Bright Futures UK
Bright Futures UKAbout Bright Futures UK
Bright Futures UK was founded by people with lived experience of the challenges we aim to solve. We understand firsthand how a long-term illness can disrupt not only a young person’s health, but also their education, friendships, and future opportunities.
Our mission is simple: to bridge the gap between education and illness by offering personalised, flexible support to young people across the UK whose learning has been interrupted by prolonged health conditions.
Service Eligibility
Our befriending service supports young people aged 5 to 24 across the UK who are living with a serious physical or mental health condition that is impacting their education and wellbeing.
Support is delivered online through one-to-one sessions with a trained volunteer, or through group sessions facilitated by programme staff, making the service accessible regardless of location. Our befriending programme focuses on building confidence, reducing isolation, and developing a consistent, supportive relationship for each young person.
We are able to support a wide range of conditions, including young people who may be undergoing treatment, in recovery, or managing long-term or fluctuating conditions. As our programmes are delivered virtually, young people need to be able to engage safely in an online setting, with appropriate parental or caregiver consent where required.
Information for Volunteers
Our befrienders provide companionship virtually for just one hour per week. Sessions are centred around getting to know a young person through shared interests, hobbies they enjoy, topics they are passionate about, or simply through relaxed and friendly conversation.
What do we look for in our befrienders?
- Positive engagement
- Empathy and understanding
- Reliability
- Adaptability
All volunteers receive full training and an enhanced DBS check. You will be supported throughout your time with us, while making a meaningful difference to a young person experiencing social isolation.
More InformationAge Groups
Children (0-18), Young People (18-25)Themes
Mental Health, Specific Health Condition, Disability, Children and Young PeopleRegions
Country: National
Other Information
Type of Befriending: Distance befriending including telephone, video call, letter writing or other means
Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted, Friends & Family Referrals Accepted, Professional Referrals Accepted