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

  • All Together exhibition 2023

    All Together exhibition 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, Apr 20, 2023)
    • (Posted Thu, Mar 23, 2023)
  • Smoothie Soundbites 2023

    Smoothie Soundbites 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)
  • Every Brilliant Thing

    Every Brilliant Thing

    • Originally created in response to the Covid pandemic in 2020, ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ is a Facebook page where Mental Health Service Users and others share their artistic endeavours. . .NEW BOOK AVAILABLE! . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Comedy Workshops

    Comedy Workshops

    • WHEN?: Fri, Nov 11, 2022
    • WHERE?: The Attenborough Arts Centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HA.
    • A series of free comedy workshops facilitated by our very own Rob Gee + his team of comics. . .The workshops will work towards preparation of ‘The Comedy Asylum’ show, to take place at The Attenborough Arts Centre as part of Leicester Comedy Festival 2022 . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • The Bogside Artists

    The Bogside Artists

    • WHEN?: Tue, Sep 20, 2022
    • WHERE?: WESTCOTES HEALTH CENTRE, LEICESTER LE3 0LP.
    • Members of the ArtsCafe + ArtSpace mental health groups, based at The Bradgate Mental Health Unit and Attenborough Arts Centre, worked with participatory artist Jo Sheppard to produce this collection of artworks inspired by the work of the Derry based Bogside Artists. . . . read more
    • (Posted Tue, Sep 20, 2022)
  • Sponsor Steve to cycle 950 miles!

    Sponsor Steve to cycle 950 miles!

    • WHEN?: Mon, Sep 5, 2022
    • WHERE?: UK
    • In September Steve will be cycling approximately 950 miles from John O Groats to Land’s End on his bicycle. Show your support for him and BrightSparks Arts by sponsoring him now! . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • All Together - Open Art Exhibition

    All Together - Open Art Exhibition

    • WHEN?: Wed, Sep 14, 2022 at 2pm
    • WHERE?: The Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA
    • Open for one month, The twenty-first annual open exhibition of artworks by mental health service users of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. . . . read more
    • (Posted Wed, Aug 24, 2022)
  • Stand-up, Songs and Sketches!

    Stand-up, Songs and Sketches!

    • WHEN?: Wed, Aug 31, 2022
    • WHERE?: LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, LE1 1RE
    • Stand-up, songs, sketches and more. Open mic: bring your own poems songs jokes and stories :-) . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Smoothie Soundbites

    Smoothie Soundbites

    • WHEN?: Tuesday 19th July 2022 12.15 – 1.30pm
    • WHERE?: The Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA
    • An hour of musical entertainment from the Smoothie Sound System + friends. Eat your lunch and enjoy the music. . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • Submissions invited:  "All Together"

    Submissions invited: "All Together"

    • WHEN?: Wed, Sep 14, 2022 - @2pm
    • WHERE?: The Attenborough Arts Centre, LE1 7HA
    • The twenty-first annual exhibition of artworks by mental health service users of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. .First come, first served, one piece per person, size limited, beginners + group pieces especially welcomed . . . . read more
    • (Posted )
  • BrightSparks at Riverside 2022!

    BrightSparks at Riverside 2022!

    • WHEN?: Sat, Jun 4 & Sunday 5 June 2022
    • WHERE?: Leicewter Castle Gardens - Maypole area
    • Come down on Saturday and Sunday for music, creativity, comedy, poetry and much more. Hope to see you there :-) . . . read more
    • (Posted )