HOMELESSNESS charity ALABARÉ is backing calls for more life-saving bleed kits to be installed in public places across Wiltshire warning that catastrophic injuries “can happen anywhere”.

ALABARÉ has installed emergency bleed kits at some of its sites as part of a wider effort to improve public safety during Knife Crime Awareness Week.

The kits – containing medical gauze, chest seals, tourniquets and bandages – are now available at homelessness services in Salisbury and Chippenham, as well as the charity’s young people’s home in Trowbridge.

Bleed kits have been installed at Unity House and ALABARÉ Place.

The move comes as Wiltshire Council this week unanimously agreed to fund at least 100 public bleed kits across the county, while Wiltshire Police has pledged to maintain them long-term.

Although the county has some of the lowest knife crime levels in the country, with 264 knife and sharp weapon offences recorded last year, campaigners said access to emergency equipment could still mean the difference between life and death.

ALABARÉ staff have already received specialist training on how to use the kits from Swindon-based charity Change Lives, No to Knives, which was founded after the death of Lee John Turner in 2021.

Lee’s sister, Jordan, who delivered the training, said: “I believe education and awareness are key, and the more people are educated on bleed control kits and how to use them, the better chance that someone will survive if they’re ever in that position.”

Jordan (right) gave hands-on training.

At ALABARÉ Place in Salisbury, staff said the kits offer reassurance not only for residents and workers but for the wider community too.

Complex needs service lead at ALABARÉ Place Jamie Coltman said: “I think it’s been really beneficial, not just to our clients and colleagues, but also to the community, as they’ll know that if an incident happens down the road, there’s a bleed kit here and that could potentially save a life.

“We’re not here to offer judgments; we’re here to support people, and this is another way that we help keep people safe.”

Head of homelessness services at ALABARÉ Alex Cattelona added: “I’m fully supportive of having catastrophic bleed kits available in more public places.

“Anything we can have in our toolkit to save lives, protect our clients and colleagues, and provide reassurance can only be a good thing.”