Shropshire developer donates £1,500 to Shrewsbury Ark

David Wilson Homes Mercia has donated £1,500 to Shrewsbury Ark in Shrewsbury to help towards the running costs of its activities and maintenance for those in need.

The Shrewsbury Ark is a charity providing day centre services for homeless and vulnerable people. It is a place where trust is built, and people are supported and given opportunities to make positive changes in their lives.

The showers, washing machines and driers are constantly used and there are creative activities and other support sessions for teaching basic life skills and personal development. Through strategic partnerships, it also offers vital access to healthcare services in a space where people feel respected, safe and secure.

The housebuilder’s donation came from 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.

David Wilson Homes’ donation will be put towards the charity’s running costs, which will cover expenses such as heating, fuel costs and employing support and outreach staff.

Emily Bell, Chair of Shrewsbury Ark, said: “As well as providing life’s basics in terms of warm food and hygiene, the move to new larger premises in 2022 has enabled us to now offer a range of health and mental health care services.

“Many homeless and vulnerable people often feel intimidated or uncomfortable accessing health and care services through usual routes, which is why our GP, oral health and heptology clinics are so essential. We also offer a range of counselling and mental health services including sessions to support to survivors of all types of sexual abuse and also individual trauma intervention sessions.

With the post-pandemic effect on our economy and the cost-of-living crisis, more and more people are worrying about money and struggling to get by, and are turning to charities such as the Ark for support.

Emily continued: “We have over 900 people registered with us and our staff and amazing team of volunteers cook meals for, and support between 40 to 50 people per day. In the last three months alone, we have had another 60 people register with us.

“Our outreach team is out on the street encouraging people to use our services, or supporting people with the challenges of running a home, ensuring they remain connected and engaged with the community, and preventing mental health and addiction relapse. All of this is clearly demonstrating our services are needed now more than ever.

“As a charity, we are funded entirely on grants and donations, and the move to our larger premises has seen our operating overheads increase.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous contribution towards our running costs from David Wilson Homes, enabling us to support the most vulnerable in our community, and to give people the opportunity to move forward with their lives.”

Dominic Harman, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “As a leading developer, donating to organisations and charities in the areas in which we build is vital, and Shrewsbury Ark is certainly deserving of support.

“The work that the charity carries out is of extreme importance – now more than ever before – and we are more than happy to make a donation towards its running costs so that the people of Shrewsbury have ready access to life’s necessities.