Council Chair raises thousands for Minstead Trust

17 June 2024

Minstead Trust has received a significant donation from a local councillor to help it continue its crucial work supporting people with learning disabilities.

Councillor Neville Penman donated over £10,000 to Minstead Trust, which was raised while the Trust was one of his charities of the year as Chairman of New Forest District Council in 2023-24.

The Trust supports over 320 people along the south coast from Poole to Portsmouth to live in their own homes, learn new skills and work towards employment. The charity also runs five social businesses, including Furzey Gardens in Minstead and Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton.

Councillor Penman presented a cheque to people supported by Minstead Trust on and enjoyed a tour of the workshops at the charity’s headquarters, Minstead Lodge in Minstead.

The tour included the kitchens of the Real Jam & Chutney Company, a New Forest Marque business, which is run by the Trust to offer training and work experience opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Dawn Wood, Director of Development at Minstead Trust, said; ‘People with learning disabilities have an important contribution to make to our communities, and so it means such a lot to have the support of New Forest District Council’s Chairman in raising such a wonderful amount.’

Councillor Neville Penman said: ‘Supporting this local charity was important to me during my year as Chairman. The work they do in our community has such a positive impact and I was honoured to be able to see the workshops taking place and know that the money raised will contribute to such a worthwhile endeavour.’