Our History

1976
After spotting a link between re-offending and homelessness in Rugby, Probation Officer Michael Varah and Probation Volunteer Jim Higgins set up their first 'hostel'. To read the full story please visit Mayday Times Summer 2007

1979
Rugby Mayday Trust registered as a Charity providing support for ex-offenders.

1983
Mayday began supporting homeless people in Leamington Spa.

1984
Rugby Borough Council offered the Trust 18 flats, which became the Mayday Independence Project; the Rugby Hostel Project opened later that year with both schemes focussing on providing support for ex-offenders.

1984
The Trust changed it’s focus to include all homeless people with special support needs and began expanding into new areas . To read the full story click here >

1986
Accommodation schemes opened in Bedford, Northampton and Wellingborough and The Sands, a Care Home for adults with epilepsy and learning difficulties, opened in Warwickshire.

1991
Leighton Buzzard, the Trust’s largest scheme opened.

1993
The Daventry scheme opened.

1994
The charity became a Company Limited by Guarantee.

1995
Second scheme opened in Leamington Spa.

1998
A Northamptonshire women’s scheme, Mayday's smallest scheme, opened at Long Buckby.

1999
Awarded Investors in People recognition and renamed Mayday Trust.

2000
Awarded the double tick disability symbol.

2004
The Northamptonshire women’s scheme closed due to lack of funding.

2004
The Janus scheme opened to provide short-term accommodation for homeless young families and pregnant women in Wellingborough.

2005
Future tracks (formerly The Sands) moved into self-contained flats in Rugby.

2007
Caroline Ward appointed as Chief Executive. Miss Ward initiated a thorough independent audit. Following this review plans were introduced to restructure the charity and 'future proof' operations.

2007
Two year refurbishment of Wellingborough scheme complete. Wellingborough and Janus schemes combined to provide best level of provision to clients and stakeholders.

2007
Phase One refurbishment of Northampton scheme completed.

2008
Following the Business Strategy sessions of 2007, the Janus scheme was handed back to the Borough Council of Wellingborough.