Launchpad assistance programmes in Reading

Low income individuals and the disadvantaged can get help from Launchpad, which is based in Reading. The charity provides support services to those in Berkshire and the city that need assistance. Some of what may be provided includes education, shelter, job placement, counselling and more.

Shelter and short term housing is available to clients at properties across Reading. The services are offered to clients who are currently homeless and those who are at risk of becoming evicted from their current home. Guests will access other support so that they can eventually be able to live independently, and one key service is information on local rent deposit schemes.

The room provided to the client is in a shared house. As someone gains independence, the guest will get help in moving into their own flat or self-contained bedsit. They can also explore various housing benefit programmes that are available for the rent on their new flat. Launchpad and its volunteers and staff will help clients make ends meet using welfare schemes. They are funded by the government, but support families living in poverty. Residents can learn about the main grant programme in the city, which is the Financial Crisis Support Scheme.

Those from Reading that are struggling can explore the Launchpad floating support service. It is for people or families that need some form of assistance to continue to live in their other housing. Many clients are mothers struggling with abusive relationships, individuals, families with young children, and really anyone who is vulnerable.

Launchpad will help clients and low income families by partnering with local housing providers. Together they will help clients find somewhere to live and pay for move in deposit costs. Floating support is also provided as part of this to help achieve stability. This is done by them gaining the skills, confidence and tools they need to break out of difficult or dangerous situations.

There are many different programmes and services offered. Clients can get advocacy and advice for their challenges. They can also use classes for learning the skills for independent living. Individuals can also learn how to budget and use benefits properly.

Other help from Launchpad Reading is resettlement assistance, which involves finding a safe, suitable place to live and exploring rent programs. Also get advice on staying put in a new home, which includes clients applying for government housing benefits if they qualify or learn about discounts on their electricity bills for their new flat. Other services are employment, education, and job training for new skills. Clients can also apply for government housing benefits if they qualify or learn about discounts on their electricity bills for their new flat.

The Launchpad Learning Centre offers the Education, Training and Employment service. This will allow clients to work towards their goals and aspirations on their path to independence. Increased training and education allows people to get on the path to supporting themselves. Some of the main programmes that are part of ETE are below. Many are offered in partnership with other Reading organisations.

Sessions are held for drop-in job search skills. As many people know, gaining employment is difficult and can be a major goal to obtaining housing. The sessions that are held as part of drop in help with advice on interviews, creating CVs, and more.

Pathway plans can be created at the Learning Centre. Every client of Launchpad works with their coordinator to identify their goals and aspirations. Based on this, they will create education, job training, and other ways to get experience.

Basic skills covered include literacy, numeracy, and IT. People can’t get ahead without skills. Reading charity organisations and the Learning Centre help clients gain needed abilities.
Courses tailored to different skills are provided as part of Pathway. This can include to money skills, food hygiene, computer basics, carpentry and many others. This allows clients and the jobless to focus on their aspirations and gain the skills they need at the same time.

The Launchpad Learning Centre offers other services to the population of Reading. Coordinators will help people conduct a job search, which will help them gain employment. Other key services from the Employment, Training and Education include computer skill classes.

Coordinators will help clients by offering free Counselling sessions in which they can talk about problems and solutions. Other life skills sessions include literacy classes and literacy sessions. For those from the area that need it, the Centre will also have Alcohol and Substance Misuse session.

Food can be provided by green space in central Reading. Clients can grow their own vegetables and produce. This allows them to gain skills and gain support in a healthy environment. There are also linkage to Trussell Trust food banks located across Berkshire. These programmes are useful for battling hunger of those living in poverty. This can help the population of Reading obtain the healthy food they need.

Launchpad Reading focuses on housing and helping clients gain stability. The location is at The Stables, 1A Merchant Place, Reading RG1 1DT, T 0118 950 7656.