Since March, around 350 supporters have raised more than £300,000 to ensure the Hampshire-based charity can survive. The Trust supports more than 200 people through supported living accommodation, day opportunities and employment training.

Money was raised through individual giving, grant funding and fundraising challenges that included yoga, busking, running and gardening.

The charity found its income vastly reduced as its social enterprises closed for several months. The Trust runs Furzey Gardens in Minstead, Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton and Minstead Lodge hospitality and events venue. These enterprises also offer work experience for people with learning disabilities to work towards employment.

The lockdown period has been particularly challenging for people supported by Minstead Trust, many of whom have struggled to understand the virus and have missed their normal routines. Many have been on the shielding list and had to isolate from their families, leading to loneliness. Every day of the crisis, care workers from the Trust have been on hand to support people to find a way through this difficult time.

Florrie, who is supported to live in Minstead Trust’s residential home said. “I haven’t enjoyed having less structure to my days or the fact I can’t hang out with some people. Our day opportunities is done in bubbles which means I can’t see some people or do some of the activities I liked before like dance and computer studies.

“But now we can do more it is better, I have been to New Forest Wildlife Park and Longdown Farm. I like the wolves at the wildlife park and I fed a cow at the farm.

“The whole situation has made me feel a bit down but I have a book where I write down my feelings and talk them over with my support workers. They have really helped me.

The charity is to focus on improving health and wellbeing over the rest of this year.

Minstead Trust needs regular sources of income to continue its work. To set up a regular donation to support the charity visit www.minsteadtrust.org.uk.donate