Sparks
ofsuccess
EVeA Y CHSLD. * SIJCCESS STOR YI
IIEADI,
Eii
GLOWI
ANNUAL REPORT AND
ACCOUNTS 2025



I’ll never forget that fateful sports day in Year 6 and the race that finished it all… or should we stay started? I heard the shouts, everyone was standing ready, and the coach called out ‘on your marks, ready, set,Go!’ I heard the whistle and I instructed my feet to run, run, run, RUN, but they just didn’t. I wanted to win this race. I had to. I had to show Sam and Ruth and Beth that there was just something I could do too. But there, by that sports day it seemed as though all the kids in my class were right. I noticed Sam pointing to frozen me at the start of the track, and finally forced myself to run – but to the toilet to cry it all out. I just hope none of the kids followed me. 

I stopped even trying to be good at maths, writing or drama – which was my favourite up until then. I didn’t ask the kids anymore if I could join their games, for they anyways poked fun of me and now I believed I was just as worthless as they made me feel. 

I just found my thumb and resorted to sucking it. 

My mum noticed something was wrong and I heard her call my teacher about it one night, when I should have been sleeping already. I didn’t think there was anything that could’ve be changed still. I was the looser. Full stop. 

But seems like not everybody thought that way. One day my Mom told me that I’m going to go on a trip with a bunch of nice kids. I didn’t think kids were nice at all, but I was fine with it, because I could suck my thumb at the park too, right? One of the girls there did talk to me and I heard the leader say something about the upcoming performance. Hey, I like performing. I do. My eyes pleaded. And she saw my silent desperation. For before I knew it, she called me over and invited my to come to the rehearsals next Monday. The rest they say, is history. 

I found my place in Sparks of Success, because everyone has place there. 

Yes. Thumb-sucker me was voted last year as Youth Ambassador. Because at Sparks of Success everybody is somebody. It’s just so amazing there, the staff and kids make you feel so good and you learn that you are – yes, good, great and amazing. 

When the panel and I were deciding on a theme for this year, a lighting bolt hit me and I suddenly remembered that sports day that started it all, the final blow before Sparks of Success helped me find my glow. And that clinched it. On your mark, Ready, Set, have a read, Glow! 2 What are you waiting for? 

IdaStern 




I'm honestly so touched to have been voted Chair in our recent trustee elections. Being part of Sparks of Success has already meant a lot to me, but this role, and the trust that comes with it; is something I don’t take lightly. 

Every week, I learn something from the young people we work with. From our team. From the small, quiet ways this organisation keeps showing up. What’s built here isn’t loud; but it’s strong, and it’s real. Sparks of Success doesn’t dwell on how difficult things are for young people, or for charities like ours. And things are difficult — we all know that. But what I love is our refusal to centre the struggle. We focus on what’s possible. We look at what’s already there — strength, creativity, care, and build from that. We create space and stay with it, until young people feel strong enough to take up space themselves. The shift, that quiet, growing confidence, creates the spark that endures. 

That’s what drew me in from the start. Our model is about noticing what they already have, and giving them the space and support to use it. Their ideas, their voice, their ways of solving problems. Child’s play is not child’s play; it is the source of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery — a space where children test boundaries, explore identity, and begin to imagine something beyond their immediate circumstances. At Sparks of Success, we protect and prioritise this space, ensuring that every child, regardless of the socioeconomic background they’re raised in, has access to the freedom, creativity, and dignity that meaningful play provides. 

We’re here because people believe in us. I want to thank the Lottery Foundation, the Abvie Foundation, The Hobson Charity, UKH Foundation Your trust and care means so much to us and kept us going in the literal sense. This report shows some of what we’ve been up to, and a headstart about what’s ahead. I hope you will connect with us, so that together, we might amplify the power. 

Sparks of Success is current, courageous, and caring. I feel lucky to be part of it. Let’s keep going. There’s so much more we can do. 

Helen Grossberger 



## Vision 

Every childin Salford find their Spark. 

It’s not enough to hope our programmes work - we need to know they do. 

That’s why we’re always paying close attention to what’s landing, what’s lagging, and what just needs a little adjustment. 

That’s how we know we’re achieving a 120% improvement in self-confidence for children aged 8 to 15. We monitor consistently - collecting children’s feedback, using Outcome Star with our core participants, drawing on various industry-standard scales, and regularly reflecting on our four vital key performance indicators. Across all of these, we’re seeing tremendous progress. 

With younger children, it’s harder to quantify change, but we have powerful case studies and strong parent feedback that speak volumes about the impact. 

Mission 

## Statement 

We create brave, joyful spaces where young people grow confidence, uncover hidden strengths, and learn to shape the world around them — starting with their own. 

Our outcome monitoring clearly shows real, measurable progress. Here’s a snapshot of our latest survey results: 

- 79% of children reported a better “can-do” attitude. 

- 81% said they now recognise a special talent they want to share with the world. 

68% made a new friend or improved their friendship skills. 

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Survey Highlights (Ages 8-15) 

Positive Response (%) 


I made a new friend or got better at making friends 

I discovered a talent I want to share 


I believe I can do things if I try 

Every week when my daughter comes home from Harmony & Health, we sing all the songs she sang, sometimes even new ones. It’s become a family ritual. Gila lights up when she leads the singing, especially when she’s teaching us a song we don’t know yet. Her confidence soared. - Gila’s Mom 



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## Theory of Change Aim: Every child finds their spark! 


## **OUR PROGRAMMES** 


## **THE PROBLEMS** 

GEMS (Girls Empowerment, Mentoring & Support): Safe, creative space for girls 10– 16 to build self-esteem and friendship. Harmony & Health: Joyful music and wellbeing sessions that improve mood, connection, and resilience. 

Children in Salford face deep-rooted poverty, social exclusion, and pervasive self criticism and low self confidence. Traditional youth spaces are oversubscribed and often don’t meet their emotional needs or respect their pace. 

## **OUR APPROACH** 

We offer out-of-school, flexible spaces — not structured youth clubs — where young people: 

Stage Bright: Performing arts journey for ages 6–12, transforming fear into confidence — one showcase at a time. Heritage & Holiday Trips: For many, their first time seeing the sea or a museum — these trips awaken wonder and belonging. 

- Are not judged, and can just be Take creative risks and explore Feel safe, supported, and seen Grow confidence quietly, in their own time 

## **IMPACT** 


- Children see their own value Quiet confidence replaces fear Stronger friendships & social skills Improved engagement in school Kids feel like they have a future Leadership and Youth Social Action 

## **DIFFERENCE** 

Children move from coping in silence to exploring who they are in spaces where pressure is low but possibilities are real. They begin to trust themselves, make choices, and take part — not because they have to, but because they want to. That shift is what makes it possible for them to **find their spark** . 



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## Sparks of Opportunity Our and Activities Projects 

Our aim is to keep showing up. To offer what’s needed, not just what’s available. That might be a warm meal. It might be a singing group where a child who barely speaks starts to hum along. It might be helping a girl who’s been struggling to make eye contact suddenly speak up in front of her peers. This isn’t abstract. It’s direct, everyday support, offered with care, consistency, and no strings attached. 


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Sunday<br>Trips and activities<br>Monday<br>Stage Bright<br>Tuesday<br>Harmony and Health<br>Wednesday<br>Sparks of Strengh Fitness Club<br>Thursday<br>GEMS Club<br>7<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




## Heritage and Holiday Trips 

Ourheritage andholiday trips offerdisadvantaged children inSalford, Manchester,enriching experiences beyond their daily environment. These trips expose children to cultural heritagesites and new recreational opportunities, broadening their horizons and creating a deeper appreciation for history and different cultures. Through these excursions, children gain valuable experiences that enhance their learning, promote social interaction, and contribute to their overall personal development. 

Two siblings, aged 9 and 12, came on a beach trip with us this summer. It was their first time seeing the sea. Their mother told us they hadn’t left their local area in over a year due to financial stress. That day, they ran along the sand, collected shells, and asked if they could come back again next year. When we dropped them off, the older one turned and said, “That was the best day I’ve ever had.” 

## GEMS 

The GEMS Project(Girls Empowerment, Mentoring & Support) addresses the unique challenges faced by girls aged 10–16 in Salford. Many of these girls experience low confidence, social isolation, and limited access to safe, supportive spaces. Through weekly sessions combining creative arts, open discussions, and peer mentoring, GEMS provided a consistent environment where participants could express themselves, build friendships, and develop resilience. The project focused on creating self- esteem, emotional wellbeing, and positive identity formation. Feedback from participants highlighted increased confidence, improved social skills, and a stronger sense of belonging. GEMS has become a vital part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the holistic development of young girls in our community. 

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## Harmony & Health 

We introduced Harmony and Health, a weekly singing and wellbeing programme for children aged 6–16 in Salford. Recognising that many of our participants face challenges such as food insecurity, emotional stress, and limited access to enriching activities, we created a space where they could express themselves through music and enjoy healthy snacks together. Each session offered more than just singing; it provided a consistent, joyful environment that created confidence, social connection, and emotional resilience. Feedback from families highlighted improvements in mood, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. Harmony and Health exemplify our commitment to holistic child development, addressing both immediate needs and long-term growth. 

One mother spoke to us after a few weeks of her daughter attending our exercise sessions: “I was very worried for a long time, my daughter refused to eat proper meals, lived on crisps and sweets, and had no interest in trying anything healthy. But something shifted. It wasn’t forced, and it didn’t happen overnight, but week by week, the change was there. My daughter began showing interest in her hygiene again, asking questions about food, even packing her own fruit. With a mixture of pride and surprise, She told me, ‘I never thought fruit was good.’ For me, it wasn’t just about health. It was about my daughter starting to care for herself in a way she hadn’t before.” 

## Stage Bright 

This is our most exciting new performing arts project, 

dedicated to young people from low-income families, especially those living in overcrowded housing, where exclusion and limited access to opportunities often create a sense of fear, isolation, and disengagement. Our project aims to break down this fear and show these young people that the 

performing arts are open for everyone, regardless of background, financial status, or social standing. We will take their fear, their Stage Fright and transform it to Stage Bright, giving every child and young person the opportunity shine in the limelight and participate in the performing arts. Through weekly workshops in acting, dance, and music, Stage Bright will guide these young people out of their shells, gradually helping them overcome their fears of performing and of engaging with their peers. As they work through their anxieties and stage fright, they’ll discover the joy of self-expression and the power of art to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 



At night, I dream about the stage I’ll be dancing on. I can’t believe it will really be happening soon. - Faye 

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S par 

Noma Foundation The Grace Trust Abbvie Bauer Radio's Cash The Dwf Foundation Trees Of The Leigh The Hobson Charity The Access Foundation Edward Holt Trust Local Trent Green Hall UKH Foundation Roedean School Sported Foundation Himat Tanna Charity The Astor Foundation Fund John Thaw Foundation Elizabeth Price Angling Trust Ltd Prosperity Law The Ian Maidens Charitable Trust The SF Charitable Trust HDWR Foundation The Florian Charitable Trust With warm thanks to our funders 10 



2025 

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2025. 

|Registered charity name|Sparks of Success LTD|
|---|---|
|Charity registration number|1193418|
|Company registration number|12897013|
|Principal office and registered:|52 Symons Street<br>Salford<br>M7 4AP|
|The trustees|The trustees<br>H S Horovitz<br>M B Schonfeld<br>H Grossberger|
|Independent examiner|David Pollak<br>158 Cromwell Road<br>Salford<br>M6 6DE|



## **Structure, governance and management:** 

The Trustees in office during the year were Mrs Helen Grossberger, Mrs Malka Brucha Schonfeld & Mrs Haya Sara Horovitz. They were also directors for the purposes of company law. All trustees give of their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year. 

Objectives and activities 

The charity/company is established for the purpose of: Advancing the quality of life and helping young people by providing; 

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1. recreational and leisure time activities in the interest of social welfare, designed so as to improve their conditions of life. 

2. support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals. 

3. Grants for the prevention or relief of poverty. 

These objects were achieved through various activities such as the hire of a jumping castle, soft play and use of educational sensory equipment. Additionally, day trips such as going to the beach were arranged. The recipients all benefited greatly from these activities and the trustees believe the activities have helped tremendously in advancing the charity's aforementioned objects. 

## **Public benefit** 

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities and setting grant making policy for the year. 

## **Strategic report** 

The following sections for achievements and performance and financial review form the strategic report of the charity. 

## **Achievements and performance** 

During the year, the charity received £66,279 (2024 - £36,019) in grants of which £31,746 were restricted. 

The charity continued distribution of its charitable funds in accordance with its objectives. There was an increase in direct charitable activities this year in line with the increase in income. Support costs are kept to minimum and were less than the previous year. The charity is satisfied that it is achieving its objects over the year and anticipates further demand and success in the future. . There was an overall net surplus in resources during the year amounting to £12,769 

## **Financial review** 

The trustees consider that the year was an excellent one in terms of donations received and the progress made towards achieving its objects. 



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## **Unrestricted reserves policy** 

We maintain unrestricted reserves to provide financial stability and ensure the continuity of our core work with disadvantaged children. These reserves are held to protect against unexpected shortfalls in income, delays in funding, or unforeseen increases in expenditure, allowing us to continue supporting vulnerable young people without disruption. 

Our target is to hold unrestricted reserves equivalent to three months of regular operating costs. This level has been chosen to strike a balance between responsible financial planning and ensuring that available funds are actively used to support our charitable aims. 

The reserves are reviewed annually by the trustees as part of the budgeting process, and any adjustments to the target level are made in response to changes in the organisation's size, activities, and risk profile. Unrestricted reserves are not intended to accumulate long term but to serve as a practical safeguard, ensuring we can continue to deliver essential services even during uncertain periods. 

The net reserves carried forward stands at £18,940. 

## **Related party transactions** 

No transactions with related parties were undertaken such as are required to be disclosed under 

FRS102. 

The trustees' annual report and the strategic report were approved on 21 May 2026 and signed on 

behalf of the board of trustees by: 


H Grossberger Trustee 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of SPARKS OF SUCCESS LTD 

('the charity') for the year ended 30 September 2025. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act’). 

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. 

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## **Independent examiner's statement** 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: 

- 1.accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 

- 2.the financial statements do not accord with those records; or 

- 3.the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or 

- 4.the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 

- I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. David Pollak 

Independent Examiner 



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The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. 

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 


For the year ending 30 September 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. 

## Directors' responsibilities: 

- 1.The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476; 

- 2.The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime. These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 21 May 2026, and are signed on behalf of the board by: 

H Grossberger Trustee 



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## **1. General information** 

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 52 Symons Street, Salford, England, M7 4AP. 

## **2. Statement of compliance** 

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. 

## **3. Accounting policies** 

## **Basis of preparation** 

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. 

## **Going concern** 

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. 

## **Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty** 

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations 

of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 

## **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes. 

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. 

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two subclasses: restricted income funds or 

endowment funds. 

## **Incoming resources** 

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: 

- income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. 

- legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established. 

- income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers. 

- income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted. 



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## **Resources expended** 

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates: 

- expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non-charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. 

- other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities. 

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis. 

## **Impairment of fixed assets** 

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units. 

## **Financial instruments** 

## **Tangible assets** 

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. 

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities. 

## **Depreciation** 

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Fixtures and fittings - 15% reducing balance 

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment. Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. 



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Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship.  Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised. For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. 

## 4. Limited by guarantee 

Sparks Of Success Ltd is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10. 

## 5. Donations and legacies 


## 6. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type 


## 7. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type 

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## 8. Analysis of charitable activity 

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## 9. Analysis of support costs 

## 15. Tangible fixed assets 

## 10. Analysis of grants 

## 11. Net income/(expenditure) 


12. Independent examination fees 

## 13. Staff costs 

The average head count of employees during the year was Nil (2024: Nil). 

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil). 

## 14. Trustee remuneration and expenses 

No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees. 

## 16. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

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## 17. Analysis of charitable funds 


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2025 


## 17. Analysis of charitable funds (continued) 


## 18. Analysis of net assets between funds 


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