MORE PEOPLE IN THE UK ARE FACING THE PROSPECT OF BEING HOMELESS

When Terrance walked through the doors of our service, he had already weathered more upheaval than many face in a lifetime. Fresh out of prison and trying to rebuild his life, he found himself moving from one temporary place to another – an Approved Premises in Bristol, community accommodation in Radstock, a dry house in Salisbury, and finally Trowbridge, where old environments made recovery almost impossible. When that placement broke down, he ended up living in a tent just as the first winter frost settled in.

Terrance speaks with warmth and humour about the community he’s found since arriving at ALABARÉ. He describes how staff “really try hard to get involved and be a part of your life,” and how the relationship with his key worker has been transformative.

Elouise is 19 years old, and she came to our Young People Service following instability at home, where relationships had become increasingly volatile, and conflict had led to her eviction. She entered our accommodation with a clear need for structure, safety, and guidance as she transitioned into independent living.

Many young people come to our service from chaotic environments where conflict, instability, and exposure to substance misuse have shaped their formative years. Elouise’s experience reflects that the volatility at home, combined with her own coping behaviours, created a crisis cycle she struggled to break.

Her journey illustrates how ALABARÉ’s approach can provide emotional safety, stable accommodation, and consistent guidance to counter the impact of early instability.

Olly first arrived at ALABARÉ in December 2024, seeking stability after a difficult period in another dry house. “I’m in drug and alcohol recovery,” he explains. “In my early 20s, I started to go through some mental health issues and started to rely heavily on cocaine to be able to basically get through the day.”

Living with ADHD made things even more complex, and for a while cocaine gave him what felt like balance. But by his late 20s, that balance had collapsed.

Olly’s journey shows how ALABARÉ empowers minds by helping individuals rebuild confidence, focus, and belief in their future. Through structured support and space to grow, he was able to rediscover ambition, re-engage in education, and pursue long-term goals that once felt out of reach.

When Gareth first accessed our mental health service, he was facing some of the most difficult challenges of his life.

Struggling with alcohol addiction and episodes of psychosis, he found himself trapped in a cycle that was affecting every aspect of his wellbeing, which left him feeling isolated and uncertain about what recovery could look like.

In the following video, Gareth reflects on the role our mental health service played in supporting his recovery.

Andrew’s story shows how the right support and environment can enable meaningful independence. Now 27, Andrew moved into ALABARÉ’s supported accommodation just over four years ago and has since built strong daily routines, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Strong relationships are central to Andrew’s progress, with trusted staff and friendships bringing stability and connection. This video shares Andrew’s journey of growth, highlighting how consistent, person-centred support can build independence and confidence.

Robert joined the Army at 16, serving with the 1st Battalion Queen’s Regiment from 1975 to 1986. He looks back on those early
years with pride, remembering the camaraderie and shared purpose that shaped him during his time in Northern Ireland, where he earned a General Service Medal. Leaving when his contract ended, he began building a civilian life defined by hard work and independence.

“There is nothing bad I can say about ALABARÉ, they have helped me greatly. I feel ALABARÉ guides people in the right direction.”