Lawnmower gift for green-fingered residents

4 November 2020

Residents living in supported accommodation in Totton have been busy learning new skills in the garden, thanks to a contribution from ExxonMobil Fawley.

The residents have been taking it in turns to mow the grass after a £500 grant from the Fawley site enabled the purchase of a new eco-friendly electric lawnmower.

The house is run by Minstead Trust, a charity dedicated to helping people with learning disabilities to achieve greater independence, lead fulfilled lives, and live as full citizens in society. The Trust provides training and support to enable its service users to develop new skills at a pace tailored to the individual, and offers day services, supported living, and residential care across Hampshire and Wiltshire.

After an incredibly difficult year for people with learning disabilities, the Trust is redoubling its efforts to support their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Generous gifts like this lawnmower help the Trust to offer more outdoor activities for the people it supports, helping them to experience the health benefits of time spent in the great outdoors tending to their garden.

Wendy Gathercole, Head of Supported Living at Minstead Trust, added: ‘The lawnmower will be used by our supported living residents in their garden, providing them with enjoyment and the extra confidence needed to help them to achieve more independence and live more fulfilled lives in society. Thank you so much ExxonMobil Fawley for your support.’

Alison Jones, ExxonMobil Fawley Community Affairs Manager, said: “’e are delighted to have been able to make this £500 grant as part of our Volunteer Involvement Programme. This recognises our employees and their family members who give up their own time to support good causes in the local community. The Minstead Trust does some truly remarkable work, and we hope that the residents will enjoy using their new lawnmower for a long time to come.’

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