A SALISBURY-based charity are today launching their Christmas Appeal, encouraging support for homeless young people in the area and making sure that they have somewhere to call home this Christmas.

Alabaré, who last year supported over 130 vulnerable young people, also recently launched a fundraising Christmas Hat Day in December.

Andrew Lord, Chief Executive of Alabaré says: “Christmas is a time of year where many will be enjoying their home comforts and spending time alongside family and friends.

"However the reality for those that Alabaré help can be very different – having a troubled past and uncertain future. We want to make sure that we are there for the young people that need our care and support ”

A donation of just £14 would pay for the initial support a young person requires when they first move in to one of our homes.

People can donate online to Alabaré’s Christmas Appeal at www.alabare.co.uk

Amongst the 130 people Alabaré were able to help last year was Jess.

When she was just 16 Jess fled home due to increasing family arguments at home.

Jess said: “I’d finish college and I’d have nowhere to go.

"I’d sit in a park on a bench and text all my friends and ask if I could sleep at their houses or on their sofas.

"Sometimes they said no. I was so scared.”

“I felt really depressed. My self-harming got worse and I hit a really, really low point.

"I didn’t see a way out. It was a position I never thought I’d be in and it was a really scary time. I felt so lonely.”

Not knowing what else to do, Jess plucked up the courage to ask for help at the Council and was put in touch with Alabaré.

“Alabaré helped me face up to who I’d become.

"I could open up about my mental health and see life in a much more positive way. I’ve been able get my first part-time job and have managed to save enough to start renting my own flat.”

Donning a festive-themed head-piece and arranging a fundraising day at work can also help Alabare make a difference to the lives of homeless and vulnerable young people.

Rebecca Mullen, Alabare’s fundraising and development manager said: “By hosting a Christmas Hat Day whether it’s in the workplace, classroom or within a community group, this is a fun and light-hearted way for people to make a difference to a serious cause.”

Every £14 raised by groups can help to provide the initial support a young person needs when they first come to one of Alabare’s homes.