New Bright Garden Appeal brings healing green spaces to hospitals and communities
Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity and The Alnwick Garden have come together to launch The Bright Garden Appeal, a joint fundraising initiative harnessing the power of green spaces to improve wellbeing, connection and quality of life for people across Northumberland and North Tyneside.
The appeal will raise funds to create and sustain gardens that offer calm, comfort and inspiration – supporting patients, families, NHS staff and local communities when they need it most. Together, the two charities share a belief that access to nature can transform lives, from hospital recovery to lifelong learning and healthy ageing.
To mark the launch of the appeal, both charities hosted a special event at The Alnwick Garden on Thursday 30 April, welcoming business leaders and supporters from across the region. The event celebrated community, renewal and the shared commitment to improving lives through nature.
Guests heard from special speakers including Newcastle United legend Bob Moncur and broadcaster Alfie Joey, who hosted BBC Radio Newcastle’s breakfast show for 13 years, both of whom spoke about the power of community and supporting local causes.
Funds raised through The Bright Garden Appeal will support Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity’s work to develop vibrant green spaces across local hospitals. These gardens act as vital sanctuaries, helping to reduce stress, support recovery and provide moments of peace for patients, visitors and staff.
The appeal will also support The Alnwick Garden’s Community and Education Programmes, which use the garden as a powerful space for learning, creativity and connection. These programmes help people age well, tackle childhood obesity, build confidence, inspire curiosity and support some of the region’s most vulnerable community members to thrive.
By working together, the charities aim to deepen impact, reach more people, and strengthen the role of gardens as places of healing, joy and belonging.
Rob Graham, Head of Bright Charity, said: “Gardens have an extraordinary ability to calm, connect and restore us – especially in moments of challenge or change.
“Through the Bright Garden Appeal, we’re proud to be working in partnership with The Alnwick Garden to create spaces that support wellbeing, recovery and hope for thousands of people across our communities.”
Lauren St Hilaire, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at The Alnwick Garden, said: “Every day we see how nature can inspire confidence, learning and connection.
“This partnership brings together two charities with a shared purpose – using gardens to change lives – and allows us to extend that impact even further, both within healthcare settings and across our community programmes.”
Supporters can get involved with The Bright Garden Appeal by:
- Making a one‑off or regular donation
- Taking on a fundraising challenge or community event
- Organising a workplace, school or group fundraiser
- Spreading the word to help grow the appeal
Every contribution will help create welcoming green spaces where people can pause, breathe and reconnect – whether in a hospital garden or a community programme.
If you want to contribute to our appeal, you can make a donation via JustGiving.
