Hostel hosts celebratory silver service

A SERVICE of thanksgiving is to be held to mark the 25th anniversary of Lawrence House in Hinckley.

The town centre hostel offers supported accommodation for up to a dozen 16 to 25-year-olds who would otherwise be homeless, giving them the help they need to move on to independent living or to return home to their families.

A service marking its quarter-century of service is to be held at St Mary’s Church in the town on Monday December 11 at 7pm, led by the Rev John Whittaker.

Organisers from Hinckley Homeless Group (HHG) which runs Law- rence House are inviting anyone who has been involved with its work over the past two and a half decades to go along and stay afterwards to share birthday cake and drinks.

HHG chairman Diana Morgan said: “We really want local people to be aware of it, as we hope all our supporters and anyone who has been involved with Lawrence House over the last 25 years will come.

“We are hoping that, during the service, some ex-residents will tell us how their lives have developed since their Lawrence House days.

“And we will be giving special candles to all the churches who have supported us.”

The informal service will be attended by the mayor and mayoress of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Ozzy O’Shea and his wife Jenny.

It will include a presentation by Tim Render, a founder member and former chairman of HHG, who will explain how Lawrence House came into being.

Mrs Morgan said: “For 25 years, Lawrence House has been a light in the darkness of youth homelessness, bringing hope, safety, warmth, understanding, friendship, guidance, encouragement and a future for young people.

“Please join us as we celebrate the successes of our residents, remember the dedication and hard work of staff and trustees over the years, and give thanks to our wonderful supporters who have enabled this.”