BARRATT HOMES GIVES £2,500 CHRISTMAS GIFT TO MERSEYSIDE BEFRIENDING CHARITY

Barratt Homes has made a donation of £2,500 to Formby Befriending Scheme as a Christmas contribution towards its companionship services.

Having opened its doors in 2013, Formby Befriending Scheme provides companionship and support for older people across Formby, Hightown and Ince Blundell. Through the services offered, the charity aims to relieve social isolation and promote wellbeing for over 100 older adults in the local area.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ donation was made as part of the Barratt Developments Plc Charitable Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.

Mark Pickering, Treasurer and Trustee at Formby Befriending Scheme, said: “We rely heavily on local support from volunteers, donations and fundraising. Formby Befriending Scheme meets a need not provided by public authority and seeks to find the best solutions in gaining this support.

“Battling the pandemic was very difficult. Our isolated and lonely members suddenly became even more so. Our working practices had to change drastically but thankfully have now returned back to normal, allowing us to meeting regularly again.”

The housebuilder’s contribution will be dedicated to staffing costs and the charity’s annual ‘Holiday at Home Event’.

Each August, Formby Befriending Scheme hosts a two-week project for all elderly residents within the local community. Comprised of over 30 different events spread across 15 venues, the charity partners with local businesses, churches and other voluntary groups to offer the incredibly popular event.

Rhys Nicholson, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: “As a leading developer, donating to organisations and charities in the areas in which we build is vital, and Formby Befriending Scheme is certainly deserving of the support.

“The work that the charity carries out is of extreme importance and we are more than happy to make a donation towards its staffing costs and the Holiday at Home event so that the people of Formby and the wider Merseyside area can benefit from the companionship.”

To find out more about charity and the services it has to offer, visit the website at https://formbybefriendingscheme.org.uk/

For more information on Barratt Homes, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.