Andrew Thatcher

Launchpad

We know it's easy to judge, but there is a real person and a hidden story behind every person who needs our help. Homelessness is complicated. It's not just about losing a roof from over your head. It's about losing self-esteem, structure and purpose. Not everyone can draw on a stable upbringing or the support of friends/family to help overcome life's setbacks. Drug, alcohol, mental health issues, being jobless or losing a job and Reading's lack of affordable housing makes people vulnerable to homelessness. We provide three services to prevent homelessness in the town: Housing with support. Our own clean, safe housing combined with individual support is the most effective way to get people back on track. Preventing homelessness. Floating Support is the national name for a service that helps prevent homelessness. Launchpad supports single parents, families, couples and individuals to stay in their own homes and help with landlord issues. We also help find appropriate housing for people in unsuitable accommodation such as families in B&Bs. Drop-in. Available to anyone in Reading who needs housing or homelessness-related advice. You could be sleeping on a friend's sofa, not sure how to find accommodation, worried about rent, need benefit advice or help with drug or alcohol misuse. We can help prevent a problem becoming a crisis. Everyone has their own challenges and our support in the form of help with fundamental and complementary life skills with a safe, clean home gives people the best chance of success: Fundamental life skills. Often our clients need professional help to overcome alcohol and drug misuse. We also help with numeracy and literacy, IT skills, job search and managing mental health issues. Complementary life skills. Our support is holistic. Our activities programme includes counselling, an allotment, beekeeping and art. This may not sound like typical support, but these initiatives really help with self-esteem and confidence.