Press releases 2007

Still time to join Cathedral Sleep-Out

11th January 2007

The Mayor of Salisbury, Sheila Warrander is reminding everyone that there is still time to join her in registering to take part in the sponsored Sleep-out being held as part of her appeal on the 26th/27th January.  Sheila’s Mayor’s Appeal is raising funds and awareness for Alabaré Christian Care Centres’ Salisbury Drop In Centre, and is focussed on Helping the Homeless.

The Sleep-out is being held in the cloisters of Salisbury Cathedral, and whilst the building will offer some protection from the winter weather, the event will be an unforgettable opportunity for many to experience and understand the desperate circumstances in which homeless people are forced to live.  Alabaré’s Drop In Centre, open Mondays, Fridays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm provides food, clothing, washing facilities and advice on housing and health issues for homeless and vulnerable adults in Salisbury and the surrounding area.  Donations to the Mayor’s Appeal will help towards the aim of providing a permanent centre for the future or one with enhanced facilities.

Participants in the Sleep-out are being asked to raise a minimum in sponsorship of £25.  Many people have already returned the registration forms, but it’s not too late to get involved.

“I am delighted to be taking part in the Sleep-out – it will give me an understanding of the conditions homeless people are forced to endure, and an opportunity to raise money to help Alabaré support vulnerable and homeless people to find sustainable accommodation,” says Sheila.

“With just over a week still to go before the event on the 26th, there is still time to take part. Come with friends, make new friends. Anyone wanting an information pack and registration form should contact Alabaré’s Fundraising Department on 08450 78 68 08 or 01722 322882. Registration forms can also be downloaded from Alabaré’s website www.alabare.co.uk.”  Registration forms should be returned to Alabaré at 33, Brown Street, Salisbury, SP1 2AS.

The Sleep-out is timed to co-inside with Homelessness Sunday which is a national event marked by churches and organisations throughout the country.

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For more information please contact Yvonne Way on 01722 322882

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.

The Salisbury Drop In Centre supports between 200 and 250 people each year. The Centre does not attract guaranteed statutory funding but is grateful for the limited grant it receives from Salisbury District Council.  The rest has to be raised each year from supporters, church and community groups, charitable trusts and businesses.

To find out more about Alabaré Christian Care Centres visit our website at www.alabare.co.uk