Spring fundraiser boosts opportunities for people with learning disabilities

Learning disability charity Minstead Trust has raised over £19,000 to supercharge its social businesses and the crucial training roles they provide.

The Big Spring Give was launched on 2 May as Minstead Trust’s first ever major springtime fundraiser.

The Trust’s supporters had just one week to hit the target of £20,000. In total, 160 supporters donated, with their donations being instantly doubled thanks to generous pledgers. The fundraiser brought in an incredible £19,170.

The Big Spring Give was an opportunity for the Trust to supercharge the charity’s social businesses, which provide employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. They include Furzey Gardens in Minstead and Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton.

But currently, only around 5% of people with a learning disability are in paid work, and Minstead Trust is continuing its work to try and shift perceptions and provide opportunities.

Given the right support, people with learning disabilities can make a valuable contribution to the workplace, which in turn will help improve their wellbeing and confidence, leading to greater independence.

With the donations raised from The Big Spring Give, the Trust’s social businesses can thrive, after a difficult few years dealing with Covid and the cost of living crisis.

Dawn Wood, Director of Development at Minstead Trust, said: ‘After a difficult few years with the pandemic, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, we are so grateful to everyone that has donated this spring, giving us the opportunities to create change and make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities.’

The funds raised will help people like Rachel, who is part of Minstead Trust’s employability programme. Rachel has consistently shone as she took on her apprenticeship, now she manages a Lily&Lime café run by and for people with learning disabilities in Portsmouth, and says

‘My apprenticeship has helped me to become more confident and realise how much I can actually do. The café has helped me make some great friends and learn new skills. I wanted to show that people like me can do great things like everyone else. We’re all different and we should celebrate that.’

Dawn Wood continues: ‘Our social businesses are inspirational places for our customers, where people with learning disabilities are fully involved in the team, and bring their own stamp to our customer experience. Supporting our businesses through these difficult years, means that we can continue to provide those special experiences for our customers as well as opportunities for people with learning disabilities.’

The Trust is extremely grateful to everyone who donated to the campaign this year.

Find out more at www.minsteadtrust.org.uk