One of the meaningful and mindful activities offered at Launchpad 135, our work and life skills centre, is stone carving with local artist Andrew Hood.
“It’s an activity that we’ve been offering since the centre opened and everyone who has taken part has enjoyed it so much – in fact one client is on her second session with Andrew,” said Sian, Launchpad 135 Team Leader.
But what are the benefits?
Launchpad works in three ways – we prevent homelessness, provide homes (we have 104 beds in the town) and rebuild lives.
Launchpad 135 is where we help people to move on with their lives. We offer classes to people who have used, or are using, our supported housing or floating support services. The centre is also open to members of the public for some of the classes.
Classes focus on practical skills such as cooking, DIY, or learning how to use a computer for the email and internet, as well as searching for and applying for jobs.
There are also classes that focus on soft skills which are aimed at helping people build confidence and resilience, work as a team, improve their communication skills and make friends.
The focus of all classes is the same – to help people live positive, independent lives.
Andrew said: “There are lots of benefits to stone carving – it’s a community activity – I can have six students or clients here at any time, all working together, helping each other where necessary.
“It’s intellectually exciting – you must think very carefully about what you’re doing, once you are there you can become engrossed in the art of stone carving. You have to be safe, working in a safe way and handling the tools correctly.
“As a sculptor, teaching has been good for me. I love passing my knowledge onto people and see them enjoy what I have always loved.”
The artistic process
Before clients are let loose with mallets and chisels, Andrew will discuss patterns and designs in the safe space at Launchpad 135. Using drawing materials, clients can use their imagination, with support from Andrew, to create their design on paper.
These sessions can spark conversations and foster relationships with the others taking part.
Once everyone is happy with their designs, Andrew brings in clay as an introduction to carving. This will build up everyone’s confidence in transferring their 2D design into 3D.
Then comes the fun part of carving designs in stone.
“We always use limestone,” says Andrew, “the dust is safe. All the stone used is salvaged.”
For the stone carving sessions, Launchpad clients make their way to little patch of outside space just off the London Road in Reading.
One of the clients said: “I’ve never done anything like this before and it has been brilliant.
“Sculpting gets your mind going and thinking about good things, it keeps you busy. I am creating something which I get to keep at the end.
“I can relax when I know what I am doing, I’m in my own little world, but with others around me, which I like. It (stone carving) takes a long time, you need patience, this has been good for me.”
