Camphill School Aberdeen supports 100 young people through a mix of day and residential services that integrates education and lifelong learning with a range of vocational workshops and therapies as well as offering leisure and recreational facilities with on-site medical care. The approach empowers young people to become more independent, grow in confidence and reach their fullest potential.

The charity launched its £10m capital campaign, Building Futures Transforming Lives, in direct response to providing local solutions to the current crisis in care and will provide meaningful day and residential opportunities for an additional 54 vulnerable young people.

The generous donation from the oil and natural gas exploration and production company will support the campaign to build an 11-bedroom state-of-the-art residential house with an independent living wing which will be used as accommodation for young people who are unable to always fully participate in “home” life, or as a training flat for young people who may be able to live more independently as they transition to adulthood.

The second project of the first phase will transform the former Murtle bookshop into a sustainable social enterprise and community hub, Murtle Market, creating a ‘zero waste’ organic farm shop, refillery and heritage hub to promote the charity’s impressive 80-year history and showcase the range of different crafts made by the young people it supports.

Alex Busch, executive director of Camphill School Aberdeen, said: “This amazing donation from Apache will directly benefit the young people in our care, both now and into the future. Camphill School Aberdeen is aiming to expand the number of day and residential places it offers to young people aged 16 – 25 years old by 60% over the next 10 years.

“We have seen the demand for our services sky-rocket in recent years and the impact the current crisis in care is having on young people with additional support needs and their families is putting a lot of pressure on accessing suitable placements. We want to be part of the solution to ensure that every young person who needs our support locally can access it. We can’t thank Apache enough for this transformative donation.

“Since launching just over a year ago, we have secured £2.7m towards our Phase 1 target, but still need the support of the local community and businesses to raise the remaining £800,000 to fulfil the first part of our vision.”

Stephanie Grundy from Apache Corporation added: “Apache is committed to building long-lasting relationships and creating positive local impact, as well as addressing acute social needs within our community. Camphill School Aberdeen is a wonderful facility which offers superb opportunities for the children and young people they support. These two projects are vital to offer more places to families in need, whilst strengthening links with the community through the new Murtle Market.

“The decision to donate to Camphill School Aberdeen was made by our bond committee, which manages funds generated by the company’s workforce through sales of confectionary and other items on our offshore platforms. As the campaign’s main corporate supporter, we are looking forward to seeing how both projects will enhance the lives of vulnerable young people at the school.”

Established in 1940, Camphill School Aberdeen (CSA) started the Worldwide Camphill movement that now consists of over 120 independent charities globally. The mission of the social care charity is to transform the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities and very complex additional support needs. Its unique approach integrates education, lifelong learning, expert care and therapies as part of a sustainable shared living community.