Future looks bright for Lawrence House

HINCKLEY’S only accommodation for homeless young people has recorded its first full year of operation without county council funding.

Lawrence House, run by Hinckley Homeless Group (HHG), provides a home and support for up to a dozen 16 to 25 year olds from across Hinckley and Bosworth for up to one year each.

In 2015 Leicestershire County Council withdrew its funding for the project, now in its 25th year, leaving the charity reliant on donations and grants to survive.

A public appeal carried it through its most critical period and now, thanks to ongoing donations, regular giving and formal grants, trustees are confident that it will continue to be financially viable for at least the next three years.

Dave Steer, who gave a report as HHG chairman at its recent annual general meeting, said: “We are very fortunate that we have the support of many individuals and organisations.

“This support has surpassed our expectations and absolutely ensured we have been able to keep the doors open.”

During the 12 months to the end of March this year, HHG received more than £11,000 in donations from borough churches and more than £13,000 from borough businesses.

Hinckley’s AlterNativity raised £1,249 and a fundraising sleep out generated £4,602.

A new Friends of Lawrence House scheme provides regular income with supporters committing to donating at least £10 per month by standing order.

The Henry Smith Charity, which supports causes addressing social inequality and economic disadvantage, has offered funding for a project worker for three years and county council grants have been given towards weekly budget cooking sessions for residents and support in helping them find meaningful occupation.

Hinckley-based charity Emmaus Leicestershire and Rutland, which supports homeless adults, regularly donates food as do some town centre businesses.

Mr Steer, now HHG vice chairman, said: “We have learned that we can operate outside of a single funding stream and have been freed from the constraints this can impose.

“Our confidence has grown and we have moved from ensuring the survival of a vital service to being able to plan and strategise for the future.

“I still firmly believe that there continues to be a homelessness issue amongst young people in our community.

“Lawrence House is absolutely a project worth continuing.”

During the past year, 30 young people - 16 male and 14 female - made use of the service, staying on average 217 days each.

More than 90 per cent of them moved on in a planned way with around 20 per cent of them returning to their families.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a trustee of Hinckley Homeless Group or becoming a Friend of Lawrence House is asked to contact the Wood Street office on Hinckley 890688.