RetailTRUST

Did you know...

retailTRUST was founded in 1832 by Thomas Helps, as the The Linen and Woollen Drapers, Silk Mercers, Lacemen, Haberdashers and Hosiers' Institution. Initially it was a 'confederacy of good feeling' with close links to the emerging department store sector. In 1898, an estate in Mill Hill was donated to the charity which became the first retirement estate for aged retail workers, and the charity changed its name to Cottage Homes.Queen Elizabeth II became a patron in 1948. Two more retirement estates were acquired in 1956 and 1960, in Derby and Glasgow respectively.

In 1996, the charity launched its Helpline, which shifted the focus of the charity to current retail workers. In 2001, the charity changed its name from Cottage Homes to retailTRUST, and opened a fourth retirement home in Liverpool. A fifth retirement estate was opened in 2009 in Salford. In the past few years, retailTRUST has launched new services focused on developing opportunities for young unemployed people, helping cultivate a rewarding career path in partnership with the industry.

What makes retailTRUST different

retailTRUST has services in place to make sure that we can be there for those who need the support and assistance.

Our range of free services include: • Free and confidential Helpline 0808 801 0808
• Counselling Services • Personal Legal Advice • Debt Advice
• Hardship and course funding grants
• Retirement Housing • Pre-employment education programmes

Other ways to support

Individuals and organisations can organise events to help raise awareness of services, follow and share our stories on social media and tell their friends and family that free support is available as everyone knows someone in retail!