For sixty years the village of Otterbourne has had in its midst a community known as Elderfield and today, Saturday 1st September 2018, it marked the milestone with a special party in the garden.
Elderfield is run by the Langley House Trust which helps ex-offenders, prisoners, and those at risk of offending to live crime-free.
The Trust was formed in 1958 by a group of Christians spurred by passion, commitment and a desire to see the lives of offenders changed for the better.
Today, they are an innovative Christian charity that provides specialist housing, programmes and support services in the community, and targeted advice in prisons, for people seeking to live crime-free. Part of the Langley House Trust group, Kainos Community transforms lives through Challenge to Change and it is this which is based at Elderfield.
Steve Brine MP, and his family, dropped into mark the occasion and were joined by local city and county councillor, Jan Warwick, for tea and cake in the garden. They spent time chatting with residents, volunteers and staff while the Chandler's Ford Brass Band provided the perfect Summer soundtrack.
Steve says; "Elderfield has had its ups and downs in the village but I think we should be proud that our community plays its part in a compassionate, community rehabilitation programme, which helps people turn their lives around. The residents have all made mistakes and no doubt bad decisions but, often for reasons well beyond their control, they have led to a downward spiral. No-one is beyond hope or help in my view and with one of the lowest reconviction rates in the country – under 3% whilst people are in Langley housing – facilities such as Elderfield are making communities safer across the country."
Pictured; Steve Brine and Cllr Warwick with the Elderfield team and guests at the garden party.
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