Stockport charity celebrates 150 years supporting families

Stockport-based charity, the Together Trust, is celebrating its 150^th anniversary of supporting children, adults and families in the North West of England.

Activities and events are set to take place throughout the year to celebrate the Together Trust’s birthday, as well as the release of a book exploring the Stockport charity’s history. A blue plaque, marking the trust’s original building, Sunlight House in Manchester, will also be unveiled.

The charity, which was first established in Manchester in 1870, supports more than 2,700 children, adults and families each year, providing a fostering service, short breaks and community services, residential homes, schools, special education services and family support.

Mark Lee, Chief Executive at the Together Trust, said:

We’ve come a long way since 1870, when Leonard Shaw and Richard Taylor founded a ‘Night Refuge for Homeless boys’ on Quay Street in Manchester.

“Our team of nearly 900 colleagues, at dozens of sites, work flat out to champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support. The help, support and generosity of our corporate partners and donors is a vital factor in the ongoing provision of our services. We’re incredibly thankful to all our existing partners and we welcome interest from potential partners and supporters who wish to help us continue our work.

Julie Isted, the Stockport charity’s Director of External Affairs and Governance, said:

The anniversary is a very important milestone for us and we’re really excited about the year ahead.

“In fact we began our anniversary activities back in November when 14 specially selected local artists, funded by the Arts Council, began running bespoke workshops in our schools, colleges and out in our local communities, creating work using mediums such as music, movement and dance, painting, clay, photography and other forms of craft. 

“We’ve made sure that we’re placing the people we support at the heart of all of anniversary celebrations and everyone at the Trust is really looking forward to 2020, which looks like it’s going to be an exciting and memorable year!”