The Swallowdale Children’s Trust has for over 100 years provided assistance to disadvantaged children and adults under the age of 25 years, living in the Blackpool Fylde and Wyre area. This trust was set up on the death of Miss Sarah Massey who by her will left money towards the funding of an orphanage in Blackpool. With the assistance of a ladies committee fund raising took place and in 1914 an o
rphanage was opened at 121 Talbot Road Blackpool. The first matron was a Miss Swallow, after whom the trust was renamed. Until 1960, the trustees ran the orphanage entirely supported by voluntary contributions and investments. Then the trustees purchased land on Hornby Road Blackpool and opened a new home on that land The Swallowdale Children’s Home. This home is now run by Blackpool Borough Council as a respite home for a small number of children. The trust continues to meet written applications supported by independent or professional third parties, which establish a need as opposed to a desirability. The Trustees grants assistance by payments to third parties or by issue of vouchers for, by way of example, new beds and bedding for children whose parents have lost their homes, clothing grants to young people, safety equipment in a home to protect young children, part payment of nursery or training fees. In addition the Trustees have supported applications from local groups including Homestart and Surestart, Life education Centres, MOSAC (Mothers of Sexually Abused Children) and Lancashire Outward Bound Association. Charity Commission Number: 526205
