Mark celebrates opening of new Together Trust facility

11.22.14am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 6th Apr 2006

Local MP Mark Hunter was on hand for the opening of he new base for Meridian, the Together Trust's short break facility for young people with autistic spectrum disorders.

The Together Trust (formerly known as the Boys and Girls Welfare Society) - whose headquarters are based in Cheadle -is a charitable organisation, operating in the North of England and North Wales providing care, education, support and improved life opportunities for young people in need. They serve children, young people and young adults who are experiencing emotional, behavioural or social difficulties, physical and/or learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders.

At the event, Mark said, "The Together Trust does a lot of excellent work for many young people from our area and further afield. I wish them all the best at the new facility."

Meridian, established in 1996, is relocating from its original base in Cheadle to a larger centre on Station Road, Cheadle Hulme to meet the growing demand for respite services. The new Meridian centre will continue to operate as a community-inspired house and can cater for up to four young people at any one time. By relocating Meridian, the Together Trust will give more parents and children the opportunity to benefit from short break care and support.

Meridian was officially opened by five times World 200m Butterfly Champion and Olympic swimmer, James Hickman, Councilor Shan Alexander the Mayor of Stockport as well as Mark Hunter MP.

Andy Haines, Chief Executive for the Together Trust said: "The Together Trust has built its reputation for providing a high standard of respite care by working in close partnership with parents, social workers, educationalists and regulatory bodies. The service provides individual, holistic care and development packages, which are tailored to the needs of young people with autism."

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Notes to editors:

The Together Trust can be contacted on:

Tel: 0161 283 4848 email: enquiries@togethertrust.org.uk website: www.togthertrust.org.uk (goes live 3/10/05)

Press contact: Gemma Gore /Sarah Dufton at Tangerine PR

0161 817 6600 /07890814261

gemma@tangerinepr.com