Join the Governors Charity Challenge & help raise £25k for the NHS!
This autumn, Brighterway invites you to participate in the Governor’s Charity Challenge Step-a-thon. We’re aiming to raise £25,000 for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust! Please join us for this truly special fundraising event.
📅Date: Sunday 5 October ⏰Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm 📍Venue: Victoria Park, Portsmouth
What is the Step-a-thon?
The Governors Charity Challenge Step-a-thon is a community charity walk led by Martyn Smith, Public Governor of HIoWNHS and stroke survivor. It’s part of his inspiring personal mission to give back to the NHS.
There’s no set distance – simply set yourself a step target, get friends and family to sponsor you, and join in. Every penny raised will push us towards the £25,000 target. All ages and abilities are welcome. It’s set to be a truly memorable day!
Why Take Part?
✅ Support an incredible cause – help raise £25,000 for Brighterway to fund projects that make a real difference in mental health and community care. ✅ Be inspired by Martyn’s journey – after surviving two strokes, Martyn has set himself the goal of completing 52 marathons, 250 km of swimming, and 2.5 million steps in 2025. He’s already ahead of schedule! Read more about Martyn’s story and achievements here. ✅ Enjoy fitness, fun & history – as you walk, you’ll also benefit from a free guided historical tour of Victoria Park and its Naval Monuments, thanks to our friends at Solent Original Walks. ✅ Get rewarded – every participant will receive a Brighterway goody bag as a thank-you for taking part.
How to Join
Taking part is simple:
Set your own walking goal – there’s no pressure, just walk what feels right for you.
Track your steps – using a step app on your phone (like Apple Health) or a pedometer.
Register your place – email phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk or call 07572 147888 to sign up.
A Message from Martyn
“The Governors Challenge is part of my recovery journey and a way to give back to the NHS, who saved my life,” Martyn passionately states. “By joining the Step-a-thon, you’ll not only help me reach my £25,000 fundraising target, but you’ll be supporting a healthier, fitter community for us all. I’d love for you to join me – let’s step forward for a brighter way.”
Take the First Step
Whether you come for the fitness, the history, or the cause itself, the Governors Charity Challenge promises to be a day of community, inspiration, and impact.
👉 Register now with phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk 👉 Support Martyn’s journey and donate here:JustGiving page
Let’s step forward together with Martyn and Brighterway for our NHS.
Brighterway at the New Forest Show 2025: A Gold Medal Week to Remember
What an incredible week it’s been for Brighterway at the New Forest Show 2025! With over 90,000 visitors flooding through the gates – a significant jump from 2024’s 72,000 – this year’s event was a powerful platform to showcase our mission, creativity, and community spirit.
We were proud to represent Brighterway in two vibrant spaces on Northern Avenue:
Our joint Brighterway & Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS stand: this featured CPR demos, engaging “have-a-go” sessions, and plenty of public interaction, and
The standout attraction of the week was our award-winning Incredible Edible Garden. It captured the hearts and minds of visitors and judges alike!
In our very first year entering a show garden, we’re proud to say that Brighterway’s Incredible Edible Garden won a Gold Medal! And beyond the award, the garden symbolised something even more meaningful – the healing connection between nature, community, and mental health.
Created in collaboration with patients and staff across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the garden featured:
Sensory planting spaces
Hand-painted pots and upcycled materials
Beautiful, sustainable landscaping
These were all designed to spark joy, reflection, and conversations about mental wellbeing.
This garden was made possible by a grant from NHS Charities Together, awarded in 2021 to support community-based mental health recovery projects following the COVID-19 pandemic. Four years later, its legacy continues to bloom.
A Garden That Grows Beyond the Show
True to our sustainable values, nothing in the garden will go to waste. Plants and materials from the Incredible Edible Garden are already being replanted across NHS sites, including Southfield and Bluebird, where they’ll provide calming, restorative spaces for patients, staff, and visitors for years to come.
“The most important thing is how Brighterway’s connection with supporting mental health has been put on another level,” smiled Brighterway Charity Manager Phil Pride.
Collaboration, Community, and Connection
The success of this year’s New Forest Show wasn’t just about the spaces — it was about the people. We had:
Nine passionate volunteers, including staff using their annual charity day and others giving their time freely
Three NHS Governors in attendance
CPR demos and wellbeing activities that proved hugely popular with children and families
Engaging conversations with members of the public about the work of the NHS Trust and Brighterway
Incredible networking opportunities that helped plant seeds for future partnerships
We were also delighted to welcome TV gardening legends Charlie Dimmock and David Domoney, who visited our garden and shared their support and praise.
We want to thank everyone who made this week possible – from the designers, staff, and volunteers, to our partners across the Trust and NHS Charities Together for their invaluable support. This project was truly a collaborative triumph, and a shining example of what’s possible when we blend creativity, community, and care.
This year’s New Forest Show has shown what’s possible when we bring people, purpose, and plants together. Brighterway will continue championing mental health through the power of nature. We’re already looking forward to what comes next.
Stay connected with us and explore how you can support mental health recovery across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight:www.brighterway.org.uk
Brighterway at the New Forest Show 2025 – Growing for Mental Health
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust plays a vital role in delivering a wide range of community-based health and public services across the region – from mental health and learning disabilities to community nursing, urgent care, and more. Brighterway supports this work by funding projects that exceed what the NHS alone can provide.
At this year’s New Forest Show, Brighterway is showcasing its mission with two dynamic spaces. Each will offer a hands-on experience that blends nature, community, and the power of gardening to support mental wellbeing.
The main Brighterway stand will be in Block 13, Stand 146 on Northern Avenue!
Two Stands, One Powerful Message
As Charity Manager Phil Pride puts it, “We’re there in two capacities. We’re there saying, ‘Here we are. This is what we do. This is where we fit into the NHS.’ And we’re also offering a practical illustration of the work we do and the benefits it provides.”
Brighterway’s main stand at the 2025 New Forest Show, located in Block 13, Stand 146 on Northern Avenue, will spotlight not only the charity’s mission. Importantly, it also emphasises the broader work of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Visitors can learn how the Trust delivers integrated healthcare services across the community, and how Brighterway enhances this care through creative, nature-based initiatives.
A highlight of the stand will be live CPR demonstrations running each day. These are sure to be educational, interactive, and especially popular with children. Participants will even get to measure their CPR performance via tablet-based feedback!
Just across from the main stand at the Flower and Garden Show, Brighterway will debut its first-ever show garden: the Incredible Edible Garden. This vibrant, sensory-rich garden has been designed to illustrate how growing food and connecting with nature can support recovery and mental health.
The Incredible Edible Garden: More Than Just Plants
Inspired by Brighterway’s ongoing work in hospital and community gardens, the Incredible Edible Garden is a bold and beautiful example of therapeutic horticulture in action. Designed by award-winning landscape gardener Derinda Wolfe Murray, who brings expertise from working with brain trauma patients, the garden is built to be both seen and experienced.
“It’s not ‘come along and have a look from a distance’,” says Phil. “Rather, come along, have a look, touch, feel, enjoy, get ideas for your own garden. Use it in whatever way you can.”
Unique for the New Forest Show 2025, Brighterway’s immersive garden encourages visitors to literally dig into the idea that being outside, breathing fresh air, and tending to edible plants can provide meaningful support for those struggling with mental health challenges.
The garden has been shaped by patient input from units like Ashford, Antelope House and Southfield, whose residents have helped create plant pots that will be on display. These contributions echo Brighterway’s recent success transforming therapeutic green spaces such as the gardens at Antelope House.
Their achievements here are a testament to the charity’s belief that healing is rooted in connection, nature, and ownership.
Perhaps best of all, the show garden won’t end with the show. It’s designed to be relocated to a Hampshire or Isle of Wight NHS site, where it will continue to grow and serve patients long after the final visitor leaves the showgrounds.
Star Power in the Garden
Adding to the excitement, Brighterway will be joined by two celebrity guests from the world of gardening.
David Domoney, known for his appearances on ITV’s This Morning and Love Your Garden, will be with Brighterway on July 29th and 30th.
Charlie Dimmock, beloved for her role in Ground Force and Garden Rescue, will be appearing on July 31st.
Both celebrities will speak at the show’s Live Chat Stage and spend time in the Incredible Edible Garden, offering gardening tips, answering questions, and connecting with visitors.
A Personal Mission
For Phil, Brighterway’s presence at the show is far more than an annual event: it’s deeply personal. “My drive in all of this is very much a sort of personal belief and passion in what we’re doing,” he shares. “It does make a difference.”
Phil is even camping on-site this year – something he’s never done before – to ensure the team is present, rested (hopefully), and ready to connect.
“I always get excited when there’s an opportunity to meet a lot of people and talk to them about what we do as a charity,” he says. “Over those three days, there will be 90,000 visitors. You never know who you might meet, what you might learn, or what ideas you may go away with.”
You Can Get Involved Too!
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is committed to listening to the communities it serves. Members of the public are warmly encouraged to become members of the Trust and play a role in shaping its future. From voting in governor elections to giving feedback on services, your voice matters.
Learn more about becoming a Trust member here: https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/contact-us-1/membership
If you want to get involved with Brighterway, don’t hesitate! The public can play a vital role in shaping Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare’s future. Fill out our application form here to send us your ideas, thoughts and even apply for support or funding for your projects. Please share the form with friends and colleagues who may be interested in joining our efforts!
Come and Visit Us
Brighterway invites all New Forest Show visitors to stop by their stand on Northern Avenue and see the garden for themselves.
“It won’t cost you anything beyond the price of a show ticket,” Phil says, “and if what you see and hear is inspiring enough and you want to support us, however big or small… as long as it’s affordable, that’s great.”
The Brighterway Spinnaker Tower Abseil 2025 Raises Funds for Charity
On 21-22 June 2025, fundraisers took part in the Brighterway Spinnaker Tower Abseil to raise money for mental health, learning disability and community care services.
From battling nerves to conquering gusty winds, every abseiler took part for a reason that mattered deeply to them. Together, they made something extraordinary happen.
Best of all, donations are still coming in – Brighterway will publish the final total soon!
Image (c) Tanya Jennings 2025
“You made it happen.”
Saturday’s crew faced tougher conditions, with crosswinds adding to the intensity. Still, Brighterway Charity Manager Phil Pride praised their perseverance: “The wind made it tricky, but you all did it… You made it happen, well done! Enjoy tonight – and let’s give one last big push to those donations.”
By Sunday, the skies were clearer, but the enthusiasm was just as strong. “An earlier finish today,” said Phil, “but every bit as exciting and rewarding as yesterday. What a brilliant couple of days!”
You can watch a beautifully-shot video of the day and everyone’s reactions here:
The Stories That Moved Us
For many abseilers, the challenge was as personal as it was physical.
Steph Stinton: Giving Back to the NHS
Steph abseiled in gratitude to the NHS, supporting the New Forest CAMHS service she now works for. A passionate advocate for young people’s mental health, she overcame her fear of heights to raise funds for Brighterway, saying:
“They’ve helped so many young people with mental health support… now I want to help give something back.”
Steph actually changed careers to devote herself to supporting youth mental health, motivated by powerful personal factors. The abseil represented a powerful opportunity for her to raise awareness, support recovery, and give something back.
“I decided to be that voice that I never knew I needed when I was a teenager – that’s what I’m trying to become,” she said, “So if I can do something like abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower to bring something back to CAMHS, I will.”
Steph’s story resonated widely, and her page continues to climb with donations.
Ella Lucas Tackled Her FIrst Abseil to Support Mental Health
NHS Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) Ella Lucas stood in solidarity with the young people she supports by abseiling for Brighterway. By tackling the challenge, she raised awareness for the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) and the children and young people they help.
“I want to take on this challenge to advocate for the MHST and increase people’s awareness of the support available for young people,” Ella explained before the abseil. “Mental health difficulties are something that everybody experiences from time to time, and for some, it can be an ongoing challenge.”
Ella and her team offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based support to those facing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Their ‘whole school approach’ helps create a holistic environment that prioritises mental wellbeing.
“The young people I work with inspire me every day as they push themselves outside their comfort zones to overcome their struggles and support their recovery,” Ella continued. “This abseil is my way of doing the same.”
Beth & Daisy Hunt: Courage from a Mother-Daughter Bond
Mother Beth and 15-year-old Daisy were one of the inspiring family teams who took on the challenge. As part of Team UNLOC, the daring duo set out to raise awareness for youth empowerment and mental health, supporting the company they’re both part of.
Their efforts showed that strength comes in all sizes, and sometimes it’s shared across generations. Daisy, supported by her mum, said: “It was scary, but I’m really proud I did it.”
Beth and Daisy’s uplifting story inspired generous donations as the weekend built towards their abseil time. Read about Beth and Daisy here.
Tanya Jennings Overcomes Double Hip Problems to Abseil
Tanya Jennings, who abseiled on Sunday in the worst of the wind that day, has now raised over £1100. It wasn’t until she was back on the ground that we learned from her husband that Tanya is awaiting a double hip replacement!
Simply put, we think she’s a great team player and has put in sterling efforts with her fundraising.
And, judging by the lovely comments she’s posted on the Spinnaker Tower WhatsApp group, we can see she’s totally embraced the abseil and Brighterway’s mission – along with all our brilliant participants. Thank you Tanya, thank you everyone!
More Voices from the Tower
The event also brought joy and adrenaline to first-time thrill-seekers:
“Fantastically organised… An opportunity to raise funds for such a worthy charity, but also to challenge ourselves and get a very buzzy feeling afterwards! Kinda sad the event is over but this has been tempered by looking at my fundraising page this morning. Every last penny makes a difference! 🥰”
“Thanks for putting the event on – I really enjoyed it! Hopefully we raised lots, and well done everyone!” Read more from Ella here.
Image (c) Tanya Jennings 2025
Why It Mattered
Every abseiler who clipped in helped to raise funds to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. From therapy gardens to creative recovery programmes, Brighterway projects go beyond what the NHS alone can fund.
The abseil wasn’t just a thrill – it was a symbol of hope, healing and commitment to brighter futures.
One Big Thank You
To everyone who abseiled, donated, supported or simply cheered — thank you. We’ll announce the final fundraising total soon, but what’s already clear is that this weekend was about more than money: it was about people showing up for each other.
Mother Jo Harvey Abseils Spinnaker Tower to Support Hammersley Homes
When mother Jo Harvey abseils the Spinnaker Tower during the Brighterway Abseil Challenge, she won’t be thinking about the dizzying 100-meter drop.
She’ll be thinking about her son, the trauma they’ve endured, and the carers who fight daily battles in silence. Importantly, she’ll be thinking about hope, which she rediscovered thanks to the outstanding work and compassion of Louise Hallett and Hammersley Homes.
A Mother’s Story of Survival
As a devoted mother, Jo’s journey hasn’t simply been emotional, but life-altering. Her son Ed, who is autistic and now diagnosed with schizophrenia, went through a devastating series of events after falling through the cracks in both the UK and US mental health systems.
From nearly dying after an overdose to ending up homeless on the streets of Los Angeles, and then imprisoned while suffering psychosis, Ed’s story reflects a system deeply in need of reform.
Desperate to protect him and maintain peace at home, Jo even converted their garage into a living space for Ed to reduce triggers in the family home that worsened his condition.
However, their struggle didn’t stop there.
As a result of her son’s trauma Jo now lives with severe anxiety that she says borders on PTSD. Triggers like her unanswered phone and ambulances can bring her back to that terrifying overdose. “If my phone isn’t near me, I panic,” she says. “It’s a trauma that never really leaves.”
Finding Light in the Darkness
Amidst the darkness she and her family have endured, Jo found Hammersley Homes. This pioneering Hampshire-based charity is dedicated to providing long-term housing and support for people with enduring mental illness.
She speaks emotionally of the connection she’s forged with their founder, Louise Hallett. A kindred spirit and passionate advocate of mental health care, Louise helped to show Jo that support doesn’t stop with the individual, but extends to families too.
“They gave me hope that I might not always have to do this alone,” Jo says.
Jo also paints – something she says helps her maintain “a piece of herself.” “Otherwise, we sink. We lose who we are.” She also volunteers, helping adults with learning disabilities and advocating passionately for their needs.
Brave Steps
Though she’s terrified of heights and dealing with balance issues, Jo Harvey is determined to abseil the Spinnaker Tower. Her courage comes from a strong sense of purpose.
“I won’t look down – I’m going to look straight at the wall!” she laughs. “I’m scared, but not as scared as I was visiting my son in jail or not knowing if he’d make it through the night.”
She dreams of not just better care, but better lives – imagining care homes that feel like homes, not institutions. “People with mental illness and the elderly shouldn’t be left to just exist. They have passions, ideas, and potential. They’re not ‘waiting to die’, they’re waiting to be heard.”
Jo will be completing the abseil with her two daughters, making for a true family effort in support of Ed.
Why Support Matters
Hammersley Homes isn’t just about housing. It’s about preserving dignity, nurturing stimulation – through reading, companionship and cognitive therapies – and empowering people and carers alike.
Jo knows her son may never fully recover. However, she believes in building a world where recovery is supported, where people aren’t forgotten, and where carers are valued, emotionally and practically.
“It’s not just about the patients. It’s about the carers doing phenomenal work, often underpaid or unpaid. We all need Hammersley Homes.”
Help Jo To Take Action
Jo Harvey abseiling the Spinnaker Tower is a resounding call for compassion, funding, and change.
📣 Share this post. Let people know that stories like Jo’s aren’t rare – and that support can change lives.
Together, we can help families like Jo’s reclaim hope.
Brighterway at the New Forest Show 2025: Gardens, Wellbeing & Growing Hope Together
Brighterway will be at the New Forest Show 2025, held from 29–31 July at Brockenhurst, Hampshire. Join us on Northern Avenue for three vibrant days celebrating gardens, green spaces and the healing power of nature.
Our stand – shared with Hammersley Homes – will showcase a show-stopping garden, host celeb guests and offer plenty of practical information and skills. Learn about Brighterway’s vital work supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives across NHS Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Trust.
Whether you’re a keen gardener, NHS supporter, or looking for a fun day out, this is the show to visit. Please drop by the Brighterway stand and garden – there’s loads in store!
Come and enjoy the Brighterway Incredible Edible Garden!
A major feature for 2025 is our beautiful show garden. It’s almost entirely edible and will be relocated to a Trust site post-Show to be enjoyed by patients and staff.
This peaceful, uplifting space reflects the therapeutic power of nature – something Brighterway champions daily through our green initiatives.
Big-Name Gardeners on the Live Stage
We’re bringing some horticultural star power to Brockenhurst! Don’t miss the Live Chat Stage, where celebrity gardeners will share insights, sign books, and speak about plants, wellbeing, and community.
These special guests help to spotlight how green spaces support mental health, a message at the core of Brighterway’s work.
Charlie Dimmock, host of the BBC’s Garden Rescue, will be at the New Forest Show on 31 July. You can look forward to her absorbing garden talk and interactive audience Q&A.
Wellbeing in Action: Brighterway’s Mission
Brighterway exists to support innovative NHS projects that fall outside standard funding. Much of our work strongly focuses on mental health, patient wellbeing, and staff support.
We fund initiatives that promote recovery and resilience. These inlucde transforming hospital courtyards into calming gardens, offering creative therapies and social activities. We’re also growing green space projects that bring comfort and connection to those who need it most, with the help of a NHS Charities Together grant.
At the New Forest Show 2025, visitors can:
✅ See firsthand the garden spaces Brighterway helps bring to life. ✅ Learn how gardening and nature are used in NHS mental health recovery. ✅ Get involved – from volunteering to fundraising. ✅ Donate to help us grow and provide even greater support.
Get Hands-On: CPR Demos at the Stand
In partnership with Hammersley Homes, the Brighterway stand will also offer live CPR demonstrations. We hope to empower adults and children alike with life-saving skills that will be provided in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Let’s Grow Something Together
Whether you’re moved by the stories, inspired by the plants, or just love a great day out, we’d love to meet you. Visit the Brighterway stand at the New Forest Show 2025 to:
🌱 Explore our garden 💚 Learn about Brighterway’s NHS impact 📖 Meet celebrity gardeners 🚑 Try a CPR demo 🙌 Support our mission
Together, we know we can make a real difference for patients, staff and communities across the NHS. We look forward to seeing you there!
Beth and Daisy Abseil Spinnaker Tower for Youth Wellbeing
Local Fareham mother and daughter team Beth and Daisy Hunt are gearing up for a breathtaking 100-metre abseil. The pair will tackle Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower as part of the 2025 Brighterway Charity Abseil Challenge on June 21-22.
Representing Team UNLOC, the pair will tackle their fear of heights while raising vital funds for Brighterway. The charity is well-known for supporting mental health and wellbeing across Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust that fall outside NHS budgets.
Meet Beth and Daisy Hunt
Fareham resident Beth Hunt works for UNLOC, a Portsmouth-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering young people through entrepreneurship and leadership. Her daughter and co-abseiler Daisy (15) serves on the UNLOC Youth Board, bringing the voices of young people to the heart of the organisation’s programs.
“I think we’ll power through, even though it’s quite scary,” says Beth. “I heard about the abseil through work. As one of those people who says ‘yes’ and then thinks about it later, I said to Daisy, ‘Well, you can do it too.’ So with Daisy there, I’ll be able to do it.”
For Daisy, the challenge is personal. “Sometimes I have a fear of heights, so it’s a good thing to overcome it – and a cool experience as well,” she says. “It’s something you’ll always remember… and also something that really matters. One small donation can go a long way for someone who needs support.”
While Beth has done adventurous things before, including bungee jumping in New Zealand and hiking Snowdon, she says this feels different. “Since having kids, I think your mindset changes. But doing this with Daisy is important. We’re very close, and it’s about making memories.”
UNLOC’s Fantastic Ongoing Work
UNLOC’s mission to develop young changemakers has inspired Daisy to be more involved in local community action. This includes helping shape workshops run across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and beyond. The Youth Board has contributed to real programs delivered in schools and colleges in places like Southampton, Havant, and the Isle of Wight.
“I worked in teaching for 20 years and then changed careers completely…working at UNLOC has completely changed my life,” says Beth. “We help young people from across the region, from in places like Southampton, Havant, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and various places across the UK, believe in their potential.”
“Now I go into schools and tell young people, ‘you can start a business, you can be passionate about something, and you don’t have to follow a straight path’,” she continues. “UNLOC’s about helping young people become change-makers – that’s the heart of it.”
Daisy agrees: “I thought [working on UNLOC’s Youth Board] sounded really interesting. It’s a chance to help out and give my opinions. I think if people see someone like me doing this, even with a fear of heights, they’ll think: maybe I can do it too.”
How You Can Support This Brave Duo
The Spinnaker Tower Abseil isn’t only a personal milestone, but a public call to support local youth and mental health services. Donations from the challenge will help fund wellbeing projects across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Beth and Daisy’s fundraising is going strong, but they still need more support. “We’re trying our best,” Beth says. “A little goes a long way.”
“It really does,” Daisy adds. “Just one person donating can help a lot of people.”
After the challenge, they plan to celebrate with a barbecue at home – and a good night’s sleep! “I know our adrenaline will be sky high,” Beth laughs. “But it’s going to be something we remember forever.”
Beth and Daisy’s JustGiving page is open for donations, and they’re calling on local residents to lend their support. As Daisy puts it, “If you can do it, I can do it – and together we can make a real difference.”
UNLOC Team Abseils the Spinnaker Tower for Youth Wellbeing
Six courageous individuals from team UNLOC will abseil Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower in a shared mission to empower young people. You can support them directly – or even join them on the abseil yourself!
“We’re so proud to be raising money for the amazing young people we are working with in partnership with the Hampshire and IOW NHS Foundation Trust,” enthused an UNLOC team member.
Let’s find out more about each team member’s unique motivation for taking part in the abseil – which is still open for registrations.
The Fearless Fundraisers
Jessica Cowling is passionate about empowering young people to lead on healthcare issues. She believes that providing young individuals with the platform to test their ideas is one of the most empowering ways to help them build life skills and spark meaningful grassroots change.
Ben Dowling emphasises the importance of enabling young people to test out their ideas with real funding. He sees this as a truly empowering way to help them develop essential life skills while addressing some of society’s biggest challenges through genuine youth-led grassroots campaigning. “The Unloc team of staff and young people is ready to take on the Spinnaker for a great cause that will see young people taking the lead on shaping healthcare in their areas,” Ben stated.
Laura Zamburlini is driven by the belief that giving young people the platform to test their ideas is one of the most empowering ways to help them build life skills and spark meaningful grassroots change.
Katie Williamson is motivated by the vision of young people becoming changemakers. She states, “Young people in Hampshire deserve access to opportunities to help them become Changemakers in our world!”
Meet Beth and Daisy – UNLOC’s Mother-Daughter Abseiling Team
Among the team are UNLOC staff member Beth Hunt and her daughter Daisy, who serves on UNLOC’s Youth Board. They’ll face their nerves – and gravity – side by side.
“Daisy and I are nervous but excited to do this challenge together,” said Beth. “I have a fear of heights, but I’ve conquered it before – I’ve done high ropes, and even a bungee jump in New Zealand before I became a mum! I love new challenges and experiences, and when this opportunity came through UNLOC, we both said ‘yes’ right away.”
She adds, “I’m so pleased Daisy will be by my side as we abseil down the 100 metres of the Spinnaker Tower. It feels like we’re doing something bold for a really important cause, together.”
They’re supporting mental health initiatives like the Young Activators pilot, a BeeWell-funded project that trains young people to create and lead extracurricular activities aimed at reducing loneliness, building confidence, and improving wellbeing among peers in Portsmouth and surrounding areas.
This initiative empowers young people to design and lead extracurricular activities that address issues like loneliness, low physical activity, and gender imbalances in extracurricular access. By supporting peer-led projects, the program aims to equip young individuals with the tools to connect, lead, and thrive.
Take part in the Abseil Yourself!
Ever wanted to conquer your fear of heights while doing something with real social value? It’s not too late to enter yourself in the 2025 Brighterway Spinnaker Tower Abseil!
For a £50 registration fee, all equipment and support is provided – Brighterway simply asks that you raise as much money as you can. They’ve recommended a £500 minimum goal, although there’s no penalty for not achieving the target.
Brighterway is dedicated to enhancing patient care across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Their mission is to provide support for the NHS that goes beyond its core budget, funding projects that improve wellbeing, recovery, and independence for patients and staff.
Notable initiatives include providing Christmas gift bags to 780 inpatients across 65 hospital wards and units, and supporting the Social Inclusion Group, which helps individuals with complex mental health difficulties transition back into the community.
“I’m really looking forward to the abseil, albeit with some nervousness, to raise money for such a brilliant cause,” Mr Dowling concluded.
Brighterway’s Living Memory Trees Grow a Legacy Through Healing Spaces
Brighterway’s Living Memory tree planting initiative launched at Tatchbury Mount as part of its commitment to enhancing NHS green spaces and promoting emotional wellbeing.
In partnership with the Hampshire Forest Partnership, 20 trees – such as Lime, Rowan, Indian Horse Chestnut, Hawthorn, and sturdy Elms – have been planted to help restore lost woodland and create a peaceful, natural environment for all who visit or work at the site.
You can support this fantastic campaign by adopting a tree in memory of someone special. Each adopted tree includes a unique identity tag and may include a custom Memory Plaque. Think of the trees as living tributes that will grow into lasting symbols of remembrance and renewal.
Suggested donation: £150 (includes tree and plaque – subject to confirmation).
To enquire or register your interest, please email phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk.
Greener Spaces for Better Well-being
While the initiative is about environmental stewardship, it’s also intended to improve spaces for healing and recovery. By planting these trees, outdoor areas at NHS sites are being revitalised to provide tranquil, therapeutic environments that support patient recovery, staff morale, and biodiversity.
“Transforming our outdoor areas into beautiful, calming spaces is a vital part of supporting mental health,” says Samuel Ojo, Modern Matron at Southfields. “Many service users benefit from time in nature, and these changes are making a real difference.”
From Left to Right: Samuel Ojo, Brian Huggell, Julia Forder, Phil Pride
As the trees take root and grow, they’ll offer shade, beauty, and a sense of connection – creating a green legacy that benefits generations to come.
In the words of Julia Forder, Site Manager at Tatchbury Mount: “While many of us may not be here to see these trees reach full maturity, it’s rewarding to know we’ve contributed to something that will benefit future generations. Our buildings are named after trees, so this project is deeply connected to the site’s history. Seeing these trees grow will be a legacy we can all be proud of.”
