Kate is a volunteer in Floating Support
What made you decide to volunteer at Launchpad?
I’ve always carried out some kind of volunteering throughout my life and I first became aware of Launchpad when I was involved in the organisation of a five-a-side football tournament raising funds for the charity.
When I recently needed to do a work placement as part of my Masters Degree in Public Policy, I thought of Launchpad. It fitted perfectly with my areas of interest, and I was keen to understand more about it.
So my first foray into volunteering was as part of a work placement – but I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stay.
Tell us about your volunteering role at Launchpad
I now volunteer one morning every week in Floating Support and assist at the community drop-in service in South Reading, mainly working with Ben, and I also help with admin tasks in the office. Not everyone can come into the town centre so it’s about making sure we reach the people who really need us.
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
I am willing and able to support the team in any way that is helpful. I think what I enjoy most is meeting the clients and I feel privileged to be able to do this and hopefully help provide a positive, respectful and compassionate experience for individuals who I believe often face hostility and significant challenges. If we can help them keep their tenancy and prevent evictions and signpost them if necessary to help with other issues, then we are doing well.
What are your thoughts about Launchpad?
Having a secure and affordable home is fundamental to people’s welfare and well-being without which it is very difficult to tackle and overcome challenges and difficulties. During my placement I was struck by not only the intense work and commitment of the charity’s staff, often under stressful circumstances, but by the vulnerability of the clients. It is a wonderful charity doing great work in the community.
Kate has since applied to do a PhD involving further research into Supported Housing.