Ideas for Sparks Community Award

The Sparks Community Award supports projects that: 

The fund seeks projects that support people who may need extra help due to disability, mental or physical health conditions or caring responsibilities. This includes projects that reduce isolation, strengthen neighbourhood connections, and help people take part in community life - creating the kind of support networks that mean people can live independently and well.  

Here are some projects that could make a real difference. We are sharing these ideas to inspire you – you may have a similar idea, or a completely different one.  

Apply now and bring your idea to life! Please see the Sparks webpage for more information on how to apply.   

Community Cooking and a Neighborhood Supper Club - We will run cooking classes at the local community centre, teaching simple, healthy, and low-cost recipes. At the end of each session, everyone will share the prepared food. Funding will be used to hire the community centre, purchase ingredients for classes, and cover costs for a celebratory meal. This project will help people feel more confident about cooking, learn new skills and make friends over food. Neighbours and local friends will be invited to share the celebratory meal and we hope this develops into a regular Neighbourhood Supper Club that brings neighbours together for regular, shared meals at the local community centre. The club would be open to everyone in the neighbourhood. 

Bringing Gig Buddies or Sport Buddies to Wokingham - This initiative will match people who have a shared love of music or sport so they can attend events together, with accessibility support if needed. Funding will pay for training for buddies (learning disability awareness, communication, safeguarding, and possible scenarios), volunteer expenses (up to £15 pcm) and DBS checks.  The project is about building long-term friendships and helping people grow their social circles and informal support networks. 

Disco for All - We want to put on a disco designed as a welcoming and friendly space for anyone who feels anxious about "mainstream" club events. Rather than a traditional loud nightclub setting, the silent disco format allows people to control their own volume and music choice, making the event accessible for people who are sensitive to noise, experience anxiety or simply prefer a calmer social space. We will use the money to pay for venue and headset hire, and reuseable signs, decor and activity materials.  We will use photographs of the event to help us attract sponsors so we can make it a monthly thing. Our aim is to unite everyone through the love and passion for music.   

Games Club - Games Club is an established, friendly board games group that already brings local people together on a regular basis to play, chat, and connect. We are seeking funding to build on what is working well and make the club more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of people in our community. It’s a relaxed space with drinks and snacks, perfect for meeting new people and having fun. There are many benefits to a Gaming Club - it’s great for your brain, helping with focus and problem-solving. It’s also a brilliant way to reduce stress, boost confidence, and feel part of a community. We’ll use the money to pay for a wider range of board games so people of all abilities can take part, refreshments, venue hire. 

Sensory Garden - We plan to transform a piece of spare land adjacent to a local care home into a welcoming sensory garden that will be enjoyed by care home residents and the wider community. The garden will be open to everyone and designed as a shared space where people can spend time, relax, and connect. Care home residents will be invited to help shape and use the garden in ways that suit them, while people on the local allotment waiting list will be invited to work alongside residents and volunteers to help create and maintain the space. This approach brings together people who may not otherwise meet, encouraging relationships to form through shared activity and interests. The money will go towards seeds, soil, tools, and maybe some signs and seating. Spending time in green spaces is proven to boost mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and help people feel more connected. This garden will be a peaceful spot for everyone to relax, feel good, and get involved in the community. 

Accessible Bikes - We’re planning to buy three-wheel bikes that people can borrow, with a local repair group keeping them in great shape. This means everyone can join in on group rides—no one gets left out! We’ll use the money to buy the bikes and cover maintenance costs. This project isn’t just about cycling and improving physical health - it’s about freedom, fun, and feeling part of something. Plus, riding together helps people make friends, build confidence, and feel included, especially for those with mobility challenges. 

Interactive Art Installation - Imagine stepping into something truly creative and inclusive! Picture projects like Walk in My Shoes, picnic benches where everyone feels welcome, or a stunning Rare Aware photo exhibition that celebrates diversity in all its forms. This isn’t just art - it’s a way to spark conversations, bring people together, and make everyone feel they belong. We’ll use the money to cover materials, artist fees, and display costs to turn these ideas into reality. We’ll make a welcoming space where people can meet, share their stories, and feel included. We’ll show what we’ve achieved with photos, feedback, and community involvement—proving that creativity brought people together and helped build friendships. 

Sports Groups - We’ll set up exciting activities like dodgeball and boccia, with friendly leagues where anyone can join in. It’s not just about the games - it’s about laughter, teamwork, including people at all ability levels and making new friends. With funding, we’ll be able to cover equipment and venue costs so everyone can take part. This project will boost fitness, build confidence, and turn strangers into teammates - helping people feel connected and less isolated. Let’s get everyone moving and having fun! 

Park Run Companions - Volunteers will run alongside runners who have sight loss so they can join local Park Runs safely and confidently. The funding will pay for volunteer training and safety gear, volunteer expenses (up to £15 pcm) and DBS checks.  Runners and volunteers will get the chance to enjoy the outdoors and feel part of the community, boosting wellbeing through exercise and spending time with other people. The Sparks funding will help to create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and supported. 

Music Making and Panto - We’ll run inclusive music sessions and put on lively pantomimes where everyone can join in. With funding, we’ll provide instruments, costumes, props, and cover hall hire for rehearsals and performances. This is much more than putting on a show - it’s about giving people the chance to be creative, grow in confidence, and share unforgettable experiences together. Music and theatre bring joy, spark friendships, and create a real sense of community.