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The Brightwell, incorporating The West of England MS Therapy Centre, has been offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy and specialist physiotherapy for over 35 years. Based in Bradley Stoke, Bristol we support members from North Somerset, Bath, Gloucestershire and South Wales. About The Brightwell At The Brightwell, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With 40 years of unwavering commitment, we strive to empower our members by providing access to a warm and friendly, non-clinical environment that fosters independence, symptom management, and overall well-being. Our Mis sion To build a dedicated and compassionate community, committed to the care and wellbeing of individuals living with neurological conditions, their families and carers. Our Goal Is to provide a range of therapies and services to support and enrich the lives of those living with neurological conditions. The Brightw e ll is... A relaxed, happy and caring space, where people can share their experiences, build friendships and access support when it is needed. An accessible building providing therapies and support services by qualified professionals. A place where the members, volunteers and staff are the cornerstones of a thriving and vibrant community. A hub for self-help and positivity. Find Out More About The Brightwell... Oxygen Therapy Physiotherapy Oxygen Therapy for Sports Injuries Meet The Team Brightwell Cafe Specialist Clinics Support Us Become a Member Therapy Room Hire Our therapies are provided in a warm, friendly non-clinical environment all with the aim to help reduce the physical, emotional and psychological effects of life with a neurological condition. We have a state of the art physiotherapy gym, oxygen therapy suite and a variety of individual treatment rooms, housing the wide range of therapies and clinics on offer. We are delighted to have recently opened our Brightwell Café, offering a selection of drinks, hot beverages, and snacks, members can relax and catch up with friends in our comfortable lounge In the summer we have a beautiful terrace, large gazebo and garden area for all our visitors to enjoy. Under 1% of the Centre's funding is statutory, we therefore rely on donations from the public, organisations and community groups to continue our vital work. What We Do... What Our Members Say Roger, Member "The Brightwell is a lifeline for me as it is a place where I can be sociable, as I live alone. It is handy for me to get to in my electric wheelchair. Staff and volunteers are so helpful." Click on the logos to see what others are saying about us on Google and Facebook Our History Following the introduction of Centres elsewhere in the country, a local group of people living with Multiple Sclerosis, their families and friends were brought together by Jackie and Ray Brightwell. With the support of ARMS (Action for Research into Multiple Sclerosis) a national organisation, they set up the first MS Therapy Centre to support people in the Bristol area. The Centre was opened in Nailsea in 1985 and at that time only offered oxygen therapy. Over time physiotherapy, exercise and yoga were introduced. We soon realised how important access to on-going physiotherapy was for people living with long-term conditions and the nucleus of our now well-equipped and well-staffed physiotherapy unit was established. Read more... Our Sustainability Pledge The Brightwell is wholly committed to its Sustainability Pledge to be net Zero by 2050 and to have emmissions reduced by 50% by 50% by 2030. We try to adopt a “green “approach in whatever we do. We have been very fortunate that through focused fundraising campaigns, and incredibly generous support from a number of Brightwell 100 members we have achieved so much. Solar Energy has been a major focus with 114 x 250kw panels being fitted in 2019, upgraded by a further 40 x 400 kw panels in 2023, with the addition of 3 x 14kw storage batteries being installed at the same time. Despite considerable increases in energy costs for commercial properties, the benefit of generating this amount of solar energy has made a significant difference to keeping our fuel bills to a manageable level. Read more... Heading 3 Legal and Regulatory Information The Brightwell is an umbrella name for two main charities and a trading company. We are regulated by the Charities Commissions Regulations. These are The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited Registered Charity Number 801155. The Brightwell Neurological Support Centre Limited Registered Charity Number 1109459. The trading arm is the Bristol Therapy Centre Limited Company Number 0819674. If you require any further information, please contact our CEO Doro Pasantes on 01454 201686. We are proud to be part of the Neuro Therapy Network Please visit www.neurotherapynetwork.org.uk for further information.

Volunteers play a vital role at The Brightwell with nearly 10,000 hours being donated each year. Roles are varied and adaptable. Contact us to discuss how you can help. Volunteering Volunteers are the lifeblood of our success here at The Brightwell. If you are looking for a new interest or challenge, becoming a volunteer at The Brightwell might give you the opportunity you are looking for. You will be made very welcome and your input with make a positive and meaningful difference to our service users, staff and other volunteers. 5 6 3 5 1/7 Volunteer Opportunities We have the following volunteer opportunities available: Supermarket Collections Help our fundraising team and represent The Brightwell with collection tins and buckets at Supermarkets and Shops. Some of our volunteers prefer to work a set number of hours per week on certain days and this works well when working closely with staff members of The Brightwell team. Please note that Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If you are interested in a volunteer role we have available please email community@thebrightwell.org.uk or call us on 01454 201 686. Please also visit https://govo.org Enter our postcode BS32 9DB, to check out all our Volunteer opportunities. Thank you. Meet some of our amazing volunteers Janet Fundraising Volunteer Colette Fundraising Volunteer Howard Oxygen Chamber Operator 3H0A9467 Keith Lead Oxygen Operator Dave IT Support Wendy Carer Group Coordinator Kirsty and Sam Cafe Volunteers Corporate Volunteers Many businesses, whether they are a SME, Limited Company, a Plc., or apart of a National or even an International Group, give their employees time off to support good causes and local charities like us. By volunteering, not only are the individuals involved helping their chosen cause, but often taking part in such activities promotes communication, team building and self-awareness. We are very fortunate to have been supported by such teams in the past including groups from TSB, Lloyds Bank, Rolls Royce and different sectors of the Civil Service. The Brightwell has benefitted from tasks such as working on the grounds, gardening, building maintenance, building projects and much more. We would very much like to welcome you to come and spend time with us here at The Brightwell for a volunteering event. Please contact us at hello@thebrightwell.org.uk 1/2

The Brightwell, incorporating The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, offers specialised therapies including physio and hyperbaric plus many other support services. As a charity we rely on fundraising and donations to continue our work. Welcome to The Brightwell About Us At The Brightwell, incorporating the West of England MS Therapy Centre, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With over 40 years of unwavering commitment, we strive to empower our members by providing access to a warm and friendly, non-clinical environment that fosters independence, symptom management, and overall well-being. We welcome members from the Greater Bristol area, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath, Wiltshire, South Wales and from all across the South West and the M4 corridor. There are always lots of social activities and events taking place and a huge and varied number of ways to be involved in fundraising and volunteering . Click here to find out how to Become a Member. Therapies that we offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Oxygen Therapy for Sports Injuries Physiotherapy Neurophysiotherapy Exercise Groups and Classes Online Classes FES Clinic Counselling Complementary therapies Acupuncture Massage and Reflexology Conditions that we support Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke Parkinson’s Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Sports Injuries Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorders, Long Covid Post Operative Recovery Cancer Therapies at The Brightwell Oxygen Therapy For Neurological Conditions Oxygen Therapy for Sports Injuries Oxygen Therapy for Other Conditions One-to-One Neuro Physiotherapy Groups and Classes Online Classes FES Clinic Specialist Clinics Support and Information Our Impact Report for 2024 This is the first time that we have produced an Impact Report in this format and we are delighted with how it gives a great representation of everything that goes on here at The Brightwell. The report is packed full of great images, facts, statistics and information. The report includes sections on Our Story So Far Who We Support Our Therapies A Letter From Our Chair A Letter From Our CEO 2024 In Numbers Fundraising Stories from Our Members Meet Our Volunteers Acknowledgements. Whether you are a New or Existing Member,Volunteer,Member of Staff or Supporter this is an excellent document, offering so much information regarding the Charity, its work and people, operational insights and community. You can view or download a copy of this report by clicking on the image above or click here .. A hardcopy version can be available on request, please call 01454 201686.

Not content with running one marathon in honour of his late Uncle Nick, Ciaran Hemming returned for a second! This time, swapping the stunning scenery of Loch Ness for the city streets of Edinburgh. He also swapped the autumn chill for one of the hottest days of the year. Temperatures across parts of the UK climbed to 34 degrees, and although cooler in Scotland, the temperature was certainly a challenge. Around 9,900 competitors took on the full 26.2-mile course, heading out of the city through the streets of Musselburgh, Prestonpans, and Cockenzie and Port Seton, before turning at Gosford Estate and making their way back to the finish line at Pinkie Playing Fields. The heat was relentless. At points, local residents set up hosepipes to drench passing runners in very welcome cold water. The scale of the challenge was reflected in the fact that the ambulance service responded to 59 people suffering from heat-related issues during the event, with 16 taken to the hospital. Notably, it wasn't only runners who were affected; spectators, too, fell victim to the conditions. Those who crossed the finish line should feel immensely proud, especially given that their training was likely through the winter/spring! Though he wasn't formally fundraising, Ciaran has raised a brilliant £300. We take our hats off to him, once for his determination to run again in Nick's memory, and again for doing so in such gruelling heat. Everyone who knew Nick is certain he would have been incredibly proud. And so are we. Thank you, Ciaran!

Last week, we gathered together as a Brightwell family to celebrate the life of our wonderful Keith Gilbey, and what a celebration it was. Keith had been part of our community since 2013, more than a decade of selfless dedication that touched every single person who walked through our doors. He was our volunteer driver and, most importantly, a dear friend to us all. A Day Full of Warmth and Laughter The room was full of people who admired and respected him, and the memories that were shared painted such a vivid picture of the Keith we all knew and adored. We were absolutely delighted to welcome Keith’s brother Peter and his nephew Phil, who travelled to be with us on the day. It was such a pleasure to finally meet them, and we have to say, Peter reminded us so much of Keith; that same warmth and gentleness, that same Yorkshire twang and the exact same mannerisms. It felt like a gift, having him here with us. We are so glad they came, and we hope they left knowing just how cherished Keith was here, and how much he is missed. We are very pleased to say that we have made new friends to the Centre, and we hope they will both come and see us again. In Their Own Words We asked members, staff, and volunteers to share their favourite memories of Keith, and what came back was just beautiful. Here is just a small selection of what people shared: Karlis made these wonderful AI images of Keith as we all remember him with his newspaper and pen in hand ready to do the crossword. The second image is how we all saw Keith, as the Superhero that he was Caz remembered Keith as a brilliant quiz teammate with an encyclopaedic store of random facts, and a man who genuinely loved a doggy bag after an event! Helen recalled the time Keith won a little teddy dog at Bingo that she had donated. A few days later, he showed her photos of “Lucky” sitting happily in his kitchen, telling her it was one of his favourite ever wins. Gus shared that his favourite part of the day at the Centre was doing the crossword with Keith, especially on the occasions when Keith forgot his glasses and read out entirely the wrong clue! Keith (Taylor) remembered spending the whole of the Christmas break with him, stripping down and repainting the Oxygen Chamber together. He was thankful to have the company and a helping hand. Amrik spoke movingly about how Keith had driven him all the way to Birmingham and on to Heathrow when his father was critically ill in hospital, making it possible for him to see his father one last time. “I will never forget Keith,” he said, “and will always keep him in my heart.” Dawn and Monique remembered that Keith would help anyone, staff and members alike, even if it meant an airport run in the middle of the night. Dawn spoke of him bringing fish and chips round to her house just for the company. “We were his family, without a doubt,” she said, “and we felt the same about him.” Millie described Keith as the kindest person she has ever met, and was moved to share that even in the early months of this year, when he was already unwell himself, he continued to bring members to the Centre. He also took the time to check in on Millie during her own health difficulties a few years ago. “He was like a father-figure to us all,” she said. Victoria told us that every member of staff, past and present, when they heard of Keith’s passing, said the same thing: what a kind man he was. She also shared the lovely memory of Keith bringing Penguin biscuits into the office and waiting patiently for everyone to read the jokes aloud. Angela remembered how Keith was always on hand to get new members to the Brightwell, knowing how important their therapy was to them. She was also personally grateful to him for getting her to work when her own car was off the road, and for making sure she got home safely after one too many at a Centre event! Stella and Carol paid tribute to his loyalty and dedication, saying: “Keith, you were loyal and dedicated, steadfast and committed. You always put us first, and we appreciate everything you did to get us to the Centre and back home. You are greatly missed.” Caroline and Barry were unable to be with us in person on the day but sent their heartfelt wishes. As fellow northerners, they felt a special bond with Keith and wanted to make sure their thanks were passed on. They described him as “a funny, gentle and kind man” who thoroughly deserved a celebration in his honour. Lauren simply said, “Keith was genuinely one of the most selfless people I have ever met. His face and banter lit up the office.” And Rachel put it beautifully: “Keith, you used to make me laugh so much with your jokes, and you were always so caring, with me and with everyone.” These are just a handful of the stories shared on the day. There were so many more, funny, tender, and full of love, all of them painting the same portrait of a man who gave and gave without ever asking for anything in return. A Flower Memorial We are delighted to share that Keith will be remembered at The Brightwell in a special and lasting way. As many of you will know, The Brightwell has been involved in the Woodstock Homes MS Garden, which featured as a pocket planting entry at the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show this summer. When the planting returns to its permanent home here at the Centre, we will be planting a commemorative flowering plant in Keith’s name, in a spot where we can sit, take a moment, and remember our wonderful friend. Thank You, Keith To everyone who came along, shared a memory, raised a cuppa, and helped us celebrate him, thank you. It was exactly the kind of afternoon Keith would have loved; full of good times, laughter and surrounded by friends. Keith Gilbey, volunteer, friend, crossword hinderer, Penguin biscuit distributor, and one of the kindest souls we have ever known. We were so lucky to have you, and we will keep you with us always. 💛

The Maytree Pub in Bristol turned the Spring Bank Holiday into a brilliant community fundraiser on 25th May, hosting a Family Fun Day in support of The Brightwell. Running from midday until late, the event brought together local families, supporters, and volunteers for a full day of activities and entertainment. The pub garden was packed with things to enjoy, including stall holders, bake stalls, ice cream, a BBQ, and a face painter. DJs kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day, adding to the sense of community and celebration. The event was organised by Kelly, daughter of our Oxygen Co‑ordinator Angela and manager of the Maytree Pub. She and her team put in a huge amount of work to make the day run smoothly. A quiz and raffle added to the fun, with an impressive selection of prizes up for grabs, including Bristol City tickets, a tattoo voucher, a Bike, a paintballing experience, a £50 pub bar tab, and several other donated items. Every ticket sold helped raise funds and awareness for The Brightwell. By the end of the day, the Maytree team had raised an incredible £2,257.26. Their support helps us continue providing vital services to our community, and we’re extremely grateful for their effort and enthusiasm. A huge thank you goes to Kelly and the Maytree Pub team for organising and hosting the event, to everyone who volunteered or donated prizes, and to all who attended and contributed. Your involvement genuinely makes a difference. If you’d like to explore ways to support us, you can learn more here.