The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) helps the children of UK fashion and textile families who are struggling financially and can't afford to buy essential items for their children.

The charity was founded in 1853 by a group of London textile merchants, when the cotton weaving industry was thriving. They formed a trust fund to support the children and widow of a former colleague, then the trust grew in size and funds in order to help more children. Support for the trust grew, most notably with Charles Dickens being Chairman of Appeal in the late 1850s. Her Majesty the Queen became Patron in 1950 and remains in this role today.

Today, the trust supports families in all aspects of the UK fashion and textile industry, from retail, manufacture, distribution and more. The charity supports hundreds of UK children every year, by funding essential items to improve their health and wellbeing. FTCT’s grants fund a proper bed to sleep in, a working cooker for hot meals, a working washing machine for clean clothes or a school uniform that fits. They can also fund mobility equipment, sensory toys or educational support for children with a disability or additional needs.

One parent commented, “At a time when not much else was going right for us, FTCT gave us help and faith in others. We are so grateful to the team at FTCT for all they have done for us and to the lovely people who raise money for the charity. Thank you so much”