Spotlight UK started in April 2009 and now work across Hampshire and Berkshire and hope in the near future to expand across the South of England. We support children affected by domestic abuse, children in care, children affected by loss, children with terminal illness or physical disability or they have a family member with terminal illness or long term physical disability or mental health issues.
We cannot take away the past but aim to create positive new memories and to help improve mental health through fun activities and days out and special experiences.
The children who benefit from this project are among the most vulnerable in our communities.
They include:
Children from low income families and
- Children who have a terminal illness or long-term medical condition, or whose siblings or parents do
- Children in care
- Children experiencing loss or separation
- Armed forces families with a parent serving abroad
- Children affected by domestic abuse
The families we support are primarily from areas within the top 20% of deprivation in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. These children face significant barriers to accessing safe, enriching activities and many are isolated from their peers due to their unique circumstances.
What difference the project will make
This project will make a profound impact on the children’s lives:
- Improved Mental Health: These activities offer a break from potentially stressful home environments, allowing the children to relax, enjoy themselves and feel valued.
- Stronger Social Connections: By bringing children together in inclusive, fun settings, we create opportunities for them to make friends and feel a sense of belonging.
- Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Participating in regular activities helps boost confidence and self-esteem, giving children the tools to cope better with life’s challenges.
Strengthened Families: When children are happier and less stressed, the positive effects ripple out to their families, improving relationships and reducing pressure at home.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We cannot take away the past or pain but can help to bring hope and smiles to children through positive new memories.
We want to be able to provide 60 children the opportunity for a 12 week course of paddle boarding for 1 hour a week and 60 children the opportunity for 12 week programme of climbing to help improve mental health, build peer mentoring and support and to improve fitness.
How we’ll spend the money raised
This would fund 60 spaces at £10 per child per week for paddle boarding and 60 children at £10 for climbing.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!