Press Release

9th July 2010

Mon Abri House in Plymouth – Open Day hailed a success!

Mon Abri House in Plymouth has welcomed the Lord Mayor of the city through its doors.

The supported housing project, which caters exclusively for ex-Service men and women, held a special Open Day (Wed 7th July) to celebrate the recent refurbishment work.

As well as showing off the stylishly decorated kitchen and communal living area, it was an opportunity for members of the local community to meet with staff and residents and find out more about the specialist services on offer at Mon Abri.

Around 100 people turned out, amongst them The Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Aspinall, who praised Alabaré for their work in Plymouth.  Other guests included other Plymouth City Councillors, representatives from the Royal British Legion and other local organisations, and former Mon Abri residents.

Guests were treated to a wonderful buffet and a selection of delicious homemade cakes, all of which had been prepared by one of the newer Mon Abri residents, a former Army chef.  He was delighted with how well the food was received and had numerous requests for the recipe for his chocolate cake!

Mon Abri was recently given a complete makeover, thanks to a grant from The Forces Trust of just over £9,000.  Residents can now enjoy a brand new kitchen and refurbished and remodelled ground floor.  A new IT suite is also available for residents.  The new layout and decoration means that residents are enjoying spending more time together in the communal areas of the house.

A number of residents got involved in the painting and cleaning of the ground floor area and helped with work in the front and rear gardens.  These residents were presented with a certificate for their hard work by Alabaré Chief Exective Andrew Lord.  Alabaré’s Accommodation Manager for Plymouth, Sue Greaves, was also presented with flowers and chocolates for her instrumental role in getting the work done.

Alabaré Area Manager for Plymouth Chay Robertson said:

“I am delighted with how well the Mon Abri Open Day; it was a great success all round.  Many new friends were made and hopefully it is the start of many new relationships with other local charities and organisations.”

He added:

“The newly refurbished ground floor looks amazing, a total transformation, and it will make such a difference to the everyday lives of the residents.  It is now a place they want to spend time together.”

Background

Mon Abri (meaning safe haven) was opened by homelessness charity Alabaré in February 2009.  The house provides a safe and supportive environment for up to seven people, enabling them to make life changes and work towards living independently.  Staff offer advice and guidance with education, employment and training and can provide life skills training where necessary.

They can also refer residents to specialist support for issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Alabaré is unique in providing accommodation combined with dedicated support for veterans in the South West.

Alabaré has been supporting ex-Service personnel within its projects for a number of years – through its Drop In Centres in Salisbury and Trowbridge, housing-related support services and other supported accommodation.  Experience has shown that veterans progress better when they are surrounded and supported by people who understand Service life.

Mon Abri House was full within its first week of opening and demand for places remains extremely high.  In its first year of operation, the project supported 20 veterans.