George's story
The 67-year-old father and grandfather has also been helped by our friends at Reading Welfare Rights who made sure he was getting all the correct benefits.
George said: “Trace at Launchpad could not believe what I had been through. Now, for the first time in many, many years I feel settled. I have a new partner; I am trying to enjoy myself and make people laugh which I love doing – in fact it was my career for a while.
“I have a lot of pain in my knees, but I try to keep as fit and active as possible.”
Sadly, George has experienced a lot of suffering and trauma in his life. His son died in a car accident, he had a tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife and wider family.
He has spent some time in prison, had numerous mental health breakdowns, has been in secure mental health units, and had tried to take his life on several occasions.
In January 2025 he came out of hospital and the mental health team supported him for eight weeks, then it was down to him to find somewhere to live.
“That’s when I came to Launchpad. It was the team at Prospect Park that told me about you guys. You listened to me, really listened and helped me with the whole bid process to find somewhere to live.
“For the first time in such a long time I feel in a good place. I like where I am living, and I’m mending the relationship with my family. I am in a good place and will continue to build good relationships.”
Trace at Launchpad said: “We supported his application for housing in Reading by proving he had not abandoned a property elsewhere and focused task by task until he felt more in control of himself and his life.
“We never know who’s going to come into our drop-in, but we try to help everybody as best we can.”
Drop-in is open for anyone with a housing issue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 2pm.