Jing's story
Jing came to the UK from Guangzhou, China 36 years ago. She lived with her husband and extended family in Birmingham and had also lived in Newbury for a time.
After separating from her husband, she came to live in Reading to be near her sons and lived with one of them who had his own business. Her world fell apart when her beloved son died tragically in an accident in 2017.
Jing continued to live in the rented accommodation she’d shared with her son until she was given an eviction notice last year. She did not understand what was happening.
Then the landlord changed the locks when she was out one day, and she found herself homeless.
With no savings left and no-where to live, a devastated and emotional Jing was referred to Launchpad by Reading Borough Council.
She’d been staying temporarily with her other son, but desperately wanted to get her own place and needed support with getting on top of her worsening financial situation.
With limited English skills, Jing was delighted to find a Cantonese speaker (Johnny) at Launchpad which made helping her easier.
Jing said: “When I came to Launchpad, I was so happy. Tracey and Johnny did so much for me. They helped me to bid on properties. I would not have been able to do that myself.
“There were so many forms. When I got somewhere to live, Launchpad helped me get furniture, cooking things, carpets everything I needed.
“I could not get anything from my other place. The landlord kept it all, and my deposit.
“Tracey and Johnny helped me to set up a plan to re-pay my debts. I am now living in a very, very nice flat. There are some other Chinese people there, so I have some new friends.
“I cannot imagine what would have happened to me without Launchpad’s help. I feel so happy and I am very thankful for everything you have done. Launchpad is like family to me.”