Remembering Paul
Remembering Paul Garratt It is with the deepest sadness that we share the news that Paul Garratt, Cinnamon’s Director...
Sparkle is one of our 2025 Cinnamon Incubator Competition finalists. On Thursday 13 November, they’ll be presenting their initiative at St Peter’s Church in Notting Hill for a chance to win £20,000 and a place on the Cinnamon Incubator Programme.
What we do
Sparkle is an intergenerational community project with four centres in Wandsworth. We bring together older people (Grandfriends) and children to create meaningful relationships that benefit both generations.
A typical day includes seated exercise, two intergenerational sessions, a freshly prepared meal shared together, and an optional age-appropriate church service for Grandfriends and the volunteers we call ‘Sparkle Saints.’
How we change lives
For our Grandfriends, Sparkle tackles loneliness and isolation. By supporting physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, we help older people stay independent for longer.
For children, we see improvements in empathy, communication, and confidence — helping to break down ageism. Sparkle reflects how God intended us to live: in community, bringing light and joy to everyone who attends.
Our vision for the future
We believe every town should have an intergenerational community. Churches are perfectly placed to host them, often with midweek space, nurseries, nearby schools, older congregants to form the first Grandfriends group, and volunteers ready to help.
We have proof of concept and the tools needed to create new Sparkle communities — and we would love to share our resources with churches who share our vision.
“I was referred to Sparkle by my GP and it has saved me from crippling loneliness. I never married and don’t have children or grandchildren. Where I live, everyone keeps to themselves. Now I come to Sparkle twice a week, and it has changed my life. I get to experience the joy of being with youngsters, and I adore being a Grandfriend to them. It feels wonderful to be part of a community, to have friends who care, to be known.”
On Thursday 13 November, Sparkle will be one of five incredible projects pitching for a chance to win £20,000 at the 2025 Cinnamon Incubator Competition Final.
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