Coping with lockdown – Minstead Trust

The Minstead Trust supports over 200 people with learning disabilities to live more independent and fulfilled lives.

The charity has changed the way it continues to help people with learning disabilities during the lockdown – those people that Minstead Trust assist in residential care and in their own homes are now supported in their house groups to avoid the potential of infection moving between houses.

Minstead Trust’s social enterprises Furzey Gardens, Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton and Minstead Lodge conference and event venue, all of which were providing training and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, have all had to close their doors.

For those individuals who would normally attend day opportunities, or community groups, the Trust has put in place telephone and individual support as required and has also started online activities to ensure that people can stay connected and active during the lockdown.

The crisis has proved to be an enormous challenge for the wellbeing of people with learning disabilities and other additional needs, as many find it difficult to get used to even the smallest changes to routine, while others suffer from severe anxiety, even when all is right with the world.

David, Isabel and Gemma, people supported by Minstead Trust, take on their first fundraising 2.6 challenge – 26 yoga poses in the garden

To help the charity maintain its funds and continue care through the coronavirus crisis, the Trust is asking its supporters to take part in the 2.6 Challenge.

Madeleine Durie, Minstead Trust chief executive, said, “The 2.6 Challenge is the next stage in our fundraising push after the success of our emergency appeal, which raised more than £50,000 thanks to our generous community of support.

“We can’t wait to see the challenges people choose, whether they be energetic sporting feats, impressive crafts or acts of kindness. It will be wonderful to see our community come together as a collective to help our amazing support workers to keep caring through this crisis. Good luck everyone!’

Fundraising is crucial to the Trust as the coronavirus outbreak has made its support work increasingly difficult and put its finances under enormous strain.

If you would like to take on a 2.6 challenge for Minstead Trust or sponsor some of the people with learning disabilities that they support visit www. twopointsixchallenge.co.uk and search for Minstead Trust. Share your activity on the charity’s Facebook page and donate on their fundraising page, which has already raised over £1,000.