Summer is a time many of us look forward to. Holidays, days out with family, barbecues in the garden or long evenings spent with friends.
But for many people across Reading, summer feels very different. Instead of planning their next trip, they’re worrying about paying the rent. Instead of looking forward to the future, they’re lying awake wondering what will happen next.
Because homelessness doesn’t stop when the weather gets warmer.
It doesn’t take a holiday.
Homelessness is a year-round issue
When people think about homelessness, they often picture freezing winter nights and emergency appeals. But homelessness can happen at any time of year.
Rising living costs, relationship breakdown, poor mental health, job loss, debt and unexpected life events can all push people towards a housing crisis.
Many people are just one setback away from losing the security of a place to call home.
For families, summer can bring additional pressures. School holidays often bring additional costs at a time when household budgets are already stretched to breaking point.
The challenges people face don’t disappear in the sunshine.
Rebuilding a life takes more than a roof over your head
Having a safe place to live is a vital first step, but it is only the beginning.
People recovering from homelessness often need support to rebuild confidence, improve their wellbeing, manage finances, develop life skills and move towards employment and independence.
The journey takes time. It takes determination. And it takes support.
At Launchpad, we work alongside people every step of the way, helping them build stronger foundations for the future.
Tom’s story
For the first time in a while, with Launchpad, I had some stability.
My life became less chaotic, and I started to consistently take responsibility for myself. I think this type of flexibility that Launchpad offer is just so important. Getting professional support has meant that I’ve been able to get to grips with my debt.
This has helped with my mental health and because of this I’ve been able to start to rebuild relationships – particularly with my mum and I’m so happy about this.
Prevention changes lives
The best way to tackle homelessness is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Every day, Launchpad helps people facing housing insecurity before their situation reaches crisis point.
Early intervention, practical advice and specialist support can make all the difference.
With the right help at the right time, people can keep their home, overcome challenges and avoid the trauma of homelessness altogether.
Your support makes that possible.
Click here to watch a short clip of our fundraising team explaining the situation.
How your donation can help
£12
Could help provide practical support and advice through our drop-in service to someone worried about losing their home
£27
Could help us fund an hour’s session of mindfulness at our Work and Life Skills Centre, supporting our clients with their mental health
£49
Could help buy a kitchen pack for clients moving into our accommodation This includes essentials such as cutlery, crockery, and store cupboard items