchpad where we consider our volunteers as one of the team.
Our volunteer vacancies
Fundraising events volunteers
We always need volunteers for Launchpad’s fundraising events – whether it’s the Big Sleep Out and Carols by Candlelight or the Pangbourne Dragon Boat Race and Reading Half Marathon. You could be doing anything, from manning a stall and telling people about Launchpad, to cheering on runners and bucket collecting – and we can guarantee it will be lots of fun! It’s also flexible – we put a call out to all fundraising events volunteers on our list and you sign up to help when it suits you!
Could you help represent Launchpad in the local community?
We are looking for volunteer ambassadors to join our Fundraising team to give inspiring talks to help businesses, community groups and schools understand more about homelessness, what Launchpad does to support local people in housing crisis, and how they can get involved with the charity and fundraise.
Charity ambassador Amy said: “It’s a great opportunity to educate people about what Launchpad does to prevent homelessness and how homelessness is much more than just rough sleeping.”
Full support and training will be given.
Be part of something special. Charity Ambassador Volunteer Role Description
How to apply
If you are friendly, a good listener, have the ability to stay calm and be professional at all times – and you’re interested in one of our volunteer vacancies – we’d love to hear from you!
Simply call the volunteering team on 0118 929 1135 or email volunteers@launchpadreading.org.uk to express your interest in a particular role and start the application process.
NB: All Launchpad volunteers get a personal induction, regular check-ins, training, travel expenses and lunch allowance.
Hear from our volunteers
Amy was born and bred in Reading, and says that the flexibility of being a charity ambassador and fundraising events volunteer for Launchpad fits in really well around her full time job.
Paul volunteers at Launchpad’s drop-in service one day a week, where absolutely anyone in housing crisis can come for information and support.
Daniel is one of four volunteer trained counsellors at Launchpad, who offer clients a safe place to talk, free of charge. He has been volunteering with Launchpad since 2017.
