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Bright Futures UK
Bright Futures UK was born out of a simple but powerful belief: no young person should see their education or dreams put on hold because of illness. Whether facing cancer, a chronic condition, or mental health challenges, too many children and teenagers are left isolated and unsupported at the very time they need hope and continuity most. We exist to change that—helping young people rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and look to the future with possibility.
Founders' Story
Our founder, Josh Pelled, knows first-hand what it means to have life interrupted by illness. Diagnosed with cancer as a child, and again as a teenager, Josh spent long stretches away from school, missing lessons and milestones while undergoing treatment.
The experience left him determined that no one else should face that kind of isolation.
At university, Josh met Nathalie Holt, who also had to put her education on pause after her own cancer diagnosis. Together, they recognised the urgent need for change—and Bright Futures UK was born.
From the very beginning, their vision was clear: to make sure illness never defines or limits a young person’s future.
Milestones
Bright Futures UK becomes registered as a CIO in 2016, launching in January 2017.
Partnered with leading NHS trusts across the UK, becoming a vital part of young people’s education care for inpatients, outpatients and patients recovering.
Over the years we have built a dedicated network of 200+ volunteers and a small but mighty team of staff.
To date, Bright Futures UK has delivered educational support programmes and workshops to thousands of young people across the UK.
Bright Futures UK has become trusted by young people, families, and healthcare providers across the UK.
Our future
We’re just getting started. Our mission is to transform educational access for children and young people with serious mental or physical illness across the UK. By expanding our partnerships with hospitals, and growing our programmes, we’re building a future where no child’s potential is limited by their health.
Because every young person has dreams. Illness shouldn’t stand in the way.
Get Involved
There are many ways to engage with us, whether you’re a young person looking for support, someone keen to volunteer, or a donor who wants to help us grow.
Discover the educational support programmes we provide children and young people during serious illness.
Share your time, skills, and compassion — from tutoring and mentoring to befriending and workshops.
Help us reach more young people. Every donation fuels our mission to keep education going through illness.
Please join us for the launch of the first national report on The Impact of Long-Term Illness on Education in the UK. We’ll highlight the key findings, data, impact & policy insight.