New partnership aims to transform support for people with learning disabilities
6 May 2025
Minstead Trust is joining forces with the University of Essex to rethink how adults with learning disabilities move into supported living and how we can support them better.
Together, we’re launching a new project that brings experts, families and people with lived experience into the conversation. Funded by Innovate UK, the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will explore how to improve the way support is planned and delivered when someone leaves the family home.
Minstead Trust supports over 320 people along the south coast of England from Poole to Portsmouth. The fast-growing charity enables people with learning disabilities to grasp the opportunities that can help them lead more independent lives.
Right now, support can feel inconsistent. Families, support workers and the people we work with don’t always feel connected. This can lead to confusion about what support looks like day-to-day and what’s possible.
That’s where this project comes in.
Dr Anna Pettican and Dr Simone Coetzee, from the University’s School of Health and Social Care, will work closely with Minstead Trust and the people we support. Their work will help identify barriers and build better ways of working, designed together with people with learning disabilities, their families, and our staff.
Alice Clarfelt (below) will join the team as a dedicated KTP Associate, bringing experience in creative, inclusive research. Using theatre techniques and other participatory tools, Alice will help make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
This project isn’t just about making things better at Minstead Trust. It’s about changing the system.
We’re already collaborating with organisations like the Association for Real Change, Centre 404 and Learning Disability England to make sure this work has national reach. Together, we’re pushing for solutions that can benefit the entire adult social care sector – improving staff wellbeing, boosting family involvement, and encouraging better use of technology.
Minstead Trust CEO, Adam Dodd, said:
‘We’re delighted to be working with the University of Essex on this groundbreaking partnership. This issue affects so many people, and yet there’s very little evidence or guidance out there. We believe this project can change that—and help shape a future where adults with learning disabilities thrive in supported living, with families, carers and staff working better together.’
Dr Pettican added:
‘This is an exciting opportunity to create real change. People with learning disabilities are living longer, and many need new kinds of support as they move away from the family home. By working together, we can design support services that work better—not just for today, but for the future.’
This partnership aims to show what’s possible when charities, academics and communities come together.
Find out more on the University of Essex website.