ALABARÉ Mental Health team honoured with national award

Homelessness charity ALABARÉ has been recognised by the IAE Awards for its efforts in breaking the cycle of homelessness through its Community Mental Health services.

ALABARÉ’s peer support and trauma-informed care are the foundations of its mental health services that include Access Community Mental Health services, its Riverside Sanctuary drop-in centre and Crisis Homes.

Across each service, every member of the team has lived experience and is central to how support is delivered, developed, and sustained.

The charity often sees mental health struggles and homelessness going hand in hand, both trapping individuals in cycles of crisis and vulnerability.

ALABARÉ’s services across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire (BSW) aim to help individuals with practical, holistic, and pastoral care before a situation deepens and to break the cycle of homelessness.

The homeless charity’s approach to peer working is embedded into its everyday practice and underpinned by the principles of Intentional Peer Support (IPS), promoting connection, mutuality, and shared learning.

All services follow established, evidence-based approaches, including trauma-informed care, psychologically-informed environments (PIE), DBT-informed practice, Open Dialogue, and strengths-based, person-centred support.

ALABARÉ’s Impact That Makes it the Best Community Mental Health Care Provider UK

• 183 people supported through NHS referrals
• 2,700 people supported through ALABARÉ mental health services, with 2,500 hours of face-to-face support
• 100% would recommend Hope House to friends and family
• 93.7% rated accommodation as excellent
• 90% rated support as excellent
• 88.1% would recommend services to others

Andrew Lord MBE, Chief Executive of ALABARÉ, said, “Colleagues walk alongside people at their most vulnerable and isolated moments. We give people experiencing mental health challenges hope of a fulfilling life through compassionate care, respect, and a dedication to improving their wellbeing.

“By recognising ALABARÉ, the IAE Awards have honoured the resilience of the thousands of clients whose lives we’ve helped rebuild and commending the genuine care and tailored support our small but dedicated team provide.”

Hannah from ALABARÉ’s Mental Health Service said, “Working in the team is incredibly rewarding. I help shape, support, and improve our services behind the scenes, ensuring they run smoothly and meet the needs of those we support.

“My lived experience with mental health challenges - and as a carer for my late mum - gives me a unique perspective that informs my work. It helps me contribute with empathy and insight, especially in improving service design.

“Being part of a team that values lived experience and recognises the importance of person-centred support makes me feel empowered and respected. It’s a privilege to contribute meaningful change from behind the scenes.”

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Sarah Troughton, has congratulated the charity and its team, and said, “I am absolutely delighted that ALABARÉ has been selected as a finalist and winner of this prestigious award. The IAE Awards do such terrific and important work promoting good health, both mental and physical. I am immensely proud of everyone at ALABARÉ for their compassion and dedication.”