Local housebuilder supports Children North East charity with £1,500 donation

Local housebuilder, Barratt Developments North East, has donated £1,500 as part of its Community Fund initiative to Children North East; the region's longest standing children’s charity that creates life-changing differences for babies, children and young people in their families, schools and communities.

Having recently celebrated its 130th anniversary, Children’s North East works hard to deliver services, support and initiatives that provide a platform for children, young people and families to work through issues, take action and provide them with the tools to reach their full potential. Providing over one million minutes of support each year, the charity’s Poverty Proofing team supported over 28,000 people on their experiences of living in poverty, and provided over 2,200 counselling sessions.

The charity revealed that child poverty continues to increase, with little sign of change on the horizon. Additionally, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families has pushed many to breaking point who have previously had no experience of financial hardship. This has created an increased need for 'crisis' support, such as access to food, support managing finances and organising benefits and warm spaces, as well as putting pressures on family relationships that increase needs for services such as mental health, wellness and domestic abuse support. The cost-of-living pressures have also impacted donations, which means that the charity has seen an increased need and increased costs, but reduced income from fundraising.

Barratt Developments’ donation will support in delivering life-changing services to those who need them, when they need them. Without the support of donations, many North East communities would be left without a lifeline, from its domestic abuse support group to the award-winning allotment that gives children a space to play, learn, laugh and thrive. In making the donation, Barratt Developments is not only supporting the charity with its crucial work, but is also encouraging other organisations to step forward during what is a financially challenging time for the charity.

Carl Sobolewski, Managing Director at Barratt Developments North East, commented: “The team at Children North East do really incredible and vital work within the region, and we’re pleased to have been able to support them during what is a particularly financially-challenging period. We truly hope that our donation will make a difference to their services, and we encourage other businesses to follow in our footsteps and also donate what they can to this hugely important charity.”

Janet Cairns, Growth and Engagement Director at Children North East, said: “We are truly grateful to Barratt Developments North East for their generous donation. Our services rely heavily on the generosity of businesses and individuals across the region, and this donation will help us to continue to offer life-saving support to young people and families all across the region.”