History of the trust

JMS Trust started to take shape in late 2011. A small group of parents in West Yorkshire had started thinking about independent living for their daughters and sons, but there was nothing suitable locally. Unexpectedly a local property belonging to a local Children’s Charity was put up for auction. It needed extensive renovation, but its location was safe, convenient and in a stable community – it was the ideal opportunity.

A private individual, who knew about the difficulties in finding the right place for young adults with learning disabilities, took everybody by surprise by offering to pay the cost of renovation of the property, on condition that it would be used for supported living. Through that incredible gesture a long-term home for four young adults became possible. The families were key actors in every aspect of the planning – not just in terms of the building, but of how it should operate when it was up and running.

The results of that initial investment were so positive that the individual, who had first made it all possible, set up the JMS Trust to encourage other parents to follow suit.

JMS Trust became a registered charity in August 2018 with a vision of seeing adults with learning disabilities living independent, active, valued, meaningful lives in their own homes. Ensuring they have the same rights and choices as everyone else and have maximum control over how they live their lives.

We have spent the last 8 years working to make our vision, and the vision of the groups we support, a reality.

We are pleased that in working towards that vision the Trust has supported 17 projects across England, impacting the lives of 64 families and 70 young people. This includes purchasing 4 houses passing them on to 3 housing associations and 1 charity for projects where finding a property was a key barrier.