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Transforming lives for good.
From 1832 onwards, the Retail Trust has been caring for, protecting and improving the lives of people working in retail. Read our stories to learn how we’ve been transforming lives for good.
We’re always on the lookout for individuals who would be willing to share their experience with the Retail Trust. Click here to share your story.
“The Retail Trust saved me from homelessness.”
When her landlord sold the property she was living in, Chrissy was left in a precarious situation. A Facebook ad led her to the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate and transformed her life.
“I could make sure my children were well fed during the school holidays.”
Retail assistant Joanne* contacted us when the high cost of childcare left her unable to feed her family during the school holidays.
“It has been such a blessing to have a home like this.”
Michael, who is registered blind, moved into his cottage on the Leylands Estate in Derby in August 2020. In 2023 it was converted to a smart home, transforming Michael’s life and enabling him to continue living in his own home.
“Being able to talk to someone completely unbiased was so helpful.”
When marketing management student Phillip James, 22, started to feel overwhelmed just a few weeks into his placement year, he contacted the Retail Trust for support.
“Thanks to the Retail Trust, our son will get the support he needs”
With the help of financial aid from the Retail Trust, Emily Wilkinson, 34, is looking forward to welcoming Rollo, an autism support dog, into her home.
“Without the Retail Trust counselling I’d be in a very dark place”
After a terrifying critical incident at a high street store in the Midlands, the head of HR reached out to the Retail Trust to find support for the store manager and her team. Emma and Annie share their story.
How the Retail Trust helped Aldi to kickstart their wellbeing training journey
The journey we went on to deliver the highest rated training Aldi has ever offered.
“We can enjoy time together while we’re still a family of four.”
When the Centellas family received the devastating news that eldest son Berenguer’s brain tumour was back, dad Jaume took leave to spend as much time with the family as possible.
“I am treated as a person with value for once in my life.”
Before Charles moved into his flat, he’d been living in a bedsit where he slept on a sofa. He felt too afraid to leave his home due to antisocial behaviour in the local area.
“I have my independence but help is there when I need it.”
Jean, who lives in one of our extra-care flats, moved to the Leylands Estate over 20 years ago and has lived in three different properties as her needs have changed.
When I met the late Queen, Lisa Hendy
On arrival at St James Palace, we were taken aback on the grandeur of the room, we were served canapés and champagne, which were lovely.
A summer invite to the Royal Palace
Amanda Devine, PA and support office manager at the Retail Trust and Darren Williams, Retail Trust ambassador and the chair of the Retail Trust Celebration committee were invited to the late Queen’s garden party as representatives of the Retail Trust in 2017.
When I met the late Queen, Freda Carey
On entering St James’s Palace there was such a big staircase with the most beautiful long gold handrail and it was all so very elegant and such a beautiful room.
When I met the late Queen, Iris Cox
All the guests were stood in a line and then we waited for the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to both arrive.
When I met the late Queen, Eileen Barton
I remember that it was 2008 when I met Her Majesty the late Queen. It was very cold and had been snowing.
“I thought I couldn’t cope, until the Retail Trust showed me how.”
When Chris Stoddart, 43, suffered a panic attack at work, he found himself walking out – but a Retail Trust counsellor helped him find his way back.
Coming full circle after an extraordinary career in fashion and retail
Mr Gordon Deighton, Marshall Estate former resident
Reaching out can make all the difference
Fiona Bowman, 64, escaped her violent relationship when a colleague offered help when she needed it the most
Preparing Abbey for a career in retail
February 8, 2021
Helping Libby create a safe home for her family
January 6, 2021
Financial aid through Jake’s cancer treatment journey
December 4, 2020
Seed funding helped Samantha to kick-start her career
November 19, 2020
Supporting fashion entrepreneur Emma Russell
November 17, 2020
Retail Trust scholar graduates while progressing her fashion company
November 18, 2020
Helping Eve prepare for the academic year
September 30, 2020
Technology that changes lives
July 17, 2020
Incredible support for the #forthefour appeal
June 12, 2020
#RetailHero Jackie supports the local community
May 21, 2020
Staying connected to loved ones during COVID-19
May 13, 2020
Fantastic commitment to the #forthefour campaign
May 12, 2020
Providing for families in need
May 4, 2020
Financial support through difficult times
May 4, 2020
Supporting Karl and his family following the storms
March 30, 2020
A grant to help with funeral expenses
December 12, 2019
Helping Wendy deal with the loss of her mum
April 10, 2019
Supporting the Austin family
April 10, 2019
Cycling 100 miles from London to Surrey
April 10, 2019
Improving lives through non-repayable grants
June 22, 2018
Running the London Marathon for the Retail Trust
June 21, 2018