A CHARITY tackling homelessness in Reading has unveiled its newly-refurbished drop-in centre in the heart of the town.
Last week, Launchpad welcomed visitors including the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, and fellow councillors to join trustees in celebrating the conclusion of the site’s refurbishment.
A large donation from the Earley Charity, supplemented by support from donors, meant the charity could revitalise their site in Merchant’s Place, central Reading.
The site is a vital first point of contact for the charity, which works to provide a wide range of support for those facing homelessness.
Following six months of renovation work, the space has seen a number of crucial upgrades which will help the charity provide its services.
The building now features a refreshed reception area, a number of triage and support rooms, and vastly improved accessibility throughout.
Launchpad has been working to prevent homelessness in Reading since 1979, when it was founded as a soup kitchen by students at the University of Reading.
From there, it grew into a holistic service geared towards helping vulnerable people deal with housing issues, and obtain long-term housing.
Last year, the charity supported more than 1,800 people, including those sleeping rough, people facing unlawful eviction, sofa-surfers, and those struggling with mental health, debt, and addiction.
Su Hamblyn, Launchpad CEO, said: “We’ve been running the drop-in centre from here, and it wasn’t particularly nice–it was a little cold and dark before.
“Now it’s bright, warm, and welcoming, which makes it much better for people who come to see us for their housing issues.
“It is thanks to donations over the years as well as a capital grant from the Earley Charity.
She explained: “It’s so important that we continue our work, so hopefully this new refresh will mean we can carry it on for another 40+ years.
“Before, our layout was a bit confusing and people weren’t sure where to go–now we have the sign above the door, and it makes it a much nicer environment and easier to access.”
“Housing is not getting any easier as an issue, it’s very tough; our key focus is helping people stay in their housing.
“People often come to us at the last moment–a lot of people bury it–if people come to us earlier, it’s for the better.”
The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, said at the event: “It’s amazing to look at where Launchpad started and where it is now.
“They’re a pillar of the town when it comes to tackling homelessness, and they work with so many other organisations.
“They have an incredible team of staff and so many amazing volunteers– they do fantastic work for people struggling with different aspects of homelessness, mental and physical health, and well-being.
Of the refurbishment, she said: “People who come here will really feel welcome; it’s a credit to the staff and the trustees, and their hard work.
“Not only working here, but also going out into the community and working with people, seeing those stories and that lived experience.
“We thank them as a town, and their work is really to be appreciated.”
Launchpad offers drop-in services from its base at 1a Merchants Place, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am–2pm.
It provides free, confidential support to individuals facing housing challenges.
This includes benefit advice, landlord issues and compassionate guidance, aiming to help prevent a crisis before it begins.
Full details about the charity’s services are available via: launchpadreading.org.uk
