The Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group is donating £45,000 to 15 charitable organisations across Scotland, in the second tranche of donations for 2023.
In Aberdeen, major beneficiaries this time around include Camphill Rudolf Steiner School and VSA.
Camphill Rudolf Steiner School has received a further £10,000 funding to help furnish an independent living wing. This is a unique feature and enables the charity to create a safe and secure place for young people transitioning from hospital and integrating them into regular “home” life. The house, which will be completed in October 2024, has been designed to deliver the best outcomes for young people and contains 11 bedrooms, 7 with ensuite bedrooms and an assisted bathing room, communal dining and living spaces, quiet “time out” zones and a sensory garden.
Alex Busch, Executive Director of Camphill Rudolf Steiner School said:
“Camphill School Aberdeen are hugely grateful to receive this extremely generous donation from the Barrack Charitable Trust. The £10,000 received will be used to purchase essential furniture for our new residential home, building on previous support from the Trust for construction works. The new house will enable us to welcome 7 additional young people with complex additional support needs into our community.”
VSA has received £10,000 to assist with the refurbishment of an independent living wing in the newly purchased mental well-being residency. Queen Mother House in Aberdeen will be developed into an 18 bedroom mental well-being facility.
Sue Freeth, CEO of VSA said:
“We are so grateful to the Barrack Charitable Trust for their recent kind donation to help us with ongoing renovations at our mental health facility Queen Mother House. At VSA, we provide mental health support for adults living with a range of mental health conditions and this residential facility works with each person to empower them to take control of their lives and works to support them, without judgement, on their journey to recovery.”
In the capital, Rowan Alba has received £5,000 to support housing homeless people with complex needs in 24-hour supported accommodation, with the funding targeted at improving well-being via social activities and peer support.
Karen Barr, CEO Rowan Alba said,
“The generous support from The Barrack Charitable Trust is vital in helping us give long-term homes to people who have been homeless for years. As Edinburgh faces a housing crisis, our new safe, settled homes are having a lasting impact on tackling homelessness. This funding means individuals will have more support and social activities to improve their wellbeing and feel a valued part of a community.”
In Glasgow, Royston Youth Action has received £2,500 to go towards the Street Work Programme, which encourages those who are socially excluded to engage in positive activities or education.
Kim Stuyck, Royston Youth Action said:
“Royston Youth Action is absolutely delighted with the kind donation of the Barrack Charitable Trust. It will allow us to engage with hard to reach young people in the community of Royston, North Glasgow and provide positive diversionary activities for them to take part in to help them become confident and thriving young adults.”
In Stirling, Support for Families offers a dedicated programme of support, including information and advice, counselling, peer support, and complimentary therapies, children’s after school clubs, family days out, school holiday activities, and more.
Janice Beaton, Support for Families said:
“Support for Families are very grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for the kind and generous gift we have received. This donation of £2,000 will significantly impact our local charity by supporting vital programmes and resources for vulnerable children and teenagers, who have experienced neglect, trauma, abuse, and may be affected by ACE’s, and will contribute to the overall well-being of these children. This donation will impact on our ability to enhance our work and make positive a difference in the lives of those we support.”
Established in 2009 by Knight Property Group Founder and Chairman James Barrack, the Trust aims to assist organisations cope with the decrease in charitable donations for specific projects due to the economic climate faced at the time. In recent times, this has been increasingly vital.
Over the years, it has donated around £1.5m to more than 200 registered charities all over Scotland.
Trust Chairman, James Barrack said:
“We take great pride in supporting a diverse array of charities throughout Scotland, extending our assistance to those facing significant challenges. Reviewing applications is a demanding task, given the immense efforts of all these hardworking charities, each deserving of our support.
“It is gratifying, in numerous instances, to play a role in building a lasting legacy for care. Notably, we are excited about contributing to the development of the new residential house at the Camphill Rudolf Steiner School and VSA and look forward to witnessing their progress.”
The Trust is open for applications twice a year.