Wiltshire housebuilder raises over £34,000 for children's charity

Employees and contractors from Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, have raised more than £34,000 for a charity helping youngsters in poverty or facing mental health issues.

The housebuilder, whose developments include one in Wichelstowe, announced its support of Star Scheme at the start of the year,.

The charity that also provides support to children have experienced adversity in childhood and adverse childhood and community experiences (ACEs).

More than 300 people attended Barratt David Wilson Homes South West’s fundraising gala dinner which included entertainment from Britain’s Got Talent winnig magician, mentalist and mind reader Richard Jones, with guests collectively raising £34,550 for Star Scheme.

Louise Ware, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, said: “I’d like to thank all our guests who supported our gala fundraiser, either in person or via donations.

"The money raised will make a huge difference to the young people in our communities who rely on Star Scheme for support.”

The team from Barratt David Wilson Homes South West have set themselves an ambitious £40,000 fundraising target for Star Scheme this year.

Dan Wooler, Founder and Chair of Trustees at Star Scheme, said: “We are all blown away – it’s a significant amount of money to have raised in one night and we slightly overwhelmed! We’re already putting plans in place to ensure the money transforms as many lives as possible and supports some of the most vulnerable young people and their families in the region.  

"At least 70 young people who don’t currently have access to community rugby will benefit as a result. They will receive support to help them overcome the impact of trauma and adversity and be given the opportunity to thrive.

"We’d like to thank each and every guest who bought a ticket and donated as this money will make a transformational difference to children in our communities.”

The Wichelstowe scheme, one of the largest local authority joint venture agreements in the country and the South West’s boldest new developments, is being built by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in partnership with Swindon Borough Council.

It will deliver 3,000 new homes over the next 20 years, along with new schools and community facilities. The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments.

As part of this neighbourhood residents can enjoy 12km of new nature trails, play areas, 200 acres of open space and walks along the Wilts and Berks canal.

There’s also a range of schools for children of all ages within easy reach.  Junction 16 of the M4 and Swindon train station are both within a ten-minute drive, providing easy access to Bristol and London.