THREE vital causes supporting families and individuals in Edinburgh and the Lothians have been named as the first recipients of this year’s Barratt Developments community fund.
Barratt Developments currently donates £1,500 per month to local charities in its divisions as part of its pledge to improve the quality of life of those living in the areas in which it operates.
The housebuilder kicked off 2024 by donating £3,000 to its new east of Scotland main charity partner, Cash for Kids. The charity aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people living locally who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect, or have additional needs. The cause also works with grassroots organisations that aim to make a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go.
Cash for Kids replaces St Columba’s Hospice Care as the East Scotland division’s main charity partner, having raised a whopping £247,909 in the last two years through fundraising, including a Pentland Hills walk, charity dinners and office events.
Victoria Hendry, charity manager at Cash for Kids, said, “We were absolutely thrilled to receive the Barratt Community Fund for this first quarter of the year. This £3,000 will make such a difference in our local community, specifically to families really struggling with the cost of living. We are receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of requests for support with real basics such as food, toiletries and nappies, so these funds will go a long way in supporting us with helping these families who are living on our doorstep.
“To also be chosen as Barratt East Scotland’s new main charity partner was really just the cherry on top. I was delighted to get the phone call and we are excited to build some brilliant fundraising plans across the next two years and help even more local children.”
In February, a further £1,500 was given to Capital Carers, which supports carers in the North West of Edinburgh. The organisation’s highly trained staff provide one-to-one support as well as a range of services which enable individuals to support the person they care for and assist them in carrying out their caring responsibilities, while ensuring that they also look after themselves.
Lauren Alexander, young carers support worker at Capital Carers, said, “A huge thanks to Barratt for this generous donation, it will enable us to provide respite trips for young carers and young adult carers which we would otherwise not have been able to do. All of our carers love interaction with animals, and this therapeutic approach can really benefit those with challenging situations. Horses are a big favourite, but it is an expensive activity. The money will allow us to take several groups horse riding, alpaca trekking, a trip to the zoo and going out to eat.
“The funding has already allowed us to take young carers on active respite trips, to Laser Tag, swimming and escape rooms, and meals out where all carers can relax together, make new friends, reconnect with old ones and have that important peer support.”
Finally, in March, Barratt Developments donated £1,500 to Midlothian Foodbank. The charity, which is supported by The Trussell Trust, provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people in need in the Midlothian area.
Ian Purves, from Midlothian Foodbank, commented, “Thank you to Barratt for their generous donation to Midlothian Foodbank. The donation will help people in our area struggling with the cost of living and support them with emergency food parcels, food vouchers for families in school holidays, or a hot meal at one of our two weekly lunches. They also have access to an advisor from Citizens Advice who is present during one of our lunches. All this helps to reach our aim of ensuring that no one in Midlothian goes to bed hungry.”
Alison Condie, MD at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said, “We’re proud to be supporting causes which are carrying out such essential work in communities throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“From foodbanks through to care, cost of living has placed a significant strain on the services that charities can provide. We hope that our donations can help to alleviate some of this pressure and allow causes to continue supporting families and individuals in the communities in which we build.”
