Retail Trust

Retail Trust, one of the UK's oldest trade charities established in 1832, is dedicated to creating hope, health, and happiness for current and former retail workers and their dependents across Great Britain. Rooted in a vision to protect and care for those in the retail sector, it has evolved from retirement housing to holistic wellbeing support, guided by values of collaboration, transformation, and integrity. As the only national charity exclusively serving the 3 million-strong retail workforce, it blends direct practical aid—such as a confidential helpline, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, legal/debt advice, and critical incident response—with advocacy, employer partnerships, and sector-wide initiatives to build resilience and reduce societal burdens like NHS strain and sick leave.

It prioritises funding for retail employees (and families) facing disadvantage from youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship, bereavement, domestic abuse, or job loss, supporting mental/physical health, financial distress relief, housing stability, employability via bursaries/training, and crisis interventions. Key programmes include one-off hardship grants for essentials like rent arrears, bills, appliances, or medical needs, plus supported living estates in England and Scotland.

Eligible applicants are individuals (not organisations or charities) currently or previously employed in UK retail or related sectors, with no geographic restrictions within England, Scotland, and Wales, and no income thresholds. Applications are unsolicited via an online portal on a rolling basis; complete documentation (proof of employment, need) must be uploaded within 10 days for decisions within 14 business days, with payments direct to suppliers. Typical grants range £250–£2,500. Retail Trust does not fund organisational projects, core costs, or unrestricted grants, distinguishing itself through retail-specific focus, rapid response, and deep sector ties like British Retail Consortium membership.