Sparkle Sheffield

11/06/2026

ARE YOU A SPARKLE SHEFFIELD MEMBER?

🎉 Exciting News, Sparkle Sheffield Members ONLY!

We've got something brand NEW to share with you!

Introducing our FREE Cost of Living Support Packs, available at most of our Sparkle Sheffield events.

We know that times are still tough for many families. The cost of everyday essentials continues to put pressure on household budgets, and we believe nobody should have to struggle alone. At Sparkle Sheffield, supporting our community is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to helping our members in practical ways whenever we can.

That's why we're so excited to launch our new Cost of Living Support Packs.

Take a look at some of the fantastic items available this week. From toiletries and household essentials to useful everyday items, these packs are designed to provide a little extra support when it's needed most.

Every pack is a surprise because no two packs are exactly the same. The items shown in this video are examples of what is available this week, but the contents of each pack will VARY depending on the donations and stock we have available.

These packs are completely free for Sparkle Sheffield members and will be available at most of our events on a first come, first served basis.

PLEASE NOTE SPECIFIC ITEM CAN NOT BE REQUESTED, and we are UNABLE TO RESERVE PACKS . Once the packs have been given out, they are gone until the next event.

We hope these packs will make a small difference and help ease some of the pressures that many people are facing right now.

A huge thank you to everyone who supports Sparkle Sheffield and helps us continue providing opportunities, support and practical help to our community.

We can't wait to see you at our next event. Come along, get involved, and see what surprises might be waiting for you!
See you soon, Sparkle Sheffield family! ✨

PLEASE READ THIS BUT CAREFULLY! 👇👇

Disclaimer: Please check all labels, ingredients, allergy information and expiry dates before use. Products may contain allergens or ingredients that are unsuitable for some individuals. Products may vary from those shown. Contents are subject to availability. Please check all labels, ingredients and expiry dates before use. Sparkle Sheffield accepts no liability for the use of donated items. Packs are available to members only on a first come, first served basis while stocks last.

10/06/2026

Join True Colours SEN Group for a FREE, fully accessible celebration for Refugee Week 2026! 🦁

** please note this is not a Sparkle event **

✨They are creating a calm, judgment-free space for local SEN families, neurodiverse children, and newly arrived sanctuary seekers to explore this year's theme: "Courage".

🗓️ The Details
Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Worsbrough Common Community Centre, Barnsley, S70 4ND
Cost: 100% FREE (includes activities, snacks, and drinks)

🎈 What’s On
Leanimals Mobile Zoo: Gentle, hands-on small animal handling.
Taste-Safe Sensory Zone: "Courage of the Lion" texture trays.
The Dark Den: A quiet room with bubble lamps and projectors to regulate.
Low-Pressure Fun: crafts, soft play, and outdoor bubbles.

⚠️ Booking is Essential! Spaces are limited to keep the environment calm and comfortable.

📩 How to book: Message the True Colours page directly or text/WhatsApp 07747 073094.

09/06/2026

Research opportunity...

"Do you think your child experiences getting around by walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting differently than their neurotypical friends? What makes it easier or harder for you and your child?

We would like to invite all parents or carers of neurodivergent children to a 30-60min Google Meet interview to discuss their experiences. Please contact Mary on [email protected] for more information or to express your interest. Thank you."

*Please note this is not Sparkle Sheffield research*

09/06/2026

We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers, or from the kind support of businesses such as Big Yellow Self Storage! 💜

06/06/2026

WE HONESTLY CAN’T BELIEVE WE ARE WRITING THIS! 😱

🎉✨ HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY, ANGEL! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!✨🎉

Our Lead Ambassador, Angel, is 16 years old today! 💖

Angel's journey with Sparkle Sheffield began when she was just 7 years old. Even at that young age, she was determined to make a difference. She created a PowerPoint presentation about what it is like to be an autistic sibling and went on to deliver it at school assemblies across the country. Her passion and dedication even led to an appearance on BBC Newsround.

But she didn't stop there.
At just 7 years old, Angel founded Twinkle, our support group for siblings of autistic children, giving young people a place where they could connect, be heard and feel understood. She also founded Sparkle Pen Pals because, as she said, "Autistic children struggling to make friends – this will help them," helping to build friendships and connections for families within our community.

When Angel was 10 years old, she discovered she was autistic. Rather than letting that hold her back, it helped her better understand herself and strengthened her passion for supporting autistic children, siblings and families.

At the age of 14, Angel became a published author, writing three autism workbooks: The Awesome Autistic Girl's Guide to Life, The Brilliant Autistic Boy's Guide to Life, and Loved Just As You Are. These resources have gone on to support autistic children and young people in understanding themselves, building confidence, and celebrating who they are.
Her books, together with her eloquence, confidence and passion for autism advocacy, even impressed Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who took a keen interest in Angel's work

Today, Angel is a professional public speaker, an SLGW Children's Presenter, a Sparkle Camp Coordinator, and an incredibly valued member of our team. She continues to inspire everyone around her with her kindness, determination, leadership and unwavering commitment to helping others.

We have had the privilege of watching her grow from a young girl with a big heart and a powerful voice into an amazing young woman who continues to change lives. Over the last nine years, she has touched the lives of countless children and families and has become an important part of the Sparkle Sheffield family.

Angel, we are so proud of everything you have achieved and excited for everything that is still to come. Thank you for everything you do for Sparkle Sheffield and for the families we support.
Sixteen years ago, the world was blessed with an extraordinary little girl. Today, we celebrate an extraordinary young woman whose compassion, determination and belief in others continue to make a difference every single day.

Happy 16th Birthday, Angel. Your Sparkle family loves you, believes in you, and cannot wait to see what you achieve next. 🎂🎈🎁💖
Please join us in wishing Angel a very happy birthday in the comments below!

06/06/2026

✨ SPARKLE SHEFFIELD WEEKLY UPDATE ✨

What an exciting and productive week it has been at Sparkle Sheffield!

We are absolutely delighted to share that our amazing volunteers have developed a fantastic new group for our members. This new initiative has been created with our community in mind and will provide even more opportunities for connection, support, friendship, and personal growth. We cannot wait to share more details with you soon.

We are also thrilled to be welcoming a new volunteer Jordan to the team in July. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking forward to the skills, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas they will bring to our growing community.

💛 This week, our Skool session focused on Anxiety. Together, we explored practical strategies, shared experiences, and discussed ways to better understand and manage anxiety in everyday life. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such an important and supportive discussion.

📊 This week we provided:
• 42 Advocacy Cases
• 75 Telephone Information Sessions

⚖️ Policy, Rights and Representation

This week Sparkle Sheffield submitted feedback to the Government regarding the new "Experts at Hand" initiative. The Government has announced a £1.8 billion investment to expand support for children and young people with SEND through increased access to speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, specialist teachers, and educational psychologists working directly alongside schools, colleges, and early years settings.

The aim is to provide earlier intervention and bring specialist expertise into local communities, reducing delays in accessing support.

Feedback from disabled children and families welcomed the initiative but highlighted concerns that it must not be used to divert children away from much-needed diagnoses or place disabled children into support arrangements that are not appropriate for their individual needs.

Sparkle Sheffield has also been reviewing and analysing the Government's proposals for Individual Support Plans (ISPs), which may in future sit alongside or replace some Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). While the Government's intention is to expand access to support, concerns remain that the proposed changes could weaken some of the legal protections and rights that disabled children and families currently rely upon.

Sparkle Sheffield continues to work alongside Equalities and Human Rights UK and The Autism Union to monitor these developments closely and ensure that the voices of disabled children, young people, and families remain at the centre of decision-making.

As always, thank you to our wonderful members, volunteers, supporters, and partners who make Sparkle Sheffield such a positive and welcoming community. Together, we continue to make a difference.

02/06/2026

31/05/2026

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE 🥳

Today, we, Sparkle Sheffield come together as the volunteers, trustees. Along with our colleagues Chrissy and her Team at Equality and Human Rights UK, and All the Staff at Autism Union to wish our incredible Founder and CEO Leesh, a very Happy Birthday.

Leesh, your vision, courage, and determination led you to create Sparkle Sheffield with one simple but powerful goal to make a difference in the lives of others. Through your tireless dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment, you have built more than a charity; you have built a community, a family, and a place of hope for so many people.

You are a fearless leader who never backs away from a challenge. You stand up for what is right and works hard every day to ensure that every voice is heard and valued. including ours. Your strength inspires us, your kindness touches us, and your faith guides you through every step of your journey.

We know how deeply your relationship with God means to you. Your faith shines through in everything you do, and your trust in Him has helped shape the remarkable person and leader you are today. Through every success, every challenge, and every new opportunity, you continue to lead with grace, humility, and love.

To us, you are more than our Founder and CEO. You are family. We love you, we appreciate you, and we are so incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and everything you continue to do for others.

Thank you for your leadership, your compassion, your faith, and your endless dedication to making the world a better place.

May this birthday be filled with the same love, joy, and blessings that you bring into the lives of so many people every single day.

Happy Birthday, Leesh. May God bless you abundantly today and always.

With love and gratitude,

The Volunteers, Trustees, Chrissy and her team at Equality and Human Rights UK, and Team Autism Union ❤️




💖🌸🎂✨

30/05/2026

✨ OUR WEEKLY UPDATE!✨

It may be Half Term and there is no Sparkle Skool this week, but that certainly doesn't mean we stop working!

This week has been incredibly productive for the Sparkle Sheffield team.

📚 Equality and Humans Rights UK, Sparkle Sheffield and Autism Union jointly reviewed the Department for Education's new Children's Social Care Reset (2026–2029) plans. We welcomed the positive focus on family support, advocacy, relationship-based care and reducing unnecessary institutionalisation. However, we also raised important concerns about the lack of meaningful neurodiversity and disability safeguards, the risks of over-surveillance of families, and the need for stronger protections for autistic and disabled children.

(if you would like to see our full document please email us at [email protected])

🤝 A huge thank you to Equality and Humans Rights UK and Autism Union for their continued partnership and support.

Together, we have worked on:
✅ 41 advocacy cases
✅ 84 telephone enquiries
✅ Class action advocacy relating to NHS autism and ADHD assessment waiting lists, which continue to grow and leave many children and families without the support they need
✅ Ongoing policy and rights-based work to improve outcomes for autistic and disabled people

💜 We also want to highlight the importance of our bereavement support work. Following Celebration Day on 25 May 2026, support for bereaved children and families continues every week through both one-to-one sessions and small group work. This support helps children navigate grief, remember loved ones and feel safe, heard and understood during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

🤝 We met with Team Lewis to discuss Sparkle Sheffield's exciting new programme for children. We are looking forward to sharing more details soon about opportunities that will support, inspire and empower young people in our community.

🌟 We were delighted to meet with our Patron, Rachel Abbott DL, to update her on Sparkle Sheffield's progress, achievements and future plans. We are grateful for her continued support and encouragement as we continue to grow and strengthen our work across Sheffield and beyond.

While the children are enjoying a well-earned Half Term break, Sparkle Sheffield remains committed to children’s rights and participation, advocacy, safeguarding protections, supporting children, young people , and families, developing new opportunities and ensuring that autistic, disabled and neurodivergent children have a voice and have influence.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work.
Together, we are creating positive change, breaking down barriers and building a brighter, more inclusive future for children, young people and families. Every conversation, every act of advocacy and every partnership brings us one step closer to a world where every child is valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

We will be back up and running on the 2nd June! 🥳