Chosen charity visit an "eye-opener" for Salisbury Mayor
Homelessness charity Alabaré is Mayor Wells' chosen charity for his year in the role
The Mayor of Salisbury has visited a charity to meet people supported through its services.
Homelessness charity Alabaré is Mayor John Wells' chosen charity for his year in the position.
He first met rough sleepers and staff at the Somewhere Safe to Go drop-in service on Barnard Street, where users can access hot meals, showers, laundry facilities and a place of safety for people living on the streets.
The mayor heard stories of the challenges people face in accessible housing due to "local connection" rules, despite months or years of sleeping rough in the Salisbury area.
Ellen, a service user facing imminent street homelessness, said the centre is a vital lifeline: "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.”
Service manager, Charlotte 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.”
Next, Mayor Wells met Amber and Andrew in the garden space that has been transformed by people using the service.
Amber and Andrew have been living at the service for two years with their two dogs and said the weekly bid for housing and difficulty in finding a landlord willing to accept housing benefits or pets as "a roller coast of emotions".
The Mayor also visited one of the charity's homes for Armed Forces veterans, meeting Steve and Sue, whole told him of the importance of nature-based schemes such as 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.
Mayor Wells completed his visit at a new supported home for young people, aiming to help teenagers and care leaves build a platform for their futures.
The mayor heard from Cassie, who told him of her hopes of working in cabin crew and the work her keyworker is putting in to help her gain qualifications in travel and tourism.
Cllr Wells said the visit had 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.”