Alabaré Chief Executive Andrew Lord (pictured) has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s honours, in recognition of his incredible contribution to the support of homeless and vulnerable adults and young people over the last 20 years.
Andrew became chief executive of the Salisbury charity in May 2000, and has guided the charity to reach those in need across the south and south west of England and Wales.
In that time the charity has helped thousands of vulnerable and marginalised people who are homeless or who have been in urgent need of support, transforming their lives and giving them new skills and bright futures.
Andrew says;“It is a great honour to receive this award. I have fully enjoyed my 20 years at Alabaré, seeing a wonderful team deliver care and support to vulnerable people in Wiltshire and further afield, with the team at Alabaré we have made vast strides in helping more and more people in need across our region, giving them the skills and support they need to rebuild their lives, but our work in ending homelessness is not finished. So whilst the award marks what we have achieved, there is much to do.”
He added: “this winter could be one of the hardest yet, with Covid still dominating our lives, and more people at risk of homelessness as a result of the economic turmoil from lockdown. I am proud and glad to be here with our staff team, our supporters and partner agencies to support all those in crisis and need in the coming months and years, and help each towards a new, independent and fulfilling.”
Under Andrew’s leadership Alabaré has developed many new services such as its dedicated Homes for Veterans programme, which now houses over 100 ex-Armed Forces personnel every night, who otherwise could be forced to sleep on the streets. This year Alabaré have opened a mental health service, Riverside Sanctuary, which had been providing invaluable support to people struggling with their mental well-being.
To find out more about Alabaré, go to: www.alabare.co.uk