Barratt Developments, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, celebrated a record-breaking 2020 after its charitable efforts topped more than £46,000 in donations across Scotland, including £12,000 in the North of Scotland.

Each year, the housebuilder works with a wide range of local causes, and throughout the pandemic it has continued its work through the Barratt and David Wilson Community Fund, which donates £1,000 to a deserving local cause in each of its three Scottish divisions every month.

VSA is a 150-year-old charity that has adapted as times have changed, offering care, support and vital services to vulnerable people in Aberdeen. As the largest supplier of mental health support services in the Granite City, the charity will be using the donation to help develop their new care facility, Abergeldie House.

Abergeldie House will have space for 20 residents, with staff providing support for an additional 40 people at home. The project will add to the residential offering of the charity, which currently runs homes, community-based support services and school counselling.

David Palmer, managing director at Barratt North Scotland, said: “VSA carries out vital work during these difficult times, providing crucial mental health services to the community in Aberdeen.

“We’re pleased to be able to help the charity reach their fundraising goal and hope that our donation will allow them to expand their services to those in need.”

Speaking of the donation, Jennifer Mitchell, director of external relations at VSA Aberdeen, added: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Barratt Homes for their donation towards our mental health campaign. The stress of coping with the pandemic, coupled with financial and job uncertainty has placed immense pressure on people’s mental wellbeing. We look forward to being in a position to open this much needed new facility later this summer.”

Now in its third year, the Barratt Homes Community Fund has pledged to donate £1,000 each month to a charity or organisation in the North of Scotland. Charities are nominated by, and voted for, by employees of Barratt Homes and the focus for the fund continues to be on organisations that improve the quality of life for those living in the area.