Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award
Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award 2025/26 is now open!
The Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award has been established in memory of Helen Barrett, a successful entrepreneur with cystic fibrosis who, together with her partner, launched a gym that is still thriving today.
Last year the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award celebrated 10 years of providing financial support for adults with CF who want to run their own business.
The grant can be used to cover the purchase of necessary equipment and stock, put towards advertising campaigns, creating a website and so much more.
Maybe you have a creative hobby and need the resources to turn it into a thriving business. Perhaps you’ve already started your business and need some funding and support to help you expand and reach new audiences. Whatever it is, a Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award can help you on your way.
Award winners receive a grant to boost their business idea, as well as access to expert support and guidance.
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age and over
- a UK resident and eligible to work/run a business in the UK
- has CF
- not involved in the delivery of the Work Forwards programme
- has a business idea or is already running a business based in the UK.
Register
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 14th September.
Get inspired
If you are thinking about applying for a Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award for your business idea, check out our winner's stories from last year's awards.
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Maggie's cooking business
Maggie is a self taught chef, and discovered a passion for food following her transplant. She launched her business Just A Sprig and has built up a number of clients who she prepares meals for including post-partum mothers, those with food intolerances and more. Since winning an award, Maggie has delivered an online cooking session with our Youth Programme, and more are being planned for the future.
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Janka's dog training business
Janka is a dog trainer and runs Penthwell Dog Training in Oxfordshire. Her business offers modern and accessible training methods to the local community. She received funding for additional equipment, signage and updates to her website.
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Morgan's personal training business
Morgan is a personal trainer based in Cornwall. Morgan has previously spoken to us about his CF and ADHD, and his passion for sport and fitness. Morgan received funding to develop and advertise personal training sessions set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Cornish coastline.
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Ella-May's nail business
"What I love most about what is do is the people, getting to know them and making someone happy. It really helps me be someone other than ‘Ella with CF’ for a little while," says Ella-May. She'll be using the grant to buy a new chair, new nail colours, and complete some updates to her room.
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Kirstin’s tutoring business
Kirstin is a former primary school teacher who now runs a tutoring business called Little Learning. "I love teaching and felt really sad about the prospect of having to stop in order to maintain my health. Working for myself has really helped me to continue doing what I love in a more sustainable way for my health longer term," says Kirstin.
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Nicole's yoga retreat
Nicole runs The Sussex Shala, which aims to provide a safe and inclusive space to support the wellbeing of the local community. She will be using the grant to build a sauna and set up a wild spa.
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Sam's therapy practice
Sam runs a therapy practice, inspired by his own journey of self-discovery. The grant will be used on further training to expand his practice, as well as advertising.
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Kayleigh's clay creations
Kayleigh's business, Little Clay Clubhouse, is all about inspiring creativity and play through hands-on, interactive craft kits. Kayleigh will be using the grant to fund an illustrator to help rebrand her business. "It’s allowing me to create a professional and polished look that matches the creativity and joy I want my kits to inspire in children," says Kayleigh.
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Helen's animation studio
Helen runs Cardiff-based animation studio Boundless Studios with her partner. Together, they create beautiful, fantastical artwork – including the upcoming 4D immersive experience Peredur's Journey, a bilingual animation for children about Welsh folklore.
Research we fund
We fund research to tackle some of the most pressing issues in CF today. Find out how your donations are making a difference.
What is CF?
Cystic fibrosis, or CF, affects the lungs, digestive system and other organs. There are around 11,000 people living with it in the UK.
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