Scarborough charity Sparks opens new Northway premises to meet growing demand for support
Scarborough charity Sparks has secured a new Northway base as it looks to expand its support for local people, with businesses and the community being urged to help transform the premises ahead of its planned October opening.
The charity is preparing to open its third base in the town, due to the continued and significant demand for its services in the town.
In the past year alone, Sparks has delivered 2,021 counselling sessions, 1,249 crisis interventions and 604 one-to-one coaching sessions.
The Northway premises will provide much-needed additional space, including two new counselling rooms, with Sparks aiming to have the building ready to use from October 1.
First, however, the charity needs some help. Sparks is appealing to businesses, organisations and individuals across Scarborough who may be able to donate or help fund some of the items needed to transform the premises into a comfortable and welcoming environment.
The charity is looking for:
- Funding towards the refurbishment
- Flooring
- Wood and building materials
- Office desks and chairs
- Chairs for the two counselling rooms
- Rugs
- Plants
- Financial contributions towards furnishing and equipping the new space
Businesses do not necessarily need to provide an item themselves. Contributions towards the cost of a particular part of the refurbishment or equipment are equally welcome.
Michelle Davison-Ward, CEO of Sparks, said: “Getting the keys to Northway is an exciting moment for Sparks, but the reason behind the move is very simple – more people are coming to us for support and we need more space to be able to respond.
“The two new counselling rooms will make a real difference. We want to create somewhere that feels welcoming, comfortable and safe for the people who come through our doors.
“We have a lot to achieve before October, so we would love local businesses and people across Scarborough to get behind us. It might be an item we need, help towards the cost of something, or a financial donation. It all adds up and will help us get the new premises ready.”
Northway will join Sparks’ existing bases in Barrowcliff and Eastfield, increasing the space available to the charity as its work continues to develop across Scarborough.
Michael Whiteley, Chair of Trustees at Sparks, said: “The impact figures show just how much support the Sparks team is already providing across Scarborough and why creating additional capacity is so important.
“Northway is an investment in the charity’s future and, most importantly, in our ability to continue being there for local people when they need us.
“We hope businesses and individuals across the town will want to be part of helping us turn these premises into somewhere that can make a real difference for years to come.”
The completed premises will also receive a special official opening, to be carried out by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Johanna Ropner, with details of the ceremony to be announced.
The expansion coincides with the launch of Sparks’ new website, which brings together information about the charity’s work, its impact across Scarborough and the different ways people and businesses can support it.
Anyone wishing to contribute towards the Northway project, donate one of the items required or make a financial donation can visit: www.sparksproject.co.uk.