Founded in 1994, Brandon Trust started with only 25 members of staff and began their journey to empower people with learning disabilities and autism to live the lives they choose.
Over the past 30 years, the organisation has expanded significantly, now employing nearly 3,000 staff and supporting approximately 2,000 children, young people, and adults with learning disabilities and autistic people.
As an independent charity, they provide services that range from supported living and residential care to short breaks and children's play schemes. Brandon Trust also operates various social enterprises, including high street boutiques, ceramics studios, a care farm, cafés, and a packaging service for NHS transplant kits, providing individuals with opportunities to gain work skills, vocational training, and paid employment.
Changing Lives Through Enterprise
The charities’ main goal is to set people free to live more fulfilled lives, and their social enterprises within the Southwest region are just one of the ways they do this. Their enterprises create meaningful opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, offering hands-on experience in diverse settings like boutiques, ceramics studios, cafés, a care farm, and even a packaging service for NHS transplant kits.
Every item they sell, whether it’s a piece of handmade pottery, a carefully packed box, or a cup of tea, helps build skills, confidence, and independence within the people they support. By creating an enterprise community, their work changes lives.
One of the enterprises, is Elm Tree Farm and through a variety of on-site projects and services, the farm supports over 60 people with learning disabilities and autistic people - known as co-farmers -helping them develop transferable skills, access employment support, and benefit from the therapeutic experience of working in nature within a safe and supportive environment.
The farm also welcomes regular volunteers, including corporate groups, to take part in farm life and work alongside the individuals they support. And with all produce available for purchase at the on-site farm shop, the money goes straight back into the cause.
Being proud of what they do.
The team at Brandon Trust is deeply passionate about everything they do, from their social enterprises to their charity shops, all the way to their core mission of supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people. A strong sense of pride is a common theme when they talk about their work, reflecting their dedication to making a real difference.
During our visit to see their impact fi
That passion shines through in every aspect of their work, driving meaningful change and creating opportunities that empower the people they support. Whether it’s helping individuals develop new skills, providing a supportive work environment, or giving people the chance to contribute to their community, Brandon Trust’s commitment to making a positive impact is evident in everything they do. Their dedication changes lives and inspires others to join them in building a more inclusive and equitable society.
How you can help.
There are so many ways that you can get involved and help Brandon Trust deliver their mission.
By shopping with Brandon Trust, you not only find affordable, sustainable products but also help make a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Every purchase supports their social enterprises, where individuals gain valuable work experience.
Visit their charity shops or online stores to make a positive impact today: Brandon Trust - JustGiving
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