United Sparkles is a social enterprise project selling bags, cups, framed pictures, keyrings and other gifts featuring artwork made by people we support living at Gombards. Staff use hand-over-hand painting techniques with the artists, but are led by their non-verbal cues when creating the pictures.

Support Worker Diane Densham said:

“When you take your hands away to get a different coloured paint, they leave their hands there. That’s how you know they’re enjoying it.

“We also have one person who is blind and it’s lovely to see how her fingers relax when you put her fingerprints onto the paper.”

The team says they’ve become well-known locally, having been stallholders at other craft fairs and village fetes, and as a result, they’ve established good relationships with other local sellers.

They decided to hold their own craft fair on Saturday 18 November, so people can buy unique gifts for their loved ones in time for Christmas.

Download: United Sparkles craft fair poster (A5)

Proceeds from the event will go towards t-shirts and equipment to move more of the production process in-house. In the future, United Sparkles would like to be completely self-funded through the income generated by selling their products. They’re also aiming for people we support to have a regular income from the initiative.

“The families love United Sparkles,” said Diane. “I think they must be so proud of what their sons and daughters are doing. It’s a massive achievement.”

Confirmed sellers include: Sarah J Cards and Designs; Hawthorn Honey; Claire Syrett Arts and Crafts; Witchywoo; Gem Crystals; Vintage Rose; Rainbow Crafts; Retro Sassy Designs; Sweet Memories and Solstis Skincare. There will also be teas and coffees available to buy on the day.

From left: United Sparkles ‘Make a wish’ card and floral mug designs

Uniting the local community

Service Manager, Nikki Cowen, said she’s ‘extremely proud of the whole team’, but she also stressed how the residents are the beating heart of United Sparkles. Arts and crafts are part of the residents’ care plan, but the project has put the artists front and centre:

It’s their fingerprints – without their fingerprints, this won’t go forward.

United Sparkles sells a range of custom gifts, including wax burners, tote bags, cards and more.

Angela Nelson, Business Development Manager for United Response’s services in the South of England, commented:

“The team are doing a fantastic job and this project is just going to go from strength to strength.

“United Sparkles’ vision is for residents to be fully integrated into the local community and contribute to local life, encouraging natural support networks, promoting hand-made arts and crafts created by people we support.”

United Sparkles also want to say a big thank you to St Mary’s Church in Welwyn for their ongoing support:

“St Mary’s have been really good ambassadors for us to drive the project forward as well as helping to raise awareness of United Response in general,” said Nikki. “Someone even came for a job interview, having heard about us through them!”

The first United Sparkles Craft Fair will take place on Saturday 18 November at St Mary’s Hall in Welwyn, AL6 9LX, from 11am to 5pm. Download the poster or contact Nikki.Cowen@unitedresponse.org.uk for more information.

If you’re not in the local area, but still would like to buy from United Sparkles, you can shop their range of gifts via our Positively Unique website.

  • Jenna Lloyd is Senior Content Officer for United Response.