BrightSparks is a community of mental health service users, volunteers and other interested people that use the arts to promote positive images of mental health and wellbeing.

We exist to support and showcase the creative talent that exists within the mental health community through a growing number of creative groups and projects.

You can also read News from Yesteryear on our Documents Page.

BrightSparks News

  • Crowdfunder for the MishMash Project

    Crowdfunder for the MishMash Project

    • WHEN?: 2024
    • WHERE?: Bradgate Mental Health Unit
    • BrightSparks: Arts in Mental Health CIO is hoping to crowdfund the MishMash Project delivering a whole programme of Sound Production sessions on wards at The Bradgate Mental Health Unit and in the community to produce new recordings and performances throughout 2024. Ple . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Glee 2023 for Brightsparks!

    Glee 2023 for Brightsparks!

    • WHEN?: Sun, Dec 3, 2023 at 6pm-9pm
    • WHERE?: O2 Academy Leicester University
    • The wonderful Glee Club Students at the University of Leicester are donating all the income from their annual showcase to BrightSparks! PLease follow the link! . . . read more
    • (Posted Thu, Nov 23, 2023)
  • WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY CELEBRATION

    WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY CELEBRATION

    • Featuring: Michael Vickers, Elli Warren, The Kabuki Drops, Open Mic, Launch of the ‘All Together’ publication, The Comedy Asylum, Showcase Collective, The Bridge Band, Smoothie Crew, Compere Rob Holt, and you! . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • The Packing Saloon

    The Packing Saloon

    • WHEN?: Thursday mornings 9:30 - 11:30
    • Come along and do some volunteer packing for the Giving World Charity and do some arty, creative stuff, at the same time if you wish. . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • The ArtsCafe

    The ArtsCafe

    • WHEN?: Every Tuesday 2 - 4pm
    • WHERE?: THE INVOLVEMENT CENTRE BRADGATE MENTAL HEALTH UNIT, LEICESTER. LE3 9EJ
    • Come long to the ArtsCafe, do some arty creative stuff, or just hangout. . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Making Waves Exhibition

    Making Waves Exhibition

    • WHEN?: Wed, Sep 13, 2023 - 2pm
    • WHERE?: The Attenborough Arts Centre. Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA.
    • The twenty-second annual exhibition of artworks by mental health service users of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Making Waves Callout

    Making Waves Callout

    • WHEN?: Tue, Sep 12, 2023
    • WHERE?: The Attenborough Arts Centre. Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA.
    • The twenty-second annual exhibition of artworks by mental health service users of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Summer Heat Open Mic Special

    Summer Heat Open Mic Special

    • WHEN?: Thu, Jul 27, 2023
    • WHERE?: Duffy's ABr, 18 Pocklingtons Walk, Leicester LE1 6BU
    • Featuring: BeeBees (Mystery Guest), The Kabuki Drops, H&H, The Bridge Band, Smoothie Crew, Compere Geoff Thomas, and you! . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • UPLIFTED at Riverside

    UPLIFTED at Riverside

    • WHEN?: Sat, Jun 3 and Sun jun 4th 2023
    • WHERE?: Castle Gardens at the Riversided festival, Leicester
    • Arts in Health Mini Festival att The Riverside Festival 2023. Featuring all your favourite healthy acts including; The Comedy Asylum, Showcase Collective, Smoothie Sound System, WORD!, The Bridge Band and more. . . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Comedy Wellbeing Hubs 2023

    Comedy Wellbeing Hubs 2023

    • WHEN?: Dates across 2023
    • WHERE?: Burbage, Coalville, Loughborough & Newbold Vernon
    • Fun and relaxing workshops based around humour.We make up stories, tell jokes and laugh a lot. . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Zoom Zoom Online Open Mic Special

    Zoom Zoom Online Open Mic Special

    • WHEN?: FROM: Thu, Mar 23, 2023
    • WHEN?: Thu, May 4, 2023
    • WHERE?: WESTCOTES HEALTH CENTRE RECEPTION, FOSSE ROAD SOUTH, LEICESTER, LE3 0LP
    • The twenty-first annual open exhibition of artworks by mental health service users of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. . . . read more
    • Featuring Adrian Garratt (Violin), Michael Vickers (Guitar & vocals), Compere Rob Gee, and a plethora of wonderful open mic acts. . . . read more
    • (Posted Thu, Mar 23, 2023)
    • (Posted Thu, Apr 20, 2023)
  • All Together exhibition 2023

    All Together exhibition 2023

    • WHEN?: Tue, Apr 4, 2023
    • WHERE?: The Attenborough Arts Centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HA.
    • An hour of musical entertainment from the Smoothie Sound System + friends. Eat your lunch and enjoy the music. . . . read more
    • (Posted Thu, Mar 30, 2023)