Minstead Trust

Today, we hear from Bea, our Wellbeing Support Programme Lead. Thanks to your contributions, Bea was able to launch a new healthy eating course for the people we support. Bea said, ‘This new course has sparked productive conversations around healthy eating, empowering participants to explore various aspects of health. 'They are learning how your mindset influences food choices and how to adopt positive behaviours around eating. We’re also focusing on practical ways to eat healthily on a budget, incorporating physical activity, and discovering the joy of cooking. 'A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. Your contributions have enabled us to launch this course, which will have a lasting and positive impact on the people we support.’

Dave and Caitlyn are part of the wonderful Real Jam and Chutney team! Thanks to your support, this year we were able to create a dedicated workspace for them. The new space is perfectly suited to their needs, giving them the room to work more efficiently and continue making delicious products. As a social enterprise, The Real Jam and Chutney Company not only creates tasty goods but also provides meaningful opportunities for the people we support. With this new space, they can now increase their production capacity, experiment with new recipes, and focus on creativity and quality without the limitations they previously faced. It's a fantastic step forward, enabling the team to make a bigger impact while continuing their mission of combining great food with positive social change. Thank you.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our employability programme. Today, Chris reflects on the excellent progress that they have made this year. Providing meaningful employment opportunities to people with learning disabilities is more than just offering a job—it's about encouraging independence, building confidence, and creating a sense of purpose. Your support has made it possible for us to continue this important work, opening doors for those who might otherwise face significant barriers to employment. Together, we are helping to create a more inclusive and supportive world where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Gemma, one of our talented artists, creates beautiful felt items, like the little mouse you see here! Thanks to the generous donations we've received this year, we've been able to design a new craft room suited to our needs, enabling us to expand the variety of creative activities we offer to the people we support. Crafting isn’t just a creative outlet; it’s also a wonderful way to promote well-being and reduce stress. When asked how she feels during the felting sessions, Gemma beautifully summed it up in one word: ‘Happy.’

Last year, the residents of Minstead Lodge made a significant transition by moving into their new supported living house in Lyndhurst. Dom, the Residential Manager, reflects on the positive fresh start this has provided for some of the people we support. None of this would have been possible without your kind and generous support. Thank you for helping us make such a meaningful difference in their lives.

Meet Ed, a key member of our talented wood workshop team. He’s one of the brilliant artisans behind the enchanting fairy furniture featured in the shop at Furzey Gardens. Thanks to the generous donations we’ve received this year, including a new woodworking machine and a mini belt sander, Ed and his fellow woodworkers have been able to expand their skills, experiment with new creations, and share their expertise with the entire team. These contributions play a crucial role in fostering creativity and craftsmanship in our workshop.

Today for our 'Thanking Time', our CEO Adam is sharing how your support has been instrumental in shaping our achievements this year. Thanks to you, we've been able to help vulnerable individuals along the south coast lead more independent and fulfilling lives. We are truly grateful for your ongoing support - thank you. https://lnkd.in/eP7P9tRb

Here’s Ken, one of our New Forest Day Opportunities Instructors and George enjoying a peaceful moment in the garden at Minstead Lodge. Gardening offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits. For people like George, it’s an opportunity to stay active, relax in nature, and develop new skills along the way. It’s because of your generous support that we can offer these enriching experiences, helping the people we support thrive in such meaningful and fulfilling ways. Thank you.

From 9-18 September, we're celebrating ‘Thanking Time’ to express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support. Whether you've donated, volunteered, taken on a fundraising challenge or visited one of our venues, your contributions have profoundly impacted the lives of over 320 people with learning disabilities. Thanks to you, we're not just meeting basic needs; we're empowering people to pursue their dreams, find jobs, build relationships, and learn new skills. Over the next 10 days, you'll hear from some of the people we support and our dedicated staff, sharing just how much your support means to them. Let's start things off with a heartfelt thank you from Dave and Jordan!

Marc, George and Steve from Aura Technology are gearing up for an exciting challenge this Sunday as they lace up their running shoes for The Big Half — a 13.1-mile journey through London! They’ve been putting in a lot of effort to raise funds for Minstead Trust, and we wish them the very best of luck. If you'd like to contribute to their incredible challenge, please visit: https://buff.ly/3XSVqZ7