With a little help from our friends

It's local and community history month, so we are looking at some of the communities across Greater Manchester and Cheshire that have helped us change lives over the past 150 years.

We have often explored the contribution of individuals who have supported the charity through bequests, subscriptions, and donations, but this time we are looking at groups and localities who have joined together to support young people across the North West. Togetherness is something we need in these challenging times, and whilst we may not be able to be together in a physical sense, a sense of unity and community expressed in other ways can make a big difference to support our friends, neighbours, and loved ones right now.

In the early days, when the charity was known as the Manchester and Salford Refuges and Homes, local associations and societies helped to raise vital funds and resources. Without the support of these generous groups who rallied friends and other interested parties from their local communities, the charity would not have been able to provide food, shelter, clothing, and more to children desperately in need.

It is important to note that 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the Together Trust’s presence in Cheadle, however, the charity had established ties with the area long before its relocation from central Manchester in 1920. From 1896, the Cheadle Hulme and Bramhall Working Party held an annual Garden Fete in support of the charity (not to be confused with our own Garden Fete held on the grounds of the Belmont Estate). These events were first held at the Dingle, home to the Carr family, before moving a short distance to Bramhall Hall.

Bramhall was not the only community which held a Garden Fete in the charity's honour – another, significantly smaller affair, was organised in Rochdale by a group of young girls moved to help their less fortunate peers:

Some young friends at Rochdale have been busy preparing and holding a little Garden Sale. It proved so successful, that they were able to send us, as half the proceeds, the sum of Seven pounds. We heartily congratulate Emmeline, Dorothy, and Elsie, and thank them sincerely for their practical sympathy in our work among the poor children.

– The Children's Haven, August 1897

Countless other community groups maintained support for the charity for many years including: the Ladies' Work Society of Wilmslow; North East Lancashire Needlework Association; alongside various Congregational Churches across the North West. The charity also set up local meetings, accompanied by musical recitals from the talented 'Lily Choir' (comprised of girls from the Cheetham Hill homes) and handbell ringers, in places such as Middleton, Eccles, Oldham, Bury, Timperley and Withington, in order to raise funds and garner support from these neighbouring towns.

A page showing donations received from near and far - The Children's Haven, December 1898

In more recent times we have received immense support from local groups such as Roughleys Bike Show, who donate vast amounts of Easter eggs and toys each year – a sight to behold as a cavalcade of motorcycles roar their way to our central offices twice a year to drop them off. 

In these unprecedented times, we could all do with a little help from our friends. We are thankful for the support of all of our friends over the past 150 years. If you would like to say thank you to someone, or share what's getting you through these challenging times, why not take part in the Together Trust's 'I'm thankful for…' campaign, and share it via social media? Once you’ve shared please consider donating to the campaign to help us to continue supporting looked-after children and young people and adults with disabilities, autism, and mental health differences during this uncertain time.