Press releases 2007

Alabaré welcomes a new arrival

11th July 2007

Alabaré Christian Care Centres has welcomed a new arrival – a Mother and Baby Unit on Bemerton Heath.

Alabaré has just taken over the running of the project – management of the property is retained by Salisbury District Council but Alabaré will provide the support using Supporting People funding.  

Sue Gumbleton, who also manages Alabaré’s Barnabas House, has been appointed as the Manager.

The Mother and Baby Unit provides accommodation for six females.  On one level there are three rooms for expectant mums and on another level there are three rooms for those who have just given birth.  The rooms are set on different levels and each level has its own entrance to the house to give them more space, but they all share the same living room, kitchen and garden.

The unit takes on young women who are in need of somewhere to stay whilst they are looking for more permanent housing.  They can stay for a maximum of two years but it is expected that most will stay for six to twelve months.

The women receive regular support from Alabaré staff throughout the week, enabling them to access the full range of ante-natal and post-natal services available to them.  The mums will be encouraged to take part in parenting classes, Alabaré’s tenancy training programme (It’s Your Move) and other educational opportunities.  Partners will be actively encouraged to get involved as well.

New manager Sue Gumbleton with four of her residents.

Sue Gumbleton, Manager of the Unit, said “I am delighted to be managing such an exciting new venture for Alabaré.  Becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding things there is, but it can be really hard work.  Having the right support in place is vital, which is why we are so proud to be running this wonderful project.”

She added, “It’s a really great environment for the young women to be in; they’re all in the same situation and can go through the experience together.”

The Unit has a large enclosed garden that is ideal for the mums and their babies, but at the moment they have nowhere to sit.  They are asking if anyone has any old, but safe, garden furniture that they would like to donate to the house, if so please call Sue Gumbleton on 01722 421941.

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For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.

www.alabare.co.uk

Barnabus House is a supported housing project for vulnerable women.  It provides medium to intensive support for up to nine women who have a variety of complex needs.  It’s a large semi-detached house close to the city centre, which offers a safe and homely environment with 24 hour support.

It’s Your Move is a pre-tenancy training course to prepare service users for the practicalities of living as independently as possible and equip them to obtain or sustain a tenancy.