Journal New Forest Collection
Minstead Trust
This June we are back with our sixth episode of Shop Small Saturday where we will be taking a deep dive into the incredible Minstead Trust. Located just a stone’s throw away from Forest Lodge and in the heart of the New Forest National Park, the non-profit organisation supports over 220 people with learning disabilities live healthy, happy lives.
We recently caught up with their Marketing Executive, Elspeth to discuss the Trust’s all-important community role and what impact the New Forest has on the day to day lives of the people they support.
“A friendly, inclusive and inspiring place”
From support services to residential homes, day opportunities to employability guidance, Minstead Trust offers a broad scope of support to help all adults achieve their personal goals. Including their New Forest social enterprises, Furzey Gardens and Hanger Farm Arts Centre where they provide necessary work experience for the people they support, ensuring their independent development and employability. The charity was established in 1986 and incorporated in 1996. Originally it was a small project in the corner of Furzey Gardens, with one member of staff and five young adults with learning disabilities. Utilising the power of nature and fresh forest air, this year Furzey Garden celebrates its centenary and continues to welcome visitors from far and wide to explore their tea rooms, wooded areas and parks, not forgetting their fairy doors too. With their New Forest location continuing to drive much of the Trust’s offering, many of the people they support grow plants, care for the animals at Minstead Trust and monitor its neighbouring wildlife with motion detection cameras. Nature’s stimuli at its finest.
There are several ways visitors can support Minstead Trust, including one off donations, volunteering, visiting their social enterprises and engaging in conversation with the people they support. We are extremely passionate about sharing the very best of the New Forest, its services, people and variety of things to do. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to spotlight Minstead Trust, it simply could not be missed.
