Our Foundation

The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children was established in the UK in 2005. Our mission is to make a difference in our communities by creating Bright Spaces; enriching play environments for children impacted by domestic violence, abuse, homelessness, parental imprisonment and ill health.

Experiencing trauma can have devastating lifelong effects which are damaging to children’s physical, emotional and intellectual development. Our Bright Spaces are designed to help vulnerable children recover from trauma, build positive relationships, have fun, learn and relax through play.

The Foundation provides equipment, furniture, toys, games, books, resources and volunteers to create and sustain Bright Spaces, in partnership with organisations which include, the Police Service, Refuge, Women’s Aid refuges, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, HM Prison Service, hospitals and hospices, and homeless accommodation.

Our Bright Spaces are supported by the Bright Horizons community throughout the UK, including clients, suppliers, families and employees. Our Foundation is integral to our commitment to support children and families where Bright Horizons has a presence; leveraging our expertise and resources to make a difference.

Impact

We have more than 85 Bright Spaces throughout the UK, supporting thousands of children. They are used for play and relaxation, therapy, one to one support, family interventions, and achieving best evidence in child abuse cases.

In our 2020 Bright Space Partner Survey, 100% said their Bright Space impacts children and families; with 84% stating their Bright Space has a ‘major impact’. Furthermore, 100% said they are satisfied with the Foundation as a partner.

You can read our 2020 Impact Report here.

Getting Involved

Supporting our Foundation as a charity partner is a natural extension to our corporate relationships; enabling us to benefit disadvantaged children and families in our communities, together.

When your employees and your organisation participate in volunteering or fundraising to benefit a social cause, you are demonstrating your commitment to corporate social responsibility. The stories of people impacted can provide powerful and positive PR, and build engagement with your employees, customers and partners.

Each partnership is tailored to each organisation’s size, locations, workforce profile, culture, and corporate responsibility objectives; it is important to us that you derive benefit from collaborating with us.

Ways to get involved

Approved Charity / Charity of the Year

Making us your designated charity, or one of your approved charities, helps us to benefit more children and families who need our help. We will work with you to develop a plan that engages your employees in fundraising and meaningful activities, and evidence how they and you are making an impact. We have a number of ‘off the shelf’ fundraising activities and we can also support you in organising bespoke fundraising events.

Workplace Giving

By donating regularly through payroll, employees can support the ongoing sustainability of the Foundation and our Bright Spaces, making a difference to the lives of vulnerable children in their communities. This is also a tax efficient way for employees to give. Furthermore, if your company provides match-funding, you can make your employees’ donations go even further.

Brightening Live Activities

We have a range of Brightening Lives Activities which can engage your employees in practical and meaningful ways, to brighten the lives of children and families.

We are always grateful to receive gifts in-kind to distribute to families in need; whether it’s toiletries for homeless families, pyjamas and teddies for children arriving at domestic violence refuges, or Christmas gifts for children with a parent in prison. Organising workplace donation stations for staff collections of new/unused items that families need can be a great way to involve everyone in making a practical difference.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

We have a range of opportunities for sponsorship available – you could sponsor a local Bright Space; our campaigns, such as our annual Christmas Gift campaign; or Brightening Lives Activities to support the disadvantaged in your community. We will work with you to identify the best sponsorship opportunity to fit your company’s objectives.

For further information about the Foundation please visit www.brightspaces.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 1115697