Barratt Developments East Scotland – which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – currently donates £1,500 per month to local charities in its division as part of the homebuilder’s pledge to improve the quality of life of those living in the areas in which it operates.

The first of the most-recent recipients is Fife Gingerbread – a Glenrothes-based charity that provides accessible, approachable and non-judgemental support, advice and information to lone parents. Around one in four children grow up in poverty in Fife. Through a range of projects, Fife Gingerbread aims to empower families, improve wellbeing and allow children to have the childhood they deserve.

Barratt Developments East Scotland has donated £1,500 to Fife Gingerbread, as well as nine members of staff volunteering their time over two days at the charity’s allotment project.

Linsey Proctor, communications and fundraising coordinator at Fife Gingerbread, said: “Working with Barratt, we have not only received funds to support local families in poverty during the school holidays, but we have developed a relationship that continues to grow and make a real difference to the support we provide.

“As a charity we are committed to helping families progress to a brighter future and give local children the opportunities to thrive.

“The team at Barratt took the time to really understand what services we provide – from providing links to suppliers for equipment, to their full days working on our allotment, to the donation itself.”

She continued: “Volunteering gives a real insight into the difference charities can make. The team at Barratt have helped make an outdoor area that will provide a fun place to play, but also food for our groups and educational experiences for families and children.

“Our staff and families have benefited greatly from working with Barratt, and with their help we can make this summer one to remember for families across Fife.”

Families First, based in St Andrews, has also received £1,500 as part of Barratt Developments’ Community Fund. The cause works with children and young people aged five to 16 years, and their families, with additional support needs who live throughout the north-east of Fife.

The donation will help support the charity’s aim of improving social connections and education outcomes, in addition to the wellbeing of local families in the community.

Morag Coleman, manager at Families First, said: “Families First values the contribution local people can make to help change their communities.

“In accepting Barratt Developments’ donation to our work, we know that they are making a difference to over 50 children facing adversity this year; all of whom benefit from a befriending relationship with their volunteers.

“The children will have quality one-to-one time, time to meet others and new experiences through this positive relationship in their lives.”

Alison Condie, managing director at Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “We’re proud to be supporting two essential organisations that are providing vital services to those living in Fife’s communities.

“Our aim is to always give back to the communities in which we build, using our scale to support where and when we can – whether that’s through donations or volunteering our time.

“We hope our support will help both Fife Gingerbread and Families First to continue the fantastic work they do – allowing Fife families to thrive.”