When did you join Launchpad and what brought you to the charity?

I joined Launchpad in February 2022 as a Specialist Worker in the Supported Housing Team. In July ’22 I applied for the Team Leader role within the same team and was successful.

At the time I had lived in Reading for a couple of years having moved up from London and one day I got chatting to a couple of Launchpad volunteers in Broad St Mall and they were describing the work that Launchpad do. It planted a seed in my head and I went home and researched Launchpad online. It quickly became apparent to me that our values matched and not long afterwards I was looking for a career change and saw the Launchpad job advert.

What is your career background?

I spent many years in Islington, London working for Change Grow Live, a voluntary sector organisation specialising in substance misuse, homelessness and criminal justice intervention projects. By the time I left there I was a Team Leader and moved across London to Camden and the Alcohol Team. After a short while I was proud to lead our new Camden Routes Off The Street (RTS). Camden has the second highest number of recorded street homelessness in the country so it was highly challenging, yet an ultimately rewarding time.

I moved to Reading once I had met my wife. She is a Family Lawyer and so for a couple of years I undertook the relevant Will Writing and Power of Attorney training and set up a Legal Advice Service with her. It was a great experience but ultimately I missed supporting people. My wife was offered a directorship in London and I thought it would be timely to go back to the field where I could help make a real difference.

What does your role at Launchpad entail?

Between the Supported Housing Team, we house over 100+ people at a time with the aim of supporting them to be working towards independence. This could mean supporting them with drug or alcohol issues, mental or physical health, offending, employment, social interaction etc . Each individual has a unique need and I manage our team to help support our clients to achieve what they wish to achieve. We know we have succeeded when one of our clients makes a positive move from one of our properties into living independently. I also liaise with other Launchpad teams, including our wonderful 135 Life Skills Centre – which really help our clients get ready for independence by offering education and training.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy going to work every day. I love Launchpad as an organisation and the values that are embodied across every department you talk to. I love the fact that if I have an HR question I can just walk down the stairs and ask. Everyone here is friendly, focussed and professional. In my own team in particular, I enjoy the fact that I am surrounded by colleagues who really care. We celebrate our successes together and work collectively to overcome any challenges we face.

And are there any challenges?

There are challenges, but these often bring out the best in us. Human beings are fallible and prone to inconsistencies and our clients are not any different in that respect. Whatever challenges we face, we face as a team. Like my colleagues and our clients, I like to think I am resilient and as long as we are supporting people to make positive changes then we cannot go too wrong.

How do you spend your spare time?

Over the last two years I have turned into a massive reader. I bought an e-reader a couple of years ago and and have devoured all sorts of books since. I even started up a Launchpad Book Club with like minded colleagues. We meet monthly after all reading a nominated book and share opinions.

I have also held an interest in poetry for most of my life, and occasionally I write short stories.

I come from a big Arsenal family and, although I don’t go as much as I used to, they will always retain a big place in my heart.

You can read about more of our staff and volunteers here.