In April, Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities most impacted by COVID-19.

£10m of this funding has been donated through their 100x100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme, with Bethany Christian Trust being one of 100 UK charities receiving a donation of £100k, allowing their important work to continue.

Bethany Christian Trust was chosen by a selection committee for the meaningful work they are doing by providing emergency supply packs to families and individuals who are experiencing sustained financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. 

Bethany supports almost 7,000 people each year in Scotland who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. The charity were determined to keep serving vulnerable people throughout the pandemic and the donation from Barclays allows for sustained help for those who have continued to struggle.

One beneficiary of an Emergency Supply Pack, Jane, told her story: “I was fleeing an abusive domestic situation and was housed by the local authority. I moved into my new accommodation with almost nothing.

“Bethany offered me emergency food, cleaning and toiletry packs as part of the response to COVID-19. I had just lost one of my two jobs and I was barely able to pay my bills so that little extra help in that challenging moment was wonderful.”

Alasdair Bennett, chief executive at Bethany Christian Trust, said: “We are very grateful for the Barclays donation which means that we can distribute 12,000 emergency supply packs across Scotland in partnership with local churches and our network of charitable partners.

“We will also provide a critical check in with recipients of the packs at the point of distribution, supporting people with information about support services to combat loneliness, poor mental health and addiction issues.  We want to communicate that people do care and are thinking of those that are particularly isolated and struggling at this time.”

Scott Stewart, head of Barclays Scotland, added: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across Scotland.We know this is an incredibly challenging time for many communities, especially those who are already in a vulnerable position By reaching those most in need of support, local charities, such as Bethany Christian Trust, have played a vital role in this crisis, and continue to do so. 

“With a long and growing presence in Scotland Barclays is doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues to help them through this pandemic.  We hope that the donations we are making to charities in Scotland, including Bethany Christian Trust, will allow them to amplify their vital work and support more people as the crisis develops.”