Langley House Trust is a charity specialising in providing residential resettlement services for the marginalised and disadvantaged, including ex-offenders and those at risk of offending. The Knole is Langley House Trust’s project in Cheltenham, which provides accommodation together with support and care for 14 men who would otherwise be homeless. They have sent us this update of their work.
“Over the past year we have had several residents successfully move-on to independent living provided by local housing providers in Tewkesbury and the Cotswold area. One resident stating that he knew he would have got into trouble if it had not been for the support he received from his key worker and staff at the Knole.
Other residents stay at the Knole for longer periods due to their care needs or support to deal with the issues which led to their previous offending behaviour. They are involved in a programme of activities aimed at developing life skills to deal with independent living.
We have had great success in finding opportunities for resident’s to engage in volunteering, two at a charity shop, one in the kitchen of a local care home and another engaging in group garden work. This brings new skills and social interaction for the residents and helps them gain self worth; it also gives them an external interest and contributes towards the community.
Residents have monthly trips which have included a steam train ride, a visit to the Black County Museum, Lydney Docks and Taurus Crafts. Other activities have included art session every Thursday; this has enabled four residents to be part of the Cheltenham Arts Festival, Open Studios, exhibiting their work across the road in St Mark’s Church. All four residents have sold a piece of art work. Not only have Art sessions been offered but also Craft activities, which have proved equally popular and have included, tie dying, transfer printing, mosaic tile mirror frames and mug painting.
Another activity to engage the residents and boost their self esteem is a drama group. They have performed a few short simple sketches including ‘Hello’, ‘Have you seen him?’ and ‘Pass it on’ – the Trust were so impressed with the powerful impact of the play they were asked to perform in front of Princess Ann at the launch of the Trust’s Annual review which was a fantastic once in a lifetime experience.
The Knole residents and staff are very grateful for the prayer support and gifts that the local churches give every year to our cause.”
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