PROVIDING HOPE AND BETTER LIVES
Empowering communities through Support and Recovery Services
Welcome to Ara, an organisation that has been dedicated to providing much needed and respected services to vulnerable individuals and communities since 1987. With a passionate staff team and Board of Trustees, we strive to help people make positive changes in their lives and create a better future for themselves and their loved ones. Our sole purpose is to provide hope and better lives.
About Ara: Supporting vulnerable communities since 1987
We are a registered charity formed in 1987, providing structured treatment, counselling, housing support, education, training, and employment guidance, as well as many other interventions to provide hope and better lives through recovery.
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clients received advice & talking therapies from Ara Gambling Service
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clients housed in our safe substance misuse Pathway 4 housing
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of prison resettlement clients were offered safe, secure housing
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young people educated about problem gambling
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of housing clients were satisfied with the service they received
Graham England
Graham England Chief Executive Officer
Message from CEO
This year, we reached over 25,000 individuals in the South West of England and Wales, marking significant growth. Our Specialist Housing Support (SHS) service in Bristol saw successful implementation, aiding clients in acquiring safe accommodation and sustaining tenancies during drug and alcohol treatment. Additionally, we secured a contract for 15 self-contained properties in Bristol for a Housing First project, supporting individuals with histories of rough sleeping. Together with the Pathway 4 team, SHS and Housing First provide bespoke support to vulnerable members of society.
Our efforts to combat gambling harms within the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) have flourished. With structured interventions, we assisted over 1,700 gamblers and affected individuals, offering free, confidential psychosocial support. Our school education programmes expanded, and we extended our accredited L2 Qualification on gambling harms to new sectors and partners, enhancing accessibility to treatment nationwide.
Our Criminal Justice work increased by 50%, focusing on secure housing for prison leavers. Across all services, we prioritise life skills development, employment opportunities, and rebuilding social and family lives. Our executive team, comprising Andrew Ridley, Robbie Thornhill, and Helen Kovacs, remains dedicated to expanding our services. Our staff satisfaction rates are high, with 98% enjoying their job and 94% proud to work at Ara. Thank you to all who contribute to our mission of making a lasting impact on lives.
For more details visit our impact report.
OUR VALUES
Our purpose is to provide hope and better lives
At Ara, we are driven by a shared passion to make a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. With over 30 years of experience, our dedicated staff team and Board of Trustees work tirelessly to provide much-needed and respected services that help people improve their functioning, wellbeing, and quality of life. All of our actions are driven by the following core values
Aspiring
We actively embody ambition on behalf of our clients, consistently pursuing the most innovative solutions to ensure the finest outcomes. Our team is driven by a purposeful commitment to effect meaningful change.
Brave
Competent
Determined
Transforming lives through supported housing, gambling harms treatment, and prison resettlement
At Ara, we are dedicated to providing essential services to vulnerable individuals and communities. Our wide range of services, including Supported Housing, and Gambling Support, aim to empower individuals and help them improve their quality of life.
Specialised programs to assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction and related issues.
Safe and supportive housing solutions for individuals facing homelessness or housing instability.
We create long lasting partnerships with like-minded organisations
MEET THE TEAM
The unwavering strength and unity of the Ara leadership team.
Graham England
Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Ridley
Finance Director & Deputy CEO
Robbie Thornhill
Recovery & Resettlement Director
Helen Kovacs
Head of Business Development
Richard Chilvers
Housing Manager
