BrightsideUNIAID

In 2008, The Brightside Trust and UNIAID merged, combining forces to form one charity. Having already worked together on a number of joint projects, we realised that we could achieve more in the long term by becoming one charity. We shared a vision, culture and approach to supporting young people. Together, we have a broad range of expertise and can provide a better range of services for young people and our partners. As a result, we are a stronger, more efficient organisation.

2000: The Brightside Trust is founded

A group of entrepreneurs from the pharmaceutical sector came together to set up a new company. Recognising that their success was largely dependent on access to higher education, they wanted to help eradicate the barriers young people face. The Brightside Trust was made the company's principal shareholder, thereby receiving an annual donation from the dividend. The charity was born!

2001: UNIAID is founded

Research was released which highlighted the growing importance of student hardship and student finance issues. It was clear that the student funding system needed to be reviewed and students in England would be soon asked to start paying for higher education. UNIAID was set up to address this issue and create interventions that could help.

2003: Bright Journals

The Brightside Trust launched its first scheme, providing grants to support creative projects aiming to widen access into medicine. The Trust also launched its first ementoring project, Bright Journals, mentoring young people interested in a career in medicine, one of the most competitive, socially exclusive professions. Following the success of this pilot, Brightside received funding from HEFCE, which enabled the charity to expand the scheme and support young people interested in dentistry, veterinary sciences and the allied health professions.

2004: UNIAID online tools

In January, the Higher Education Bill was passed which announced a new student finance system to be introduced in England, with deferred fees and complex student support arrangements. In response, UNIAID started work developing online tools to help explain this system and prepare students for the financial side of university life. The UNIAID accommodation bursary scheme was launched, offering a year’s free accommodation to students who would not otherwise be able to continue in higher education. The scheme, supported by UNITE, Nottingham Trent University and Universities UK, ran until 2009 and supported over 250 students across the UK.

2005: Student Survivor and All About U

UNIAID launched two online tools: Student Survivor and All About U, using innovative, new technology and experimental learning methods. The tools went on to receive a number of awards, including Best New Media Campaign at the Third Sector Awards and recognition at the Elearning World of Learning and National Training Awards.

2006: UNIAID Student Calculator

UNIAID launched the UNIAID Student Calculator, a budgeting tool to help prospective and new students plan and manage their money. A range of teaching resources and training was developed, to support schools, colleges and universities to deliver engaging workshops about student finance. These resources were awarded the Quality Mark from PFEG (Personal Finance Education Group) and supported by Aimhigher.

2007-2009: Expansion and Merger

Brightside expanded the scope of its ementoring projects, developing a portfolio of programmes supporting young people interested in specific subjects (law, physics, chemical sciences, engineering) and defined target groups such as Children in Care.

UNIAID expanded its online tools, developing an International Student Calculator and branded calculators for universities. In response to demand, UNIAID also delivered student finance masterclasses in schools and summer schools, reaching more than 1400 young people.

Brightside and UNIAID held a joint event about the Information Advice and guidance needs of prospective medical students. Together, they received funding to further develop the UNIAID Student Calculator for this group and to integrate the tool within ementoring.

In 2008, Brightside launched Bright Links, a flexible, ementoring programme with online resources and training, designed to support students into and through higher education.

In June 2008, The Brightside Trust merged with UNIAID.

2010: BrightsideUNIAID

The new brand BrightsideUNIAID is launched.