Hello all! We have decided to start a push for funding for 3 of our most in need services; Cognitive Behavioural therapy, the Under 30s Group, and the Dual Diagnosis Group.

You can donate online by clicking HERE or or on any of the pictures in this post. You are also welcome come into the centre and donate in person. If you would like to donate to a specific service simply write down which one in the ‘donation comment’ box near the bottom of the page.

Cognitive behavioural therapy at SPARC– A part of the wider mental health alliance counselling service. At the moment CBT at SPARC consists of 2 therapists that operate to very high standards and tailor therapy to each individual that they work with. As they are part of SPARC and not bound by the requirements of statutory services they are able to work with each person to identify how many sessions are needed rather than work to a fixed number of weeks. CBTs at SPARC are also able to work with staff to deliver a highly holistic intervention in order to promote sustained positive results. Funding for this group would go towards paying for our qualified therapist so that we can maintain the high quality therapy that we currently have. This service is a new direction for SPARC and we are passionate about keeping it going so we can help as many people as possible.

Dual Diagnosis Group– The Dual Diagnosis group is one of our longer running groups and is an impressive example of peer support in action. The group runs after normal SPARC hours (5-7pm). The group provides a safe place for people to discuss mental heath and substance issues. It is a supportive environment that allows people to speak with others who have similar experiences but also share different insights and coping mechanisms. Alongside this the group also enjoys social activities where people can come to relax and have fun. Money raised for this group would go towards running the group and setting up day trips/outings arranged by the members themselves. This is a very popular and unique group that  is highly valued by both members and staff.

U30s– The Under 30s group was created as here at SPARC we have a core of younger people who were missing out on a place to engage with individuals of a similar age. This group has developed into a highly social and inclusive group where members are responsible for what the group does from week to week. This put the power in the hands of the under 30s themselves and promotes debate, coordination and teamwork. Any funds raised for this group would go towards costs for the group so that they can go to more places and do more varied activities. This group has been running on a shoe string for quite a while now and we really hope we can upgrade this to a boot strap!