With Christmas just around the corner, The Barrack Charitable Trust is pleased to announce funding worth £22,500 to support eight charities in Aberdeen and the North-east.
These donations are part of the Trust’s festive fund-giving programme, which is donating a total of £60,000 to 28 well-deserving charities across Scotland. The 8 local charities are:
- Midmar Men's Shed - £5,000
- Bethany Christian Trust - £5,000
- VSA - £5,000
- Beannacher Camphill Community - £2,500
- Scottish Action for Mental Health - £2,500
- Cairns Counselling - £1,000
- Asthma Relief - £950
- Ellon Scout Group - £500
Spotlight on the Charities:
Midmar Men’s Shed provides recreational activities primarily for men, promoting health and well-being through active participation and engagement with health organisations. It also supports the wider community by collaborating on projects benefiting local residents. The charity received £5,000 to help fund construction costs for its new community building, which will offer a welcoming space for all.
Jim Allan from Midmar Men’s Shed said: “We are delighted to receive The Barrack Charitable Trust’s most generous and kind donation, to help with the build of our new Men’s Shed and Community building. “These are exciting times as we progress with the self-build. The wind and watertight outer shell of the building is almost complete, with larch wall cladding and roofing sheeting to be installed shortly. Through the winter months, we will proceed with internal fit out of the building, including joinery, plumbing and electrical works, along with the installation of the heating system and fit out of the workshop and recreational/activity areas. It is through the generosity of The Barrack Charitable Trust and many others that we can proceed at pace with these works.”
Beannachar supports young adults with learning disabilities to build skills, improve well-being and gain independence through its training centre and residential care. The £2,500 donation is supporting renovations by funding sensory equipment, including an interactive bubble wall and fibre-optic features.
Carole Chambers, Resident Service Manager at Beannachar said: “Barrack Charitable Trust’s generous donation will enable us to complete the furnishing of our new, on-site sensory room, which is a dedicated space for young adults with learning disabilities to explore sensory play, bringing them joy, calm and developmental opportunities. “Until now, Beannachar had no indoor sensory room, and the nearest facility was over 20 minutes away, which is too far for many to access. Thanks to this kind donation we can now provide the young adults who live and work at Beannachar with the opportunity for regular social connection, enjoyment and relaxation and the chance to develop essential life skills through sensory-based experiences. The investment in this new sensory room will provide lasting therapeutic benefits in a safe and welcoming environment and we are incredibly grateful to the Trustees for their support.”
Cairns Counselling, founded in 1994, provides counselling and support to adults in Aberdeen and across the North-East of Scotland. Its services aim to encourage, empower and enable individuals to grow and lead more fulfilling lives. The £1,000 donation from the Trust is supporting counsellor staffing costs.
Bryan Sinclair, Funding Coordinator at Cairns Counselling said: “We are extremely grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for this award, which enables us to continue providing vital mental-health support to those who need it most. This time of year, can be especially challenging for many people experiencing loss, loneliness, or family pressures, so receiving this funding now is incredibly valuable and will make a meaningful difference to those we are currently supporting. The Trust’s contribution highlights the importance of local organisations coming together to strengthen and support communities across Aberdeen.”
Asthma Relief is dedicated to improving the quality of life and care of children and adults, who live with asthma and other chronic respiratory related illnesses. The £950 donation is being used to provide 5 nebulisers for the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
A spokesperson said: “Asthma Relief Charity would like to say a BIG thanks to the Barrack CT for their recent donation. Nebulisers are an invaluable tool allowing for the efficient delivery of medication directly to the lungs. This is especially important for our patients, many of whom experience severe respiratory difficulties and rely on these devices for relief during exacerbations and daily management of their condition. This donation supports our mission to provide the best possible care. The impact of this donation will be felt by our patients and their families for years to come.”
Bethany Christian Trust provides vital services across Scotland, supporting over 7,000 people each year at every stage of their journey out of homelessness. The £5,000 donation will help fund "The Toastie Club," a drop-in café in Aberdeen offering homelessness prevention, housing support and crisis intervention.
VSA focuses on supporting individuals and communities across Aberdeen and the Shire, to reach their full potential, ensuring the welfare of those unable to fully care for themselves. The £5,000 donation will refurbish the workroom at Easter Anguston Farm, as part of the Circular Economy Textile Project, providing training and employment support for young adults with learning disabilities and mental health conditions.
SAMH works to promote mental health and well-being across all areas of life, supporting individuals, promoting positive mental health, ending stigma and discrimination and challenging inequality. The £2,500 donation will fund two 12-week cohorts, benefiting up to 40 men, aged 18–30, delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Football Club Foundation.
Ellon Scout Group has received a £500 donation to go towards a robotic lawnmower.
Trust Chairman, James Barrack Snr said: “We are delighted to support eight fantastic local charities making a real difference across Aberdeen and the North-east of Scotland. From promoting men’s health at Midmar Men’s Shed, to supporting young adults at Beannachar and VSA, providing counselling through SAMH and Cairns Counselling, tackling homelessness with Bethany Christian Trust, improving respiratory care with Asthma Relief and enhancing facilities for Ellon Scout Group, these donations will help fund vital services, equipment, and opportunities that change lives and strengthen our communities."
The Barrack Charitable Trust remains committed to supporting organisations that strengthen communities, improve care services, and deliver meaningful impact for individuals and families across Scotland. The Trust is open for applications twice a year.