Spark Oldham issues urgent warning: vital community services at risk of closure

Spark Oldham has issued an urgent warning that multiple frontline community services will be forced to close within the next eight weeks unless immediate funding is secured.

The Oldham-based not-for-profit service, which supports babies, children, young people, adults and older people across the borough, said rising costs and a critical funding gap has meant it can no longer sustain a number of its core provisions without urgent support. 

Without immediate financial help, Spark Oldham has confirmed it will be forced to close the following services:  

-Baby Boogies 

· Junior Youth Club 

· Spark Sensory 

· Mucky Monkeys 

· Kind Hearts (Older People’s Group) 

· Dads Group 

· Walking Group 

· Women’s Fitness Group 

· Women’s Group 

· Crisis Support (food and clothing) 

These services currently support over 140 people every week, many of whom rely on them as a vital source of stability, connection and practical help. 

Founder Kim Rogers said the organisation has reached a critical point: “We are now just eight weeks away from having to close services that people rely on every single week. These are not ‘nice-to-haves’ — for many, they are lifelines. 

“We have done everything we can to raise awareness and funding, but the reality is that without immediate support, we cannot keep these services running.” 

Spark Oldham does have a significant funding bid currently under assessment; however, a decision will not be made until September. To keep services operating until then, the organisation urgently needs £15,000 to cover essential costs including staffing, bills, resources and refreshments. 

Without this short-term funding, closures will begin within weeks, with knock-on effects for service users, staff, and volunteers. 

Some Spark services will continue, but only where funding has already been secured, meaning the organisation’s overall offer to the community will be significantly reduced. 

Kim added: “This is the hardest decision I’ve ever faced. I see every day the difference these services make to babies, children, families, young people and older people.  

“Losing them — even temporarily — will be devastating for our community. We are asking for help now, because time is running out.” 

Spark Oldham is calling on local authorities, businesses, funders and community partners to act urgently by providing emergency financial support, sharing funding opportunities or connections and working with Spark to help bridge the gap until September. 

The organisation is also continuing its £1 on the Ground campaign, encouraging individuals and businesses to contribute small, regular donations that collectively help keep doors open and services running. 

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Kim remains hopeful: “Spark exists because people care. If we can come together now, I truly believe we can protect these services and the people who depend on them.”