Your history

Who can access records?

We’ve cared for tens of thousands of children and adults since 1870. If you’re an adult and believe you were formerly in our care or services, we may be able to help you access your records. You may know us as:

• The Together Trust
• The Boys’ and Girls’ Welfare Society (1960 to 2005)
• Manchester and Salford Boys’ and Girls’ Refuges and Homes (1870 to 1959)

How do I access my records?

If you're ready to get your records please download an access to records form at the bottom of this page. You can send it to us by email or post to the records, archives and information officer at the address below. Please remember, you’ll also need to send proof of your identity.

By post: Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 1JE 

By email: dataprotection@togethertrust.org.uk

We encourage you to visit us to access your records. That way you can talk with a qualified social worker and take away a copy of your file. If you can’t travel to our head office, get in touch to discuss other ways to access to your records.

How long does it take?

We do our best to supply your records within the one-month time limit advised by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, more complex requests (e.g. asking for a full social care file) can take up to three months. If that’s the case, we’ll let you know.

What might be in my records?

Your records could contain key documents, such as:

• Service admission forms
• School reports
• Progress reports and assessments
• Information about birth relatives

How do you keep records safe?

We manage records in accordance with GDPR legislation. We do not disclose your personal information to anyone who does not have a legitimate reason for access – for example, if required by law. Similarly, we may have to withhold some information in your file from you. This could be for legal reasons, for example if someone shared this information in confidence. Or if providing access may cause harm to you or another person. If we do need to withhold information we will always discuss this with you.

What if I spot a mistake in my records?

If you spot any factual inaccuracies in your records (e.g. date of birth), let us know. We can make those amends for you. We can also add notes to your file if you disagree with anything and want to add your thoughts.

If for any reason you are not happy with this service, you can make a complaint to our Records, Archives and Information Officer:

Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 1JE 

e: dataprotection@togethertrust.org.uk 

Or to the Information Commissioner’s Office:

Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

www.ico.gov.uk

How can I give feedback about my time in your care?

We’re committed listening and learning from the people who have used our services, so we can ensure that the people in our care are supported and feel safe. If you’re unhappy about your time in our services or want to raise a concern please contact us:

Chief Executive’s Office
Together Trust, The Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle SK8 1JE. 

T: 0161 286 4242
E: caresupportline@togethertrust.org.uk

We promise to:

• listen to you
• identify your records and if needed, help you review them
• help you get the support you need
• if necessary, guide you through our complaints procedure
• support you to contact the relevant authorities if we need to

I think my relative lived in one of your homes

We’ve looked after thousands of young people and families since 1870. If you think your relative lived in one of our homes, we may be able to help you find out about their time with us. We can share information to relatives if case files are over 100 years old. However, you’ll need to provide proof of relationship and proof of death if the individual was born less than a hundred years ago. Get in touch:

By post: Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 1JE 

By email: dataprotection@togethertrust.org.uk