brighthope

Thank you to our Ashby 20 runners

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:48:41 GMT

Sunday 22nd March - Ashby 20

With approximately 1,500 runners, Sunday's Ashby 20 run transformed the town into a busy vibrant hot spot with an electric atmosphere.

The weather was really kind to us and the event was perfectly organised- such a great day for our community.

Our fantastic 7 completed the circuit, and on last count , over £2800 had been raised for Bright Hope.

A special thank you to our runners - Jacob, Emma, Adam, Andrew, Tom, Jeremy and Louisa,

We'd love to see more pictures, please send them into info@brighthope-nwl.org.uk

Volunteer Thank You Ball

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:32:04 GMT

Volunteers Thank You Ball Friday 24th April

It has been a remarkable 12 months for the charity, and we are looking forward to celebrating our special achievement with our staff, volunteers, trustees and partners in the community.

We are delighted to announce that Mike Kapur OBE CStJ will be joining us to present an award on the evening.

Over the past year we have been honoured with:

The King's Award for Voluntary Service
The High Sheriff Award for Recognition of Great and Valuable Service to the Community
We were also delighted to be recognised through award nominations:
Shortlisted – VAL Trustee of the Year: Janette Shepherd
Shortlisted – Niche Charity of the Year

This event is free for our volunteers, with reduced price tickets for plus ones.

Businesses can pledge £300 for support on the evening, incentivised by 4 guest seats, social media, website coverage and professional photos on the evening.

General Supporter tickets can also be purchased ( friends of Bright Hope, Social Prescribers, Local Area Coordinators, and other health organisations we work with)

Volunteer and general tickets here : https://bit.ly/4bgMbZ3

Corporate Supporters please email louise.b@brighthope-nwl@org.uk

Hope to see you there!

Bright Hope In North West Leicestershire receives an award from the High Sherriff of Leicestershire

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:12:33 GMT

Honoured to be presented an award from the High Sherriff of Leicestershire "In recognition of great and valuable services to the community"

On Friday we opened our doors to friends and supporters alike for our Spring Market.
Blessed with smiles and sunshine, it was great to welcome members of our community, including our service guests, volunteers, local businesses, and the Honourable High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Mr Stephen Bryan JP, and his wonderful wife Jane.

During the afternoon we paused for speeches from Stephen and our CEO, Laura Mackie. We were incredibly proud as Laura was presented with a High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of our charity’s “great and valuable services to the community.”

A big thank you to all our supporters,stall holders, staff and volunteers. In total our community pulled together to raise £1167.40.

Spring Market .. Friday 13th March

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:39:53 GMT

All welcome for our Spring Market

It's set to be a great day on Friday 13th of March.

An afternoon full of cheer, with our market stalls, cakes, drinks and games.

Parking is limited so car share where possible.

Join us between 12 - 5 pm, Talbot Lane, Swannington, LE67 8QT

Wellbeing Workshops at local logistics and transport company DVS

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:02:37 GMT

Laura delivers Wellbeing Workshops for DSV in Measham

Tuesday we delivered a fantastic Nutrition and Movement Workshop for the employees of DSV in Measham.

A well attended 2 hour session focused on really understanding how your body works.

Pointers on better ways to fuel for your body and ideas and suggestions to help you focus on a happier healthier you!

Laura is a natural at educating in a fun informative way.

If you are interested in one of our Wellbeing in the Workplace Workshops, please email us info@brighthope-nwl.org.uk.

Brew & Bake for Bright Hope

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:24:55 GMT

Time to put the kettle on and help us raise funds for our Support Cafés

Please help!

Our Brew & Bake fundraiser is happening soon and we need you!!!

Why? because we urgently need your help to keep our Support Cafés running.

We are asking our community to organise and run their very own Brew & Bake for Bright Hope

- Flexible event held whenever suits you - anytime w/c 30th March

- Raise as little or as much as you can

- Apply now and receive a supporter 'Kickstarter' pack with cakes, biscuits and other goodies to help you reach your target ( delivered nearer the time)

- We will support your fundraising efforts by sharing your campaign and or providing digital posters and print outs.

If you are up for the challenge, please register via the link!:

Any questions? please email louise.b@brighthope-nwl.org.uk

https://bit.ly/4cjAnG5

Thank you.

A special thank you celebration at Ashby Support Café for Sue and Jean

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:08:26 GMT

16 years of service from Sue and Jean

Last Friday was the final day for our lovely volunteers Sue and Jean at our Ashby Support Café who have both dedicated an incredible 16 years to running the Café.

It was a superb afternoon and Delyth delivered a really fun interpretation of Mr & Mrs game, which provided us with some great laughter.

They say the most precious thing you can gift is your time- Thank you to you both.

Pictured:

Matt - Support Services manager

Sue - Super brilliant volunteer!

Megan - Operations Manager

Jean - Super brilliant volunteer!

Quiz Night is a big success!

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:00:13 GMT

Team 'Cold' Take the spot as our winners on our first ever Quiz Night

A great fundraising quiz featuring a stand-up bingo game, a well judged lateral thinking quiz and excellent company throughout the evening, all brought together by our brilliant quiz master Brian who kept things running smoothly and engaging.

Special thank you to Brian and Sarah for all your hard work providing this fantastic evening.

Thank you to our staff and volunteers for the smooth running of the evening and thank you to all those who attended on the night.

We raised an impressive £1625 for Bright Hope services.

Watch this space for the next one!

Fitness Republic - Supports Bright Hope

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:25:00 GMT

Local Business - Fitness Republic in Ashby raises funds for Bright Hope

Our friends at Fitness Republic smashed it out the park with over £2,800 raised through fundraisers in 2025.

We are proud to be their named 'Charity of the Year' for 2025

We welcomed Sarah, Simon and Lily to Bright Hope to show them the work we do in the community and how their money is impacting those who need it.

The George at Coleorton - Christmas Raffle Fundraiser

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:23:53 GMT

The George at Coleorton raises money for Bright Hope House

Today we welcomed Will and Ella from The George at Coleorton, to present a cheque following their Christmas raffle fundraiser.

This is the 5th year The George has supported us, and an impressive £1920 was raised.
There's been so much love and care into making this happen. We are really grateful to all at The George - a true cornerstone in the community.

Thank you.

Lights of Love 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:31:14 GMT

Our thanks to everyone who attended and supported Lights of Love 2025

Sunday 7th December at the Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold

Another wonderful and amazing Lights of Love was held at the Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold on Sunday 7th December. We were blessed with a break in the weather, which meant that the 250+ people who came together did not have to huddle under umbrellas.

The event was kindly supported on the day by Charnwood Brass, Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group and Rev Dr Tim Phillips, with generous support being provided by our event sponsors: MBS, Earl Shilton Building Society, Allsop Durn LLP, Kind Pilates and Yoga, Easy Step Stairlifts, the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle and Fields Housing.

As usual there was a moment of silence before the lights on the tree were turned on and quiet gasp was audible as the stunning lights brightly lit up the magnificent tree.

For the many people present, it is very special to remember and honour those they love by hanging a tag on the tree, as the names are read out. It is a very personal and reflective moment. Bright Hope staff and volunteers placed tags on the tree for those people who were not able to join us on the day.

After a hearty rendition of ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, Rev Dr Tim Philipps delivered his closing message and the mass of tags, that were now covering the tree, swayed gently in the breeze. They will remain there until Twelfth night.

Donations made to this event stand at a wonderful £2,600 plus Gift Aid. Every penny will be used to provide our free support to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of North West Leicestershire…..our community.

We look forward to seeing you next year on Sunday 6 ^th December.

Photos courtesy of M Vaughan (with thanks).

Vacancy for a Bookkeeper

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:26:43 GMT

We have a new vacancy for a Bookkeeper at Bright Hope

Bright Hope is looking to recruit a part-time Bookkeeper, working on an employed basis for 6 hours per week. The salary is £20 per hour. This is a home-based position, with regular attendance required for meetings at Bright Hope House, Swannington.

A copy of the job description can be downloaded via the following link:

Bookkeeper - December 2025

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please complete our application form, which can be downloaded via the following link. If you need help with this, please send an email to the address below.

Bright Hope Application Form

Your application form should be emailed to:

Jane Hagreen, Charity Administrator

admin@brighthope-nwl.org.uk

Completed application forms should be received by Sunday 11th January 2026 . The charity reserves the right to close this vacancy earlier if a high volume of suitable applications have been received.

Bright Hope receives King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:14:55 GMT

We’re incredibly proud to share that Bright Hope has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025!

This incredible honour - the highest a voluntary group in the UK can receive, belongs to every one of our amazing volunteers, supporters and friends. Congratulations and thank you for helping us bring care, connection and hope to people across North West Leicestershire. From our Support Cafés in Ashby, Ibstock and Coalville to counselling and wellness services at Bright Hope House, we’re building a community where no one is left behind.

A message from Laura Mackie - Chief Executive Officer, Bright Hope

"We are incredibly honoured to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – a recognition that belongs to every volunteer, supporter, and member of our Bright Hope community. We hope that this award helps us to reach new supporters, enabling us to continue our vital work – without which people would fall through the cracks.

Whether someone comes to us for wellness services, complementary therapy, or attends one of our Support Cafés, they’re part of something bigger. Bright Hope is more than a charity; it’s a social movement – a network of care, connection, and hope across North West Leicestershire.

As we receive no statutory funding, everything we do is made possible through the generosity of our supporters. However, to continue meeting the growing needs of our community, we urgently need more assistance to sustain and expand our vital work.”

The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire will be presenting Bright Hope with an award and certificate in the Spring of 2026 (date to be confirmed). We will of course share this exciting moment with all our supporters. Two representatives from Bright Hope will also be invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May or June 2026.

Christmas Closure Dates

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:02:04 GMT

Christmas closure and new year re-opening dates for all services

Important dates for services over the holiday break

Bright Hope House closes at 2pm on Wednesday 24th December and reopens 9am on Friday 2nd January 2026.

Bright Hope House Services:

Day Care: Final session is on Thursday 18th of December, resuming on Tuesday 6th January 2026

Complementary Therapy: Final session is on Friday 19th December, resuming on Tuesday 6th January 2026

Counselling: Final session is on Monday 22nd December, resuming on Monday 5th January

Way Back to Wellness: Final sessions are scheduled w/c 15th December, resuming w/c 5th January 2026

Support Cafés:

Ibstock Café: Last day Tuesday 16th December, re-opens Tuesday 6th January 2026

Coalville Café: Last day Wednesday 17th December, re-opens Wednesday 7th January 2026

Ashby Café: Last day Friday 19th December, re-opens Friday 9th January 2026

2025 Annual General Meeting

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:08:00 GMT

Everyone welcome to attend!

2025 Annual General Meeting

We are pleased to announce that our 2025 Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 24th September at Bright Hope House. It is your chance to hear first-hand what an amazing year it was for the charity and our plans going forward!

The meeting is scheduled for 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start and is expected to finish at 9.00pm. So that we can arrange for everyone to be parked at Bright Hope House, we would be grateful if you could advise us of your attendance on the night . Please do not park on the surrounding lanes . There will be volunteers in high vis jackets that will direct you to a parking spot.

Refreshments will be available on the night.

If you have not yet visited Bright Hope House, there will be the opportunity to have a short tour of the building prior to the meeting starting (please let us know in advance if you wish to do so).

Friends (our name for our members) of Bright Hope will receive a personal invitation to attend w/c 25th August by post or email.

Documents relating to our AGM

There is of course some formal business to transact, please find below downloadable copies of all the documents relating to our AGM:

Agenda
Proposed amendments to our constitution
Minutes of the 2024 AGM
Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2024 - please note this is a link to the report on the Charity Commission website
Trustee nomination form

If you wish to receive hard copies of any of the documents above, please let us know and these will be posted to you.

Friends of Bright Hope have the right to propose resolutions and vote upon them. Proposed resolutions should be sent to our administrator, Jane, by noon on 17th September to info@brighthope-nwl.org.uk

All RSVPs should be sent to Jan Shepherd (see details below).

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 24th September.

Jan Shepherd, Trustee and Secretary to Trustees

secretary@brighthope-nwl.org.uk

Tel: 01530 648 553

Summer 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:28:20 GMT

A round up of all the news from Bright Hope in North West Leicestershire

Our Summer 2025 newsletter is now ready for you to read. This edition is packed full of the latest news from Bright Hope in North West Leicestershire.

Printed copies are also available from Bright Hope House. Please let us know if you would like copies to circulate to friends or family, or perhaps a group you attend in North West Leicestershire - just give us a ring on 01530 648 553.

Please click on the link to take you to the newsletter: Summer 2025 Newsletter

To receive your copy direct by email, please fill in the contact us form and we will add you to our mailing list.

Fantastic support by two local restaurants

millie@kangaroouk.com (Millie Rowe) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:12:11 GMT

Fantastic support by two local restaurants

Christmas is always a special time of the year - but made even better when two local 'sister' restaurants come together to raise funds for Bright Hope!

In the run up to Christmas, managers of the George Inn, Coleorton and the Queen's Head Hotel, Belton organised a fantastic Christmas hamper raffle, which raised an amazing £2,524!

Pictured above are Will Hall (right), manager of the George Inn and Sam Bonser (second from right), manager of the Queen’s Head Hotel presenting the cheque to Megan McMenamin, Bright Hope's volunteer co-ordinator and fundraising assistant (left) and Kate Last, former Trustee of Bright Hope and regular patron of both restaurants (second left).

Will said “we are delighted to support Bright Hope, a charity close to our restaurants which provides an excellent service for people with life limiting conditions in our locality”.

Our thanks go to both restaurants, staff and customers for their continued support - it is very much appreciated!

Photo credit: M Vaughan

Inizio Engage supporting Bright Hope

millie@kangaroouk.com (Millie Rowe) — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:12:11 GMT

Inizio Engage supporting Bright Hope

Bright Hope representatives, Delyth and Stewart were delighted to welcome a senior team from Inizio Engage to Bright Hope House, to show them around and receive a very generous cheque for £2,000.

The funds were raised through holding a walking challenge and various raffles. The 20 mile walk, from Borrowash to Ashby (where Inizio are based) took around 8 hours to complete in very challenging conditions! There was also a static cycling and step count challenge. Earlier in 2024 a team from Inizio also helped with a major refurbishment of our Ibstock Support Café venue.

We greatly appreciate the support that the team has given to the charity and look forward to working with them further in 2025.

Pictured above from left to right: Kate Kelly, Managing Director; Keith Buckby, Client Solutions Director; Claire McLaren, Financial Director; Jarrat Parsons, Commercial Project Manager; Stewart and Delyth from Bright Hope.

Pictured below are the three Inizio Engage employees who tackled the 20 mile walk for Bright Hope on one of the coldest days of 2024! Left to right are Lewis Spencer, Benjamin Lomas and Robert Lee.