Our 150th anniversary
For over 150 years we’ve been working to champion the rights of people in need of support.
We were founded in 1870 by Leonard Kilbe Shaw and Richard Bramwell Taylor as the Manchester and Salford Boys and Girls Refuges and Homes. They aspired to improve the lives of young people neglected by the state. Their work continues to inspire our modern-day values and that commitment to the people we support never falters because they are at the heart of everything we do.
Thanks to the National Heritage Lottery and Arts Council England we opened up our history in lots of ways.
Care records: The power of understanding your history
150 Artists exhibition at The Lowry
Co-commissioned by the people we support, 7 pairs of artists delivered workshops that explored the Together Trust’s past, present and future.
People from across our services used art forms such as dance and movement, photography and chalk work to convey what the charities history looks like and what it means to them going forward.
The Ever Open Door – 150 years of the Together Trust
In 1870 a ‘Night Refuge for Homeless Boys’ was opened on Quay Street in Manchester. Founded by Dublin born Leonard Kilbee Shaw and Manchester businessman Richard Bramwell Taylor, it saw the beginning of a charity that has gone on to help thousands of children across Manchester, Salford and beyond.
Author Andrew Simpson explores the Together Trusts rich history from humble beginnings to supporting thousands of people each year in The Ever Open Door. Order your copy and read how we’ve shaped care, support and education in Manchester over 150 years.
Contact us to purchase your copy
Memory collecting
Did you have a member of your family grow up in our care, or did you join one of our community festivals? You might have a story to share or a photograph from one of our events and we’d love to hear from you.
If you have something to share, you can email us your memories, or we can arrange a time to chat.
Our 150th anniversary events
Oral histories project
Between April – June 2021, the project aimed to get care-experienced people’s voices heard, gathered by a group of Together Trust volunteers.
Although our oral histories project has come to an end, we’d love to continue to hear all about the experiences of people supported by the Together Trust. If you would like to tell your story, please get in touch with us on enquiries@togethertrust.org.uk
Manchester Central Library exhibition
Following its run at The Lowry, the artwork featured in our 150 artists exhibition moved to Manchester Central Library in April 2022.
Along with material from our archive, this was an opportunity to explore the Together Trust history of pioneering change alongside some of the artwork created by the people we support.
Watch a short video about the 150 Artists exhibition
Heritage plaque
We are proud of our history and want to make other people aware of our rich heritage and humble beginnings. In July 2021, we unveiled a heritage plaque to mark our very first home at 16 Quay Street in Manchester.
Watch a short video about the Together Trust commemorative plaque unveiling
For more information on any events listed above, please contact us on enquiries@togethertrust.org.uk.
Explore our other services
Who we are
We deliver life-changing care, support and education to thousands of people across the North West so they can lead the happy, fulfilled lives they deserve.
Find your history
We know how important it is to understand your past. So if your history is part of ours, we can help you access your records.
View our archive
The Together Trust Archive blog aims to give an insight into the history of the charity through its collection of books, photographs and documents dating from 1870 to the present day.