We are proud to share our 2023/4 Impact Report, Better Together.
It has been another difficult year for our sector, marked by financial uncertainty and increasing demands. But there’s one thing that has become clearer than ever; we must continue to work together better to meet the challenges ahead.
With a growing recognition of the need for greater collaboration, the work of Spark Somerset and the role we play in developing partnerships have never been more critical. Our relationships are our greatest strength, and we pride ourselves on our approach to collaborative working.
Whether it’s working with the VCFSE sector, communities, businesses, Somerset Council, parish and town councils or the NHS, there’s no doubt that we are better together.
The collaborative and partnership opportunities provided by Spark Somerset are invaluable, particularly amidst rising demand for voluntary sector services and more challenging commissioning prospects.
– Angela Kerr, Citizens Advice Somerset
Our support and services in numbers:
- 1,722 people attended 60 training and networking events
- 414 groups supported with advice and guidance
- £1.2m raised by groups we supported to be ‘funding ready’
- £300k raised through strategic funding support
- 716 new volunteers signed up to Spark a Change
These are just some of the things we have achieved over the past 12 months. We’d love you to read the report and learn more about the positive changes we are making together.
Thanks to support and advice from Spark Somerset, we have been able to secure 3 years of core and project costs to ensure the sustainability of our charity and staff.
– Zara Aitken, Minehead Development Trust
None of this would be possible without the support of the people, organisations, partners and funders we work with across the County. Thank you to you all.
A special thanks too, to our fantastic staff, trustees and volunteers, who go above and beyond to support Somerset’s communities. They are what makes Spark Somerset so great.
