Trish Smith, a Volunteer and Veteran of Oceans of Hope UK, has kindly written this article for us, which we hope you will find interesting...

Come and join us for our next Quiz Night on Wednesday 26 February!

Check Out Our January 2026 Newsletter! We very much hope that you enjoy our first newsletter of 2026. This edition includes some great articles. • A Tribute to Mark Whitehouse • There is a full review if 2025 by Doro, • Details about all the events in the coming months. • Brightwell 100 Wishlist Update • New Menu ideas from round the Café • Information about our classes. • Plus lots more…

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for all of us to come together to talk, listen and change lives.

We have an active Carers Group here at The Brightwell. Any carer who looks after any of our members is most welcome. You can be a paid or unpaid carer, a partner, family member or a friend, to take part in our events. Our next talk is called “Practical Hints and Tips for Carers”

As well as the wide range of exercise and physio sessions available at The Brightwell, we also offer 3 options for Online Classes. Online Classes are great if you are working, can’t easily get to the Centre or just fancy a top-up to your usual exercise routine.

We are deeply saddened and shocked to share the news that Mark Whitehouse passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, 11 January 2026. Mark was a much-loved friend, Trustee and a valued member of our community for many years. Many of you will have known him from the early Nailsea Centre days, where his presence, humour, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression.

Every Monday, Audrey runs a fantastic dance/exercise class for one hour here in the Brightwell gym area. It is suitable for all skill levels. The current group includes wheelchair users, those who prefer to do the class seated, as well as those who can stand.

We are delighted to offer some outstanding Prizes for our Valentine’s Draw 1ST Prize – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for two at Berwick Lodge 2nd Prize – Bottle of Champagne, plus 4 boxed Dartington Champagne Flutes 3rd Prize 2 Handcrafted Steel Heart-tail Robins Plant stakes 4th Prize- Set of Stone Effect Heart Tea- Light Holders and stone-filled tray

The Centre reopens on Monday, 5 January, and all of our regular services will be available, including Oxygen, Physiotherapy, the Café, and of course, support from our full team. We are very much looking forward to getting back to “normal” after the busy period of celebrations and time away.