Our Story
Discover who we are, our values and the journey that shaped
The Mayfield Trust.
"For more than 70 years we've believed everyone deserves the opportunity to live life to the full."
— The Mayfield Trust
A Charity Is Born
A group of parents, desperate to find support for their children, came together to form The Halifax, Brighouse and District Association of Parents of Backward Children.
This was the organisation’s original name and reflects the language used at the time.
There were no specialist nurseries, schools, day centres, social services, residential or nursing homes, respite services or leisure opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities.
Families had very limited choices. They either cared for their children entirely at home or faced placing them in long-stay hospitals, including Stansfield View and facilities in Todmorden.
A Growing Organisation
By 1957, the organisation had grown to become one of the largest of its kind in the country, with 212 members.
First Holiday Home
The charity purchased its first holiday home in Scarborough, giving families a place to enjoy breaks together.
A Vision for Independent Living
Plans began to create a residential home where people could live in a supportive, homely environment instead of long-stay hospitals.
Mayfield House Opens
Mayfield House welcomed its first residents, becoming one of the first residential homes of its kind in the UK.
A New Name
The organisation became the Calderdale Society for Mentally Handicapped Children.
Summer Fun Begins
The annual Summer Fun scheme launched, creating memorable activities and holidays for children with learning disabilities.
Saturday Club Starts
Weekly activities began for children who needed additional support, providing fun, friendship and respite for families.
Ferncliffe Opens
Ferncliffe was purchased, providing a home for eight people.
Gibraltar Road Joins Mayfield
The Trust took over Gibraltar Road Nursing Home, creating four supportive homes for people leaving long-stay hospitals.
Becoming a Charity Company
The organisation became a limited company known as Calderdale Mencap, led by volunteer trustees.
Boosters Launches
Boosters was created as a work experience programme, helping people build confidence and develop new skills.
Children’s Outreach
The Outreach Service for children was established, supporting children and their families within the community.
After-school Clubs
Three after-school clubs opened, providing activities, support and opportunities to build friendships.
Adult Outreach Begins
Support was expanded to adults living independently within the community.
Mayfield Resource Centre Opens
A dedicated resource centre opened in King Cross to provide activities and community support.
Becoming The Mayfield Trust
Following discussions with the people it supported, the organisation adopted its current name, reflecting dignity, respect and inclusion.
Sensory Garden Created
The woodland behind Mayfield Cottages was transformed into a sensory garden through a community partnership.
Charity Shop Opens
The Mayfield Trust opened its own charity shop on King Cross Road.
People Find Their Voice
The Friendly Triangle self-advocacy group was established, giving the people supported by Mayfield a direct voice in shaping services.
Friendly Circle Returns
The self-advocacy group relaunched as the Friendly Circle, working alongside trustees and senior managers to influence decisions.
Mayfield Mews Opens
The cottages behind Mayfield House were transformed into modern supported living apartments, creating Mayfield Mews.
The HUB Opens
Mayfield House was refurbished to create head offices upstairs and The HUB downstairs, providing activities, training, sensory facilities and community space.
Nursing Outreach Begins
The Trust launched its Nursing Outreach service, providing personalised health and wellbeing support to people within the community.
Award-winning Charity
The Mayfield Trust received the West Yorkshire SME Award for Best Adult Learning Disability Charity.
Parish View Purchased
Three supported living apartments were created to provide personalised support shaped around each person’s circumstances, strengths and aspirations.
Hawthorn Opens
A new supported living home opened for older people who benefit from accessible, ground-floor accommodation.
Helping People Live Life to the Full
The Mayfield Trust now provides:
- Supported Living
- Nursing Support
- Outreach Services
- Community-based Day Service
- Short Breaks and Summer Fun
- Training
- Accommodation and personalised support shaped around each person