Minstead Trust surpasses £54,000 target to help people with learning disabilities build stronger, more independent lives
12 November 2025
Minstead Trust surpasses £54,000 target to help people with learning disabilities build stronger, more independent lives
Minstead Trust, which supports over 600 people with learning disabilities across Dorset and Hampshire, has successfully raised £54,257 in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. The charity’s ‘Help me build my life’ appeal set out to strengthen support for people with learning disabilities, and supporters rallied round to ensure the goal was reached.
People with learning disabilities want to shape their own futures, follow their interests and be part of their communities. But many only receive help in one part of life, such as housing, work or relationships, which can leave them without the foundations needed for long-term independence.
The appeal highlighted how progress in one area can quickly fall away without consistent support across someone’s whole life, and how a more connected approach can make a lasting difference.
Supporters had one week, from 2 to 9 December, to help the Trust hit its challenging goal, with every donation doubled through the Big Give. Thanks to more than 200 donors, Minstead Trust surpassed the target before the campaign closed. The Reed Educational Trust also played a key role in helping the charity reach this milestone as the main champion funder ensuring donations were doubled.
The appeal featured personal stories from people supported across the Trust, including Jason, who has been building confidence and independence in his supported living home. He 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.’
Funds raised will help people like Jason gain the connected support they need across all areas of life. This includes one-to-one guidance for young people leaving education, coaching for people who have experienced trauma, support for families, and real work experience that leads to lasting employment. The goal is to build stronger foundations so that each person can shape a life that reflects their hopes and ambitions.
Adam Dodd, Chief Executive of Minstead Trust, said:
‘We are very grateful to everyone who supported the Big Give campaign. Thanks to this generosity, we’ve reached a challenging target, enabling us to provide stronger, joined-up support for people with learning disabilities. As well as the support of more than 200 individuals, we are also hugely thankful to all the organisations whose backing played a crucial role. Every donation helps someone we support gain the confidence, skills, and independence to shape a life they want, and this fundraiser shows what’s possible when our community comes together.’