A NEW campaign has been launched highlighting the strong connection between poor mental health and homelessness using real-life stories to challenge stigma.

Charity ALABARÉ says more than half of the people it supports report having a mental health issue, while nationally an estimated 82% of rough sleepers have a diagnosed mental health condition.

The Now You Hear Me campaign aims to encourage open conversations and show how early support can help prevent crises such as job loss, social isolation and homelessness.

The first public event will take place on Monday, January 19 at Salisbury Guildhall where ALABARÉ staff will be available to talk with members of the public between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

A key feature of the event will be a “human library”, giving visitors the chance to have 15-minute conversations with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges.

Topics available to discuss include anxiety, depression, loneliness, domestic abuse, adoption, divorce, menopause, faith and grief.

ALABARÉ says the initiative is designed to build empathy, break down barriers to discussion and show how shared understanding and early intervention can transform lives.

Head of ALABARÉ’s mental health services Helen Brian says starting a conversation can be a crucial first step.

“Mental health challenges can show up in a variety of ways and often being open and honest is the key to releasing the stress,” she said.

“Many of our support workers and recovery navigators have lived experience themselves, so they are able to relate to the issues being faced and provide peer-led support.”

The charity provides a range of mental health services across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, including community mental health sessions, crisis houses in Swindon and Chippenham and the Riverside Sanctuary drop-in centre in Salisbury.

It also offers supported accommodation for homeless adults, young people leaving care and military veterans.

The launch of the Now You Hear Me campaign forms part of a wider event at Salisbury Guildhall organised by the government’s Money and Pensions Service, bringing together local charities and organisations to offer advice and support around financial wellbeing.

Gill Turner-Callis, ALABARÉ’s Senior Chaplain, said the campaign is about sharing human stories and ensuring people know they are not alone.

She said: “We’re pleased to be taking part in this event, alongside our fellow Salisbury partners, to ensure people are given the tools to reach a brighter future.

“I’ll be among the books in the human library on the day, and available to chat to visitors who might need a listening ear.”