St Cuthbert’s Hospice provides free care to those with advanced illnesses, people approaching the end of their lives and those who are bereaved.In 2026, Launchpad made an unrestricted donation of £2,500 to St Cuthbert’s Hospice to support creative and holistic activities at its Living Well Centre, including crafts and gardening.

RT Projects supports individuals struggling with mental health live fulfilling lives. This year, Launchpad actively supported the local mental health charity through group art therapy sessions and one-on-one support at our “Open Art Surgery” in Gilesgate, Durham. Launchpad student ambassadors took part in weekly drop-in sessions and collaborated on RTProject’s ‘Never Give Up’ suicide prevention initiative.

Durham for Refugees is a Durham University Project partnered with Durham City of Sanctuary which provides support for refugees and asylum seekers in County Durham. Launchpad gives funding and ambassador volunteer support for drop-ins. These drop-ins include English conversation classes, GCSE and A-Level tutoring, a kid’s club and a space to foster community. 

DJ School is a DUCFS x DJ Society initiative dedicated to providing young people from deprived communities access to the creative arts. Running across the Michaelmas and Epiphany terms, the project works with around 25 young people from Brandon and Durham City Youth. Alongside music production and DJing, Launchpad ambassadors and volunteers run games and develop relationships with the young people. Because high start-up costs often make DJing inaccessible to those from low-income backgrounds, this initiative offers student DJs a powerful way to use their skills for good and give back.

CATSSoffers respite for local children from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds, aged 7-13. This project provides day trips to children throughout the year, organised and led by students under the supervision of the volunteering team. It is Durham University’s oldest project at 30 years old and when they lost their main funding last year, Launchpad stepped in so they can continue their good work. 

The HMP Low Newton Project is an innovative rehabilitation initiative developed by national charity Changing Lives and supported by Launchpad. Based at HMP Low Newton, a women’s prison in Durham, the project engages women both in custody and in community support programmes. It offers original playwriting, creative expression, and theatrical production sessions to encourage creativity and rehabilitation in a safe, trauma-informed space . The programme began in the community this August.

Each year Launchpad expands around 1% of the total amount raised the year previously and chooses a new project to support and expand our local reach.

Durham City of Sanctuary Homework club provides educational support to refugees and asylum seekers at secondary school age. They operate in Durham City and is a friendly society which has tutor socials and events which bring volunteers together.