Elderfield, a local project supporting ex-offenders, was delighted to host an impromptu visit from Steve Brine MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford and Cllr Jan Warwick on 1st September 2018.

Elderfield was holding a special open day to celebrate 60 years of Langley House Trust, a national offender rehabilitation charity. Elderfield was Langley’s first project after the charity was registered on 1st September 1958.

Since then, Elderfield has worked with hundreds of men coming from prison helping them to turn their lives around and live crime-free. It runs a rehabilitative community programme called ‘Pathways to Change’ which helps men to challenge patterns of thinking and behaviour that previously led to criminal lifestyles. It also develops people’s skills to live independently and access employment.

Nationally, Langley has worked with over 10,000 men and women over the last 60 years. The charity has one of the lowest reconviction rates for those in their housing – under 3%.

Mr Brine MP and Cllr Warwick were treated to warm Elderfield hospitality on a gloriously sunny afternoon. Mr Brine MP described the afternoon as “lovely” and had the opportunity to meet with clients, staff and volunteers.

As Langley’s first project, Elderfield’s history is inextricably linked with Langley’s first General Secretary, John Dodd. A former prisoner of war, John Dodd’s experience of being held captive in Singapore during World War Two gave him a deep empathy and passion for restoring the lives of prisoners and ex-offenders.Langley as a whole provides housing, support, care and advice to people who have been in prison or homeless. Langley is a Christian charity, working with people of all faiths and none.

The charity will be celebrating 60 years with a special thanksgiving event in London in September which will draw together supporters, staff, volunteers and clients to celebrate the last 60 years.