Thank you for your support!

As we enter the new year, everybody at Sparkle would like to sincerely thank you for supporting us this year.

In 2023, we continued to see an increase in the number of children with disabilities and/or developmental difficulties accessing Serennu, Caerphilly and Nevill Hall Children's Centres. Whilst we are delighted to share that we have supported 1000 parents/carers through our Family Liaison Service, and 200 children a week through our regular clubs, swimming, MediCinema and children's parties, we have also faced a huge rise in costs, and a significant fall in trust income in the second half of this year.

Many believe that we are largely funded from statutory services yet the opposite is true. We rely on the receipt of charitable trust grants as well as donations and fundraised income.

We are doing all we can to protect our vital services but live with the prospect we may face very hard choices about which services we can continue to deliver, but although we are facing a tough 2024, we had some incredible highlights in 2023!

 

Four Family Events

We hosted four closed events throughout the year in each of our three Gwent regions - Easter Fun Day, Summer Fun Day, Halloween and Christmas. Each event provided the opportunity for children and young people with complex needs and their families to relax and enjoy themselves among friends.

 

Rebound Facility Official Opening

In July, we were delighted to welcome Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan MS to officially open the rebound facility at Serennu Children's Centre. Rebound therapy uses bounce, momentum, and rhythm from the trampoline to facilitate active movement in a hands-off approach using the installed trampoline. The bouldering wall, interactive lighting, and floor graphics complete the facilities, with hoists ensuring activities are accessible to every child.

 

New Art Room

We furnished and opened a new art room at Serennu Children's Centre mid-year. Art Therapy offers space for self-expression for our children and young people and helps them communicate if they find it difficult to share their thoughts and feelings verbally.

 

Summer Residential

We were delighted to be able to offer the opportunity for 22 young people aged 12+ to experience a one night residential experience at Hilston Park, Monmouth in August. Five of these young people had never spent a night away from their families before!

 

New Chair and Trustees

Existing trustee Janet Kelly was appointed Chair mid-year, taking over the role from our founder Dr Sabine Maguire who will continue to share experience as a trustee. Tracey Pead and Stacey Hawdon joined the trustee board to bring it up to a full complement. Tracey has recently helped South and Mid Wales regions prepare for the rollout of New Welsh Government additional learning needs (ALN) reforms; Stacey brings 14 years of third sector experience, specialising in corporate partnerships and fundraising.

 

New Website Launch

Our bright new website is designed to enhance the online experience for parents, supporters and donors. Navigation options on both mobile and desktop devices now make it easier and quicker to find information, while sharing many more images of the children and young people we support.

 

Our Waiting List Continues to Grow

While we have much to celebrate this year, our waiting list is growing. In challenging circumstances, we are doing all we can to continue our services that support children and young people across our three Gwent regions (South, West and North). The accelerating demand shows how much these services are needed.

 

THANK YOU.

We greatly appreciate your support this year which enabled us to continue our vital services for Gwent children and young people with complex needs, and their families. If you are able, we would love if you could help us continue our vital services by going to www.sparkleappeal.org/donate, phoning 01633 748093 or emailing [email protected] to chat with one of the team. Thank you again from Sparkle children, young people, their families, Sparkle Trustees and staff. We look forward to seeing everyone at our Children's Centres in 2024, and we wish you all a very Happy New Year! Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!