Meet Helen! One of our volunteer superstars who works with our community theatre group, facilitated by Blue Apple Theatre, which excitingly, has just merged with Minstead Trust!
Helen says, ‘I have volunteered with Minstead Trust since January 2023.
Having worked with people with learning disabilities for many years, I wanted to continue doing something to support learning disabilities after retirement. I knew about Minstead Trust through supporting people to attend activity sessions at Furzey Gardens, and I really liked the Trust’s ethos.
I enquired about volunteering opportunities and was delighted to learn that there was a vacancy for a volunteer to help the leader and support the attendees at one of the weekly Community Theatre sessions, held at Hanger Farm.
I have always loved music and musical theatre, and this was a chance to combine that with continuing to support people with learning disabilities, but in quite a different way.
The people who attend Community Theatre are all so keen to get involved with singing, dancing and drama, and everyone contributes ideas to develop the pieces. The session is led by Charlie, who ensures the sessions are really inclusive so that all attendees can participate.
There is such a lot of creativity, fun and laughter while we learn and rehearse, and there is a real sense of excitement and achievement on show days! So far, I have been involved with 3 shows, and we are working hard towards our next production. I personally have learnt some dance, drama and singing skills, which has helped with my own singing and performing in a choir.
Shortly after joining Minstead Trust, I also started volunteering Front of House at Hanger Farm. This fantastic venue has a fabulous variety of shows, and all the staff and volunteers are so friendly and supportive. We have some lively coffee mornings!
Volunteering for Minstead Trust has been hugely rewarding and allowed me to build a strong network of friendly people; something I never had time to do when working and raising a family.’
Learn more about Blue Apple Theatre: blueappletheatre.com