SPARK Creative Family Fun Day

The SPARK Creative Family Fun Day on Saturday, 3rd August, saw over 500 visitors gather at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, to enjoy a unique event tailored for neurodivergent families.

The three-hour event, which ran from 10am to 1pm, offered a wide range of activities designed to engage both children and adults. Highlights included interactive drum workshops, art activities, face painting, and various stalls providing information and services. Organisations such as NOW Group, Glow NI, Feel Good Hypnosis, Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling, and more were present, offering support and resources to attendees.

SPARK co-founder Cara Marks expressed her delight with the success of the event. She said: “We are incredibly proud of how well the event went, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from participants. We are eager to host another event like this in the future, and the insights we’ve gained will allow us to further tailor the experience to the unique needs of neurodivergent families. I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this event possible.”

SPARK co-founder Gary Gates highlighted the importance of creating truly inclusive environments. He said: “We noticed that some parents were concerned about their children behaving in ways that are not typical, particularly when they were moving, touching, and exploring some stands and activities. This suggests that there may still be work to be done in ensuring that neurodivergent families feel fully accepted and comfortable in environments that are often designed with neurotypical expectations in mind.”

Gary continued: “At SPARK, we are deeply committed to being a strong voice for the neurodivergent community, actively listening to their needs, advocating for their rights, and being a crucial part of the facilitation of the change that is so desperately needed in Northern Ireland. Our events are designed for our members, making them an excellent opportunity for connection and support. Joining SPARK is easy and free, and there are no fees for our meet-ups. We welcome everyone to become part of our growing community.”

SPARK, founded by Cara Marks CIPD and Gary Gates, is a new neurodivergent networking and support group based in Northern Ireland. The organisation mixes online and in-person meetups, providing a platform for members to share experiences, access resources, and enjoy a vibrant community. Focused on empowering individuals, raising awareness, and promoting neurodiversity in the workplace, SPARK aims to build a strong, inclusive community that values and supports the neurodiverse population in Northern Ireland.

For more information on future events, meet-ups, or to join the active online community, go to www.bit.ly/WeAreSparkNI.