ALABARÉ is Equipped to Support Prime Minister’s Drive to End Rough Sleeping This Christmas

ALABARÉ is ready to meet Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to offer every person sleeping rough a route off the streets by Christmas, acknowledging that it’s been achieved before, but the commitment must be matched by long-term preventative support to break the cycle of homelessness.

The Prime Minister’s announcement builds on the success of the pandemic-era “Everyone In” programme, which demonstrated that when national government, local authorities, charities and communities work together, rapid change is possible. More than 37,000 people were supported through that initiative.

ALABARÉ stands ready to play its part across the South West of England and Wales, where it delivers life-changing support through homelessness services, supported housing and community-based programmes.

Andrew Lord, Chief Executive of ALABARÉ, said:

“We are heartened to see that the Prime Minister has re-enforced his commitment to ending rough sleeping and is looking to make an immediate impact.  

We know it’s possible to quickly provide people shelter because we’ve seen it happen during the pandemic. We also have the opportunity to go one step further and ensure that people don’t return to the streets once the Christmas lights disappear.”

Rough Sleeping is at Record Levels

Across England, rough sleeping continues to rise, with 4,793 people recorded sleeping rough on a single night during autumn 2025. The South West alone recorded more than 500 people sleeping rough during the previous annual snapshot.

In the areas where ALABARÉ works most extensively, including Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Devon, Cardiff and Pontypridd, homelessness teams continue to respond to increasing pressure from rising housing costs, welfare challenges and a shortage of affordable homes. 

Last winter, through severe weather emergency provision and intensive support pathways, ALABARÉ demonstrated that together with local government, it is possible not only to provide safety during periods of extreme weather, but also to help people move into longer-term accommodation and begin rebuilding independent lives. The organisation is now reviewing the latest government proposals and considering how its services can support national objectives in partnership with local authorities and fellow charities.

ALABARÉ believes the solution must extend beyond emergency accommodation.

Through its commitment to provide homes, restore hearts and empower minds, ALABARÉ has seen lasting change is possible when people have:

• A safe and secure home
• The opportunity to recover from trauma and rebuild confidence
• The skills, wellbeing and support networks needed to live independently

Central to this approach is creating the psychological safety that enables people to take positive next steps in their lives.

While the focus on rough sleeping is welcome, ALABARÉ warns that rough sleepers represent only part of the homelessness picture. An estimated 382,000 people are experiencing homelessness across England, including thousands living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing with friends and family, or facing housing insecurity hidden from public view.

Andrew Lord added:

“We must not lose sight of the hundreds of thousands of people whose homelessness is hidden – there are people living in temporary accommodation, sleeping on sofas, or facing the daily uncertainty of not knowing where they will live next.

More affordable housing is essential, but accommodation alone is not enough. Lasting recovery requires patient, person-centred support, and a  community that pulls together to give people the belief that they can live independently again.

As further details emerge from Government, ALABARÉ expects demand for its services to continue growing and will work closely with partners across the South West and Wales to ensure people are not only brought in from the cold, but supported to break the cycle of homelessness.