[Southampton, UK – November 2024] – This Christmas, patients under the care of the Hampshire and Isle and Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust can anticipate a touch of festive magic thanks to Brighterway, the Trust’s dedicated charity. In a heartwarming tradition, Brighterway is delivering thoughtfully curated gift bags to brighten the holidays for patients, alongside festive treats for the wards.

In partnership with specialist gift supplier Colleaguebox, Brighterway has created a festive tote bag filled with holiday surprises designed to uplift spirits and bring joy. Each bag includes a personalised Christmas card, indulgent chocolates, and a luxury wash bag complete with handmade soaps, soothing lip balm, and a cozy pair of socks. For those seeking entertainment and relaxation, the bags also feature word searches, puzzles, and colouring books.

“We want to ensure our patients are the most important part of our Christmas celebration,” said Phil Pride, Brighterway Charity Manager. “These gifts are a small token to show we care and to bring a smile to faces across our community this Christmas.”

The charity’s support extends beyond the individual gift bags. Brighterway is also providing festive biscuits to each hospital and charity it supports, creating a cheerful environment for patients, service users, and staff alike. The initiative ensures everyone can share in the joy of the season.

Gift bags will be delivered starting on the 5th of December, wrapped and ready for distribution, making it simple for staff to spread holiday cheer. By blending practicality with festive fun, Brighterway is fostering a sense of community and connection during a time when it matters most.

About Brighterway

Brighterway is the dedicated charity of the Hampshire and Isle and Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, committed to enhancing the experiences of patients and staff through meaningful initiatives. Whether providing essential resources or adding a personal touch during special occasions, Brighterway works to make life brighter for those in need. For further information or to support Brighterway’s initiatives, please visit the website or contact: Phil Pride, Charity Manager, Brighterway: phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk

This December, Brighterway Charity invites you to celebrate the season in style at our Christmas markets across Hampshire. While the festive stalls will feature an array of gifts and treats, one truly extraordinary highlight awaits: the chance to win a luxury one-week stay at Dar Louisa, a fully-staffed Riad in the breathtaking town of Taroudant, Morocco.

 

About the Prize: A Dream Getaway

Imagine a week of indulgence at Dar Louisa, where every detail is crafted for your comfort and relaxation. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Space and Comfort: The riad comfortably sleeps 8 (or up to 10 if 4 are children) across 4 elegant en-suite double bedrooms.

• Relaxation: Two furnished terraces, a charming courtyard, and a plunge pool provide perfect spaces to unwind.

• Exceptional Service:

• A chef to cater to all your culinary desires with three meals a day and snacks.

• Daily laundry and cleaning services.

• A dedicated house manager to help you explore Taroudant and arrange bespoke excursions.

 

Excursion Options

Your trip could include unforgettable experiences (additional costs apply):

• Explore the majestic Atlas Mountains.

• Relax with a poolside lunch at a local hotel.

• Visit a local tannery to experience Moroccan craftsmanship.

• Embark on a camel ride or enjoy a scenic beach day.

 

What’s Included

• Utilities: Gas, electricity, water, and Wi-Fi.

● Two house staff (including Fatima, an exceptional artist chef with an extraordinary attention to presentation) who do all the cooking, catering, shopping, cleaning, laundry and accompany visitors around town and organise excursions.

 

What’s Not Included

• Flights and airport transfers.

• Food and drink costs.

• Tips for staff.

• Beauty treatments like massages or hammams, available with 24-hour notice.

● Cost of excursions outside Taroudant.

For more information about this stunning location, visit www.darlouisa.com.

 

How to Enter

You can purchase raffle tickets at any of Brighterway’s Christmas markets this season:

• Hythe Hospital: Thursday, 5 December, 10am–4pm

• Winchester Christmas Market: Tuesday, 10 December, 10am–6pm

• Petersfield Community Hospital: Thursday, 12 December, 10am–4pm

• Winchester Christmas Market: Sunday, 15 December, 10am–6pm

• Lymington New Forest Hospital: Wednesday, 18 December, 10am–4pm

• Tatchbury Mount: Thursday, 19 December, 10am–4pm Or you can enter online. Just make a donation via https://www.justgiving.com/brighterway and add a message that your donation is to take part in our Moroccan luxury holiday prize draw and we’ll add you to the draw.

 

Tickets are just £2 each or £5 for three, and the winner will be announced on Friday, 31st January.

 

Why Your Support Matters

Every ticket purchased helps Brighterway Charity enhance the lives of NHS patients, service users, and staff in Hampshire. Your contributions fund projects and initiatives that go beyond the NHS budget, making a real difference in our community.

 

Celebrate, Support, and Win Big!

Whether you’re browsing our festive stalls or dreaming of a Moroccan escape, every moment at Brighterway’s Christmas markets supports a brighter, healthier future. Don’t miss your chance to win this unforgettable experience while spreading cheer and giving back.

We can’t wait to see you there — and maybe you’ll be the lucky winner of this once-in-a-lifetime holiday! 🌞

This December, join us as Brighterway brings the festive spirit to communities across Hampshire with a series of Christmas markets. With each event, you’ll have a chance to shop, win, and support a local cause that makes a real difference in the lives of NHS patients, service users and staff.

Here’s where you’ll find us spreading cheer this season:

• Hythe Hospital: Thursday, 5 December, 10am–4pm
• Winchester Christmas Market: Tuesday, 10 December, 10am–6pm
• Petersfield Community Hospital: Thursday, 12 December, 10am–4pm
• Winchester Christmas Market: Sunday, 15 December, 10am–6pm
• Lymington New Forest Hospital: Wednesday, 18 December, 10am–4pm
• Tatchbury Mount: Thursday, 19 December, 10am–4pm

Our festive stall will be brimming with beautiful gifts and treats, including:

• Luxury beauty and wellbeing products to pamper yourself or a loved one.
• Christmas cards designed by Hampshire based artist Kate Smith
• Locally sourced produce from Noble Bee honey, candles, the Homemade Chocolate Brownie Company and seasonal foods.
• Christmas plants to bring a touch of nature indoors.
• Luxury prize draw — win a luxury stay in a Moroccan villa for up to eight guests! This fabulous getaway includes staff on hand to cater to all your needs, making it a truly unforgettable escape. It’s £2 per ticket or £5 for three tickets.The draw will take place on Friday 31st January.

Each purchase supports Brighterway, a charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of NHS patients and staff in Hampshire through projects and initiatives that go beyond the main NHS Budget. Every gift and prize draw ticket you buy, directly contributes to Brighterway’s ongoing mission to create a brighter, healthier future for everyone in our community.

Join Us and Make a Difference This Christmas
Whether you’re shopping for unique presents, picking up festive treats, or hoping to win a dream holiday, we’d love to see you at one of our markets. Together, let’s celebrate the season, spread some cheer, and support the NHS heroes who do so much for us all year round.

Mark your calendar, bring your family and friends, and step into the magic of Brighterway’s Christmas markets this December!

Brighterway is proud to announce our new partnership with the Hampshire Forest Partnership, a significant step in our commitment to supporting environmental sustainability and enhancing the well-being of our communities. This collaboration marks an exciting opportunity for NHS sites across Hampshire to participate in tree planting initiatives that contribute to a healthier environment.

Bringing Nature to NHS Sites

As a partner in the Hampshire Forest Partnership, Brighterway is playing a pivotal role in tree planting projects at various NHS sites across the county. This effort includes the planting of standard trees, small woodlands, community orchards, and young hedge whips. Notably, we are also involved in the national trial of planting disease-resistant elms, which aims to restore these important trees to the landscape.

Participating in National Tree Week

To mark National Tree Week (23 November – 1 December), we invite NHS sites to express their interest in having a tree or multiple trees planted at their locations. This is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the week with a tangible commitment to environmental sustainability. By participating, you will contribute directly to the enhancement of green spaces, support biodiversity, and aid in the fight against climate change.

Contributing to the Million Tree Challenge

One of the most exciting aspects of our partnership is our involvement in Hampshire’s Million Tree Challenge. This ambitious initiative aims to plant one million trees across the region by 2050, offering a powerful way to combat the effects of climate change and foster a greener future for all. Every tree planted as part of this partnership is a step toward that goal, underscoring the importance of community and environmental stewardship.

No Cost to Your Site

One of the benefits of this program is that trees planted through the Hampshire Forest Partnership come at no cost to participating NHS sites. This allows facilities to enhance their outdoor environments, provide natural beauty, and create spaces that contribute to the health and well-being of staff, patients, and visitors alike.

How to Get Involved

We encourage any NHS site interested in participating in National Tree Week or learning more about this initiative to reach out. By joining this effort, you’ll not only help transform your site but also play a crucial role in a county-wide effort to build a sustainable future.

To get involved or for further information, please contact Phil Pride at phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk.

Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact and support the Million Tree Challenge—one tree at a time.

View the full story here!

How Brighterway’s Funding Empowers Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare’s Social Inclusion Group

Brighterway has proudly supported a life-changing initiative within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust that’s providing a new lease of life for individuals overcoming complex mental health challenges. Thanks to our funding, the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) launched the Social Inclusion Group, helping participants reconnect with their communities, build friendships, and regain confidence through meaningful activities.

Filling a Critical Gap in Support

The journey from secure care back into the community can be daunting, especially for those who have faced isolation and a loss of identity. Recognising a gap in services tailored to individuals with forensic mental health needs, Occupational Therapist Maddie Drewett and Occupational Therapy Assistant Nick Matthews established the Social Inclusion Group. Their goal was to create a safe, stigma-free space where participants could rebuild their independence, connect with others, and rediscover their interests.

“We wanted to offer a place where people on similar journeys could meet, share skills, and support each other,” says Maddie. This group wasn’t just about providing support but enabling individuals to flourish through new hobbies, social activities, and leisure experiences.

How Brighterway’s Funding Made the Difference

With an initial grant of £660, Maddie and Nick organised a variety of community outings, from ice skating and museum visits to meet-ups at local cafes. The funding was critical in covering essential costs like venue fees, transport, and activity charges, ensuring that participants, many of whom live on limited budgets, could join in without financial worry.

Nick reflects, “Without Brighterway’s funding, we wouldn’t have been able to run the group. Many of the people we work with are on benefits, so the funding made these activities accessible to everyone.”

Transformative Impact on Participants

The Social Inclusion Group has had an extraordinary impact. Many participants, having spent years in secure settings, have experienced newfound confidence and joy through these activities. Attendees consistently speak of how the group has helped them form connections and engage in meaningful activities. One member even revisited a beloved hobby, ice skating, rekindling a sense of identity they feared was lost.

From playing board games at cafes to sharing stories over coffee, each experience has fostered bonds among participants. One individual shared, “Today was great. I won in the game of Monopoly! Time really flew by; I could have kept going.”

Building Lasting Connections and New Beginnings

One of the Social Inclusion Group’s main goals is to help participants form lasting friendships. In their first year, four regular members have attended, sharing feedback on how the group has positively impacted their lives. Maddie and Nick have seen the benefits of these connections firsthand, such as when one participant invited a fellow group member to a coffee morning at their supported accommodation – a significant step toward social reintegration.

“The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive,” Maddie notes. “We’re incredibly thankful for Brighterway’s support, and we hope to continue this work, helping more people feel a part of their community again.”

A Bright Future for the Social Inclusion Group

The success of the Social Inclusion Group highlights how targeted support can change lives for the better. Maddie and Nick are now exploring ways to sustain and expand the project, hoping to support even more individuals as they transition back into the community.

The Social Inclusion Group is a testament to the power of community engagement and holistic support in mental health recovery. Brighterway is honoured to have played a part in this transformative journey, helping individuals live fuller, more meaningful lives.

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For more about our initiatives, visit www.brighterway.org.uk, or check out the Social Inclusion Group’s activities on Instagram at @ssoccupationaltherapyshft. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on lives across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Walk the Brighterway is back in 2025! The event will run from Friday 14 February to Saturday 22 March. This year we are looking for teams of between 4 and 8 people. The flexibility on numbers means more teams can enter and perhaps more than one team from the same location. The only downside is the smaller teams may have to walk further but that doesn’t matter as the event is all about having fun, shaking off winter blues and losing the last of those extra pounds you may have put on over Christmas and New Year.

 

The rules for 2025 are simple and as follows………

 

• Please send your entries to bethany.tregathen@southernhealth.nhs.uk including individual team member names, your team captain plus a team name for the event
• The purpose of Walk the Brighterway is to highlight the work we do in helping your local NHS and raising funds to turn different patient and staff projects into a reality
• We would like to suggest each team member makes a voluntary donation of £5 to take part and you can do so by visiting www.brighterway.org.uk
• Then it is a simple case of logging the number of steps you take each day from the moment you get up to when you go to bed. Last time many of you were recording your steps on your phones and this year we can also supply pedometers for those who need them
• The team captains will then submit weekly totals to Bethany every Monday for the preceding week. Please note Week 1 will be the period Friday 14 – Sunday 23 February. Updated weekly league tables will then be published online during the following week
• The climax of 2025’s event has a difference because the final stage on Saturday 22 March will consist of a sensible walk along a stretch of the South Downs Way accessible to all. We will also celebrate your achievements on the day and round things off with a prizegiving. Family members and friends will be welcome to join us

 

And that as they say is all there is to it so we would love as many of you as possible to take part, raise money for Brighterway and get ready for Spring and Summer!