Alabaré encouraging people to use drop-in mental health hub

Alabaré, based in Salisbury, is encouraging those struggling to access support through its Riverside Sanctuary - especially during the summer months, when demand typically rises.

Located in Watt Road in Churchfields, Riverside Sanctuary offers confidential, non-clinical and trauma-informed support every evening between 4pm and 11pm.

Filippo Fiori, service manager at the Riverside Sanctuary. (Image: Alabaré)

Filippo Fiori, service manager at the Riverside Sanctuary, said: "We completely understand that taking that first step towards recovery from mental ill health can be the hardest one, and the Riverside Sanctuary is set up to try and make that as calm, relaxed and easy as possible.

"There’s no obligation to unload all your concerns in your initial visit, but the team are on hand to listen and offer support when people need it."

The Sanctuary supports up to 15 people each day during the summer - one of the busiest times of year outside the post-Christmas period.

It is available to anyone aged 16 or over who is registered with a GP and/or lives in Wiltshire.

Visitors must be willing to engage in a safe environment and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of arrival.

Most of the Sanctuary’s team have lived experience and offer person-centred advice to those facing mental health challenges.

Alabaré's Riverside Sanctuary. (Image: Alabaré)

Rising temperatures and changes to daily routines are known to impact mental wellbeing, which can lead to increased use of crisis services.

The rise in demand for mental health support echoes recent figures from Wiltshire Police, which reported a 9.1 per cent increase in 999 calls this June compared to the previous year.

On June 27 alone, the force received 578 emergency calls.

Alabaré regularly collaborates with emergency services and Salisbury District Hospital to deliver immediate support to those in crisis.

Referrals can be made by police and ambulance crews, providing an alternative to long A&E waits for individuals needing urgent help.

Mr Fiori said: "The summer can be a difficult time for some, and we’ve seen that having a cool and comfortable space for people to be themselves, speak to professionals with lived experience, and perhaps make new friends with other visitors, can have a big impact on wellbeing."

Visitors are encouraged to bring friends or family for additional reassurance, and can take part in hobby-based sessions including cooking, creative writing, board games and crafting.

Further information is available on the Riverside Sanctuary’s Facebook page or by emailing riversidesanctuary@alabare.co.uk.