Call to help homeless across the borough

Lawrence House says the issue affects area

IN THE week in which people across the globe marked World Homeless Day, trustees of a hostel in Hinckley have given a reminder that homelessness is as much an issue in this area as any other.

Members of Hinckley Homeless Group (HHG), which runs Lawrence House supported accommodation for 16 to 25-year-olds, have warned that without proper provision more young people across the borough could find themselves sofa surfing or sleeping on the streets.

The hostel, which has been reliant on public donations since county council funding was pulled last year, offers 12 single rooms for young homeless people who are able to stay for up to a year each while they are given all the support they need to turn their lives around.

Around 30 young peo- ple are helped by the hostel annually and most move on to independent accommodation or return to families, with some going on to further or higher education, with support still on offer where needed.

HHG vice chairman Diana Morgan said: “If the young people were not at Lawrence House they would be sleeping rough, sofa surfing, or living somewhere unsafe or unsuitable.

“There are no statutory hostel places for over 18-year-olds in Hinckley and this is a problem because homelessness is very lonely and having to go to a city a distance away from any family and friends can result in a young person feeling very isolated and vulnerable.

“Lawrence House provides accommodation for homeless young people in Hinckley and gives its young people a unique level of care, support and encouragement enabling them to make a success of their adult lives despite a difficult start.”

Since changing its funding arrangements last year, Leicestershire County Council now provides just a few places in Hinckley for homeless 16 and 17-year-olds and none for homeless people aged over 18.

It has left Lawrence House dependent on grants from charitable trusts and donations to employ skilled project workers who give its young residents the support and training they need to be able to move on.

One resident said: “Lawrence House is a safe place to live and a good place to learn independence.”

Monday’s World Homeless Day aimed to raise awareness of the issue on people’s doorsteps.

According to its website: “The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people’s needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness.”

To find out more about the work of Lawrence House or to give a donation visit www.hinckleyhomeless.com or follow Hinckley Homeless Group on Facebook or call Hinckley 890688.