Highland charities New Start and The Haven benefit from fund set up by housebuilder Barratt to help recovery from impact of coronavirus pandemic
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Two Highland charities have received a share from a £57,000 fund set up by a development company to support recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Housebuilder Barratt Developments Scotland, which is investing in employability and education, awarded New Start Highland £10,000 while the Haven Appeal has received £2500.
New Start Highland, which helps to meet the needs of people moving from crisis and challenge to become active contributors in their local community, tackles poverty, homelessness and long-term unemployment.
The initiative offers a range of services including furniture recycling and onward-supply to people in need, housing support and employment training.
Chief executive James Dunbar said: "People can be written-off in our culture because of a set of circumstances or some wrong decisions.
"Within the right environment and given opportunities, people can create a new future in their community.
"This generous donation from Barratt Homes could not have come at a better time for New Start Highland and will be the catalyst for the development of our Training Academy which is designed to equip people adversely affected by the pandemic with the skills they need to secure and maintain employment."
The Haven Appeal, organised by the Elsie Normington Foundation, is raising funds to provide Scotland’s first multi-purpose facility for children and young people with complex needs at a site in Smithton, Inverness.
It will include a specialist play centre, respite wing and community coffee shop.
Foundation chairwoman Elsie Normington said: "I am delighted at the support we have received from Barratt to deliver this ambitious project.
"We’re pleased the housebuilder recognises the acute need for the kind of integrated facilities that the Haven Centre can provide."
David Palmer, Managing Director for Barratt Developments North Scotland, said: "During the initial wave of the pandemic, we focused our attention to help address the immediate need for personal protective equipment and safety equipment.
"As we begin to move towards recovery, we turn our attention towards adding as much value as possible to the communities in which we operate.
"The charity and project we selected play a crucial role in the region, supporting people into employment and offering support to young people and families across the Highlands, even in these challenging times.
"The pandemic has caused severe disruptions to their services, but they have been able to adapt and keep helping the community around them.
"We’re delighted to hear the donation will help both organisations reach their goals as recovery continues."
Related story: Scottish Government approves £1.75m funding to support new centre
