Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards
Celebrating 10 years of Helen Barrett Bright Ideas

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 successful gym that is still thriving today.
This year the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award is celebrating 10 years of providing financial support for adults with CF who want to run their own business. Our window for applications for this year's award has now closed.
If you are interested in setting up your own business please contact the Work Forwards Team who are able to provide ongoing business planning support.
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 can receive a grant of up to a maximum of £5,000 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.
The application window for this year's award has now closed.
If you are interested in setting up your own business please contact the Work Forwards Team who are able to provide ongoing business planning support.
Get inspired
Read more on how a Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award helped some of our 2023 winners below:
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Tammy’s home education business
We chatted to Tammy, 44, from York, about her home education business – and the confidence boost winning a Helen Barrett Bright Idea Award has given her.
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Aiden's surf club
Aiden, 24, from Cornwall, tells us about his surf club, his love for the ocean, and his motivation to help others with learning disabilities.
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Sarah’s knits
We asked Sarah, 39, from Godalming, about her independent yarn store, The Knit Lounge – and the adventures knitting has taken her on.
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Alex’s jewellery
We chatted to Alex, 35, from Hertfordshire, about his jewellery business, taking a ‘bold leap’, and balancing work and health.
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Jenny’s craft kits
We chatted to Jenny, 35, about her DIY craft kits – and how it combines her passion for crafting and history.
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Verity’s puppets
Verity tells us all about her business making custom puppets, her passion for the world of fantasy, and the freedom working for herself gives her.
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Jack's play
Jack tells us about the inspiration behind his new play, how he’s learned to embrace his cystic fibrosis, and following his dreams to perform in the UK's number one physical theatre company.
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Amy's TV and film industry career
Amy successfully applied for a Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award to help cover the cost of training and equipment she will need to continue to develop her promising career in the TV & Film industry.
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Cam's tattoo business
Cam successfully applied for a Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award to purchase tattoo equipment in order to enable him to continue to build his career as a self-employed tattoo artist in Bristol.
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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