The Revd Joanna Jepson appointed Alabaré Patron

Since her ordination to the priesthood in 2003, she has served in Chester and London, and is currently serving as chaplain to the Royal Wessex Yeomanry and the Army Training Regiment.

Alongside her chaplaincy role, Joanna writes and presents for Radio 4 and Radio 2. She has written for the national press including The Independent, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. She speaks at schools, conferences and retreats on body image, spirituality and fashion, faith and justice.

Joanna is passionate about helping individuals to achieve their goals and sees a close affinity in the work of Alabaré. Alabaré support homeless or vulnerable adults, young people and Armed Forces Veterans across the South and South West of England and North and South Wales. The charity provide a home and support over 300 people every night, helping each to overcome barriers, to regain their health and wellbeing and live successful independent lives once more.

Joanna says:

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to support and champion the work that Alabaré does in enabling Armed Forces Veterans, vulnerable adults and disadvantaged young people to find the community, hope and sense of purpose that is intrinsic to a fulfilled life. The aims that Alabaré holds and the compassion with which it carries out that vision is inspirational, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as I join with the Alabaré team.”

Malcolm Cassells, Chairman of Alabaré says:

“I am delighted to welcome Joanna as a Patron of Alabaré. We provide support to some of the most disadvantaged people in society, and we try to do so with compassion and care to enable them to lead a fulfilling life. I know this fits very well with the work that Joanna has been involved with in her various roles, and her ethos. We look forward to her involvement as Alabaré seeks to develop its services in the years ahead.”

Before ordination Joanna worked with teenage victims of drug and domestic abuse and she lived in a Welsh convent with 13 contemplative nuns and monks. In 2006 she set up the first chaplaincy in the British Fashion industry, based at the London College of Fashion. Joanna is currently based in Wells, Somerset.