Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A charity for children with additional learning needs and disabilities is facing cuts due to ‘significant’ funding issues. 

Sparkle, which runs leisure activities for children with complex needs in Caerphilly Children’s Centre, needs to review its services after a drop in fundraising activities made worse by the pandemic. 

The decision to cut costs will affect family liaison officers and leisure services at Serennu, Nevill Hall and Caerphilly Children’s Centre. 

In November of last year, Caerphilly Observer reported on the importance of services provided by charities like Sparkle.

The charity’s varied leisure services, which are run by trained staff, were described as a “lifeline” for children with complex needs and their families. 

Caerphilly Observer understands that Sparkle’s financial reserves are now being impacted following “significant and ongoing funding issues”, according to a charity spokesperson.

Fewer donations and grants have been secured to raise the £750,000 per year needed to support 935 children, young people and their families.

“Heavy heart”

Sparkle chairwoman Janet Kelly said: “It is with a heavy heart that we are having to review all our services.

“We have already undertaken a review of all expenditures and have introduced several cost-saving measures, such as a recruitment freeze on paid staff and other measures.

“Now we have no option but to review all our services.”

The charity has launched a consultation process with leisure and office staff and has written to the families of all the children and young people it supports.

Ms Kelly added: “It is a sad day for the charity but we have had to put our costs onto a more sustainable level.

“We will now carry out a consultation process and will always work hard to seek new ways of increasing our income through fundraising, grant applications and corporate donations.”

More information on how to donate, as well as fundraising opportunities, are available on Sparkle’s website.