SPARK fly into next 40 years!
We’re delighted to continue our regular Club of the Month feature this week by sharing the amazing work of community group SPARK.
Formerly Craigshill Good Neighbour Network, the charity has been supporting people in its community since its inception over 40 years ago.
The charity was relaunched last year as SPARK and at the same time became the first organisation to receive a Diversity Scotland Charter Mark.
The charter mark is awarded to organisations that demonstrate considerable maturity in relation to diversity, equity and inclusion activities.
And it’s not hard to see why the charity was handed the award, as for the past 40 years it has provided practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to people of all ages in the area to reduce social isolation and making a difference in the community.
It offers a vast number of activities and events which include knitting and sewing, lunch clubs, singing for health sessions, mens’ groups and much more.
During the pandemic SPARK was a vital lifeline for local people.
It adapted to maintain vital contact with its 200-plus members and the wider community by developing an outreach service providing practical help, social and volunteering opportunities.
Volunteers delivered 200 activity packs and 200 goodie bags across West Lothian.
Volunteers also helped deliver more than 3000 meals and more than 6000 food parcels and helped people stay connected by conducting daily telephone calls, posting weekly postcards and letters and sending handmade friendship bracelets.
Meanwhile, ensuring its services cater to all ages, a storytelling festival is also being held next month that will include a series of events in local venues, aimed mainly at children, with stories told in a range of formats, including book and poetry readings, plays, music and films.
There will also be a series of workshops during the school holidays, including animation by Aardman Animations, creators of Wallace and Grommit.
Heather McLean, activity manager, promises something to suit everyone at SPARK and is encouraging people to get in touch to find out more.
She said: “At Spark we value everyone for who they are and the potential they have.
“Whoever they are, whatever their situation, they will find a warm welcome and a place where people care about them.”
For more information about the charity search for SPARK on Facebook.
If your charity, club, social enterprise or community group wants to star in our Club of the Month feature, email debbie. hall@reachplc.com