Press Release

6th Sept 2007

Third time luky for daredevil Pat

Pat Harrison, manager of Alabaré’s Bristol projects, has finally made her charity skydive with The Red Devils.

Pat took to the skies in a tandem jump from 13,000 feet with three Red Devils at South Cerney yesterday (5th September).  She had attempted to jump in July and August, but the disappointing summer weather meant that both times it was postponed.

Pat manages four projects in Bristol – Lazarus, Thomas and Shalom Houses and The Well.  She managed to raise more than £1000 with her jump which will be divided between her projects.  Also benefiting from Pat’s jump will be another Alabaré project called Andrew House, which is based in Clevedon, North Somerset.

Pat said “It was amazing up there; I really loved every minute of it!  I did a skydive for Alabaré back in 2005 so I knew what to expect and wasn’t too nervous. 

She said “Some of the service users from my projects came along to watch me jump, which made it all the more special because I was doing it for them.”

She added “It was so frustrating having it postponed because of the bad weather, but it was well worth the wait!” 

After her jump Pat was presented with a special bottle of bubbly by the Red Devils, which she has donated to be auctioned or raffled off at the Alabaré AGM next week -   and with such a special bottle of Red Devils bubbly on offer, surely sky’s the limit!

Lazarus, Thomas and Shalom Houses are Supported Housing projects for ex-offenders making the transition from life in prison to life within the community.  Each house offers different levels of support but all provide a safe and secure home and offers a planned programme of support and practical assistance tailored to the needs of each resident.  Support plans can include life skills, relapse prevention, and education and employment training.

The Well is a Supported Housing Project for vulnerable women with a variety of complex needs.  The house provides them with 24 hour emotional and practical support in a safe and secure environment.  Each woman has a personal Support Plan, which is designed to help them work towards more independent living.

Andrew House is a Supported Housing project for men recovering from alcohol and drug dependency.  Men arrive at Andrew House having completed a rehabilitation programme and get the extra support they need to enable them to move into independent living.

-Ends-

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

Notes to Editors

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.

Reg Charity No 1006504.

www.alabare.co.uk