Press Release

30th July 2010

Alabaré to deliver mental health day-services to the whole of Wiltshire

Alabaré is delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver mental health day-services across Wiltshire.

The charity will be launching Alabaré Include on 1st August 2010.  Alabaré Include will provide a comprehensive programme of daytime activities and support to people with mental health conditions across the county.

Those accessing the service will develop their own individual recovery plan and will be encouraged to progress from one-to-one support on to group activities, with an end goal of no longer needing support.

A variety of leisure activities and support groups will be on offer, such as rambling groups, jewellery making workshops and social groups that meet for coffee and chat.

A wide range of courses will be available, including Alabaré’s Home and Money Programme, which is a series of financial and housing related workshops. There is also the opportunity to get involved at Café Alabaré, a training café in the heart of Salisbury.

In addition to this Alabaré Include will have its own stylish and informative website, which will provide e-support to those who need it.  Carers, family and friends will be able to get information quickly and interactively in a supportive environment.  There will also be articles and links to other useful sites.

People with mental health conditions in Wiltshire are able to apply to the service directly themselves.  Alternatively referrals can be made by other professional bodies such as GPs or Social Services.

Sue Redmond, Corporate Director of Community Services at Wiltshire Council said:

“I am delighted that we are moving to a new model of service that we hope will make real improvements for the people of Wiltshire. This is an exciting new way of working with people who have mental health issues and Wiltshire Council will be working closely with Alabare to ensure its success.”

The day services will be delivered from three hubs - in the south, north-west and north-east of the county.  Each hub will have its own set of staff, volunteers, mentors and befrienders.

Alabaré is in talks with Community First on the development of a ‘Wheels to Recovery’ scheme, which would allow clients to rent scooters at a reduced rate, enabling those living in more rural parts of the county overcome access and transport issues, reducing isolation.

Alabaré’s Senior Operational Manager Janet Herring said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded this contract it is a wonderful opportunity to support people in recovery.  We have built in it lots of exciting elements such as social enterprise and are looking forward to delivering the service and working with our new staff team.”

Alabaré has also been awarded the contract to raise awareness across the county about the many issues surrounding mental health.  This will come in the form of displays at local events, presentations and talks within the community, networking events and strong partnerships with local agencies.

Mental health day services were previously delivered by three organisations - Alabaré’s Outreach One2one team, MIND and Elizabeth House.  These contracts with Wiltshire Council will come to an end on 31st July, when Alabaré will launch its brand new day service.

Alabaré Include will build on the good work already carried out by all three organisations.