For many young people with learning disabilities, leaving education feels like stepping into the unknown. Lacking the necessary skills, confidence, and guidance, they struggle to navigate adulthood.
With limited access to adult social care, they face challenges in finding work, building independence, and creating structure in their lives, leading to isolation and unfulfilled potential.
Minstead Trust, a charity supporting over 320 people with learning disabilities from Poole to Portsmouth, is committed to changing this by launching their ‘Kick Start My Life’ appeal, which provides a pathway to independence and success for young people. The campaign, which forms part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge, seeks to raise £36,000 to support the Trust’s innovative programmes. Thanks to the generosity of match funders, all donations made between midday 3 December – midday 10 December will be doubled, ensuring your support has double the impact.
The ‘Kick start my life’ appeal will introduce a comprehensive range of support designed to give young people and their families the tools to kick-start a fulfilling adult life. The programmes will offer personalised guidance, including opportunities for supported volunteering, group activities to build skills and relationships, and practical help with everyday tasks like shopping and managing life at home.
For those seeking meaningful employment, Minstead Trust’s tailored work programmes equip young people with the skills and confidence needed to pursue a rewarding career. In addition, Minstead Trust will offer engaging activity programmes where young people can make friends, discuss important issues, and share experiences, ensuring they build a strong support network as they transition into adulthood.
Helen, who is supported by Minstead Trust and is employed as a café assistant at The View—a café run by Minstead Trust in the Portsmouth Civic Offices said,
‘I just didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. My anxiety and confidence went down cause when I went to work it was very stressful and different to sitting in a classroom.’
The ‘Kick start my life’ appeal is a crucial part of Minstead Trust’s commitment to helping young people unlock their full potential. By providing the right guidance and tools, Minstead Trust aims to offer young adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to lead independent, fulfilling lives, free from isolation.
You can make a difference and help young people like Helen take control of their future by donating to the ‘Kick start my life’ appeal today.
To learn more about the campaign and donate visit: www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/KickStartMyLife