Spark Information Session (Gumeracha): Creating belonging in the Adelaide Hills

Would you like to be part of a volunteer team dedicated to creating a culture of belonging in the community? At the heart of Spark are volunteers who are skilled at creating welcoming and inclusive environments and are passionate about ending loneliness. Sparkies are registered volunteers who are provided with training to better understand the importance of social health. They learn how to create spaces of belonging, are tooled to spark connection between others, and help to reduce the stigma of loneliness by sharing meaningful conversations. Come along to this information session to find out more about Spark and becoming a Sparkie! Sparkies are at the heart of Spark and their purpose is to create a culture of belonging within Spark initiatives and out in the wider community. We’re seeking volunteers in Birdwood, Gumeracha, Lobethal, Woodside, Ashton, Uraidla, Norton Summit and Lenswood to host welcoming, community-led initiatives. Our aim is to spark a new cafe conversation group and a walking group as a collaboration between AHC and Spark. We’re also open to the energy of the community for other groups or ideas inspired and led by you. About Spark Spark evolved from ‘The Loneliness Project’ which was a community co-design collaboration between the University of South Australia and The Hut Community Centre tasked with creating solutions to loneliness. In 2024 more than 40 women and men contributed ideas, experiences and perspectives through co-design workshops and interviews, as well as more than 80 people completing an online survey. Together we created Spark! Spark works in collaboration with community partners to inspire, activate and empower community-led solutions to end loneliness. Our volunteer team of ‘Sparkies’ are at the heart of Spark, hosting a variety of Spark initiatives and creating a culture of belonging in their community. You can find out more about the program by visiting the Spark website. Community Centre Contact Details Torrens Valley Community Centre is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (closed on Fridays and public holidays). For any enquiries, please contact us on 8389 1711 or email [email protected] during opening times. Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings When an 'Extreme 75+' or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is declared for the Mt Lofty Ranges, the Adelaide Hills Council Community Centres will be closed, and all classes and programs will be cancelled without notice. Any monies paid will either be reimbursed or the course will be rescheduled for a later date. Current fire danger ratings can be checked here: http://www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts/fire-danger-ratings.shtml