Minstead Trust celebrates life-changing fundraising total

9 December 2021

Minstead Trust plans to provide more support to help people to change their lives after smashing its largest ever fundraising target.

Minstead Trust raised £47,000 in under a week during the nationwide Big Give Christmas Challenge fundraising campaign, where donations from the public are doubled by generous pledgers.

The Trust supports more than 220 people with learning disabilities across Hampshire to learn new skills and live in their own homes. Its fundraising push was seeking to raise £40,000 to help people recover from the mental trauma of the pandemic and return safely to their communities.

Many people with learning disabilities are feeling more alone and lost than before the pandemic, lacking the support, funding and confidence to be full members of their communities.

Now, plans are underway to use the Trust’s largest ever Big Give total to:

• Re-establish drop-in community groups to offer advice and friendship for people with learning disabilities
• Give support to people wanting to attend social activities and follow their passions
• Set up a welfare fund to cover the cost of social activities and holidays
• Recruit volunteer and staff buddies to accompany people out and about in their communities
• Offer courses for people to rebuild the skills they need to feel comfortable with others.

Adam Dodd, Minstead Trust Chief Executive, said: ‘The last 18 months have been difficult for everyone, even more so for people with learning disabilities who often struggle to comprehend the situations and restrictions.

‘This record Big Give total is a ray of light for the people we support, offering them the support and means to get back out into their communities, as and when it is safe to do so. We are very grateful to everyone who supported the campaign and encouraged others to follow their lead. Their generous contributions will help some of the most vulnerable people in society to live happier, healthier lives in these uncertain times.’

Robert is supported by Minstead Trust and said: ‘I have found the pandemic really hard – the restrictions were so difficult. It was very depressing. I missed being my friends, having a laugh with them and doing things out and about.

‘I am very frustrated when I can’t do what I want to do out and about in the community. It is good and exciting to have raised this money to help me go out more and even go on holiday! It will definitely make me happier.’

Find out more about the 2021 Big Give.