When you hear of SWALLOW, the local charity promoting independence and equality for people with learning disabilities, most would think of their well-known café in Radstock, whose members are gaining valuable, enthusiastic work experience (and serving delicious food!).

But this is only a small part of the many things the charity, which is now celebrating its 25th year, offers local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities.

SWALLOW enables groups to get together and enjoy activities such as cookery, therapeutic art, expressive drama, dancing, swimming, crafts, horticulture, a choir, a football team, a youth group and both Men’s and Ladies’ nights to enjoy themselves, both socially and creatively. SWALLOW also runs activity days in Bath at the Percy Centre.

Most importantly though, it is promoting independence and employment support; throwing a lifeline to people who may have thought they would never have their own home or job. Most recently, The Journal covered the story of Josh, who continues to work at Natural Vitality, a local hummus factory in Tunley; and as well as working at the SWALLOW café, this experience is equipping Josh for the world of work. Alongside its hub in Radstock, SWALLOW also run pop-up cafés, and members can be invited to local events offering their catering services.

In addition, SWALLOW has supported housing across Midsomer Norton, with staff on hand when needed. There is also overnight support with staff available, 24 hours a day, and ‘Base house’, which acts as respite for both members and their families, teaching independent living and skills training. To ensure all of these member-led activities and support can continue, the charity needs to find an estimated £60,000 – £70,000 per year.

In its 25th Anniversary year, SWALLOW is appealing to the community to help them; and many are already responding. The local U3A group will be raising money throughout the year, and is also selling a book of poetry in aid of the charity.

Some of the U3A members are due to sing alongside the SWALLOW choir soon – with the Mendip Male Voice Choir taking part in a special fundraising concert for the charity on 24th November at St Nicholas’ Church, Radstock.

On 12th May, SWALLOW members will be undertaking a sponsored swim at Paulton Pool, and whilst the World Cup gets underway, later in June, there will also be a football tournament at Purnell Social Club, with the SWALLOW Sunday side playing in action against local teams. If your company would like to take part in this friendly game, please email: [email protected]

In other fundraising ideas, SWALLOW are appealing for locals who would like a BikeBath place, to raise money in sponsorship for the charity on 1st July. The event will see cyclists take on a 25, 50 or 80 mile route, taking in the city’s scenery and surrounding countryside.

SWALLOW was founded in 1993 by a group of people with learning disabilities who wanted more choice on where they lived and what they did. These pioneers were supported by a number of people, including Liz Spurgeon, Alison Mccann and Annie Paddock.

Together, they managed to raise enough money to start the charity, and along with the support of the Sperring Trust, SWALLOW was born. Today, it has a dedicated board of trustees and a new Patron, John Cullum, the Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset.

The 25th Anniversary will culminate in a celebration ball, due to be held locally in October. SWALLOW are looking for local businesses who may be able to give its members a night to remember at the anniversary ball. If your company can help by sponsoring a table, providing decorations or know of a good DJ, please do get in touch with Nicky Tew: [email protected] or call: 01761 414034.

The charity also hopes to produce a fundraising calendar towards the end of the year, and will be looking for companies to sponsor a month in 2019. If you have any fundraising ideas, big or small, and would like to help, SWALLOW would be delighted to hear from you!

A spokesperson from the charity told The Journal: “There are so many people that have helped us in our 25 year history – we would like to thank them all and hope that they can join us in our celebrations this year.”