Spark Training programme 2021
We offer an affordable programme of webinars and bite-size online learning sessions for Somerset charities and community groups. Our upcoming events are listed below, and you can catch up on our previous free webinars on our YouTube channel.
Child Protection Basic Awareness
Aimed at VCSE staff and volunteers who work with children, this half-day session will cover current legislation, referral mechanisms and information sharing. We will also look at the categories of abuse, roles, responsibilities and boundaries, early help assessment, safer working practices, and whistle blowing procedures. This session is free to attend but spaces are limited to 2 per organisation.
Tuesday 20th April, 1:30pm to 6pm
Vaccination Myth Buster Training
Most people who have been offered the Covid-19 vaccine in Somerset have been happy to do so. However with so much misinformation circulating, some people understandably have questions and concerns about its safety. Can you help? Come along to this online session to get the latest information and and facts about the Covid-19 vaccine, so you can help others to make an informed decision about whether to have it. Delivered in partnership with the Public Health team at Somerset County Council.
Wednesday 21st April, 7pm to 8:30pm, with more dates TBC.
Mental Health Awareness
The challenges of the past year have had an impact on everybody's sense of mental wellbeing, so it's really important to be able to recognise when somebody is struggling, understand how to support them, and have open, honest conversations about mental health. We've teamed up with qualified Mental Health First Aid instructor, Kay Morgan, to deliver an affordable half-day training session for VCSE staff and volunteers in Somerset.
Thurdsay 29th April, 9:30am to 1:30pm.
Covid Community Champions Induction
Join our growing network of Covid Community Champions, and help slow the spread of the virus where you live and work. After attending this short online induction, we'll provide regular updates on Covid-19 and local health and wellbeing support which you can then share with your community, and help keep people informed, safe and well. This session is free to attend.
Tuesday 4th May, 7pm to 8:30pm
Trustee Training
Many charities have been adversely affected by the pandemic, and good governance will be crucial in responding the crisis. As we begin to emerge and look to the future, strong leadership is vital in ensuring sustainability for local organisations. This session will help you understand your role, responsibilities, and liabilities as a trustee, particularly in light of Covid-19. We will cover some strategies for re-engaging with your volunteers and beneficiaries, look at what risk assessments are required, and explore how to monitor the changing needs of organisation and its stakeholders.
Thursday 6th May, 10am to 1pm
More training topics and dates to be announced, check back regularly for the details.
Can't see what you're looking for? If there's a specific topic you would like us to cover in a Spark Training session, please email training@sparksomerset.org.uk.


An excellent webinar covering all the important topics around setting up community support and mutual aid groups in an emergency. It helped to confirm some of our practice, improve other aspects and answer questions we had been guessing at.
Webinar participant, April 2020.