Scarletts Smiles
Spotlight UK supports children affected by domestic abuse, children in care, children affected by loss, children with terminal illness or physical disability or who have a family member with terminal illness or long-term physical disability or mental health issues. We cannot take away the past but aim to create positive new memories and to help improve mental health through fun activities and days out and special experiences
Project Overview
The children who benefit from this project are among the most vulnerable in our communities. They include:
Children who have a terminal illness or long-term medical condition, or whose siblings or parents do
· Children in care
· Children experiencing loss or separation
· Armed forces families with a parent serving abroad
· Children affected by domestic abuse
The families we support are primarily from areas within the top 20% of deprivation in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. These children face significant barriers to accessing safe, enriching activities and many are isolated from their peers due to their unique circumstances.
What difference the project will make
This project will make a profound impact on the children’s lives:
· Improved Mental Health: These activities offer a break from potentially stressful home environments, allowing the children to relax, enjoy themselves and feel valued.
· Stronger Social Connections: By bringing children together in inclusive, fun settings, we create opportunities for them to make friends and feel a sense of belonging.
· Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Participating in regular activities helps boost confidence and self-esteem, giving children the tools to cope better with life’s challenges.
Strengthened Families: When children are happier and less stressed, the positive effects ripple out to their families, improving relationships and reducing pressure at home.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We cannot take away the pastor pain but can help to bring hope and smiles to children through positive new memories. We want to be able to provide bowling sessions for 40 children per sessions of 12 weeks rotating around Southampton, Basingstoke, Farnborough and Reading and 12weeks in Southampton, Andover, Farnborough and Basingstoke and 12 sessions of High Score Arcade fun for 75 children per session in Southampton, Newbury, Farnborough and Bracknell.
Check out the live projects we're supporting
Derbyshire Children's Seaside Holiday Home
Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre offers free seaside holidays in Skegness for children in Derbyshire who are experiencing poverty, trauma, or difficult circumstances. For more than 135 years, we have provided safe and enjoyable experiences that foster confidence, friendships, and hope giving children a chance to escape their daily pressures and create lasting memories.
Martin House Childens Hospice
Martin House Children’s Hospice provides free, specialist palliative care to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions across North, West and East Yorkshire. For almost 40 years, it has supported families through symptom management, respite breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, emotional support and bereavement services. In 2024–25, Martin House supported more than 550 children and young people.
