Brightly Jersey

Brightly is a small, independent Jersey charity that has been providing support to children and young people for 100 years who are aged from newborn to 25 years and are under the care of Children’s Service. These children and young people are either- • living in residential care, foster care, or with extended family • have been in care (care-experienced) • acknowledged as being on the edge of care, being on the Child • Protection Register, being identified as a Child in Need, or the child of care experienced parent/s. • on an Early Help Plan We support over 500 children and young people each year. Many of these children and young people face challenges and uncertainties which not only make day-to-day living difficult but also means they miss out on the simple joys and enriching activities that many of their peers may take for granted. Brightly’s support may be something as basic as clothing or food vouchers. It could mean we fund nursery fees so that a parent (who themselves were in care) can work or attend a training course. It might be something that enables a child to pursue a hobby like a camera for photography, fund sports activities, or fulfil their need for further education and training. Brightly also provides grants of up to £2,500 to help young care leavers furnish their first independent home. These young people will often face moving out of care alone without any family ties or support. Our charity is often described as the ‘bank of Mum and Dad’, when the parent/s can’t be there, for whatever reason, to help.