Igniting the Spark and unlocking potential

As the country's economic problems continue, more and more people in Ipswich are finding themselves out of work and back on the job market. But with competition ever increasing for the few jobs which are available what is it that will make you stand out? Spark is a new group, based in Ipswich, which hopes to help individuals recognise their unique potential and learn how to show it to future employers.
 
The idea came from Philippa Kerr, who, with a core team of volunteers has begun to create the programme. "We want to develop something that will help people discover and value their own special qualities ..... but also learn how to let other people see, and hopefully value, them as well," she says. "In a crowded job market it could be the thing which sets them apart, the thing which ultimately helps them get work."
 
Spark is based on the idea that we all have unique potential, but our uniqueness is sometimes something we don’t appreciate ourselves or something we hide away. As a result it’s something we don’t include on our job applications or at interview. Through a series of modules from cv writing to problem solving a team of volunteers will guide individuals through a process to help unlock this potential. The volunteers, all Christians from local churches, will be drawn from across the community; they'll all have experience of recruiting in different sectors, but won't necessarily be HR specialists. But above all they're people's people.
 
"It's really exciting," says Philippa. "We've got the basis of a great team lined up who are all desperate to get on with the process. And we know there are people in Ipswich who will get a lot out of Spark.We're just praying now that we can bring the two together."

Spark hopes to be able to take its first recruits through the process before Christmas, giving the chance of a new start in the New Year.

Firstly your recommendation. If you know of anyone you think may benefit from Spark, or if you think you would benefit yourself please get in touch. You may be out of work, or looking to change jobs.

Secondly if you think you could volunteer to help people ignite their true potential again please contact the team. They need helpers, from a wide range of jobs, with current experience of recruiting.  And they are also looking for people who want to help individuals develop.  There is a core team in place, but the more volunteers, the more people can be helped.

 

Thirdly please pray for the project, and all the people who come into contact with it. “We believe Spark truly can change lives for the better.”