Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

• Where is New Forest Day Opportunities?

  We are based in the beautiful and peaceful grounds of Minstead Lodge in Minstead village. We are surrounded by the New Forest and we enjoy being close to nature and following the seasons of the year.

  Minstead Lodge
  Seaman’s Lane
  Minstead
  SO43 7FT

   

• When are you open?

  We are open five days per week, Monday to Friday. Some of the people we support attend for one day and some attend for multiple days, it depends on your funding and your wishes.

• What is the structure of the day?

  We begin our day at 9.30 and finish at 4pm.

  We stop at 11am for a tea/coffee break and 1pm for a lunch break.

  We have a morning session 9.30-1pm and an afternoon session 2-4pm.

• Do you close through the year?

  We do not open on bank holidays and we close between Christmas and New Year.

• How much does it cost?

  Our current daily charge is £70 per day.

  We offer commissioned packages from the local authorities. If you are on a direct payment we will send out invoices each month, these are sent by email and payment is through BACS.

• Do I pay if I do not attend?

  Once you begin to attend New Forest Day Opportunities, we will continue to charge you throughout the year even if you do not attend due to sickness or holiday. If you are away for more than two weeks, we may review this.

• Do you have a notice period if I choose to leave?

  We ask that if you choose to stop attending New Forest Day Opportunities you give us four weeks’ notice in writing or by email.

• How many staff do you have?

  We have 18 permanent staff within NFDO and Furzey Nursery and Gardens. Each member of staff is skilled in their particular area of work and has the experience to be able to pass on these skills and to train and teach the people we support.

  We have a strong team, who love what they do, many of our staff have been part of Minstead Trust for over 15 years, which creates great stability within the team.

• How many different sessions do you offer?

  We offer 17 different activities over a week.

• Is one to one support available?

  When you come to visit, we can discuss this.

• Can I attend with my own support worker?

  Yes, this is possible, when you come to visit, and when we arrange a taster day we can discuss this.

• Who attends day opportunities?

  Most of the people who come to the day opportunities each day have a learning disability and /or Autism. Everyone is an adult (over age 18).

• Is transport provided?

  We offer a minibus collection around Totton, there is a charge of £2.50 per day. For people who are not on the collection route, they either take a taxi or are brought in by support workers/family.

• Do you have public liability insurance?

  Yes we do.

• Can I buy lunch?

  You can bring in a packed lunch.

  You can buy a baguette meal with various fillings, with crisps, a slice of cake and piece of fruit.

  We ask for a £1 /£2 contribution towards tea and coffee. Dependent on how many days per week you attend.

• If I am interested, how do I apply?

  We suggest that firstly you contact us and arrange for a visit and a tour of the day opportunities.

  Please email NFDO@minsteadtrust.org.uk or call

  02380 814134.

  The next step is complete our application form and we can arrange for you to come for a free taster day.

• What is the criteria for accessing Day Opportunities?

  There is no criteria. We ask that you come for a visit and we can see if we can meet your needs.

  We would advise that our site has steep hills and bumpy paths and is not easily accessible for wheelchair users. Also due to the age of our buildings, many have narrow doorways.

  We do not have a hoist in our toilets and we do not offer personal care.

  At New Forest Day Opportunities, we specialise in supporting individuals with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism over the age of 18. Our environment is designed to help people develop their skills in a work-related setting, with the aim of fostering growth and independence.

  However, there are some important considerations regarding accessibility and the type of support we can offer:

  • Physical Accessibility: Our site includes hills and uneven ground, and our buildings are older with narrow doorways that can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Unfortunately, this makes our facilities less accessible for individuals who require wheelchairs or have significant mobility challenges.
  • Personal Care: We do not provide personal care support. Therefore, individuals attending our programs need to be independent in this area and be able to use the toilet without the need for support.
  • 1-1 Support Needs: We strive to create a supportive environment that encourages learning and development. However, due to space constraints in some sessions, we are not well-equipped to accommodate individuals who require 1-1 support.
  • Medication Support: We offer limited support with medication as part of our services. This level of support is intended to help individuals manage their health while maintaining as much independence as possible.
  • Emergency Medication: We are equipped to assist with emergency medication for epilepsy, ensuring that individuals who may experience seizures have the necessary support when needed.
  • Medication Reminders: We can verbally prompt and remind individuals to take their prescribed medication at the appropriate times. However, individuals must be able to self-administer their medication, as we do not provide direct assistance with medication administration.

  Above all, we welcome those who are motivated to learn and develop their skills with our guidance and support. Our focus is on providing a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can grow at their own pace.

   

• Are free taster sessions offered?

  Yes once you have looked around and we have your application form we will offer you a free taster session to see if you like NFDO and so we can see if we can meet your needs.

• How is New Forest Day Opportunities funded?

  Most of the people we support have funding through the local authority, but funding can come from a number of sources, including private funds. You need to discuss this with your social worker.

• What if I choose an activity but I want to change?

  When you first come to day opportunities you will be given opportunities to try various activities and workshop sessions. We will then create a timetable tailored to your individual needs, interests and personal goals.

  We regularly check that you are happy with your timetable and we are always willing to offer other sessions for you to try if you would like.

• Do I need special clothes or equipment?

  As many of the activities you may choose to be involved in take place outside it is important you come prepared with protective footwear or wellington boots and a waterproof coat. Waterproof trousers may also be helpful if you are in the garden or animal care.

  It is also advisable to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting paint, clay or glue on as many activities involve these and they may get onto your clothes.

  We will provide gloves, eye protection, dust masks or ear defenders if they are needed for the activities you are involved in.

• Are there additional charges for activities?

  We have some activities that require additional funding if you would like to be involved.

  Drama – We have a drama group, which takes place at Hanger Farm in a professional theatre on a Monday and Wednesday:

  Mondays 11am-12.30pm
  Learning disabilities group (aged 18+)
  £6 per session

  Wednesdays 11am-12.30pm
  Learning disabilities group (aged 18+)
  £6 per session

  We provide transport there and back to day opportunities.

  Pedall takes place from March to December. It is a cycle experience with trained instructors supporting a one-hour ride through the forest on accessible bikes. We provide the transport there and back. £5 per session.

• Are you wheelchair accessible?

  Unfortunately our site has steep hills and bumpy paths and is not easily accessible for wheelchair users. Also due to the age of our buildings, many have narrow doorways. We do not have a hoist in our toilets.

• Does your transport cater for wheelchair users?

  Unfortunately not. There are local taxi companies that can assist you.

• Do you have outings or special days?

  We have opportunities throughout the year where we like to come together and celebrate, such as the Easter festival, themed days with costume and music, Christmas meal and a church service.

  We also enjoy outings such as having a stand at the New forest show and attending the Winchester GOld Para-Olympics.