Publish date: 1 June 2026
Bright Garden Appeal launches to create healing green spaces across Northumberland and North Tyneside
Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity and The Alnwick Garden have come together to launch the Bright Garden Appeal – a new joint fundraising initiative that aims to harness 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 restorative garden spaces across Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust sites, while also supporting The Alnwick Garden’s successful Community and Education Programmes.
If the £300,000 fundraising target is reached, the partnership will help develop welcoming outdoor spaces for patients, families, visitors and NHS staff, offering places to pause, recover and reconnect during difficult times.
The partnership is built on a shared belief that access to nature can have a transformative impact on physical and mental wellbeing – from supporting hospital recovery to encouraging lifelong learning and healthier communities.
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.”
The appeal was officially launched at a special event at The Alnwick Garden on Thursday 30 April, where business leaders and supporters from across the region gathered to celebrate the new partnership. Guests also heard from Newcastle United legend Bob Moncur and broadcaster Alfie Joey, who spoke about the importance of community and supporting local causes.
A brand-new website has also been launched to support the appeal, giving people information about the campaign and how they can get involved through donations, fundraising challenges, workplace activities and community events.
To find out more or support the appeal, visit www.brightgardenappeal.co.uk