As a result of an initial presentation for prospective shareholders held recently at the Gwealdues hotel, £70,000 was pledged towards procurement of Mustard Seed’s first property to house adults with learning disabilities. In total the Helston charity is hoping to raise £300,000 through this share issue by the autumn.

CEO of Mustard Seed and local councillor Derek Thomas said:

“We have done a substantial amount of work to drive this forward and believe that we are now ready to provide supported housing in a person-centred way. This means that this exciting new venture is designed and developed with the needs and requirements of each individual at the heart of our plans and developments. Already Prospects are supporting an individual in their home in the Helston area.  The money pledged so far is a significant first step to purchasing our first property so that we can provide a level of supported housing that sets the standard for this important work.”

Mustard Seed has been developing a partnership with national charity Prospects for the last 2 years.  15 months ago they joined forces and held a presentation for families affected by learning disabilities as well as statutory agencies.  As a result a number of families came forward directly asking for the Mustard Seed / Prospects partnership to provide them with supported accommodation. 

One investor said:

“Not all investments are highly profitable or secure but I consider 3.5% a fair return as I would rather support vulnerable adults enjoy the dignity of living as independently as possible than have the extra £1 per week interest that I’d get if my £3k was in a savings account”  

Existing Mustard Seed Trustees form the founding board of directors of Mustard Seed Property Limited, and a share issue document is available by contacting Resonance, the appointed finance company who specialise in raising private funding for community projects such as this. 0845 00 43432 

Notes to Editors:

Resonance Limited is the project manager for this scheme and is a company specialising in social enterprise investment.  Daniel Brewer 01566 818131, 07956 557485, www.resonance.ltd.uk

Mustard Seed is a Christian charity registered no. 1029405 operating in Helston, Cornwall.  Derek Thomas 01326 564194 , 07974 797754

Mustard Seed Property Ltd is currently being incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society with the Financial Services Authority.  For copies of its share issue documentation please contact Resonance 0845 0043432.

Prospects is a Christian voluntary organisation which values and supports people with learning disabilities so that they live their lives to the full.  Charity no. 1060571    Lynne Roberts 01823 322004, 07966 924916, www.prospects.org.uk