New Bright Space Garden Opens at Women's Aid Luton

Women and children supported by Women's Aid Luton are enjoying a vibrant new outdoor space thanks to a partnership with the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children. 

The new Bright Space Garden provides a welcoming place where children can play, explore, relax and simply enjoy being children. Designed in consultation with women, children and the refuge team, it features comfortable seating, planters for growing flowers and herbs, a magical fairy door, and resources for creative, physical and imaginative play. 

The transformation was completed in just one day by volunteers from the Bright Horizons Facilities Team. 

Tracy Wilkes-Green, Foundation Bright Space Manager, said: “It has been a privilege to work with Women’s Aid Luton to create this new Bright Space Garden. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time and generosity, particularly Nia Haines and Donna Matthews, whose support helped bring the vision to life. 

"We hope the garden brings joy, comfort and opportunities for play, discovery and making happy memories."  

The project was made possible through fundraising and generous donations. Jessica Foster, Senior Contracts and Commercial Manager, and Sonia Bassi, Facilities Coordinator, raised more than £2,500. Corporate partner Cosy Direct donated resources, while Ground Control contributed a further £1,700 towards the space. 

Gaby Price, CEO, Women’s Aid Luton, said: "This beautiful new garden will make a lasting difference to the women and children staying in our refuge. It provides a safe and nurturing space where children can play, explore and simply be children, while families have somewhere to relax and spend time together outdoors. We are incredibly grateful to the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children and all the partners and volunteers whose generosity and hard work have made this possible." 

The garden is part of the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children’s ongoing commitment to creating enriching environments where vulnerable children can play, learn and thrive.