Campus careers showcased during homelessness charity visit

Members of Reading homelessness prevention charity Launchpad were given an insight into the work that goes on supporting University research and operations during a recent visit.

As part of the University’s commitment to supporting the local community, members of the charity who are rebuilding their lives after becoming homeless were hosted by the Vice-Chancellor – who is a Launchpad patron – and Technical Services colleagues on Wednesday 29 March.

They were given a tour of crop laboratories, the Cole Museum and other areas of the Health and Life Sciences building to see the work that goes on there and gain an understanding of how the University could help them develop workplace skills or become a future place of employment.

The visit also included discussion of how Technical Services colleagues could offer work experience or other skill-building activities to support the job shop sessions run at the charity’s work and life skills centre, Launchpad 135.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “It’s important that we at the University connect with the local community and play an active role in building people’s skills and raising prospects.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a patron of Launchpad. While taking part in its Big Sleepout fundraiser in the past has given me a degree of insight into the challenges faced by members, I can only imagine the difficulties they experience. I am grateful to colleagues in Technical Services for hosting this valuable visit and hope our ongoing collaboration can contribute to overcoming some of these challenges.”

University insights

Launchpad was launched in 1979 by Reading students and provides vital information and support for individuals, couples and families who don’t have a stable place to live or are at risk of losing their home.

The University recently granted Launchpad £2,500 through its Community Fund, a joint initiative with the John Sykes Foundation, with some of the money buying equipment for the Launchpad 135 centre.

During the visit, Technical Services colleagues Steve Ablett and Scott O’Brien shared their experiences of mentoring and development opportunities at the University. Dr Manik Puranik outlined research she is supporting on the diets of disadvantaged members of the community.

Maria Watt explained how Operations colleagues support research through waste management and maintaining equipment and the training provided on this. Liam Doherty gave a tour of the crops and environment laboratory, including the controlled cabinets and glasshouses currently being used to investigate how different growing conditions could improve strawberries.

Professor Van de Noort also welcomed Launchpad members and spoke about his commitment to supporting people in the local community. He also spoke about his work and connections with the charity over the years, including taking part in the Big Sleep Out in 2020, which challenged participants to swap their beds for a sleeping bag in their garden and raised £25,000.

Further visits by Launchpad are planned, with members expressing interest in also finding out about the University’s art, media and education work.