This year our annual Big Give fundraising week was ‘Kick start my life’.
Over £40,000 was donated between 3 and 10 December by 150 people.
The problems people were coming together to solve were:
For many young people with learning disabilities, leaving education feels like stepping into the unknown. Without the necessary skills, confidence, or clear guidance, they struggle to find their place in the adult world. Unfortunately, few will qualify for adult social care support, leaving them unsure of where to turn for help.
Without the right opportunities, many face challenges in finding a job, building independence, or creating a meaningful structure in their daily lives. This can lead to a life of isolation, unfulfilled potential, and lost hope.
Families often feel the weight of this burden, unsure of what support is out there or how to access it. But the future doesn’t have to be uncertain. With the right guidance and tools, young people can unlock their full potential and create a fulfilling, independent life.
Help us with the solution
You can help empower young people with learning disabilities to kick-start their life.
We’re introducing a comprehensive range of support designed to give young people and their families the tools to kickstart a fulfilling adult life.
Our new programme offers two years of personalised support, including opportunities for supported volunteering, group activities to build skills and relationships, and guidance with everyday tasks like shopping and managing life at home.
For those seeking meaningful employment, our tailored work programmes provide the skills and confidence needed to work towards a rewarding career.
We’ll also offer fun and engaging activity programmes where young people can make friends, discuss important issues, and share experiences.
Only with your help can we make this a reality.
Get to know some of the incredible individuals you've been supporting. Donations will help people just like Dan to get the support he needs to kick start a fulfilling life of employment, friendships and purpose.
Meet Dan, one of our dedicated apprentices at The View, one of our Lily & Lime cafés in Portsmouth. After a challenging time in college, he found himself unsure of what came next and left without the guidance he needed.
Joining The View café has been a turning point for Dan. Here, he shares how this experience has helped him develop new skills and build confidence.
Read more about Dan's story.
Transitioning from college to the next stage in life can be challenging for anyone, but for Aimee, the journey was especially tough.
Here, she opens up about how those early challenges impacted her and how being part of a supportive environment has helped her grow.
Teresa's son Tom is supported by Minstead Trust.
Here, she kindly shares how the challenges Tom faced when leaving college impacted their family and how Minstead Trust has supported them along the way.
Meet Helen, one of our café assistants at The View, one of our Lily & Lime cafés in Portsmouth.
After college, Helen found herself struggling with anxiety, without guidance on what to do next, and feeling lost about her future.
Through determination and support, she completed an apprenticeship with us, and is now thriving in her role as a café assistant.
Read more about Helen's story.