Legacy gifts fuel life-changing support for Winchester adults with learning disabilities

Winchester’s adults with learning disabilities will lose a critical lifeline if legacy support dwindles, the city’s leading charity for the sector warns today. Figures from Winchester Go LD reveal that 78% of its weekly social groups rely on voluntary donations and legacy income to operate, with 42% of participants citing the charity as their only source of community connection.

Founded in 2011, Winchester Go LD supports 127 adults through programs ranging from cooking workshops to theatre outings, all designed to combat isolation. The charity’s chief executive, Sarah Whitmore, 46, said legacy gifts have funded 60% of its expansion since 2019, enabling it to open a second venue in the St. Cross area in January 2024. Without these funds, the charity would be forced to reduce sessions by half and cut its volunteer program by a third.

Whitmore described a recent legacy gift of £150,000 from a former volunteer as a turning point. The donation allowed the charity to hire a part-time employment coach, placing five members into paid work placements with local businesses. One participant, 34-year-old Daniel Reeves, secured a six-month role at a Winchester café after completing the charity’s barista training.

“Legacy gifts aren’t just money—they’re opportunities,” Reeves said. “Before Winchester Go LD, I spent most days at home. Now I’m part of a team, earning my own money and making friends. That’s not something a building or a programme can give you.”

Legacy Action Week, running from October 7 to 13, aims to double the number of residents including legacy gifts in their wills. The campaign highlights that gifts of any size—starting at £5,000—can sustain critical services. A £10,000 gift, for example, funds a year of life-skills workshops for 12 participants, while £25,000 covers the salary of a support worker for a year.

Opposition to the charity’s reliance on legacy gifts comes from Hampshire County Council, which argues that statutory services should bear more of the burden. A council spokesperson stated that while they “recognize the value of Winchester Go LD,” they “cannot replace core social care funding with charitable donations.” The charity counters that its programs prevent costly crises by keeping members engaged and independent.

Whitmore emphasizes that legacy giving is about more than financial support—it’s a statement of values. “When someone leaves a gift in their will to Winchester Go LD, they’re saying, ‘This community matters,’” she said. “They’re ensuring that adults with learning disabilities aren’t left behind, not just today, but for decades to come.” The charity’s legacy register shows that 89% of past donors cited personal experience with the charity as their reason for giving.

1. Social inclusion — Legacy gifts fund weekly groups where members build friendships and reduce isolation
2. Skill development — Donations pay for trainers in cooking, budgeting, and employment readiness
3. Community integration — Funds venue hire, volunteer programs, and public events that showcase member talents
4. Future planning — Allows the charity to invest in long-term projects like accessible housing adaptations

For those considering a legacy gift, Winchester Go LD offers a free guide on how to structure wills to include donations. The guide outlines tax benefits and provides sample wording. The charity’s legacy officer, Mark Hargreaves, 52, said: “We’re not asking for fortunes. We’re asking for the chance to keep doing what we do best—changing lives, one legacy at a time.”