Trust’s Christmas fundraiser will help people build their lives

7 November 2025

Minstead Trust has launched its Christmas fundraising appeal, Help Me Build My Life, calling on the public to help people with learning disabilities build better lives, brick by brick. 

The appeal aims to raise £54,000 to fund expert, joined-up support that helps each person shape the life they choose – from jobs to relationships, mental health to physical fitness.  

Every donation from the public will be doubled by generous donors during the nationwide Big Give Christmas Challenge from 2 to 9 December.  

Too often, people with learning disabilities receive support in just one area of life – housing, work or relationships – but not across their whole life. Without stable foundations, progress in one area can easily fall away. A job means little if people are lonely or struggling at home. Without all the building blocks in place, people can’t thrive and too often they are left to fall through the cracks. 

Minstead Trust believes that everyone deserves the chance to build a complete, fulfilling life. Through Help Me Build My Life, the charity will work closely with people to identify what truly matters to them – whether that’s improving mental health, finding a relationship, gaining work experience or building independence – and then help them put those bricks in place. 

Funds raised through the appeal will allow the Trust’s skilled and compassionate mentors to guide people through the challenges of life. These mentors get to know each individual, understand their world and guide them through a society that can often feel full of barriers. 

Jason, who is supported by Minstead Trust across several areas of his life, said: ‘I used to live in Whitemoor (residential home). Wanted to move to do more independence. So I moved to Elingfield (supported living). I’ve got a kitchen, it’s nice and tidy.   

‘I can look after myself. I’m happy and my parents are happy for me. Minstead (Trust) helps me at home and at day opportunities. I like that.’   

Adam Dodd, Chief Executive of Minstead Trust, said: ‘Every person we support has their own ambitions, their own story and their own idea of what a good life looks like. But too often, the support they receive focuses on one area while the rest is overlooked.  

‘Our approach aims to help people decide what they would like their whole life to look like, then provide the support they need across multiple areas to help them achieve their goals.  

‘That’s what this appeal is all about – giving people the chance to build a life that is truly their own.’ 

Through this joined-up approach, people will gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities open to them and the confidence to make informed choices. They will be supported to explore different workplaces, develop fulfilling weekly routines and build lasting relationships through coaching and social groups.  

Donations to Help Me Build My Life can be made at www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/buildmylife for one week from 2 December.