Relate has appointed Glasgow‑headquartered charity The Spark as its new subcontractor to deliver funded counselling services across Scotland on behalf of major UK benevolent funders, including the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
The partnership strengthens Relate’s national service offer by working with a locally established provider. The Spark will deliver eight funded contracts, supporting veterans, serving personnel, bank workers, civil servants and others who are eligible for free counselling through benevolent funders.
Relate selected The Spark following a detailed due‑diligence process which confirmed strong alignment in clinical governance, training standards and safeguarding. The partnership ensures a seamless experience for beneficiaries living in Scotland while keeping delivery rooted in a trusted local charity with a significant presence in Glasgow and the central belt.
Carol Florin-White, Head of Partnerships and Commercial Business Development at Relate, said:
“The Spark’s clinical standards match our own, and their strong Glasgow base means beneficiaries can access high‑quality local services backed by national infrastructure. This partnership strengthens our offer to funders and ensures people across Scotland receive the same consistent support as beneficiaries in the rest of the UK.”
Janet Balcombe, Head of Services at The Spark said:
“The Spark is delighted to be working with Relate to deliver free, professional counselling to individuals, couples and families across Scotland. By combining Relate’s extensive network of partner organisations with our established local presence, we are ensuring that beneficiaries in Scotland receive timely, high-quality support. We look forward to providing a seamless experience and greater choice for those accessing these vital services.”
The Spark supports around 1,800 people each year and will work closely with Relate’s clinical and operational teams to deliver funded counselling for individuals, couples and families across Scotland.
Mandy Lindley, Director of Relationships and Funding at the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), said: “We are delighted to see Relate working in partnership with The Spark which will strengthen the support available to Naval Service beneficiaries in Scotland. This collaboration means Scottish beneficiaries once have the option of face-to-face counselling, alongside online support which ensures they can access help in a way that suits their circumstances. We are proud to support a partnership that broadens choice, improves accessibility and ensures consistent, high-quality support for those who need it most.”
Relate provides more than 13,000 funded sessions annually across the UK. Partnering with The Spark forms part of its commitment to widening access, improving regional delivery options and ensuring national coverage for funders with beneficiaries across all four nations.
