Carl Butler

Spark Somerset

Here at Spark Somerset, we support and champion local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations. We do this by providing a range of services, training and advice to inspire them to change lives and help build resilient communities. We also believe that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive. So we work with local partners to provide volunteering opportunities for all. We are passionate about the value of social action – to tackle social isolation, to overcome adversity, to improve health and wellbeing, to develop skills and confidence, and to build stronger communities. Our volunteering website, Spark a Change, connects hundreds of people to local good causes every year. As a Countywide charity, we can work at scale, sharing our expertise, making connections, advocating on behalf of the sector and building partnerships to make an even bigger impact. We became Spark in April 2016 following the merger of SSVCA's Voluntary Sector Support project and Mendip Community Support. On 1 January 2019, we moved our operations to a new CIO and became Spark Somerset. We provide information, advice, training and support to charities and community groups. We represent the sector on strategic bodies, both at a District and County level. We also run the Volunteer Service, inspiring people to get involved and make a difference in their communities.