Spark Change - Final Evaluation Report January 2024

Spark Change is a programme funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and five Local Authorities (funding matched the ESIF). It aims to provide tailored support for NEET young people to support them in developing the skills required to progress into employment, training or education. The programme is offered in London (Bexley, Brent, Harrow, Hackney, and Havering) for NEET young people aged 16 to 24 and young people aged 15 to 18 that are At Risk. This report unveils the findings from the research evaluating the Spark Change programme spanning from July 2022 to December 2023 and delves into the impact of the two aforementioned services. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the evaluation utilises both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Both the interviews and the analysis of the questionnaires yielded crucial insights into the performance of Spark Change. Participants from both paths exhibited an enhancement in well-being, confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.