Following the COVID-19 outbreak, we are aware that many members of our local community are in self-isolation and feeling lonely, need support with practical issues, and feel concerned about the future and loved ones. In response, we are launching a telephone service for anyone in need, whether they have housing or homelessness issues or […]
An inspirational service to celebrate International Women’s Day and 10 years of Alana House women’s community project was held in Reading on Sunday 8th March. The unique service at Reading Minster saw performances by Reading Community Gospel Choir and soloist Nichole Grace and readings and prayers from some of the charity’s supporters and women supported […]
What We Do We are a charity providing information, advice and support to anyone in need. We aim to support people in understanding and navigating everyday services that they need to access to enable them to live better lives. We deal with a huge range of issues including helping with benefits checking, welfare rights, form […]
Please see below for details regarding contacting the Council when someone is homeless/rough sleeping in Reading throughout the Christmas and New Year period, where the Council offices are closed throughout. (Scroll down for a timetable of additional services over Christmas and New Year very kindly produced by Launchpad) Council Offices are closed from 5pm on […]
As we head towards the winter months, councils across the country are getting ready for any severe weather spells. Housing and homelessness departments have been busy revising their arrangements for Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, known for short as SWEP, to ensure their readiness for the colder months. Under this humanitarian response, when temperatures of 0°or […]
Since October 2017, the Museum of Homelessness and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism have recorded the deaths of almost 1000 homeless people. From January – June 2019, at least 235 people affected by homelessness have died – an average of one person every 19 hours. When someone is homeless, they are often living chaotic lives. […]
Compulsive hoarding is a recognised mental health disorder and is marked by an obsessive need to acquire and keep things, even if the items are worthless, hazardous or unsanitary. There can be many triggers for why someone starts hoarding, including living in poverty for a period of time, grief, loss of a partner or breakdown of […]
There’s a great new map that’s available for FREE that maps emergency support services for those sleeping rough in Reading. Yes, you can find all services on Street Support Reading but not everyone likes or has access to digital, so a printed map is an essential partner to Street Support Reading. For your free copies, […]
Reading YMCA provides 40 units of supported housing for 16 to 24 year olds referred by Reading Borough Council. The bedsits are modern and all are ensuite, 28 with kitchenettes and 12 with shared kitchens. Four of the units are reserved for young mother’s with babies. Guest blog by Arlene Kersley, YMCA Reading Chief Executive […]
At the Reading Homelessness Partnership meeting on September 4th, four new Action Groups were formed to tackle key issues in our town. Public Engagement and Comms group (including begging and tents): Vee Hutcheson (RBC), Kirsti Wilson (CONNCET Reading), Anthony Brain (RBC), Jon Yates (BCF), Alexa Volker (BID) andRebecca McDonald (BT Police) NRPF People/Migration & homelessness: […]
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