Bright Horizons Foundation for Children Opens 100th Bright Space
The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children celebrated the opening of its 100th Bright Space in the UK. This latest Bright Space has opened in partnership with the Life Charity, which supports women, men and families facing unexpected pregnancy. The Foundation and its volunteers have created a thoughtfully designed, safe, and enriching Bright Space garden for families to enjoy.
Like all the Foundation’s Bright Spaces, the setting at Life is more than just a physical location – it is a symbol of resilience and progress, as Bright Horizons Regional Director, Mel Pease, knows well. 35 years ago, when Mel was pregnant and experiencing homelessness, the Life Charity provided crucial support that empowered her to raise her daughter and to pursue the successful career she has today. The Foundation is honoured that Mel has shared her story, which has led to creating this landmark Bright Space project.
Mel said, “I’ve always wanted to have a Bright Space in my local area so when The Foundation presented the opportunity to partner with the Life Charity and create a Bright Space, I was delighted. Giving back to an organisation that did so much for me is a surreal, full-circle moment.”
Beckie Reeves, Manager at Life Oxford, added, "This Bright Space will bring joy and comfort to the families we support. We are incredibly grateful to Bright Horizons for their partnership, and to Mel for helping others who find themselves in the same situation that she was in 35 years ago."
100 Bright Spaces by The Foundation
The opening at Life marks the 100th Bright Space in the UK, which is a major achievement for The Foundation. For nearly two decades The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children has been creating Bright Spaces in domestic abuse refuges, police child protection suites, prison visit areas, and hospices across the UK. In partnership with other charities, public services, and specialist agencies, The Foundation is constantly striving to provide safe and enriching play spaces for children and families experiencing crisis and disadvantage.
This year, six new Bright Spaces have been opened in various locations such as a police protection suite in Hertfordshire, a women’s refuge in Sefton, and a prison in Manchester.
“The partnership for this milestone Bright Space is particularly special because of Mel’s connection to the Life Charity,” said Tracy Wilkes-Green, Bright Space Manager at The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children. “Going into 2025, our Foundation has ambitious plans to expand further the number of Bright Spaces we provide and bolster the offering of programs, grants, and resources available. We are always looking for more volunteers and fundraisers to help us achieve these goals and be the difference in a child’s life. If this sounds like you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”
Fundraising for Bright Spaces
Colleagues, parents, and local community groups across the Bright Horizons community are constantly mucking in to help fundraise to support the many Bright Spaces across the UK. Last year, Gemma, Nursery manager at Bright Horizons St Mary’s Day Nursery and Preschool in Abingdon, raised £4600 by completing a sponsored climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This year, a huge push known as ‘100 Your Way’ has seen many Bright Horizons colleagues complete 100 of anything in any way they can. Thanks to their creativity and tenacity, funds raised are nearing the incredible £100k target, which will further support The Foundation’s exciting 2025 plans.
Take Action
If you would like to learn about the community impact of Bright Spaces, find out how you could contribute to our milestone fundraiser, or propose a potential Bright Space, please visit our Foundation page or contact Holly Barry at holly.barry@brighthorizons.co.uk .
