Minstead Trust, a charity which provides training and support to 300 people with learning disabilities along the south coast from Portsmouth to Poole, has launched its first Big Spring Give.

The campaign runs until May 9 and aims to supercharge the charity’s social businesses and the crucial training roles they provide. Supporters can help the businesses to thrive and could open up more opportunities for people with learning disabilities to get into paid work.

Minstead Trust runs a number of social businesses that provide employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

These businesses have faced a difficult few years with the pandemic, inflation and cost of living crisis. Now, The Big Spring Give aims to raise the funds needed to boost their future, including the training opportunities they provide.

Just five per cent of people with a learning disability are in paid work due to a lack of understanding about learning disabilities, a shortage of good quality support during the application stage and when in employment, as well as a deficiency of help to develop skills and experience.

Minstead Trust is continuing its work to try to change perceptions and showcase that people with a learning disability can make a valuable contribution in the workplace when given the right support, which in turn will help improve their wellbeing, confidence and give greater independence.

Adam Dodd, chief executive for Minstead Trust, said: “There are so many unfair barriers in the way for people with learning disabilities. This simply has to change.

“For too long, their input and influence has been undervalued and ignored and we want them to have the opportunity to experience paid work like everyone else.

“To do that, we want to use The Big Spring Give to boost our social businesses and the opportunities they offer for the people we support.

“We want to strongly challenge stigmas, show what a positive impact people with a learning disability can have in the workplace, and improve the access they have to paid work, apprenticeships and internships.”

Until May 9 all donations to Minstead Trust will be doubled, meaning more people can gain the pride and independence that comes from having a job.

Minstead Trust’s social businesses include Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Real Jam & Chutney Company and Lily&Lime cafés, where Rachel has consistently shined during her apprenticeship and now manages a café in Portsmouth Central Library.

“My apprenticeship has helped me to become more confident and realise how much I can actually do,” said Rachel.

“The café has helped me make some great friends and learn new skills. I wanted to show that people like me can do great things like everyone else. We’re all different and we should celebrate that.”

Adam continues: “There are so many misconceptions about people with learning disabilities, but people like Rachel just go to prove that if we create opportunities, individuals can explore their own unique potential which will in turn help influence society, break down barriers and enable more people to live fulfilling lives of their own choosing.”