New campaign highlights links between mental health and homelessness
Alabaré launches "Now You Hear Me" campaign to raise awareness and tackle stigma
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
A Wiltshire charity is opening up the conversation about the connection between mental health and rough sleeping, in a bid to remove some of the stigma surrounding the issue.
Homelessness charity Alabaré has launched its "Now You Hear Me", saying 1 in 2 of the people it supports is affected by a mental health concern, while across the nation, 82% of rough sleepers have a mental health diagnosis.
Helen Brian, Head of Service for Mental Health at Alabaré, describes how issues like undiagnosed mental health conditions and addiction are closely tied to housing instability.
"When you're working in homelessness, you often meet people who are rough sleeping or sofa surfing because their lives have become chaotic due to undiagnosed mental health problems," she said.
Helen also highlighted the importance of providing tailored support alongside housing solutions, explaining that a house alone can’t solve deeper-rooted mental health struggles if people don’t receive the right help.
Celebrating Alabaré’s work
The campaign aims to raise awareness while celebrating the charity’s approach of truly "hearing" and connecting with individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health issues.
Helen said, "There’s a big difference between listening to someone and actually hearing what they’re saying. At Alabaré, we pride ourselves on ensuring that for the first time, people feel really heard.
She told us the campaign is about "breaking down barriers" and "removing the stigma" attached to mental health and wellbeing.
A book store like no other
As part of the campaign, Alabaré is hosting an event in Salisbury on Monday 19th January, where people will be encouraged to 'borrow a voice, rather than a book'.
Each book will tell a real-life story offering a chance for people to break down myths and stigma surrounding mental health through conversations with people who have lived experience.
Bookshelves at the event will feature titles that represent personal stories.
Attendees can choose a 'book' and speak to an individual about their experiences, fostering understanding and empathy.
On her involvement, Brian said, "One of my titles for the day will be about my own experience around anxiety. I want to help create a space where attendees feel comfortable talking openly and learning from people who have experienced mental health challenges."
For more information on Alabaré’s campaign and to find their support, we can visit their website.