Bright Hope House in North West Leicestershire were presented with an award by the High Sheriff of Leicestershire at a fundraising event at Bright Hope House on Friday 13 March.

At Bright Hope's Spring Market at Hope House, Stephen Bryan JP, High Sheriff of Leicestershire, presented the charity's Chief Executive Laura Mackie 'in recognition of great and valuable services to the community.'

In a speech made by the High Sheriff, he said: 'Today, we celebrate Bright Hope in North West Leicestershire - a remarkable charity whose name truly reflects its spirit.

'At the heart of this organisation beats a team of extraordinary staff and volunteers - over a hundred strong, whose care, kindness and commitment are transforming lives every single day.

'Working hand in hand with partners, such as NHS Social Prescribing, they bring light and comfort to more than two hundred people each week, offering friendship, counselling and practical help to those living with life-limiting conditions.

'In communities facing real challenge, Bright Hope stands as a beacon of compassion and strength. They are creating a place where no one is forgotten, where loneliness is replaced by connection, and where hope truly flourishes.

'The High Sheriff's Award recognises not only their exceptional achievements, but also the warmth, generosity, and humanity that underpin everything they do.

'To Laura Mackie, her devoted team, and every single volunteer - thank you for proving hat can be achieved when a community comes together with heart, purpose and unwavering hope.'

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The award was presented at Bright Hope's Spring Market, which raised £1,167.40 for the charity.

Bright Hope is a grass-roots, community movement that receives no external funding from local authorities, government or NHs for the services they provide. Moreover, they do not charge for sessions, meaning that the cost of running their building, hiring counsellors, running day services, Way Back to Wellness and so much more is entirely funded through donations.

In 2025, Bright Hope gave 7,000 sessions of care in North West Leicestershire and need funding to be able to continue the good work they are doing in the community.

Bright Hope is currently looking for local businesses to partner with them, donating money to sponsor a specific service such as counselling or their Way Back to Wellness programme.

According to Laura, Bright Hope is 'a community within the community, helping the community,' where they do everything they can to support those in need, despite their very overstretched funding.

'There's more good in the world than darkness,' said Laura. 'There's so much kindness and compassion to be found and Bright Hope is an example of that.'

To find out more about Bright Hope, donating and how to support this incredible local cause, click here.