Residents in Castlefields are preparing to turn their ideas into action after being awarded funding through the SPARK Fund.
Created in partnership between Wellbeing Enterprises CIC and Plus Dane Housing, the SPARK Fund offers grants of up to £250 to help Castlefields residents test ideas that bring people together, improve wellbeing and strengthen community life.
The successful projects include arts sessions, support for expectant mums, games sessions aimed at reducing isolation, bingo, community lunches, quiz nights, coffee mornings, family activities and seasonal celebrations.
Together, the funded ideas aim to benefit a wide range of Castlefields residents, including families, older people, young people, people living alone and anyone who may feel isolated or disconnected from their community.
The SPARK Fund was developed following the Castlefields Community Health and Wellbeing Consultation, which highlighted residents’ desire for more opportunities to connect, take part in community life and play a greater role in shaping their neighbourhood.
As well as supporting activities that respond to local interests and needs, the fund gives residents an opportunity to build confidence, develop relationships, learn through experience and feel more able to make a difference in their community.
Successful applicants have now received their awards and are preparing to bring their projects to life across Castlefields.
Mark Swift, Chief Executive of Wellbeing Enterprises CIC, said:
“It has been fantastic to see the SPARK Fund move from conversations with residents into practical ideas that are now ready to take shape across Castlefields.
“The successful projects are varied, but they all come from residents who understand their community and want to create more opportunities for people to connect, participate and feel included.
“SPARK is about supporting local ideas, but it is also about giving residents the opportunity to build confidence, develop relationships and learn through taking action.
“We are delighted to recognise the successful applicants and look forward to seeing how their ideas develop.”
Emma Sneyd, Head of Social Impact at Plus Dane Housing, said:
“We are really pleased to award funding to such a positive and varied range of resident-led ideas.
“Castlefields residents told us they wanted more opportunities to come together and become involved in their community, and these projects are a practical response to what people said mattered to them.
“From creative activities and family events to opportunities that reduce isolation and help neighbours connect, each idea has the potential to make a meaningful local difference.
“We look forward to seeing residents bring their projects to life and to learning from what they achieve.”
The successful applicants will now bring their ideas to life across Castlefields over the coming months. Feedback and learning will be gathered to understand what was achieved, the difference the projects made and what residents learned through taking action.
