The Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, has announced that it has donated almost £100,000 to support the work of 25 charities across Scotland.
This significant contribution is part of the Trust's biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of charities the length and breadth of Scotland to continue their incredible work helping people of all ages through difficult times.
From youth programmes and family support to mental health services and care for older people, the funding is making a real difference in communities. Many of the projects focus on giving young people better opportunities in education and employment, supporting families in crisis and helping those facing challenges such as homelessness, disability or poor health. Others offer unique experiences, like outdoor adventures or creative activities that help people build confidence and feel more connected. Together, these charities are creating safer, more supportive communities where everyone has a chance to thrive. This funding comes as part of the summer tranche of donations.
Trust Chairman James Barrack, said: “We are proud to support such a wide range of incredible charities doing life-changing work across Scotland. These organisations are rooted in their communities and know exactly where help is needed most. Our summer funding round is about backing that local knowledge and giving people the support, opportunities and hope they deserve.”
Major beneficiaries in Aberdeen included THE ARCHIE FOUNDATION, which received £5,000 to help expand the ‘Create with Us’ arts and crafts workshops held within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Delivered by Fiona Chance of Createwithus, this vital service brings a much-needed distraction and entertainment to young patients and their families.
Fiona Chance explains: “Our popular art workshops at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital offer a wide range of valuable benefits. Thoughtfully designed to be person-centred, these sessions cater to diverse ages, interests, and abilities. It’s truly heartwarming to see the whole family getting involved. Beyond offering a welcome distraction, the workshops help reduce stress and anxiety, support pain management, boost emotional well-being, and enrich the overall hospital experience.”
James Barrack, added: “The Barrack Charitable Trust is delighted to support The Archie Foundation and the ‘Create with Us’ workshops at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. We recognise the immense value of bringing creativity, comfort and moments of joy to children and families facing difficult times. These engaging sessions not only provide welcome distraction but also contribute to the emotional well-being of young patients. We’re proud to play a small part in helping this inspiring initiative continue to make a difference.”
Spotlight on the Charities
Below, six of the other beneficiaries share their appreciation and outline how the funding from The Barrack Charitable Trust will help their efforts:
- OCEAN YOUTH TRUST SCOTLAND, has received a £3,000 donation to enable a group of 10 young people with ASN who attend Orchard Brae School in Aberdeen to participate in a 5 day residential voyage.
Morag Dorian, Fundraising Officer said: “This award has enabled a group of ten young people from Orchard Brae School, Aberdeen, to sail with us on a youth work voyage this summer. On board, the young people will gain a range of new skills as they learn to sail our award-winning vessel, Alba Venturer. Over the course of 5 days at sea, the group will enjoy a range of activities, specially designed to improve their communication and team work, whilst promoting greater independence and friendships.
“For 25 years, OYT Scotland have been delivering youth work voyages to over 670 young people each year, inspiring them to reach their full potential and live happy, fulfilling lives. Without the generosity of funders like The Barrack Charitable Trust, we simply could not deliver these life-changing experiences to the young people in most need.”
- The KING’s Trust, the UK’s leading youth charity received a £20,000 donation, to help support young people who face barriers to entering the workplace across Scotland, through a pathway of opportunities.
Louise Goodlad, Director for Scotland at The King’s Trust said: “This generous donation will make a profound difference to the lives of young people across Scotland who are facing additional barriers to education and employment. It will directly support our Education, Foundation, Get A Job and Enterprise programmes, providing vital pathways into learning, skills development and meaningful careers.
At The King's Trust, we believe every young person deserves the chance to succeed, and this funding helps us continue our mission to build confidence, unlock potential and create brighter futures.”
- ALPHA INTERNATIONAL, received a £20,000 contribution towards the cost of employing a Scottish Youth Lead, which will support expanding ministry and reach even more young people.
Brenda Robertson, from Alpha Scotland said: “We are incredibly grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for this generous donation, which is playing a key role in supporting our Youth Lead here in Scotland. This vital position allows us to provide safe, welcoming spaces where teenagers can explore faith through open and honest conversations. Thanks to this support, we’re now able to expand our ministry and connect with even more young people across the country."
- Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust (Edinburgh), received £5,000 to deliver 72 tailored counselling/therapy sessions to young people who have left care and have been identified by social workers as experiencing challenging circumstances, such as high levels of stress, anger issues, suicidal and self-harm.
Gary Dewar, Chief Executive said: “Our fostering, residential and community outreach teams support vulnerable children and young people in Edinburgh and beyond. For over 290 years we have tried to provide the family-like homes and relationships they need to feel safe and secure. One aim of our small charity has been to increase the number of outdoor activities and residential trips we can deliver. These are huge amounts of fun but more importantly they equip our young people with greater confidence, team-building skills and resilience – the skills we know they need as they grow and develop towards adulthood. Small trips make a big impact and our trips this year would not have been possible without the kindness of the Barrack Charitable Trust.”
- GRAB TRUST from Argyll works with local communities to provide activities in relation to environmental awareness, recycling and reuse in Argyll and Bute for over 25 years. The £1,500 donation will support staff and volunteers delivering the ReMake Argyll project across Argyll and Bute. Every person who generously shares skills with their community has something different to offer, whether this is machine sewing, textile repair, fruit preserving, tool maintenance, foraging, or bike maintenance.
David Hayter, lead repair café guide and 2024 Mid-Argyll Regional Hero award winner said: “Volunteering at the Repair Café is deeply satisfying. Saving useful items from being discarded, demonstrating how often a simple fault find and repair can be learned to save the item. The positively warm atmosphere in the Café community gives a small sense of hope in an era of rampant consumerism.”
- GO! YOUTH TRUST from Falkirk works with young people across central Scotland aged from 10 to 25, to help them get the best start in life, offering a safe place to thrive and grow confidence. They received £4,000 to go towards converting a disused furniture store into a Youth Hub where young people can access support services and personal development programmes.
Mark Wood, Head of Operations said: “We’re incredibly grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for their generous donation of £4,000 toward the provision of a new disabled WC within our youth hub. This support is a huge boost to our work, helping us continue to provide vital support for marginalised young people across our community to grow in confidence, explore opportunities and thrive . It is investments like this that empower us to make a lasting difference in the lives of those young people who need it most.”
The summer donations are already making a real difference in communities across Scotland. From offering safe spaces and support for young people, to helping families, carers and older people feel less isolated, The Barrack Charitable Trust is helping charities bring hope, comfort and opportunity where it’s needed most.