About Us

The Rossendale Trust story

1972 – Our story begins with two local families who both had disabled children. Living in Sutton near Macclesfield, there was no respite provision available in the area to families who had children with disabilities and together, they were determined to change that.

1973 – Their next step was to find a suitable property and through the sale of their own homes, Rossendale Hall in Sutton was purchased and both families moved in. Their dream was to construct a purpose built respite unit in the Hall grounds. To do this, they needed to raise a serious amount of money and so the fundraising began.  

1976 – It took three years to reach their fundraising goal but with the generous support of many people in the local area, the short stay unit was opened to provide respite care to families with disabled children.

1980 onwards – Over time, it was decided that the Trust would move away from the provision of just respite care and into the full time residential care for adults with learning and physical disabilities, which remains our core service to this day.

2008 – This saw the start of the transition from a residential care model to the provision of care in a supported living environment, a change which was taking place nationally. This fundamental difference meant the Trust would deliver a supported care service which was personal to each individual.

2009 – 2011 – At the Rossendale Hall site, two purpose built accommodation blocks were constructed, each offering 4 x 4 person apartments giving the Trust more capacity to welcome new tenants.  The Trust also introduced Oakwood, a service offering an extensive programme of activities to adults with learning disabilities that is used by tenants and the wider community.  

2013 – A major purpose built development was completed alongside the canal in Macclesfield offering 7 shared apartments, providing accommodation for 16 tenants.  During this time the Trust also launched WorkTaste, a supported employment scheme giving tenants the chance to work with other people in the community, whilst learning and developing new skills.

2014 – Funds raised to build new Arts and Media Centre at Rossendale Hall and the Trust won Community Impact Award North East Cheshire Chamber

2016 – Funds raised to transform the Horticultural activity area at Rossendale Hall. Investors in People Gold award achieved. The Trust purchased a bungalow for four new tenants

2017 – Purchased property for three new tenants.  Employer of the Year Award North East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

2018 – New print machine installed for Media activities. Sunday Times Top 100 Best-Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For awarded. Purchased property for 3 new tenants and new VW caddy van purchased.