Bright Horizons Foundation for Children opens new 'Bright Space' at Dewsbury Police Station in partnership with West Yorkshire Police

The Bright Space has been created in the vulnerable victim suite at the station and provides “a safe, comforting and supportive environment for vulnerable children and young people being supported by police officers”.

Volunteers from the foundation transformed the space with soft furnishings and a range of equipment, art and craft supplies, games, relaxation toys and books to help children feel safe and comfortable.

The space has been made possible thanks to £2,374 raised by Bright Horizons North Division nurseries and families, alongside an in-kind donation of equipment from Cosy.

Tracy Wilkes-Green, the foundation's Bright Space manager, said: “We are so happy to have opened this new Bright Space for West Yorkshire Police. We hope it will positively impact the vital work across West Yorkshire to keep vulnerable children safe and supported.”

Chief Superintendent Jim Griffiths, District Commander of Kirklees Police, said: “Children can be brought into police stations in some of the most traumatic circumstances imaginable, and it is incredibly important for their well-being that we can provide safe, reassuring places for them to be in while they are with us.

“The new children’s facility in our victim’s suite in Dewsbury has been specially designed to meet the needs of young people, and we believe its facilities will aid officers and partners in supporting children while they are in our care.”

Gillian, from Bright Horizons Leeds Day Nursery, and Andrew, from Bright Horizons Moortown Day Nursery, have been instrumental in setting up the new project with West Yorkshire Police and will help to sustain it moving forward.