Tailored programmes designed to help children and young people continue learning, growing, and thriving through illness.
Our Services
Every year, we support thousands of young people aged 5 to 24 through personalised educational programmes that nurture their academic, personal, and professional growth.
Our services are completely free for young people who: have a diagnosed medical condition, have had their education disrupted by illness, are within school, college, or university age
Get Support
Through bespoke tutoring, mentoring, befriending, and skills-based workshops, our dedicated team helps fill the gaps left by time away from school.
Connecting a young person with our support only takes a few minutes.
Complete our online referral form.
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.
Learn how we influence policy and advocate for children whose education is disrupted by 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.
FAQs
We’ve gathered answers to help you learn more about how Bright Futures UK works and how we can support you.
Children and young people aged 5 to 24 in the United Kingdom whose education has been disrupted by a long-term physical or mental health condition. You need to have a diagnosis or be in the process of receiving one. We believe illness should not block learning or a young person’s future.
Online and personalised one-to-one tutoring, befriending, and mentoring led by volunteers. We also run group activities, including befriending, workshops, and CYP advocacy. Our aim is to make education accessible and equitable wherever you are learning from.
Adults from a mix of backgrounds, including university students, recent graduates, and professionals. Some are teachers or trainee teachers. All are here to help you learn with empathy and encouragement.
Most sessions are about one hour. We tailor the length and structure to energy levels, for example, shorter segments with a planned break.
It depends on your personal goals and progress. We review at regular intervals with you and your volunteer and agree whether to continue, pause, or end.
Children and young people aged 5 to 24 in the United Kingdom whose education has been disrupted by a long-term physical or mental health condition. They need to have a diagnosis or be in the process of receiving one. We believe illness should not block learning or a young person’s future.
Yes. Every volunteer completes an enhanced DBS check, safeguarding training, and role-specific training before they start. They are supported and supervised by Bright Futures UK staff.
They can support learning, confidence, goal setting, and social connection. They cannot offer medical advice, crisis support, or therapy, and they do not handle emergencies. Volunteers cannot accept payment for their support.
A young person, their parent, or carer can refer. Professionals such as hospital or school staff can refer with the child or young person’s consent. A Bright Futures team member will meet online to understand goals and needs, agree on a plan that the child or young person helps shape, and then match them with a trained volunteer.
No. All programmes are free.