The SparkFish Impact–Changing Lives, One Child at a Time

At SparkFish, we believe in the power of connection, creativity, and care. Through our work in local schools across Reigate, Redhill, Merstham, and Horley, we aim to inspire faith, hope, and love in the lives of children and young people — and the feedback we receive reminds us just how powerful that impact can be.

Creating Wonder Through Immersive Experiences

One of our most cherished events is The Christmas Journey, an immersive retelling of the Nativity story for Year 2 pupils. We recently received this message from a local teacher:

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you from children AND adults for the amazing immersive Nativity experience you treated us to… It was organised so beautifully and the children were fully involved throughout! We also really appreciated the transport being arranged on our behalf – thank you. I really hope Year 2 are able to do this annually because I certainly can’t wait to come back.”

It’s feedback like this that confirms how much thoughtful planning and joyful storytelling can bring the message of Christmas to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

Bringing the Easter Story to Life

Our Easter Experience also continues to have a powerful impact, supporting the RE curriculum and sparking deep reflection:

“Year 5 enjoyed the annual Easter Experience… This interactive drama presentation of Holy Week and the story of Easter supports the RE curriculum and also prompts the children’s thinking and discussion skills and gives time for personal reflection.”

By actively engaging students in the story — waving palm leaves, walking through the events of Holy Week, and reflecting on what it means — we help them encounter not just the facts of Easter, but its meaning.

A Safe Space to Reflect, Create and Pray

Our Think Spaces are designed to nurture mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, and they often leave a quiet, lasting impression. In these calm, interactive spaces, children draw, build, talk, pray, or just enjoy the stillness — often for the first time.

One team member recently shared this moment:

“A young girl, who usually finds school difficult, was mesmerised by the bubbles. Her teacher mentioned she rarely smiles at school, and that it was lovely to see her so happy and engaged.”

Another memorable story came from a local primary school, where a child spent most of the session building a church out of Lego and spoke about how much he looks forward to attending each week.

And during many of our Think events, the prayer box fills up with heartfelt messages — often a child’s first encounter with prayer:

“When they come to the prayer box, they often start their prayers with ‘Dear God’ and frequently pray for a family member.”

These moments are sacred — small windows into the spiritual life of a child, often gently forming for the first time.

Building Confidence and Community

From mentoring Year 7s as they transition to secondary school, to leading Christian Unions and assemblies, SparkFish is helping young people find confidence, community, and purpose:

We had some really lovely feedback from students suggesting SparkFish helped them to settle into secondary school and also get excited about enrichment opportunities:

“Thank you so much once again for all your contributions to our assemblies this year. The children have loved having you and the team in and are always so engaged in your storytelling.”

“Thank you for all your hard work with our children here — we are seeing a real impact.”

Each story we hear — each prayer written, each smile sparked, each child who feels seen and valued — is a reminder of why we do what we do.

At SparkFish, we don’t just deliver activities. We create encounters: with stories, with self-worth, with hope, and often — gently and respectfully — with God. And the impact? It’s real, lasting, and rooted in love.

Thank you to everyone — schools, volunteers, donors, and staff — who make this work possible. Together, we are changing lives, one child at a time.

At the heart of SparkFish is a passionate team delivering creative, compassionate support to children and young people across our local schools. But behind the scenes, there’s another group playing a crucial role in making it all possible — our Trustees.

The Trustees of SparkFish are responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the charity. They ensure we stay aligned with our charitable objectives, operate within legal guidelines, and remain financially and organisationally healthy.

Serving as a Trustee is a serious and meaningful commitment. Each Trustee sits on our Management Committee and takes collective responsibility for making sure SparkFish remains well-run, solvent, and true to its mission. This includes oversight of key areas such as:

Financial planning and risk management
Safeguarding of children and young people
Compliance with charity law and the SparkFish Trust Deed

But it’s not all policy and paperwork. Trustees are also expected to engage with the life of SparkFish, supporting the work in prayer, upholding our Christian values, and promoting SparkFish in churches and schools.

They attend regular meetings, keep up to date with the charity’s activities via newsletters and the website, and are encouraged to visit at least once a year to experience our work with young people first-hand. Many though have a much more active role and can be seen playing Pontius Pilate at an Easter Experience event or reading as a journey guide at a Christmas journey. Trustees also play a practical role in key events, such as our Annual Service, helping things run smoothly behind the scenes.

Being a SparkFish Trustee is both a legal responsibility and a spiritual commitment — a unique blend of governance, faith, and hands-on support. Their dedication ensures that SparkFish continues to grow, adapt, and serve children and young people with excellence and care.

We’re deeply grateful for the wisdom, time, and energy our Trustees give. They are an essential part of what keeps SparkFish thriving.

Working as an administrator at SparkFish for just one day a week might sound like a quiet role — but my day is usually packed from start to finish. In a small team, every role counts, and I take pride in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes so others can focus on making a difference.

On my one day in the office, I take care of the essentials: ordering stationary so everyone has the tools they need, paying bills and making sure expenses are processed quickly and accurately. I also keep on top of recording staff holidays, taking minutes in meetings, and handling a variety of general office tasks that keep everything organised.

But it’s not all spreadsheets and payments. One of the best parts of my role is the people. I get to work with some brilliant volunteers, help with DBS checks, and often meet members of the public at events. It’s a lovely mix of admin and community, and it reminds me why we do what we do.

It can be a challenge fitting so much into one day a week, but with good planning (and plenty of lists), it works. It’s rewarding to know that even in a small amount of time, I’m contributing to something that has a real impact.

At SparkFish, we’re passionate about supporting children and young people in schools across Reigate, Redhill, Merstham and Horley. We offer a range of engaging and thought-provoking experiences designed to help students explore faith, identity, relationships, and wellbeing. These activities include events like The Christmas Journey and The Easter Experience, as well as Think Spaces, Mentoring, Workshops, Lunch Clubs, and Christian Unions.

Here’s a closer look at two of the key things we do:

🧠 Think – Creating Space to Breathe and Reflect

Think Spaces are one of our most valued offerings. SparkFish partners with schools to create peaceful, reflective environments where students can step away from the noise of everyday school life and take time for their mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

For several days, a classroom is transformed into a calming, creative space with interactive zones. Pupils are invited to draw, write, create, relax, play, or pray — all at their own pace.

Through activities focused on self-esteem, kindness, empathy, and emotional awareness, young people begin to explore who they are and how they relate to others.

Think Spaces often spark deep questions about life, meaning, and identity, while giving students space to breathe, reflect, and reset. Every Think Space is tailored to suit the ethos and needs of each school — and students consistently respond with curiosity, openness, and warmth.

🙌 Christian Union – Faith, Friendship, and Big Questions

SparkFish also runs Christian Unions (CUs) in local secondary schools — regular gatherings where students explore Christian faith in a welcoming, relaxed setting.

Each CU is different, but they often include Bible studies, discussions on faith and real-life issues, opportunities to pray together, and space to ask honest questions. There are usually some fun activities too — from games and snacks to social events or guest speakers.

Christian Unions create a sense of belonging and purpose. They connect students from different churches and backgrounds, helping them build friendships and grow in confidence as they consider what they believe and how that fits into life at school — and beyond.

Whether it’s through a quiet Think Space or a lively Christian Union, SparkFish is here to offer safe, supportive, and spiritually rich experiences that help young people grow in faith, hope, and love.

To find out more about how SparkFish could support your school, visit our website or contact us at office@sparkfish.org.uk.