Our focus shifts this month to the idea of sustainability and how Support Staffordshire and some of our member organisations are striving to be more climate conscious and do our bit to help our local environment. To celebrate some of the amazing work that is being done, we are showcasing the fantastic things that the Spark Centre in Burntwood have done to support sustainability in its community.
Spark was founded in 2015, after the government announced the closure of state-run children centres. Esther Allen, who regularly used the children’s centre and saw how valuable it was to the parents who used it, fought to keep it open and successfully set up the organisation as it is today; a vibrant community hub that not only supports families but champions sustainability in everyday life.
How does Spark support its community?
Spark welcomes all in their community as well as those who live further afield, hosting many groups with open access to all alongside specifically targeted groups for fathers, grandparents, lone parents, young parents, parents who are from outside the UK and parents of twins. All of these provide a place of support, understanding and companionship which help their families thrive. Find out more about their groups and see when they take place here:
Not only do they host many groups but they also they also work hard to go into the community and make links with and between others. They often facilitate groups at other local venues, such as Chasetown F.C., St. Anne’s Church and Burntwood Library. What’s more they also host outside agencies to enable them to connect with the community. From accommodating a local home education group that uses their outdoor space to putting on community connection sessions, where representatives from organisations such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Bromford Housing and Jobs 22 come and speak to members of the community and give them support and advice.
Another way that Spark involves the community in their work is by using volunteers. Around 50 active volunteers support Spark’s operations, including food collection, group facilitation, and maintenance. Many volunteers are former service users, students, or community members wanting to give back.
An example of this is Yaz, who shared her experience with Spark. “After moving to a new area during the lockdown, I felt quite isolated. That changed when I met Nicky from Spark in the park—she introduced me to the children’s centre, and it quickly became a lifeline for me and my children. The groups were welcoming, free, and gave my little ones a chance to socialise before starting nursery. As my youngest prepared for nursery, I decided to start volunteering. With a background in family support work, it felt like the perfect way to reconnect with that world while giving back to a place that had supported me so much. Volunteering at Spark has helped me rebuild my confidence, stay active, and feel part of a real community. It’s been such a rewarding experience, both as a parent and as someone looking to make a difference.” Further highlighting what a positive impact Spark has on the people who use it and help it to thrive.
All of these, show what a fabulous organisation Spark has come to be and how they provide crucial support to many in their community. However, when it comes to the promotion of sustainability in the community, Spark has become a shining example of how we can reduce waste and support those most in need, within their community.
Supporting Families, Sustaining the Planet
At the heart of Spark’s community work is the Baby & Children’s Bank, a vital initiative born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a grassroots effort from someone’s home has grown into a fully equipped, welcoming space that supports families across the region.
The Baby & Children’s Bank provides essential baby and toddler items—from clothing and toys to highchairs and prams—to anyone who needs them. Unlike traditional models, Spark’s Baby & Children’s Bank is open to all, regardless of income or background. They also support families with children (as well as babies) up to and including teens, which makes them stand out from others. Families can self-refer or be referred by professionals, and the process is simple, respectful, and stigma-free.
What sets this Baby & Children’s Bank apart is its strong sustainability ethos. Recognising that baby items are often used for only a short time, Spark encourages families to borrow and return items when they’re no longer needed. This circular model not only reduces financial pressure on families but also significantly cuts down on waste. Items like walkers, cots, and clothes are reused multiple times, extending their life and reducing the environmental footprint of early childhood. Between March and April this year they saved £12,257 for local families, based on them having to buy new products; highlighting just how much impact they have.
The Baby & Children’s Bank is more than a resource—it’s a symbol of community care, resilience, and practical climate action. It empowers families, fosters sharing, and proves that small, local actions can have a big impact.
Fighting Food Waste, Feeding Community
Tucked within Spark’s vibrant community hub is a quiet but powerful initiative: the Community Fridge. More than just a place to pick up groceries, it’s a symbol of sustainability, dignity, and shared responsibility.
The Community Fridge is stocked with surplus food from local supermarkets, collected by dedicated volunteers multiple times a week. It’s open to everyone—no referrals, no questions asked. Visitors simply take what they need and tick off what they’ve taken. This open-access model removes the stigma often associated with food support and reinforces the idea that good food should never go to waste.
What makes the fridge truly impactful is its dual mission: reducing food waste and supporting community wellbeing. By rescuing food that would otherwise be discarded, Spark helps cut down on landfill contributions and carbon emissions. At the same time, it provides families with access to fresh, nutritious food—especially important during times of rising living costs.
The fridge is also integrated into Spark’s wider activities. Fresh items are used in group sessions and community meals, ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s a practical, people-powered solution to a global problem, rooted in local action.
In a world where food waste and food insecurity often coexist, Spark’s Community Fridge offers a hopeful, human-centred alternative—one that nourishes both people and the planet.
Eco-Friendly Spaces for Learning and Growth
Spark’s commitment to sustainability is beautifully reflected in its outdoor play area and toy library. The outdoor space, developed during the COVID-19 lockdown, was designed using natural materials to create a safe, eco-friendly environment for children to explore and play. It encourages connection with nature while reducing reliance on plastic and synthetic resources. Complementing this is Spark’s toy library, which exclusively features wooden, sustainable toys—a conscious move away from plastic. Families can borrow and return toys, promoting reuse and reducing waste. Together, these initiatives not only support children’s development but also instil values of environmental responsibility from an early age.
Support Staffordshire: A Key Partner in Spark’s Growth and Resilience
Support Staffordshire has been a crucial ally in Spark’s journey from a grassroots initiative to a well-established, community-driven organisation. Their support has come in many forms—practical, strategic, and relational—helping Spark not only sustain its services but also thrive and innovate.
One of the most significant contributions has been through regular communication and information sharing. Spark staff actively engage with Support Staffordshire’s newsletters and bulletins, which provide timely updates on funding opportunities, training, and policy developments. These resources have helped Spark access vital grants, including a recent five-year award from the National Lottery, which has eased financial pressures and enabled long-term planning.
Support Staffordshire has also played a key role in connecting Spark with wider networks. Through introductions to local forums, food partnerships, and climate action groups, Spark has been able to build meaningful collaborations that enhance its impact. Their involvement in the Green Network and climate initiatives in Lichfield and Cannock has been strengthened through these connections, allowing Spark to embed sustainability more deeply into its work.
Importantly, Support Staffordshire staff have taken the time to visit Spark in person, gaining a deeper understanding of the organisation’s work and helping to amplify its story across the voluntary sector. These visits have fostered a sense of mutual respect and partnership, reinforcing Spark’s place within the broader ecosystem of community support in Staffordshire.
As Spark continues to grow, Support Staffordshire remains a trusted source of guidance on governance, a champion of their sustainability efforts, and a connector to new opportunities. Their relationship is a shining example of how infrastructure organisations can empower grassroots initiatives to flourish and lead meaningful, community-led change.
Looking Ahead
As Spark celebrates its 10th anniversary, the team remains committed to expanding its sustainability efforts. They continue to monitor and report on their environmental impact, sharing monthly updates on social media to inspire others.
Their message is clear: “You don’t have to buy new. Use what’s already out there. Come and borrow it. Bring it back. Let someone else use it.”
A Model for Community-Led Change
Spark Burntwood is more than a family centre—it’s a model for how local action can create lasting change. By blending social support with environmental responsibility, Spark is lighting the way for a more sustainable, connected future.