Page 10 • The HERALD • 26th June 2025 v F @heraldpublishing v Professional installers of Fascias, Guttering, Cladding, PVCu Windows & Doors Composite Doors • 10 year labour and product guarantees Repairs, cleaning and advice also available Tel: 023 8086 9715 or 07888 705455 enquiries@aztecfascias.com • Airport & Seaport Specialists • Highly Competitive Fares • Friendly, Reliable Service • Comfortable 6 Seater MPVs • Any Distance - Minimum Fare £10 Before booking your journey please call us for a free quotation 07770 967198 or 023 8194 8754 www.kazcarz.co.uk FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS All Roof Repairs Tel: 023 8184 5632 Mobile: 07880 508415 Email: steve@braithwaiteroo ng.co.uk THE FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST BCMS BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SERVICES All small, local works undertaken in the Waterside area, subject to availability. Competitive quotations and rates, together with friendly service and advice. Call Mark: 07913 145994 Leave a message or email: bcms.29@icloud.com Send your news to The Herald by email: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk Charity Merger to Grow Inclusive Arts Opportunities for People with Learning Disabilities Two leading charities, Minstead Trust and Blue Apple eatre, have recently announced their o cial merger, combining 60 years of expertise in supporting people with learning disabilities to live, work and express themselves creatively. While the merged charity will operate under the name Minstead Trust, Blue Apple eatre will retain its distinct name, identity and creative spirit - continuing to deliver bold, inclusive performance opportunities for actors with learning disabilities. Together, the two charities will amplify their shared mission: to create a society where people with learning disabilities can thrive, contribute, and be valued. “Blue Apple has a long track record of producing inspiring theatre delivered by and with learning disabled artists for new audiences locally, nationally and internationally,” said Alison Frater, Chair of Blue Apple eatre. “We’re excited to be joining hands with Minstead Trust. We value its leadership as a forward-thinking and innovative provider of services to people with learning disabilities and autism. The merger will bring the growth we need to build bold and courageous theatre that excites audiences and challenges social perceptions.” Founded in 2005, Blue Apple Theatre has established itself as a pioneering inclusive arts organisation. Through mainstage productions, outreach projects and lm, it empowers learning disabled performers to express themselves, build confidence and develop their careers. The company’s work has reached national audiences and helped shi perceptions of disability in the arts. Minstead Trust, founded in 1986, supports over 320 people with learning disabilities and autism along the south coast of England from Poole to Portsmouth. rough supported living, day opportunities, and employment support, the charity helps individuals gain independence, learn new skills, and live life on their own terms. Minstead Trust is also a recognised social enterprise leader, running inclusive businesses including Furzey Gardens in Minstead and Hanger Farm in Totton. “We’ve admired Blue Apple for many years. Their creativity and quality are exceptional,” said Adam Dodd, CEO of Minstead Trust. “In a tough environment for disability charities, this merger makes sense. We’re stronger together. By joining forces, we’ll not only protect what makes Blue Apple brilliant, but also unlock new opportunities for more people with learning disabilities- particularly those who receive no funded support.” With Blue Apple’s expertise, Minstead Trust will invest in new, inclusive opportunities that combine creative expression with real-world impact. Plans include expanding the reach of performing arts programmes, increasing access to training in stagecra and digital media, and developing innovative pathways into employment and independence through the arts. e charity aims to amplify the voice of people with learning disabilities in society - locally and nationally. Blue Apple session
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