Why did you start SPARK?
SPARK was launched in 2024.
Our Director and Founder, Kevin, started working as a Health and Wellbeing Coach for Children and Young People as part of a career of more than five years supporting front-line clinicians in children's services. During this time, Kevin identified there was a wider need out there than purely reactive wellbeing support.
Lots of things worked about the approach, but we needed to offer even more. By launching SPARK, we took this existing approach (that worked!) and expanded the model to include:
Empowering Through Research: As an independent provider, SPARK can dedicate resources to doing research and sharing it with those who need it—while still ensuring our support is available free at the point of access. To get it first, sign up to Comfort With Kevin.
Supercharging Delivery: As an independent provider, SPARK can secure more funding and expand its clinical model. This will enable SPARK to buy resources a wider range of trauma-informed care, continue to invest heavily in workforce training and provide more support sooner, including some supports that are not traditionally available through CAMHS, IAPT or Adult CMHT.
An Arsenal of Answers: As an independent provider, SPARK can maintain a library of resources that young people and those who care for them can access at any time by visiting this website—encouraging independence, widening access and giving you the ability to be responsible for consolidating your own learning and growth.
What is SPARK's mission?
The need for timely, appropriate mental health support is greater than ever. Referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are at their highest-ever level. The waits are lengthy—if you even make it onto the waiting list!
SPARK was founded to ensure that young people and families could access some timely support. We take a broad, integrative approach so young people and families can find what they seek from our service. We're about improving the mental well-being of young people and those that care for them.
We bring together the latest cutting-edge research and training and make it available to families for free, or at a low cost. Our integrative, person-centred approach supports well-being holistically. We can speak to schools and help you work with Education. We offer:
Support for Young People: Young people can receive mental health support and education that is trauma-informed and based on the latest science. If, due to a higher level of need than initially thought or following turning 26, the young person needs further input, an onward referral can be made either to a partner organisation or externally—all in consultation with the young person.
Support for Parents and Carers: Parents and carers of young people can mental health support and education that is trauma-informed and based on the latest science. You can get advice on strategies for parenting when your child behaves in ways you might find challenging, and start to understand how you can change your approach.
Signposting: As part of a mental health recovery, young people and families need to know what they can access in their local community—local area. We are whole people living whole lives—our approach reflects this truth.
Choice and Advocacy: It is difficult to know what health services to access, the different referral criteria and thresholds, and whether there are alternatives to long waiting lists. We can direct you towards support in getting an Education Health Care Plan or accessing an ADHD or autism assessment in a timely way, helping you navigate the confusion and access the services you need.
Training and Psychosocial: There are options other than medication and CBT. Alternatives that are empowering and enable you to take the power back and feel control whether you are a young person or somebody who cares for a young person. That is not shaming the use of medication or CBT—but recognising they are only one part of the puzzle,
What is the SPARK approach?
To promote mental health recovery, there are certain things that we emphasise. These are:
Nature
The SPARK approach is all about connection with the world around you—an approach that emphasises what's important in life.
Activities
The SPARK approach is all about reconnecting with what we love to do. Making time to do what we love to do is an essential part of being mentally and physically well.
What Matters To You
The SPARK approach centres what is important to you to help you find the solutions you need.
Reaching Goals
The SPARK approach is about growing independence to stage a mental health recovery. We will work with you to set the goals that return you to wellness.
Reconnection
The SPARK approach believes that find connections in others is crucial to feeling well—whatever that looks like for you.
Neurodiversity
The SPARK approach is clear: neurodiversity is part of the human condition. Whether you're neurotypical or neurodivergent, you will get the support you need from us in the way you need it.