SALISBURY FC chairman Ali Alhamad visited ALABARÉ’s Somewhere Safe to Go service to see first-hand how money from the club’s bar is helping people battle addictions.

The Barnard Street drop-in centre in Salisbury provides up to 30 vulnerable individuals with a warm meal, a hot shower, laundry facilities and access to vital support services.

The partnership draws on Ali’s personal beliefs with proceeds from bar sales at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium directed toward ALABARÉ’s addiction and homelessness support programmes.

Over the past year, ALABARÉ has supported more than 3,200 people at risk of homelessness, with around 10% needing help with alcohol and drug misuse.

Among those receiving addiction support, 56% reported improvements in well-being and reductions in substance use.

So far this season, Salisbury FC has contributed more than £10,000 to the charity.

Photo: ALABARÉ

Speaking during his visit, Ali said: “The collaboration between the football club and ALABARÉ is of extreme value to me, and seeing it here, being a small part of the work the charity does, is the icing on the cake.

“We know the charity, and they’re very famous for all the good work they do locally, so we’re happy to be a part of that and value it immensely.

“One of the goals that I set out from the beginning of coming into Salisbury FC was to be closer to the community, to try and do as much good as I can in the city.

“I certainly hope to learn more about ALABARÉ. It leaves a warm feeling in my heart to see all the good that the charity’s doing, so being invited along is greatly appreciated.”

ALABARÉ director of strategic communications James Tomlinson added: “I was delighted to show Ali around Alabaré Place and how the club’s support is making a tangible difference to people at a crisis point.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Whites board and fans for their support, and are excited for the rest of the campaign, both on and off the pitch.

“Football is a community sport, and it’s been great to see ALABARÉ clients and colleagues in the stands supporting, as well as helping with parking, stewarding and other roles on matchdays.”

Photo: ALABARÉ

Matches against Chippenham Town on January 27 and Weston-Super-Mare on April 6 will include special bucket collections with charity’s mascot Roofus the dog in attendance.

Both visiting teams have local ALABARÉ services, making the events a fitting showcase of community support.