Local charity Bright Hope in North West Leicestershire (formerly Hospice Hope) has taken possession of Bright Hope House, its new, purpose-built daycare centre.
The facility in Swannington has been funded by Bloor Homes as part of its support for local charities. The 6,000 sq ft centre has two complementary therapy rooms, counselling rooms, a quiet room, a workshop for hobbies and training / technical facilities. It also has commercial kitchen facilities, a dining room and lounge and a conference room and offices.
The new centre can accommodate up to 24 people in day care for three days a week, where guests can enjoy daily activities and a hot meal at lunchtime. It will also host a wide range of services provided by Bright Hope and its partner organisations.
North West Leicestershire District Council has provided the charity with a 150-year lease on the land at a peppercorn rent, so it can call the building home for many years to come.
Allison Thomas, Chief Executive of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “It was a great honour to lay one of the first bricks in this very special building.
“The charity means so much to the local community with all the good work it does for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. It’s exciting to see the building completed and is a great example of what can be achieved when private, public and voluntary organisations work together.”
Bright Hope House is operational and intends to have a grand opening this summer.
The charity provides daycare, counselling, befriending and complementary therapy for people with life-limiting conditions, allowing carers to take a well-earned break. It offers similar services at its three support cafes in Ashby, Whitwick and Ibstock. A dedicated team of more than 60 active and experienced volunteers support the charity and its service users.
Stewart Shepherd, Bright Hope’s Chair of Trustees, said: “This wonderful collaboration between the council, Bloor Homes and our charity is unique. It enables Bright Hope to develop and build on all we have learned and achieved over the past 20 years.
“The need for our services continues to grow and develop. We look forward to meeting that need now that Bright Hope House is open, when we’ll be looking to work with the community and local businesses to support this excellent initiative.”
