New Bright Space opens in London to support victims of Domestic Abuse
The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children has today officially opened its 92nd Bright Space, in London, in partnership with Solace Women’s Aid at a refuge for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.
Louise Acunzo, Refuge Services Manager at Solace Woman’s Aid comments: “The refuge playroom has been utterly transformed and now provides a welcoming Bright Space for the children. The resources for play and learning are wonderful- ranging from art, crafts, sensory items, games, and books which encourage the children to play together, share and help them to recover from their trauma. We cannot thank Bright Horizons, their volunteers, and donors enough for their amazing work in creating this Bright Space.”
The Foundation and its volunteers transformed the playroom at the refuge so that it now provides therapeutic and calm spaces to help children recover from trauma. The Bright Space includes a book corner and has dedicated areas for creative and sensory resources.
Delivering this Bright Space has been made possible by a donation from The Fence Club charity and the Shanly Foundation, as well as Bright Horizons North Finchley Day Nursery and Preschool who raised £600 in total where Deputy Nursery Manager, Sarah, led the project. The Foundation also received help from Bright Horizons’ maintenance partner, Linaker which dedicated time and their own resources to paint the room.
Sarah, Deputy Nursery Manager at Bright Horizons North Finchley Day Nursery and Preschool said: “Our nursery came together to support with fundraising for the Foundation to be able to open this Bright Space from holding cake sales and coffee mornings. I have always been passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and their families though play and exploration. Solace Woman’s Aid has always been a charity that has been close to my heart as I have been working with the charity for several years. I look forward to giving my continuous support to the charity in the future.”
Ros Marshall, Managing Director at Bright Horizons said: “We are delighted to formally open a new Bright Space with Solace Women’s Aid, our 6th in partnership with them. We are very proud of the amazing team at our North Finchley Day Nursery who have worked so hard to raise funds for this Bright Space, and we trust it will positively impact the vital work that Solace Women’s Aid does across London. Bright Spaces create places where vulnerable children are kept safe and supported. and can connect with other children, their family, and supportive adults who provide necessary services in an atmosphere of safety and trust.”
The Foundation is focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children and families experiencing crisis and disadvantage. Its Bright Spaces are enriching play environments for children impacted by domestic violence, abuse, homelessness, parental imprisonment, and ill health, and are designed to help children heal from trauma through play.
For more information about the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children and the work that it does please visit here. You can also donate to their Just Giving page here.