Press Release

1st March 2010

Sleepers turn out to support Alabaré

More than 100 people across the region have given up their beds for the night in support for Alabaré.

On Friday (26th Feb) brave volunteers dug out their sleeping bags and spent the night on the cold hard floor of a number of venues, some indoors some outdoors, for the annual Alabaré sponsored sleep out. 

The sleep out events were a chance to encourage people to reflect on some of the challenges faced by rough sleepers at the same time as raising awareness about the work that Alabaré does and raising funds for local projects. 

The largest event that was held was at Salisbury Cathedral, which saw some 80 people take to the floor of the cloisters.  Amongst those who took part was the Rt. Rev Stephen Conway the Bishop of Ramsbury and the Archdeacons of Wilts and Sarum.  There was also a lot of support from the younger generation, with a number of representatives from local schools and community groups taking part, including St Edmunds, South Wilts, Wiltshire Army Cadets and the St Paul’s Youth Group.

Settling down for the night (L to R) Revd Ed Probert Canon Chancellor at Salisbury Cathedral, Archdeacon of Wilts John Wraw, Rt Revd Stephen Conway Bishop of Ramsbury and Archdeacon of Sarum Alan Jeans

A number of other events were held elsewhere in Wiltshire....

St Thomas Church (Salisbury, Wiltshire) - This was a smaller scale event which saw a dedicated few curl up in the porch for the night.  

Porton Church – Porton, Wiltshire.  This event was organised by young people from the Bourne Valley Churches and was hailed a huge success by all.

All Saints Church – Westbury, Wiltshire.  A group of supervised young people camped out in the porch.

Edington Priory Church – Wiltshire.  This was the second time the church held a sleep in, but this year it was organised by the young people from the church who did a wonderful job.

St Mary’s Church - Devizes, Wiltshire.  This event was held in conjunction with Devizes Opendoor, a group that now runs the Drop In Centre in Devizes.

And beyond Wiltshire....

King Arthur’s Hall – Andover, Hampshire.  The second sleep out to be held here.

St Adhelm’s Church – Weymouth, Dorset.  Our first event in Dorset

Pip n Jay’s Church – Bristol.  In association with BCAN Homelessness Forum.

Where the money is going

The money raised at the Salisbury Cathedral sleep out and the other events across Wiltshire (unless otherwise requested) will go towards Alabaré’s Wiltshire Drop In Centres in Salisbury and Trowbridge.  A proportion will also go to Devizes Opendoor, the group that now runs the Drop In Centre in Devizes 

The Drop in centres in Salisbury and Trowbridge offer a warm and welcoming safe daytime shelter for vulnerable adults who are homeless, facing homelessness or living in unsuitable accommodation. They provide hot meals and drinks, showers, laundry facilities and a clothing exchange service. They also offer support and advice on housing and employment.

The money raised uotside of Wiltshire will go towards the projects local to them.

Heather Hitchins from Alabaré’s fundraising team slept out for the first time.  She had this to say on her experience:

“I am so glad I took part in the sleep out, it was a really worthwhile experience.  Despite the cold weather outside there was a really warm atmosphere inside the Cathedral and a real buzz in the air.  It was great to see so many young people involved too.  Fortunately I managed to stay quite warm in my two sleeping bags, which really made me think about the many homeless people who have to sleep outside on a regular basis, often without the luxury of a sleeping bag.  I was also struck by how lonely it must be; we were fortunate enough to be in a big group and to have families and warm homes to go to afterwards, but to wake up every morning with nobody to talk to and nowhere to go must be tough.  It was great to be part of an event that was helping raise awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness as well as raising vital funds for the work of the Wiltshire Drop In Centres.”

-Ends-

For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344488

Alabaré Christian Care and Support is a charity that works with homeless and vulnerable people.  We have more than 40 projects across Wiltshire, Hampshire, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Devon, Dorset, Bristol and North Somerset providing a range of services including drop-in centres, supported accommodation and advice and training.  We work with the homeless, those at risk of becoming homeless, ex-offenders, ex-Service personnel, people with drug and alcohol issues, young people, vulnerable women, individuals with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems.  Our vision is a society where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling life.

www.alabare.co.uk

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is now operating under the new trading name of Alabaré Christian Care & Support.  This new name has been chosen by our board of Trustees to better reflect the work that we do in our projects and the services that we offer.  A new logo has also been created to incorporate our new name.

Our legal and Registered Charity name remains Alabaré Christian Care Centres (Registered Charity No 1006504).