$23 million funding honors the legacy of automotive pioneer and an enduring force for social good— Katherine Martin- provides a powerful example of how philanthropy, innovation, and partnership can create lasting impact for young people
In a landmark initiative to support young people leaving the care system, Devon County Council has approved plans to create eight purpose-built “gap homes” in partnership with children’s charity Barnardo’s—powered by a transformative $23 million donation from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust.
Barnardo’s ensures that children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful by running 760 specialist services and campaigning to improve the way the system works for the better.
The homes, located on council-leased land at Aldens Farm and Silverhills, are designed to provide safe, stable, and tailored accommodation for care leavers aged 16 and above who face complex challenges.
Each site will feature four self-contained units and an additional residence for a full-time on-site support worker, offering young residents consistent guidance as they transition to independent adulthood.
The proposal, backed by the council’s cabinet today, reflects a broader mission to improve outcomes for care-experienced young people across the county.
“These young people often come from challenging backgrounds,” said Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care.
“Traditional residential or shared housing models don’t always meet their needs. Without the right housing and wraparound support, they risk slipping through the cracks—into homelessness, unemployment, or health crises.”
Dubbed “gap homes,” the properties provide a crucial bridge between care and independence. Barnardo’s is investing approximately $1.3 million per site, with the council offering 125-year land leases as match funding.
Planning approval is expected next year, with doors scheduled to open by March 2027.
The Katherine Martin Charitable Trust was established in memory of Katharine (“Kate”) Martin—a pioneering businesswoman and racing driver in the 1920s—who played a formative role in shaping the iconic Aston Martin brand alongside her husband, Lionel Martin.
It’s widely understood that Katharine influenced key brand decisions during the marque’s early years, including the adoption of the ‘Aston’ name following the Aston Clinton hill climb.
After her husband’s passing, Katharine inherited his shares in the company and later placed them in trust to support children’s causes.
Under her stewardship, the trust became the largest shareholder in Singleton Birch—a holding that has generated sustained income to fund grants to three named charities: Barnardo’s, NSPCC, and RSPCA.
This recent $23 million donation is the most significant single gift in Barnardo’s 160-year history and builds on over $13.5 million (adjusted) previously given by the Trust over the past six decades.
Barnardo’s CEO Lynn Perry describes the gift as “monumental,” enabling expansion of their Gap Homes program to 50 homes nationwide.
John Richards, Chair of Trustees, said the donation honors Katharine’s belief in the power of philanthropy to transform lives: “Every young person deserves a safe, stable home… we are proud to support Barnardo’s in their efforts to provide just that.”
As Devon moves forward with this visionary model, the combined legacy of Katharine Martin—both as an automotive pioneer and an enduring force for social good—provides a powerful example of how philanthropy, innovation, and partnership can create lasting impact for young people leaving care.