Supporters rally round to bring Christmas cheer

4 January 2021

Supporters of Minstead Trust came together to raise spirits and enjoy festive fun over the Christmas period while contributing important funds to the charity.

Despite the Covid pandemic making this a difficult Christmas for many, the supporters of Minstead Trust went above and beyond to help people with learning disabilities and each other this festive season.

Seasonal celebrations were taken online, with highlights including a reflective original poem video read by people from across the charity, a message from the charity’s Ambassador Tim Selwood and Christmas tree competition. Funds were raised through a raffle, a virtual ‘wish tree’ and the opportunity to donate to purchase equipment to help the people supported by Minstead Trust. See all the highlights here.

Some of the vulnerable people supported by the Trust were faced with a different Christmas to normal and many people contributed to making the time as happy as possible for them. Zurich contributed presents and Christmas trees, a virtual light display was put on in the grounds of Minstead Lodge and staff cooked a special Christmas dinner on the day itself for those who couldn’t visit their families as planned.

The Trust supports more than 200 people with learning disabilities across Hampshire and its support workers work throughout Covid restrictions to help some of the most vulnerable in society.

Although current restrictions are having an impact on how people are being supported, the money raised will eventually help the Trust to focus on the health and wellbeing of the people it supports in 2021. More than £3,500 was raised in total, with items to be purchased include a new oven and equipment for cookery lessons, seeds and bulbs for horticulture sessions and yoga mats for exercise.

This will help people with learning disabilities to learn new skills and have new experiences that will gradually help them move on from a hugely difficult 2020 where many felt lonely and scared due to the Covid pandemic.

Lesley Brooks, fundraising co-ordinator, said: ‘We wanted to bring a bit of festive cheer at the end of 2020 and we hope people enjoyed the poem and videos brought to them virtually.  And of course we are deeply grateful to each and every person who chose to make a donation to our Christmas fundraiser”

Find out how you can support Minstead Trust at www.minsteadtrust.org.uk