The Barrack Charitable Trust is donating £52,000 to 25 worthwhile charitable organisations across Scotland, in its latest tranche of donations for 2024. Eight of the charities are located in and around Aberdeen and the North-east.
Major beneficiaries this time around include Maggie’s Aberdeen, which offers support to people with cancer and their families. The charity has received £5,000 to partially fund the vital role of a Clinical Psychologist, who will provide individual and group support for people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Last week, James Barrack presented a cheque to Vera Schroeter, Centre Head, Maggie’s Aberdeen, who said: “We are incredibly grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for their donation. The majority of our funding comes from voluntary donations, so we rely on funders to be able to provide free expert psychological support for people living with cancer. Especially now when the urgency and scale of the need for cancer support in the UK has never been greater.
“At Maggie’s we know that three in five people find the emotional impact of diagnosis harder than the physical challenge, which is why our programme of support is designed to deliver the best possible psychological care, without waiting lists.
“We also know that people with cancer, as well as family and friends, can need support beyond treatment and that a diagnosis can have a lasting impact on people's relationships, confidence and overall mental health.
“But thanks to funders like The Barrack Charitable Trust we are here for people at possibly the hardest time of their lives.”
James Barrack, Trust Chairman added: "We are proud to contribute to this important cause. Supporting the funding of a clinical psychologist at Maggie’s Aberdeen is a meaningful step towards ensuring comprehensive care for cancer patients.
“By addressing both the physical and mental health needs of patients, we hope to make a significant impact on their overall well-being and recovery journey."
Other charities being supported in the Granite City and North East include the Sunrise Partnership, Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust, Friends of Orchard Brae, Downs Syndrome Scotland and Gordon District Scout Association.
- The Sunrise Partnership, a local Aberdeen charity, provides free, confidential therapeutic support for children and young people up to age 18. Sunrise is receiving £5,000 from the Trust to help support children coping with loss and bereavement. This funding also aids children experiencing loss through foster care, adoption, parental imprisonment, or changes in parental contact.
- Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust, which incorporates Ferryhill Men’s Shed has received £4,000, to go towards becoming an accredited museum.
- Friends of Orchard Brae has received £2,500 in funding for new outdoor play equipment, including a climbing frame, wheelchair swing, and chimes panel. This equipment will enhance the school environment for children with multiple and complex additional support needs.
- Down's Syndrome Scotland, serving Aberdeen and surrounding areas, has received £2,500 to help fund "The Achieving Better Communication Project." This ongoing programme, delivered in multiple stages, aims to improve the speech and language skills of young children with Down's Syndrome.
- Gordon District Scout Association has received £2,500 funding for a new gender-neutral toilet and shower block at the Daviot Campsite. The new facilities will also provide access to disabled users.
- Three Harbours Association in Cullen has received £1,000 in funding for Phase 2 of the Activities Hub Project. The funds will be used for signage and equipment for the old Harbour Master's Office.
- Instant Neighbour, a continuous project supporting those in need in Aberdeen, has received £1,000 for the purchase of foodstuffs, cleaning products, and toiletries for foodbank clients, as well as utility top-ups.
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. The Trust is solely supported by Knight Property Group.