Salisbury Mayor visits Alabaré, the Mayoral Chosen Charity of the Year

The Mayor of Salisbury has visited local charity Alabaré to meet residents supported through its homelessness, veterans, and young people’s services.

Cllr John Wells toured several of the charity’s Salisbury sites last week after selecting Alabaré as the Mayor’s Charity of the Year.

His visit began at Alabaré Place in Barnard Street, where he met rough sleepers and staff at the Somewhere Safe to Go drop-in service. The centre provides food, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a safe place for people without a home.

Among the stories shared with the mayor were the challenges people face in accessing housing due to "local connection" rules, even after sleeping rough in the area for months or years. Staff also highlighted the impact of rising living costs and unaffordable rents, which are pushing more people into temporary or emergency accommodation.

At Alabaré Place, Ellen, a service user facing imminent street homelessness, shared her story, "I'm in a pretty messed up place at the moment, that’s the truth... I must praise the staff, though they are amazing, they are underfunded, but they all show such compassion.”

Charlotte, who manages the service, said, “We try our best to assess each case individually, but sometimes we’re having to fight hard just to avoid breaching contracts. People are being priced out of their own community.”

Outside in a garden transformed by residents using recycled materials, the mayor met Amber and Andrew, who have lived at the service for two years with their two dogs. They spoke of the emotional toll of weekly housing bids and the difficulty of securing a landlord willing to accept housing benefits or pets. “It’s a roller coaster of emotions,” said Amber.

Cllr Wells then travelled to one of Alabaré’s homes for Armed Forces veterans, where he met residents Steve and Sue. They spoke about the importance of nature-based projects like Badgers Camp and recent trips organised by the Alabaré Boots on the Ground initiative, which offers therapeutic outdoor activities and peer support for veterans and vulnerable young people.

Sue, who recently returned from a visit to Malta with the group, said, “I’m still on a high and it’s been fantastic.”

The mayor concluded his visit at a new supported house for young people, where he met residents and staff and heard about the charity’s work helping teenagers and care leavers build their futures. One young woman, Cassie, shared her hopes of working in cabin crew and how her keyworker is supporting her to gain qualifications in travel and tourism.

Speaking after the visit, Cllr Wells said, “It’s been a real eye-opener. I feel more people should be aware of the work Alabaré does and the support people need. Homelessness shouldn’t be the norm — and what’s needed most is empathy and an understanding of the people we are living alongside.”

Alabaré CEO Andrew Lord said, “We are incredibly grateful to have the mayor’s support. His visit brings visibility to those we serve and the critical need for community awareness, housing reform, and volunteer support. Together, we can ensure no one in Wiltshire is left without a place to call home.”

Alabaré supports vulnerable and homeless people across the South West and Wales. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.alabare.co.uk.