Press Release

22nd July 2010

Looking forward to the future at Alabaré

A year of success and achievements – that’s how Alabaré’s Chief Executive described the last 12 months at the charity’s AGM (held on Wed 21st July).

Almost 100 people, including Alabaré staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters, attended the event at the City hall to hear about the charity’s achievements over the last year.

The meeting opened with a speech from Alabaré’s Chairman John Proctor, who thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication to the charity.  He also paid special tribute to Drop In Centre Team Leader Doreen Knight, who was awarded Carer of the Year after being nominated by her clients.    

Chief Executive Andrew Lord then shared some of Alabaré’s significant successes:  A record number of 2345 people were supported last year, 89% of people moved on in a planned way, and 869 people benefited from floating support services, which provides housing-related support to people in their own homes.  He also mentioned the slow and steady growth of our services for people with learning disabilities – there are now 29 people living in seven houses across the Salisbury area - congratulating staff on their hard work and commitment. 

He finished by looking forward to the exciting future ahead.  The launch of Alabaré Include, the new mental health day services for the whole of Wiltshire and the replacement of Damascus House in Salisbury with a brand new state of the art hostel.

The second half of the meeting was dedicated to hearing from some of Alabaré’s clients.  Two young mums brought their babies along and spoke of the support they received as they embarked on motherhood.  One man spoke openly about how staff at Ruth House in Devizes helped him to rebuild his life and one lady very movingly shared her story of recovery.  And two residents from our young people projects recited two poems and a song they had penned themselves.    

Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet prepared by Café Alabaré and also had the chance to buy some of the wonderful handmade crafts from the Barford Countryside Unit.

All who attended spoke highly of the evening, saying it had been both informative and enjoyable.