Live Well with Launchpad is a holistic wellbeing programme designed to support vulnerable adults across Reading.
The initiative provides a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment where individuals can access a range of physical, mental, and social wellbeing activities that promote independence, prevent crisis, and reduce health inequalities.
The year-long programme at our Work and Life Skills Centre in Cardiff Road, offers yoga sessions which will improve cardiovascular health, strength, and balance, particularly for older adults, helping to reduce falls and avoid A&E visits and mindfulness sessions for relaxation and stress relief.
Yoga sessions are tailored to over-55s, promoting flexibility, mindfulness, and social connection and the women-only mindfulness and relaxation weekly drop-in is a safe space for women to connect and experience mindfulness.
Our cooking club focuses on healthy eating on a budget, teaching practical skills that support independent living and better nutrition, especially for those with long-term health conditions.
We offer gardening activities to promote physical activity, mental wellbeing, and community engagement, while also offering therapeutic benefits for those with anxiety or depression.
At the centre everyone is welcome to use the laundry and shower facilities. This essential hygiene support will help people maintain dignity and prevent infections that could lead to hospitalisation
Coming soon are self-defence classes to empower participants, particularly women and vulnerable adults, to feel safer and more confident in their daily lives, reducing fear and isolation.
Zoe, life skills co-ordinator at Launchpad said she hopes to see 80% of participants report improved wellbeing and that 100 individuals will access at least one service at the centre within the funding period of 12 months.
Launchpad received £12,500 from the Better Care Fund at Reading Integration Board.
Feedback from the mindfulness session on Friday, 23 January.
“It was a fab session. I definitely left feeling better than when I came in. I highly recommend it.”
“Felt comfortable in a safe space that was created within the session. Learnt some great breathing techniques which I’ll use.”
Everyone from the session said they left feeling calmer, were very comfortable during the session, would recommend to a friend and were keen to do more mindfulness themselves.
* This is a stock photographic for illustrative purposes