Salisbury’s Mayor goes Behind the Scenes with Alabaré

Councillor Wells joined us for an eye-opening and emotional tour that highlighted both the vital support we offer, and the immense challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Alabaré Place – “Somewhere Safe to Go”

Our visit began at Alabaré Place, home to our homeless service in Salisbury. Here, we met some of the individuals who rely on our Somewhere Safe to Go project – a daily lifeline for rough sleepers needing a meal, a shower, or simply a place to breathe.

Among them was Ellen, who shared with us her struggle since coming out of rehab, at first sleeping in her van before her money ran out and then sleeping rough. Despite being homeless for over a year, she fails to meet the “local connection” criteria used by local authorities and now has two days to gather her things again unless we can seek an exemption. She said:

“I’m in a pretty messed up place at the moment, that’s the truth. I have my camouflage now so hopefully people won’t be finding me. This afternoon I am going to go out and search some hiding spaces, but it’s okay. I must praise the staff though they are amazing, but they are underfunded but they show compassion.”

Matthew, who is also staying temporarily in our emergency accommodation, told us about his hopes for rebuilding his life after a relationship breakdown. He’s dreaming of returning to warehousing work, and, in an act of kindness, gave Ellen his camouflage gear to help her stay safe.

Charlotte, our Alabaré Place Manager, discussed the complexity of assessments and the constraints of housing contracts. She explained how many people, even with local connections, are forced out of Salisbury due to affordability. Losing your van spot can mean losing your local eligibility status. She highlighted how common stories of “just one pay cheque away” are becoming a daily reality for many of those now seeking help.

Veteran wellbeing at its core

We then visited our veterans’ service, where Steve and Sue shared their experiences. Mike Bedford, Wiltshire Veterans Service Manger spoke about the transformational Boots on the Ground project, the housing policy challenges, as well as our self-build initiative at Drummond Park, Ludgershall.

Steve reflected on his time at Badgers Camp at Old Sarum Garden Centre:

“It’s a lovely space and you learn new stuff and make new friends.”

“I came out of the army in the early 80s. The Falklands conflict made people recognise the issues around PTSD after the survivors of the Sir Galahad and Simon Weston spoke up for us all and since the help has come. Finding people, you can talk to help and trust, trust is a big thing.”

Sue had just returned from our Malta project, still buzzing Sue said, “I’m still on a high and it’s been fantastic.”

ALABARÉ is able to deliver services for veterans with the support of organisations including the Veterans’ Foundation.

Building bright futures with the Young People Service

The day ended at a new supported home for young people, where we joined residents, staff and trustees for a house blessing with our Senior Chaplain Gill. There, Cassie shared her aspirations of becoming cabin crew. After sofa surfing due to family issues, she is now pursuing further studies with the support of her keyworker, Joe.

Cllr John Wells said:

“It’s been a real eye opener in terms of the range of services that are provided and the tremendous amount of goodwill and hard work that goes into the organisation as well as the impact that it’s having on people immediately having on people’s lives and it is such profile in our community as I feel more people should be aware of it, and while in some part that will depend on volunteers I would say the more volunteers that could be engaged would be a real benefit to the organisation, there’s plenty to do in a year that’s for sure.”

“When somebody asked me which charity I should support as the Mayor’s Charity of the Year I thought what’s the area I know very little about… now I know there are rough sleepers in Salisbury, but I have no ideas about their issues and how they get help and that sort of thing… What’s needed most is empathy, and an understanding of the people we are living alongside.”