Description:Social reformers like Charles Dickens and Mary Carpenter in the 19th century, and Robert Sherard in the 20th were concerned that being out on the street put children in moral and physical danger. They believed them to be at risk of turning to crime or prostitution. Street Children’s Clubs and ‘Cinderella’ Societies were founded by a range of religious and charitable organisations to rescue children from the streets.
The Birmingham Cinderella Club was formed in 1893. It took poor children on healthy outings and provided entertainment for them. In 1898 over 600 poor children were taken to Sutton Park where they were fed and entertained with games.