Charity to build 50 homes for care leavers after largest ever donation

Barnardo’s is celebrating receiving the largest single donation in the charity’s history – an £18 million gift from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust.

Th charity says the donation will fully fund the rest of the Barnardo’s Gap Homes programme, creating 50 homes across the UK, as well as an ongoing fund to support vital services in the North of England.

Katherine defied societal norms as a trailblazer in the 1920s as a successful businesswoman, a pioneering racing driver, and a key figure in shaping the iconic Aston Martin brand. Beyond her achievements in the automotive industry, she was a dedicated philanthropist with a passion for improving the lives of children and young people.

The Gap Homes programme, which will now expand thanks to the pledge, was developed by in response to the lack of suitable housing and support available to young people when they leave care. With many young people facing homelessness when they leave care, due to poor quality housing and a lack of support – the stark reality is that 25% of homeless people have been in care at some point in their life. This is exacerbated by a lack of suitable accommodation for young people preparing to live independently.

There are currently eight Gap Homes across the UK, and this donation will pay for the next 15 Gap Homes to be built in Lincolnshire, Birmingham and Glasgow, with further locations for the remaining 30 houses currently being finalised.

Alison – whose name has been changed – a young person supported through the Gap Homes programme, said: “I had been living in care for several years before the age of 16 when I moved into Gap Homes and I had stayed in three places in that short space of time. I finally moved to my lovely place where I have been living since November 2023 with the support of the Barnardo’s team. I feel like it’s my home with a beautiful view and a nice and calming environment.

“I was not a happy person where I was living previously as we would always have issues with things like the heating or hot water not working and mould. This would go on for months at a time, and our complaints never seemed to matter. Because of that, I ended up having to repeatedly move house. But, with Gap Homes, I have everything that I need and more. I truly appreciate Barnardo’s for their support and for changing my life for the better.”

John Richards, Chair of Trustees of the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust said that Katherine Martin was a remarkable woman who believed in the power of philanthropy to change lives.

“This gift will directly address a critical need for young people leaving care. We believe that every young person deserves a safe, stable home, and we are proud to support Barnardo’s in their efforts to provide just that.

Lynn Perry, CEO of Barnardo’s said the gift will have an impact for so many young people.

“This money will enable us to expand our vital Gap Homes programme, providing young people leaving care with the safe, stable homes they deserve.”