A LOCAL charity has welcomed the Bishop of Reading with a view to strengthening homelessness prevention partnerships.
Launchpad, Reading’s leading homelessness charity, hosted a visit by the Right Reverend Mary Gregory, Bishop of Reading, for a visit last week.
During the visit, the bishop met with Launchpad’s Chief Executive, Su Hamblyn and members of the wider team, and was given a tour of the charity’s new premises.
This included the charity’s free drop-in service, which provides a welcoming and practical space for people at risk of homelessness to access advice, support and onward referrals.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss shared priorities around social justice, early intervention and support for people facing complex challenges.
It also highlighted Launchpad’s ongoing work with the local probation service, supporting people to rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of homelessness after involvement with the criminal justice system.
The Bishop outlined her shared recognition of the importance of joined-up support for people transitioning back into the community, drawing on previous experience working within prisons,
She also explored the vital role that charities, faith organisations and statutory services can play by working together, as well as the value of seeing Launchpad’s work first hand and praised the charity’s commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the town, particularly those with experience of the criminal justice system.
The visit concluded with a shared recognition of the role that community leaders, charities and statutory partners all play in preventing homelessness.
The charity explains that strengthening understanding and collaboration across the local sector helps ensure people at risk can access timely, practical and effective support, whatever their background or circumstances.
Su Hamblyn, Chief Executive of Launchpad, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Bishop of Reading to Launchpad and to share how our new drop‑in offices are helping people get support earlier, before housing problems escalate.
“The visit provided an opportunity to talk about the scale of housing insecurity locally and the importance of strong, joined‑up responses from organisations across Reading.”
More information about Launchpad’s work is available via: launchpadreading.org.uk
