ALABARÉ Honours Founders With New Charity Role

Salisbury-based homelessness charity, ALABARÉ, marks its 35th anniversary in 2026, and it’s paying tribute to the contribution of the organisation’s founders.

Reverend John Proctor and his wife, Alicia, befriended a homeless man in Salisbury named Bob, taking him into their family home and supporting him on his journey to recover from addiction, rebuild his confidence, and regain his independence.

After noticing an increase in the number of homeless people needing help across South Wiltshire, the Proctors set up ALABARÉ in 1991, with the support of the city’s Christian community.

Since then, the charity has expanded from offering bed spaces in Salisbury to operations across the South West of England and into North and South Wales.

ALABARÉ now supports more than 3,200 people every year who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness by providing homes, restoring hearts, and empowering minds.

Reverend John and Alicia Proctor have remained an integral part of the charity’s story throughout the organisation’s growth.

John served as ALABARÉ’s chairman on the Board of Trustees until 2019, and was then appointed Honorary President.

He was awarded an OBE in 2016 for services to the homeless, receiving his recognition from the Prince of Wales, then the Duke of Cambridge, at Buckingham Palace.

Alicia served on the charity’s Board of Trustees on three occasions – from 1992 to 1997, 2002 to 2010 and from 2016 until July 2025.

Now the couple are being officially recognised for their profound contribution to the charity, with them being formally announced as Founders.

John and Alicia will continue to support ALABARÉ as advisors and ambassadors, promoting the charity’s mission to break the cycle of homelessness and fostering awareness and fundraising.

John and Alicia hold no governance within ALABARÉ, as strategic direction and legal responsibility are led by the Board of Trustees.

Sir Andrew Gregory, ALABARÉ’s Chair of Trustees, said, “We’re delighted to be honouring the incredible contribution of John and Alicia Proctor in ALABARÉ’s founding story and are pleased to have their ongoing support as we continue our efforts to help people at risk of and who face homelessness.

“The enduring commitment of the Proctors over more than three decades inspires our work and the communities we serve, and as we mark the 35th year of ALABARÉ, it seems right and proper to officially recognise their legacy in creating the bespoke, person-centred and trauma-informed support our colleagues deliver day in, day out.”

Alicia Proctor said: “John and I are very proud of the journey that ALABARÉ has been on over the last 35 years, and we feel privileged to have been a part of it from the very beginning. We’re grateful to the current Board of Trustees for announcing the Founders title, and we’ll continue to support the charity in any way we can.”