We enrich the lives of hundreds of people with learning disabilities through our pioneering support services and work breaking down barriers in society.

Behind every person is a personal story of challenges overcome, goals reached and friendships formed. This section tells some of the stories of the people we support and our volunteers, and how Minstead Trust has helped them.

Our stories

Minstead Trust

Big Give 2024

Teresa’s story: Big Give 2024

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.

Minstead Trust

Big Give 2024

Aimee’s story: Big Give 2024

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.

Minstead Trust

Big Give 2024

Dan’s story: Big Give 2024

Joining The View café has been a turning point for Dan, giving him a sense of purpose, structure, and the support he missed before. Here, he shares how this experience has helped him find direction, develop new skills, and build confidence for the road ahead.

Furzey Gardens

Dave: my favourite plant – Japanese maple

Dave has taken his gardening skills to RHS Hampton Court to help with the build of the Furzey show garden. He has helped to plant several of the plants, but the Japanese maple is his favourite. This focal plant in the garden is also known as Acer palmatam dissectum.

Furzey Gardens

Henry: Lingularia is my favourite plant

Henry worked to plant the vibrant Lingularia into Furzey's Hampton Court Show Garden. They are his favourite plant in the garden and he said 'It looks nice'.

Furzey Gardens

Royce: my favourite plants

Royce worked hard to build Furzey's Hampton Court show garden. His favourite plants are the hostas. Featured in the garden are Hosta, Wide Brim, Hosta Patriot and Hosta Coast to Coast.

Furzey Gardens

Volunteering

Lynn: A life-changing trip to Furzey Gardens

After suffering with ill health, Lynn sadly had to give up her job in early 2021 which led to a huge loss of self-confidence. But a Facebook advert and a chance visit to Furzey Gardens that summer was to prove to be completely life changing.

Minstead Trust

Volunteering

Gill & Nick: Volunteers at New Forest day opportunities

Husband and wife team, Gill & Nick, have been volunteering at Minstead Trust for about 11 years now. Both volunteer at Minstead Lodge, home to New Forest Day Opportunities, where Gill helps the Animal Care team and Nick now volunteers in the wood workshop, having initially helped in the lodge gardens. Read more from Gill and Nick.

Hanger Farm

Volunteering

Gill: Hanger Farm Front of House volunteer

Gill used to volunteer with Hanger Farm before Minstead Trust joined, and now she enjoys volunteering in an unique building for a great cause. Gill says: 'I have found volunteering at Hanger Farm thoroughly rewarding and even more rewarding to think that I am giving my time to such a worthy cause.' Read more from Gill.

Minstead Trust

Volunteering

Mieke: Volunteer for The Real Jam & Chutney Company

Mieke joined the Trust as a volunteer for the Real Jam and Chutney Company over a year ago, and loves to work in the team making hand-made products to be proud of. Mieke says: 'We, the team, are “The Real Jam and Chutney Company!' Read more about Mieke's work with Jam and Chutney.

Furzey Gardens

Volunteering

Jonathan: Welcome Team Volunteer at Furzey Gardens

Jonathan joined our volunteer Welcome Team at Furzey Gardens at the start of summer 2023. With the help of his fabulous key worker Wendy and fellow volunteer Jane. Jonathan volunteers at the entrance hut, warmly welcoming our visitors as they arrive and handing out maps of the garden and our activity trails. Find out more about Jonathan's story.

Minstead Trust

Volunteering

Helen: Kitchen Garden volunteer at Minstead Lodge

Not quite ready to fully retire, Helen decided to join Minstead Trust as a volunteer to find a sense of purpose and help people. Helen volunteers in the veg garden in New Forest Day Opportunities, feeling a real sense of family and community. Find out more about her story.