Bright Horizons and Kent Police Unveil New Bright Space for Vulnerable Individuals
Bright Horizons, in collaboration with Kent Police, is proud to announce the opening of a new Bright Space within one of the force’s Vulnerable Victim suites. This safe space will provide a comforting and supportive environment for vulnerable victims and witnesses of all ages, including children awaiting care from Social Services.
The Bright Space was officially opened on 21 January 2025, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Kent Police, Bright Horizons, and local community supporters. The event aligns with Bright Horizons’ nurture approach, which focuses on creating safe, supportive spaces that prioritise children’s emotional wellbeing and development.
The space is designed to help children feel secure and relaxed while under police care, featuring comfortable seating and sleep areas, child-friendly furniture, and soft furnishings. It also includes resources for all age groups, such as books, games, arts and crafts supplies, sensory toys, relaxation aids, a TV and DVD player, as well as essential items like spare clothes, pyjamas, and toiletries.
This initiative was made possible by generous funding from the Kent Mark Benevolent Fund and the dedicated fundraising efforts of Bright Horizons nurseries in Bexleyheath, Maidstone Boughton Lane, Kings Hill, and Tonbridge. Additionally, a sponsored skydive undertaken by Bright Horizons HR Director, Janine Leightley, raised over £1,100 for the project.
“We are delighted to be working with Kent Police to further improve children and young people’s experience during a traumatic period in their lives,” said Leightley. “We hope that the Bright Space encourages children and young people to feel safe and relaxed, easing their distress. This is a project that I feel especially proud of, as I did a sponsored skydive last year which raised just over £1,100 for this project, and it was wonderful to be part of the team that created this beautiful space for children and young people.”
Bright Horizons continues to champion initiatives that support children and families in times of need, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing brighter futures for all.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children in the UK. In that time, we’ve created more than 100 Bright Spaces, where almost 30,000 vulnerable children play and relax in safety, helping them to recover from trauma and adversity. To celebrate this incredible milestone, our BH 20 for 20 fundraising campaign aims to bring people together to fundraise for Bright Spaces and make a difference. Find out more here.
If you would like to know more about The Foundation and how you could get involved in supporting Bright Spaces, please visit our website.
