**Spark (Burntwood) CIO** ## **Annual report for year ending 31[st] August 2025** ## **Reference and Administration Details:** **Spark (Burntwood** ) is a CIO established in July 2019, charity registration number 1184253. Previous to this Spark (Burntwood) was a CIC established in 2015. Its address is Spark Springhill, Mossbank Avenue, Burntwood, WS7 4UN. ## **Structure, Governance, and Management:** It has a **Board of Trustees** who are its only members: Linda Hood (Chair) Sarah Lucas (Treasurer) Suzanne Kirk Andrew Twyman Spark has a **Senior Management Team** comprising a -Chief Executive Officer - Chief Operating Officer -a Chief Financial Officer all employed on a part-time basis Staffing team include -a Volunteer Co-ordinator -Family support workers -Administrator And others employed to do specific session leading tasks. Spark also has a fantastic team of volunteer helpers who provide support with leading groups, administrative tasks and whatever needs doing. ## **Objectives and Activities:** Spark’s **charitable purposes** are: - To enhance the development and education of children in Burntwood and the surrounding areas - To advance education and training for children, carers and residents, to promote volunteering and to relieve unemployment - To advance education of parents, families and local organisations in relation to childcare, play, education and early learning services and activities ``` o ``` In order to achieve these purposes, Spark sets its **objectives** , and for the year ending August 2025 these objectives were _to provide a setting and staffing (paid or voluntary) for groups aimed mainly, but not exclusively, at families with pre-school children_ : - Baby group sessions - 0-5 playgroups and support groups - Midday Mayhem (young parents’ support) - Breastfeeding Support - Single Parents support - Dads sessions - Buggy walk - Twins and Multiples group - Outdoor groups - School holiday sessions - Pregnancy Events - Book club and Sign language group - Sparky’s Den (after-school tea club) - World Wide Women International Women’s Group - Mini Spark Crew social action project - Grandparents’ Group (for grandparents caring for pre-school children) - Art Groups (for children and adults) - Baby Bank (supporting families and children of all ages with donated clothing and equipment) - Toy library borrowing service - Provision of a Community fridge and freezer for access by those using Spark Spark also provides a setting for **external providers** to run activities and support services for families: - Health Visitor clinics - County Council Parenting Classes - Pregnancy and new baby courses - Nursery run play sessions - District Council young women sessions - Advice on energy, money, employment, health and wellbeing issues and more During the school summer holidays in August 2025, Spark partnered with Burntwood Town Council in providing play activities and refreshments for a Play in the Park session, attended by around 800 people. Food for this was donated by a local company. Spark continues to grow and strengthen its support. Spark’s services have expanded across family support, wellbeing, cost-of-living and community activities, reflecting both rising local need and the accessibility of our peer-led approach. We now facilitate more groups and our timetable is busier than ever. ## **Bright Beginnings -Grow and Thrive Project 2025-2030** In March 2025 Spark was awarded a grant from the National Lottery to run the **Bright Beginnings** - **Grow and Thrive Project** , for 5 years to March 2030, which extended the reach of activities through family support. ## Spark’s Vision for Bright Beginnings-Grow&Thrive Spark sought to build on the achievements of the previous BB and G&T Projects, ensuring that every child and family could experience a Bright Beginning and continue to Grow & Thrive: - Respond swiftly and dynamically to address the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable families within our communities. - Coordinate teams of 50 volunteers to assist in running activities that catered to local families, while also benefitting themselves through training, skill development, and increased community engagement. - Employ session leaders to conduct targeted peer-support sessions for 1,000 attendees annually. - • Establish parent champion roles to offer 1-on-1 support and referrals for approximately 100 individuals in need each year. Facilitate a community hub in Burntwood to unite a diverse range of partners in providing services to broader communities facing challenges. ## **Lichfield District Council Community Connections - project 2024-2027** Spark project Community Connections exists to: - -address the inequalities which exist within the district - -provide local & accessible places and services - -provide ongoing contact with vulnerable service users - -continue the collaboration and strong partnership working locally - -enable routes to volunteering and improved employability - -evolve to meet the changing needs of the community ## **Children in Need Funding - 2025-2028** In March 2025 Spark received Children in Need funding for the first time for a project focussing primarily on the primary age range. This includes after school and school holiday sessions to improve children’s confidence and self-esteem. In the project: - Children are encouraged to try new things and learn new skills - The activities will include a focus on self-care, promoting healthy eating and lifestyles and encouraging relaxation and positive self-talk, learning to take care of their bodies and emotions. - Confidence also comes from building new relationships/friendships, spending time with others in a positive and encouraging environment. Feeling part of a community and helping others. **Achievements and Performance:** ## **Key Developments and Highlights (August 2024 – August 2025):** Between August 2024 and August 2025, Spark continued to grow as it marked its 10th anniversary. - 10th Anniversary Celebrations: In 2025, Spark launched a special 10 year celebratory logo designed by children from the Art Group to commemorate a decade of service since Spark’s initial opening in 2015 . - Expansion of Family Sessions: - Twins & Multiples Sessions: New dedicated weekly playgroups were introduced for families with multiple births. - Pregnancy & Baby Events: The centre hosted free roadshows and social events for expectant parents, including talks on birth and postnatal planning . New pregnancy socials and pregnancy events provide another partnership working opportunity with roadshow like stalls. - Ongoing Community Services: The period also saw the continued operation and strengthening of core services, including the Community Fridge, which offers free fresh produce to reduce waste, - and the Spark Baby & Children’s Bank, which distributes vital items to families in need . - Spark also attended - -Local Markets and Forums - -Lichfield Fuse Festival - -Burntwood Wakes - -Support Staffordshire Volunteer Fair - During the year Spark have expanded our offer including greater partnership work other providers including: - -A Nurses clinic for ages 5-19 - -We hosted a Lichfield Arts Family Arts day and a Housing Register roadshow. - -We have partnered with Climate Action, Active Lichfield, Citizen’s Advice, Food Partnerships, Health Partners and many more initiatives. - Where Spark were doing special events inviting signposting services into the centre, these are now mostly incorporated into sessions Spark are already running as it provides a better footfall and is more joined up. - Developed a garden room to create a private space to talk with families. During this period there were: - -1830 attendees - -11,475 attendances - -1091 sessions delivered - -359 new people joined Spark’s services Map of beneficiaries: Spark took part in surveying and data collection during this financial year: `o` 97.4% feel more connected and supported by others - 79.2% say “I feel more supported because of attending Spark activities.” - 85.7% of parents/carers say Spark supports them in their parenting journey. - 95.1% said they found other things locally because of attending Spark. - 82.1% of parents selected “I feel I could ask Spark for help if my children or family had a problem.” SUPPORT IN PIIRENTING JOURNEY ENGAGING SELDOM- HEARD COMMUNITIES Famlly Feedback Emotional and praC￿c81 support Parents gained reassurance, useful advice, and day-ttrday help managing new demand5. Family Feedback Who We're Reachlng Strong representation from single parents, twins, parents, grandparents, dads, migrant women, new- tixrea fatnilies. and those facing financial strain. Confidence and capability Attending 5e5sions increased ¢onfidenee, reduced isolation, and strengthened parenting skill5. Why It Work5 A welcoming. norrjudgrnental space with universal access plus targeted support fosters safety. respecL and belonging for all backgrounds. Guldance and service access Staff, volunteers, and peers connected families to schools. health, and developmental resources. 'Sp Beir imrr Main gap is awareness.. sorne face transport and timing limits. Improve outreach and logistics to broaden access further. Barriers to Address Inclusive. consistent ctsmmunity Welcotning, non-judgtnental support lor parent5, grandparents, and carers strengthened family cohesion. SUPF confi Children were happier, more engaged. and increasingly confident throu9h Spark's activities. Playful. structured sessions t>Jilt sharing. cornmunication. and peer relationships. Age-tailored support, includin9 babies, toddlers, and neurodivergent children., cost barriers reduced. Early sociali5ation eased anxiety and supported transitions into nursery and School. PROVED WELLBEING AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS Family Feedback Consi5tellt wellbeing gains P8renis reported better mood. lowersiress.and renewed rnolivaiion from attending Spark act￿111*5. Emotional safety and support SIru￿￿red social coniaci snd comp8$slonaie groups enabled cypnnes5, etnpathy, and supportive friendships. Stronger family dynamics Shared actI￿lieS strengthened bonding. reduced household stress. impioved daily coping. Confidence. recovery. and belonging Panicipani$ ¢iied support in recovering from anxiety or posinaial dlffbwtties and feeling Part of the community. 'Hdped my anxiety and depr855ion. and helped my kids socialj5e. "My tn8ntal health is so much better thanks to the work you do." supp RT FOR FAMILIES IN CRI Is Targeted erls15 Assistance Families most used ihe Baby & Childfen's BanK Community Fridge, ènd ¢o$i-of-living $upport during 8CUte need. GatEway to Engagetnent Fèmilies who accessed CFlSl$ help laierjoined èt leèsi on& reoular 9roup. building peEf sUPPOrt and stability. FamityFeedbark Praetital and CoordinaiÈd Swport Essentials like clothing. baby equiptnent. and food ¥Rre provided.- Staff èls0 CODrdinaled housing. childcare. and welfafe. Olgnty and Emotlonal R•liel Paients fdtwelcomed withoutjudgemenL gailling confidence. resilien￿, and pathways loongoing coTnTnunity support. "Just vlantedto say a big Ihankyouto you and the ChildreD's Bank. Your support really helped expeth our baby io have unexpected medical needs Thanks to you. we can focus on caring for ed for u$ ECONOMIC RELIEF & ESSENTIALS PROVISION Fomlly F•qdb8¢k Cost savin95 ors •SS•lltials Baby & Children's Bank. Community Fridge. and low-cost actbvities reduced spend clothing. oquipment. food. and enrichrnent. Preventing cri515, preserving dignity Support eased 5hock5. avoided debt, and offered kind, nDn-5tigmatiSing help within Circular givtrand-receive model. Fillin9 9aps and enablin9 $tablllty Spark brid9ed formèl system gaps. helpin9 for example single pafems and families in difficulty whith also improves wellbeing andfamily life. £6,452.50 'B¥by bank... hÈlpèd with so much ¥vhen we had nothing... saved u5 a fortune." "The community fridge wa5 a huge help.. keeping my lamily fed ¥vhen times ere tough." Average monthly amount of items pèssed On to childrèn Dd families through the Bèby 4nd Childr@n'$ Bank. SUPPORT EXAMPLES , supwrt agenixes 101 fdniles "ng Nominii ianiles upmw miles Imthways wilh I￿ kmilies Ixing Loaning s anil Remats h{￿en Y Ii"Iitary IWKI laniiws I￿1 suiiNAI aNI tele f￿r￿￿cY swl rthtr* to I￿ger lum lai1￿￿te a empioynMI Le. rni **Volunteering:** During the year Spark’s regular volunteer numbers have dipped slightly: Volunteering Survey: - 100% of volunteers said that volunteering improves confidence and self-esteem. - Over 85% directly described personal increases in confidence or self-esteem in open responses. - `o` 100% would recommend volunteering with Spark. - 100% plan to continue volunteering next year - 57% of volunteers reported gaining new or developed skills (e.g. communication, leadership, practical skills). - 100% of respondents said volunteering improves communication, social or work skills. - 93% of volunteers believe Spark provides opportunities to take action on local initiatives. ## **Summary:** During the year, Spark has delivered strong progress across all areas. Families continue to tell us that Spark is a friendly, welcoming space where they feel supported, connected and more confident. Key successes include: - **Strengthening peer support networks:** Families report reduced isolation, improved confidence and meaningful social connections. Parents have formed friendships that continue outside the sessions, creating strong informal support systems. - **Increased reach and accessibility:** Over 300 new people engaged with Spark this year, including many who were not previously known to services. We expanded our timetable, introduced new pregnancy socials and continued to offer inclusive groups for seldom-heard communities. - **Improved wellbeing outcomes:** Survey data shows consistent improvement in emotional wellbeing, parenting confidence and day-to-day resilience. Families value Spark’s non-judgemental, safe environment. - **Strengthening volunteering:** Our volunteer team continues to thrive, contributing over 100 hours each week. The launch of the Parent Champion programme has been a significant achievement, bringing lived experience into the heart of our welcome and support. - **Effective early intervention:** Families accessing crisis support consistently moved into group activities, helping them gain stability and ongoing peer support. - **Stronger partnerships:** Our work with health visitors, local councils, other charities, arts organisations, and community food initiatives has enhanced our offer and helped families access a wider range of support. - **Environmental progress:** Through increased reuse, recycling, and our outdoor green garden area, we continue to reduce waste and support families to take simple, sustainable actions. These successes demonstrate that Spark is meeting its intended outcomes and providing high-quality, community-led support for families across Burntwood and beyond. HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP SPARK9 mtstivatio help )est endless lovely friendships compassionate new discovered mom fun support community oreas brilliant environment caring ¢Jods people spark supportive $urroundln9 otil)osphere somèwhèrè Staff Interesting importont place centre friendly welcoming inclusive children part loves good helpf ul burntwood mums tjoby everyone octivities doughter great amazing groups excellent group encourogement run IXIMhlllltY SpaTkis an inciedible cornmun oiganisatioD-Ihe staff a voluTht2ersmake you leellikepartolthe lami CtyJldnl Spar0 ## **Financial Review** During the year we received funding from various sources. Some was fees paid by people attending groups and rent for use of the premises; some was donations from local councils; some through being a nominated charity for local businesses which held collections or fundraising events. The largest amount was from the National Lottery Community Fund for the Bright Beginnings-Grow and Thrive Project, Children in Need and Lichfield District Council for the Community Connections Project. In addition, Spark runs a variety of fundraising events, including an annual Pamper Evening and a Fashion Show, plus the Christmas Appeal to provide toys and gifts for nominated families who use Spark. The major expenditure was for staff salaries and associated costs (for the Senior Management Team, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Baby Bank Co-ordinator, Family Support & Session leaders, Administrator); Spark’s core costs, the provision of resource materials and costs of running the various groups and activities. This period also saw a focus on building business and philanthropic support and fundraising to diversify income streams. ## **Potential risks and uncertainties** ## Financial: It is possible that grant-making bodies may re-assess their priorities, and local-authority bodies may face cutbacks in the availability of funds. However, because Spark draws on a mix of funding sources, statutory, charity, local and national, it is not anticipated that there will be a long-term cut in income even when one grant period finishes. The Trustee board regularly checks exposure to different funding streams to ensure that there is not over-reliance on any individual source. We have a Reserves Policy which addresses various potential scenarios and provides for a 3-6 month cushion in case of short-term decreases in funding. ## Operational: - Spark works closely with its landlord, Springhill Academy, to ensure that there are no issues over use of the premises. - There are staff employed by Spark on part-time contracts, and also staff who provide services as freelancers; there is a policy of recruiting internally when possible, perhaps turning volunteers into paid staff, so there is continuity and it is not anticipated that future staffing changes will cause operational issues. - Because Spark works closely with other local groups and charities, it has good standing in the local community and there is little likelihood of its activities being curtailed, because it is clearly meeting local needs. ## **Future plans** - Continue to increase communication and visibility, ensuring families and professionals know what Spark offers. - Expand session times and formats, pilot a new session in north Burntwood. - Strengthen the Parent Champion programme - Improve volunteer pathways, introducing new mentor roles and developing structured learning opportunities. - Co-produce new peer-led sessions - Progress the courtyard redevelopment to create safe, accessible outdoor space. - Focus outreach efforts, especially in neighbourhoods and groups that remain under-represented. - Increase Spark’s data collection and monitoring, ensuring we continue to evidence impact effectively. - Standardise and formalise the 1 to 1 offer i.e signposting, working with partners etc - Ensure families are aware of the support on offer through all sessions Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Spark {Burntwood) CIO ('the cio,) I report lo Ihe charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the CIO for the year ended 31 August 2025. Respon$lbllltlg$ and b•$l$ of rgport As the ¢h8rity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the prepar81ion of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charilies Act 2011 {'the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the CIO'S accounts carried oul under section 145 of the Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed 811 applicable Directions gThien by thè Charity Commission under section 14515}Ib} of the 2011 Act. Indepondont examlner's ststemont- matters of concom Identlfled I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attent￿n in wnneclion with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any materi81 respect.. 1. accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Act-, or 2. the accounts do not accord wrth those records. I ctsnfirm that there are no other matters to which your attents'on should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Signed= Name.. Lucy Brown Address." 179 Queen Street, BUM￿00d, Stsffordshire WS7 4TN Date: 2V March 2026 I1￿orn• and Exp•ndltur• Accounl For th• y•*r •nd•d 31 August 202S R•Birlct•d Unrn•tdct•d T¢A•l 2024 ActNiies Cocrfdinatson Bu$￿e$S R(x)m Hiia 427 238 8.620 427 1.250 36.075 549 1.570 498 42.657 1.022 13 159.524 200 1.013 27.4SS 549 FLThknisry Events G￿1 Intar•BI Inf*ffi• 1212CQ 121.200 Party Sabes Tothi R•c•lpts 1.348 163.698 5.228 211763 130,484 33,212 Exp•ndllur• 2.$81 751 3.436 771 AdvernwNJ & Markèt Audr¢ & AcctyJn￿n¢Y fees 88AF Balance Charrta￿t PO1￿c￿ Donalo Cl8aniTr Consuiiin Equpm8ni- Centre Equwmeni- EquipTDenl- Offi Finanoal Crisis Supp FuTrJrai Ger￿￿1 Expens•% Insuran(* IT SofN¥ar• arml Crmumab Enwrtainrnent Prinb & s￿￿nary Process Rales Refreshments Rent Repairs & M*'ntenanc• T92 150 100 655 195 &324 1047 6242 385 29) 1244 519 1.762 3.873 1.198 2.016 2.062 281 2.887 791 181 1.499 2.803 531 1498 46 2033 5.400 491 1,1))7 5.653 456 2.338 327 105.586 400 2.170 1.292 120 343 141.331 652 2.683 327 142.967 40) 2.764 2973 (01 14&5)2 Tio 2.381 1.029 326 192 t•l,957 Smal Trx)Is a Equ￿￿nI Salw$ siaff Trani Subscripty Te*phone & Int*n•i Travel - Natr￿al Voknteers. Cc4ts Total Paym•nts 37.381 247 120 343 185.910 us (Defvt -10.847 -11.3e6 -22.213 N•t Incom• I I￿￿1n•n￿￿ 8alarKe brought lo￿ard 8alarK• cwrt•d lo￿•￿1 -10.647 38.621 27.774 -11.366 51,891 40,$25 42.213 J.512 68,299 69.706 ,512 lJl•d• up of.. Curr•ntActhunt SavkTrgsAcfxwnl Pewy ca 16.928 50.972 393 68.299 This Trustees’ Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to CIOs. This report has been approved by the Trustees on 15[th] April 2026. Signed: Linda Hood, Chair of Trustees