In Aberdeen, major beneficiaries this time around include Camphill Rudolf Steiner School, which supports children and young people with diagnoses such as autism and learning disabilities. and social care charity, VSA.

Camphill Rudolf Steiner School has received a further £10,000 funding to help furnish an independent living wing, which 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, seven 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 at 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 seven additional young people with complex additional support needs into our community.”

Social care charity, 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.

 “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,” commented Sue Freeth, CEO of VSA.

“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 at 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.

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“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 at Royston Youth Action, commented: “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. 

“Support for Families are very grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for the kind and generous gift we have received,” said Janice Beaton of Support for Families.

“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.

James Barrack, chairman of the Barrack Charitable Trust (pictured above), commented: “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 application twice a year.