Michelle, whose son Arlie has spent significant time under the care of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has seen first-hand the difference recent improvements are making to young patients.

Arlie’s visits to Wansbeck General Hospital gave Michelle a unique perspective – both as a parent and as a member of staff. She recalls that, before refurbishment, the children’s courtyard was not a suitable space for play or relaxation.

However, thanks to donations from supporters of Bright Charity, the courtyard has been completely reimagined.

The updated space now features soft, colourful flooring, age-appropriate toys and vibrant window vinyls, all designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for children receiving care.

Michelle said the changes have had a noticeable impact, helping to brighten what can often be a stressful time for young patients and their families.

The improvements are part of ongoing efforts by Bright Charity to enhance hospital environments across Northumbria, ensuring they better meet the emotional and developmental needs of children.

Supporters’ generosity continues to play a vital role in funding projects like this – transforming clinical spaces into areas where children can feel more relaxed, comfortable and able to play.

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:

Every contribution will help create welcoming green spaces where people can pause, breathe and reconnect – whether in a hospital garden or a community programme.

At Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, we’re proud to champion projects that create lasting benefits for our communities. One of our longest-running partnerships – now in its 13th year – is with the Eagles Community Foundation through the Hoops 4 Health initiative.

This programme brings Newcastle Eagles players and trained foundation staff into North Tyneside primary schools, delivering coaching, health education and confidence‑building sessions. It’s designed to help young people embrace active, healthy lifestyles at an early age – and the impact continues long after the final whistle.

Each year, pupils put what they’ve learned into practice at a popular tournament at the Vertu Arena, competing under the lights and in front of more than 2,500 fans.

Hoops 4 Health is just one example of the life‑enhancing work donors make possible. Your support helps us fund community initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, build resilience and give local young people opportunities they may not otherwise have.

Together, we’re helping shape healthier futures – one school, one child, one moment of encouragement at a time.

New art pieces created by artist Sara Blackburn, Northumbria Healthcare staff and local community group Northern Butterflies have been unveiled as part of the Lights of Life project.

The project celebrates nature and the arrival of spring, encouraging people to slow down, notice the world around them, and find moments of calm within busy healthcare settings.

Sara’s installation features four illuminated artworks depicting sleeping animals surrounded by natural elements. The pieces will be on display at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH) in Cramlington until the end of May.

Each artwork is accompanied by an original haiku written by the Trust’s staff creative writing group. The group also worked with sound artist Gary Bowden and produced four mindful and meditative audio pieces to help people connect with natural spaces and support their wellbeing.

On Thursday 26 March, guests gathered outside of NSECH’s canteen for a special after‑dark viewing. Vibrant lanterns and light installations created by Northumbria staff, Northern Butterflies and members of the community were displayed especially for this event.

Sam Goodlet, Manager for Northern Butterflies, said: “It has been a privilege to be part of such a meaningful project, working with a great team dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives through art, light and audio.”

Leanne, a member of Northern Butterflies, added: “I was really proud of the work we had made and how it all came together. Proud of how far we have come. I really loved the audio we did with Gary; it worked so well with the artwork.”

The relaxed evening gave attendees the chance to meet, celebrate their collective creativity, and experience the installation in the calming atmosphere it was designed for.

Katie Dawson, Bright Charity’s healing arts programme manager, said: “It was really special to have everyone come together and experience this amazing artwork. Bright is proud to support not only staff wellbeing through art, but also our local communities.”

Delivered by Wonder Made Wild and Gary Bowden Music on behalf of Northern Butterflies, the project was created in collaboration with Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity’s Healing Arts team and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, with additional support from Bright.