Rory’s story: Big Give 2025
Rory’s journey with Minstead Trust shows how holistic, joined-up support can help people with learning disabilities thrive in every part of their lives. From living in supported accommodation to attending day opportunities and volunteering at Furzey Gardens, Rory is growing in confidence, independence, and happiness.
At Furzey Gardens Tea Room, Rory’s love for customer service shines. He draws pictures to show what he enjoys, explaining, ‘This is a coffee bean and this is a coffee cake.’
His enthusiasm is infectious, delighting both colleagues and visitors. Seb, who works alongside Rory, says:
‘Rory is a fantastic member of the team and has a great passion for customer service and making coffees for our customers. His enthusiasm resonates throughout the team and everybody enjoys working with him and the way he brightens up their days. This goes for customers as well who are consistently commenting (both directly to Rory and feeding back separately) about his cheerful attitude, coffee-making skills and professional behaviour.’
Rory with his drawing of coffee cake and a coffee bean.
Learning to operate the coffee machine wasn’t easy, but Rory stuck with it, showing real progression even during busy periods or when the machine wasn’t working perfectly. He’s also mastered the till, communicates clearly with customers, and helps with upselling and checking orders. Rory’s teamwork is equally impressive: he’s always ready to help colleagues and volunteer at Afternoon Tea and catering events, impressing guests with his calm, friendly approach under pressure.
Rory’s engagement in day opportunities is another area where he flourishes. Art is his favourite session, and he says, ‘I like being an artist.’ These creative activities help him express himself, develop new skills, and enjoy a sense of achievement.
Living in supported accommodation gives Rory the stability he needs to build independence and confidence in everyday life. Combined with volunteering and day opportunities, this holistic support helps Rory develop essential life skills, social connections, and the confidence to take on new challenges.
Through his journey, Rory shows that with the right support, people with learning disabilities can build fulfilling lives full of learning, friendship, and purpose.
From midday 2 December – midday 9 December, you can help more people like Rory thrive, and every donation will be instantly doubled at no extra cost!
Your support helps people with learning disabilities build strong foundations for a fulfilling life, with meaningful work, lasting friendships, and improved wellbeing.
That’s double the impact, at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
