It takes more than a home to break the cycle of homelessness. Helping vulnerable people to learn new skills, get back into work and build confidence means they have the very best chance of leaving homelessness behind for good.

Which is why, in celebration of 40 years of preventing homelessness in Reading, we are expanding our services and opening the town's first work and life skills centre so our clients can rebuild their lives. But we need your vital help to open its doors.

We've acquired a unit just ten minutes walk from Launchpads town centre offices, and its going to cost £80,000 to completely refurbish before we welcome clients in Spring/Summer 2020. We plan to provide those in need with bespoke facilities such as:

- a training kitchen for cooking and barista courses

- a DIY workshop and laundry area to learn how to maintain a home and practice self- care

- an IT suite for job searching and online learning

- a counselling service for talking therapies

- a space for creative writing, art, photography and wellbeing activities such as yoga and meditation.

With no government funding to help renovate and open the work and life skills centre, we are relying on the incredible support and generosity of Reading to help raise £80,000 so we can refurbish the centre and get this crucial service off the ground. Whatever you are able to give will be gratefully received - we couldn't do what we do for Readings homeless without the support of our local community.

As well as making a donation, you can also hold your own fundraising event or challenge. Our free pack provides everything you need to make your fundraising a great success - including posters, a collection box and 40 weird and wonderful ideas to get you started. We would love you to join us on our mission to open Readings first work and life skills centre.