The Centre, Livingston has announced its April charity partner as Spark, which runs a wide range of activities to help overcome the impact of loneliness and isolation and spark conversations and interactions with people in the local community to allow them to connect with others, make new friends and create new possibilities.
The charity, which has over 40 volunteers and 280 members and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, runs a weekly diary of activities including, tapestry classes, carpet bowls and regular quiz, bingo and karaoke events.
It also has a ‘Sky Up’ digital hub, offering technology support including helping people to get online, book appointments and stay in touch with family and friends and runs digital marketing and filmmaking courses.
Spark is also working with The Scottish Storytelling Centre to bring a second storytelling festival to the area, following the success of the inaugural event last year, with various events planned throughout the year.
As part of the mall’s ‘Support in the Community’ monthly initiative, Spark will be given free pop-up space in The Centre, Livingston this Saturday and Sunday to help raise awareness and appeal for more volunteers, and will also receive a £250 Gift Card donation.
Alex Fleming, chief executive of Spark, said: “We are delighted to be The Centre’s charity of the month.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for us to not only showcase all of the great work going on at Spark, but will also give us a fantastic opportunity to chat to people in the mall and find out what else they feel could be done to help make our diverse community more inclusive and accessible to all.”
Robert Graham, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are delighted to announce Spark as our next charity partner who we are looking forward
to welcoming into the mall to help them raise awareness of the great work they are doing in the local community.
“Our ‘Support in the Community Initiative’ is a fantastic way for us to help lots of local charities and organisations who go the extra mile and more to look after people.”
If you are a local charity or social enterprise who might benefit from being The Centre’s monthly charity partner, as part of its ‘Support in the Community’ initiative, check out the ‘news’ section on the website for details on how to apply www.thecentrelivingston.com or email enquiries@thecentrelivingston.com.
To find out more about Spark, check out their website, www.sparkscot.com
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
