Meet Susan who is one of our support workers at the Pods.
What is role at Launchpad and when did you join?
I joined Launchpad in April 2024 as a part-time Support Officer at the Caversham Road project (Pods) and Nova project. I was previously working in both projects from January 2023 as Project Worker. When Launchpad took over management of the two Reading Borough Council Projects, I was very enthusiastic to come on board and join the team on a permanent basis for a very simple reason, to support a client facing homelessness at their most vulnerable time in life to make positive changes and get back on their feet. The role felt right from the onset, having gone through a patch in life where I had to live with friends due to social problems. My motivation comes from believing we at Launchpad are making that difference in Reading in the current cost of living crisis, where everyday someone becomes subject to homelessness due the complex social housing need within the country.
What does a typical day look like for you at the Pods (if there is one!)
Interesting! Everyday is different at the Pods. I come to work with a very open mind. The role has made me learn the art of thinking on my feet. A typical day entails a lot of problem solving, conflict resolution and quick decision making effectively in real time. Working at a project on daily basis includes referring the residents to support agencies, updating the client data base, updating risk assessments, and carrying health safety checks within the site. This ranges from supporting a resident to complete a Universal Credit claim, supporting a resident to open a bank account, requesting a GP appointment, reporting a repair within a pod, to supporting a resident order a food parcel when they have insufficient income. As a team we work very closely with other multi-agency organisations like Reading Borough Council, DWP, Change Grow Live (CGL), GP Surgeries, Royal Berkshire Hospital , Probation Service, Thames Valley Police, St Mungo’s, NHS Health Outreach Liaison Team, Christian Community Action, Cowshed and Readifood. Our residents struggle with very complex needs from past homelessness, substance misuse, unemployment, mental health struggles, and offending. We have a neat supportive team at Caversham Road project, and this helps us to navigate and run the project with all its complexities.
What is your career background?
I have worked as a Support Worker in Mental Health Hospitals with the Priory group and as an Assistant Support Worker with The Salvation Army’s Willow House Hostel. I have also run a small business of my own within Reading in the past, supporting clients with physical and mental health needs. When I joined Launchpad, I was studying a degree course in Criminology and Psychology with Arden University but decided to take a break, juggling between studying, travelling to and from London for college and work was not working for me. I decided to take on a full-time Support Officer role within Launchpad as this was giving the career fulfilment I desired.
What do you enjoy about working here?
What I enjoy most working at the Pods is being able to build a rapport with the residents we support. When I get a resident to trust in the support I am offering them is the greatest win for me. Then seeing a resident make positive steps and move on to permanent housing.
What are the challenges?
The greatest challenge has been the non-engagement from our residents; I have heard conservations with residents where they believe that no one is ready to listen or support them. But with patience and constant reassurance, we manage to overcome this challenge. It is always a work in progress among support workers and the residents.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I have a passion for cooking and creating new recipes from different cuisines. I spend a lot of my spare time trying to learn this from social media platforms. I enjoy researching health and well-being practices from all corners of the world, discussing politics with friends, and travelling all over the UK to cultural music concerts. Nature walks is also a newly loved hobby.