E³ Consulting Support Minstead Trust’s Online Christmas Raffle

Discussing the Minstead Trust's Christmas raffle, Nicky Oliver, Director, confirmed that “E³ Consulting is a Silver Business Partner to the Trust and delighted to support this valuable local charity in such a difficult and challenging year – We are thrilled to provide the top three prizes, retail vouchers to the total value of £150”. Lesley Brooks, events fundraiser at the Trust said “we are really grateful to E³ Consulting for their generosity in supporting our virtual Christmas event. 2020 has been such a devastating year for all of us, and we felt that this was one way for people to support the Trust by getting involved and buying raffle tickets, and we hope to spread a bit of Christmas cheer too”!

We realise we all have many demands on us for supporting good causes, but if you are able to help in any way - whether buying a ticket or two, donating further prizes or simply promoting this event to your wider friends, family and contacts!

https://www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/charity/appeals/festive-raffle/

Minstead Trust supports people with learning disabilities to achieve greater independence, lead fulfilled lives and live as full citizens in society. Based in the New Forest and Portsmouth, the Trust’s unique and friendly style is based on a strong community spirit and has changed the lives of hundreds of people. This year has been so challenging for the health and wellbeing of the people supported by Minstead Trust and the charity is committed to continuing to help them build their confidence once again to restore their wellbeing into 2021 and beyond.

Minstead Trust supports people in the community, in their homes, providing residential and supported living care, provides training and work opportunities in its social enterprises and meaningful and enriching day and online services and activity. The social enterprises of Minstead Trust, Furzey Gardens, Minstead Lodge and Hanger Farm Arts Centre, have all had to close to the public during the crisis. This has badly hit the charity’s income and prohibited the usual training and work opportunities that are normally provided in these social enterprises for people with learning disabilities.

Due to restrictions placed upon everyone, the community support and activity groups have had to stop too and day services have had to alter to enable people with learning disabilities to access them and return safely. The Trust has had to adapt and provide online services for those people who cannot return and whose community groups are not taking place. The additional costs of the pandemic have had to be covered, to ensure support for some of the most vulnerable people in society could continue, with support staff working tirelessly, whilst at the same time, the charity’s income being badly hit.

In the summer, Furzey Gardens was able to re-open to the public, and Hanger Farm Arts Centre was also able to open, but not for any live stage productions, and only recently started to offer film showings before the second lockdown took hold, once again forcing its doors to close. Minstead Lodge social enterprise has remained closed to conference guests, but was able to be the venue for one small wedding.

During this time, the Trust launched an emergency appeal, ran another appeal to help get Furzey Gardens back open safely, provided entertainment with virtual stage performances from Hanger Farm Arts Centre, and engaged with visitors to the gardens, and its supporters with competitions and fundraising challenges. Its virtual fete saw one of its instructors being “splashed for cash” to raise money.

Minstead Trust is a registered charity, number:1053319. www.minsteadtrust.org.uk To get in touch with the Trust you can email info@minsteadtrust.org.uk