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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. Community Collection Administrator Help organise and manage collection tins that are distributed around local shops and organisations. This would require keeping track of tin locations, collecting and replacing tins when full. Raffle Prize Coordinator Source and organise the donation of raffle prizes for our monthly events. 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 and Events Howard Oxygen Chamber Operator Keith Volunteer Driver Gus and Mike Fundraisers Keith Lead Oxygen Operator 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. Neuro Physiotherapy Find out more At The Brightwell, 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. Our aim is to offer a diverse range of specialised therapies, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Neuro-physiotherapy , all delivered by a dedicated team of experts. We embrace innovation with our in-house Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and a self-generated oxygen supply, ensuring top-tier quality and availability. We believe in inclusivity, offering one-on-one physiotherapy sessions, group activities, and online classes. Our subsidies for Brightwell Members, as well as our open doors to individuals in various stages of recovery, showcase our commitment to accessible care. At the Brightwell, we stand alongside those living with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorders, Long Covid, and Cancer, amongst many others. Our services extend to Specialist Clinics and therapies including our own Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) assessment clinic, counselling, acupuncture, reflexology, remedial massage and aromatherapy, foot health and bladder & bowel clinics. We have 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 events taking place and a huge and varied number of ways to be involved in fundraising and volunteering. We not only welcome new members but also provide a wide array of volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Click here to find out how to Become a Member. What is a neurological condition? A neurological condition is defined as a disorder that affects the brain, nervous system or spinal cord and, as these control every single part of your body, problems with them often cause serious consequences. Conditions can appear suddenly, for example a stroke or a brain injury; some, like epilepsy, you are born with; and others develop over time, like multiple sclerosis. They can affect anyone, at any age, of any ethnicity, and at any time in life. Some conditions are incurable, some last a lifetime and, sadly, some are life-threatening, but all of them will impact on a persons quality of life. What causes them? Sadly, no one really knows what triggers or causes most conditions. Some, especially ones that occur suddenly, can be linked to genes, the environment, accidents, injuries or infections. Although research is continuing there is yet to be any consensus on causes and, for most people, there is absolutely nothing they, or their family, could have done to stop them. 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.

Give the gift of therapy, support and friendship by remembering The Brightwell in your Will and positively impact those living with chronic neurological conditions. Leaving a Gift in Your Will for The Brightwell Make a Difference That Lives On Give the gift of therapy, support and friendship by remembering The Brightwell in your Will. Leaving a financial gift to The Brightwell will have a direct and positive impact on those living with chronic neurological conditions. Your gift will enable individuals to be supported by our wonderful Centre. Why Leave a Legacy to The Brightwell? Your gift directly benefits individuals. Donations subsidise the costs associated with providing face-to-face therapies, clinics and social events for people living with these challenging conditions, so that they can afford to have these therapies on a long-term basis. The Brightwell is not part of a larger Charity or group which means that you can be assured that your legacy will be used effectively for The Brightwell. The Brightwell does not receive any direct funding from the Government, the NHS or National MS/Neurological Charities. This means that all costs must be fundraised or covered by Brightwell members’ voluntary contributions. By leaving a legacy you will be part of the future of this precious local resource. We are a small charity, and we keep our overheads as low as possible, so your donation will be used effectively to support The Brightwell, now, and in the future. So, whether you know someone who has benefitted from the therapies and support offered by The Charity, maybe you have benefitted yourself, been a supporter or a volunteer, please remember us in your Will. Here is some important information you and your Solicitor will need to know… The Brightwell is a brand name for two charities. We are regulated by the Charities Commissions Regulations. These are The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited, Registered Charity Number 801155. and The Brightwell Neurological Support Centre Limited, Registered Charity Number 1109459. How to Leave a Legacy: Your intention to make a bequest will need to be stipulated in your Will. This can be for a specific amount, for a specific purpose or as a percentage of your Estate, and can be made to one or the other of the Charities above. There may be beneficial tax implications for your beneficiaries in terms of potential Inheritance Tax savings. We cannot give you any offered or implied guidance about this, but your appointed Solicitor will be able to give you specific and qualified advice. We are very fortunate, that Wards, a firm of local Solicitors offer beneficial rates to The Brightwell Community to draw up a simple Will. Please see the details below: You can make use of this excellent and affordable service by calling The Brightwell on 01454 201686 and one of our Reception Team will be able to provide you with available dates and next steps. In Memory Donations for someone who’s no longer with us If you would like to make The Brightwell the beneficiary at your loved ones’ farewell ceremony, the person organising their send-off can arrange this with us directly. Alternative ly, if you wanted to make a personal donation in the memory of someone who is no longer with us please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/donate , or pick up the phone and call us on 01454 201686 we are always happy to talk. Should you wish to consider leaving The Brightwell a legacy and have questions, you can speak to a member of our team. If you would like to see firsthand how your gift will benefit others, we extend an open invitation for you to come and visit the Brightwell. Please call Victoria Hocquard on 01454 201686 or email victoria.hocquard@thebrightwell.org.uk How to find out more Please visit our website www.thebrightwell.org.uk Our blogs are a great place to start to get a real feel for what we have taking place www.thebrightwell.org.uk/blog You can also sign up to receive our Newsletters www.thebrightwell.org.uk/brightwell-newsletters Our Grateful Thanks On behalf of all the members, staff, volunteers and supporters at The Brightwell, we would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks for thinking about The Brightwell and taking the step in making a huge difference for the future of the Centre. Thank you.

The Brightwell team were absolutely thrilled to welcome Martyn and Sue Olds on Monday, 24 November. Martyn, the Men’s Club Captain at Kendleshire Golf Club, arrived with an extraordinary gift: a cheque for an incredible £10,000! Doro, Lara, and Brightwell member Liz proudly and gratefully accepted the kind donation. Martyn chose The Brightwell as his Charity of the Year for 2025, and he and his golfers have been hard at work raising this phenomenal sum. One of the most inspiring highlights was on 3 September, when a group of Kendleshire Members left their golf clubs behind, jumped on their bikes, and took on an epic 100-mile ride to Machynys Golf and Monk Island Resort in Llanelli. But Martyn didn’t stop there. He and the team kept the momentum going throughout the year with a whole range of fundraising ideas, including the creation of a special Brightwell Beer! The Kendleshire has supported The Brightwell whenever they can for many years, even sponsoring a therapy room when the Centre first opened. To Martyn and Sue, to the incredible cyclists, and to every single member of Kendleshire Golf Club who donated or cheered the efforts on: thank you. Your support helps ensure we can continue offering essential therapies and care to people living with neurological conditions. This generous donation will go directly towards funding therapies, equipment, and support services that make a real difference to the lives of our community; our members, their families and carers.

image courtesy of gpointstudio via Freepix Sleep is fundamental to brain health and is inextricably linked to neurological conditions, acting as both a vital restorative process and a potential early indicator or risk factor for disease. Adequate, quality sleep (typically 7-9 hours for adults) is crucial for managing existing conditions, improving treatment outcomes, and potentially preventing or slowing neurodegenerative decline. Key Functions of Sleep for Neurological Health During sleep, the brain performs several critical functions that are essential for optimal neurological function: Waste Clearance: The glymphatic system, the brain's waste removal pathway, is most active during deep (slow-wave) sleep. It flushes out toxic proteins and waste products that accumulate during the day, such as amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein, which are associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Memory Consolidation and Learning: Sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating new information and experiences into long-term memory. Different sleep stages, particularly slow-wave and REM sleep, are associated with strengthening various types of memories and enhancing synaptic plasticity (the ability of brain connections to change and adapt). Neuronal Restoration and Repair: Sleep provides an opportunity for neurons to repair themselves, regulate neurotransmitter levels, and restore energy metabolism. This helps maintain the integrity of neural circuits and signalling pathways. Emotional Regulation: Sufficient sleep is vital for regulating emotions and managing stress responses. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased emotional reactivity, mood swings, irritability, and a higher risk of developing mood disorders like depression and anxiety. The Link Between Sleep and Neurological Conditions Sleep disturbances and neurological disorders share a complex, bidirectional relationship: Risk Factors: Chronic poor sleep is considered a potential modifiable risk factor for developing neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Sleep disorders like untreated obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) have been linked to an increased risk of stroke and cognitive decline. Symptoms/Early Warning Signs: Sleep problems are a common symptom and can even be an early marker of underlying neurological issues. For example, REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), where individuals act out their dreams, often precedes the clinical onset of Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies by years. Disease Exacerbation: Inadequate sleep can worsen symptoms of existing neurological conditions. For people with epilepsy, sleep deprivation is a known seizure trigger. In those with multiple sclerosis (MS), poor sleep exacerbates fatigue, pain, and cognitive fog. Impact on Recovery: Good quality sleep is linked to improved outcomes after a neurological event, such as a stroke, by supporting brain plasticity and recovery processes. Importance of Addressing Sleep Issues Given this profound connection, addressing sleep problems is a critical part of comprehensive neurological care. Interventions aimed at improving sleep quality - ranging from better sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to medical treatments for disorders like sleep apnoea - can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and potentially slow the progression of their condition. If you are experiencing persistent sleep problems, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. 10 Tips for Better Sleep 1.      Stick to a Sleep Schedule : Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including on weekends. This consistency reinforces your body's natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).   2.      Create a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual:  Spend the last 30 to 60 minutes before bed doing calming activities. This could be reading a physical book, taking a warm bath, listening to soothing music, or gentle stretching.   3.      Optimise Your Bedroom Environment:  Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. 4.      Limit Blue Light Before Bed:  Turn off phones, tablets, computers, and TVs at least one hour before your target bedtime. The blue light suppresses the production of the sleep-promoting hormone, melatonin.   5.      Use Your Bed Only for Sleep:  Avoid using your bed for work, eating, or watching TV. This helps your brain associate your bed with rest.     6.      Watch Your Diet and Drink Intake:  Avoid consuming caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, chocolate) and nicotine for several hours before bed. Limit alcohol, especially in the late evening, as it disrupts sleep quality. Try to avoid large, heavy meals close to bedtime.   7.      Manage Worries and Stress:  Try to resolve your concerns before you get into bed. You can set aside a "worry time" earlier in the evening or write down a to-do list for the next day to clear your mind.     8.      Exercise Regularly (But Not Too Late ): Regular physical activity improves sleep quality but avoid vigorous exercise within 3 to 4 hours of bedtime, as it can be stimulating. Gentle yoga or stretching is fine.   9.      Limit Daytime Naps:  If you must nap, keep it short (under 30 minutes) and take it earlier in the afternoon (before 3pm). Long or late naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night.     10.  Don't Force Sleep:  If you find yourself lying awake in bed for more than about 20 minutes, get up and go to another room to do something quiet and relaxing (like reading) until you feel sleepy again. Then, return to bed.   We hope you have found this article of interest, and you will get some benefits from it.

Image courtesy of Freepix Adapted from an MS-UK Guide This guide was written specifically for those living with MS but applies to anyone living with other chronic or neurological conditions. Winter can be a challenging time when you’re living with a chronic condition. The cold weather can affect symptoms, darker days can impact mood, and fatigue often feels harder to manage. Preparing for Winter Get your vitamin D Our bodies make vitamin D from sunlight, but in the UK, there isn’t enough sun for most people to meet their targets. Low vitamin D is implicated in both disease activity and as a possible environmental risk factor for the development of MS, but more research is needed. Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advise everyone to take a supplement of vitamin D, and especially in the winter months. They don’t make any recommendations specifically for people with MS, but for bone health in people in the general population, they recommend 10 micrograms daily, which is 400 IU. Most neurologists like their MS patients to have a daily dose of between 2,000 and 5,000 IU of vitamin D. The flu vaccine The flu jab helps to protect you from the worst effects of the most common strain of flu that’s circulating in a particular year. As a person with MS, you qualify for a free flu jab on the NHS, and so does your partner or carer.   You may also be offered shingles and COVID-19 vaccinations. It is generally recommended that you get the flu vaccine. It’s possible that an infection such as flu could make your symptoms worse. The flu itself can also be very serious. You should ask your doctor which other vaccinations you should have. Colds and flu are more common in winter because people are indoors in close proximity more frequently, which allows viruses to spread. Avoid catching germs by washing your hands thoroughly and regularly when you have touched surfaces or handles in public. Continuing to social distance from people not within your household can also help you avoid catching germs. The cold weather While it’s well known that the heat can exacerbate symptoms, the cold can trigger problems too. Muscle stiffness and spasms can worsen, as can pain and mobility. Nerve pain in particular can be affected by the cold, including trigeminal neuralgia, altered sensations, the MS hug, and altered sensations such as numbness and tingling. Most problems pass once you have warmed back to a normal temperature, but it’s wise to try and stay warm. Wearing several thin layers helps with temperature regulation, especially if you are passing through different environments. If you feel the cold more than others in your household, you can create your own personal heating system with an electric blanket and/or a hot water bottle. Extreme weather in the winter can also pose potential hazards when you are out and about. Keeping active and exercising before winter’s arrival are very important. Practising balance routines and strengthening muscles will help keep you active and improve your stability. Winter fuel payment scams The UK government has warned of a sharp rise in scam text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, with reports jumping by 153 per cent at the end of September 2025. Fraudsters are posing as officials and asking people to “apply” or share bank details. You do not need to apply, if you are eligible, your Winter Fuel Payment is made automatically. Most people will receive a letter in October or November confirming the amount, with payments due between mid-November and December 2025. If you get a text about Winter Fuel Payments, do not reply, do not click any links, and do not share personal information. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 for free so your network can block the sender, then delete the message. If you receive a scam email claiming to be from HMRC, forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk . Being Part of The Brightwell Community This Winter The Brightwell offers a warm, friendly atmosphere to everyone in our community. Now that we have our own Café, we can offer warm drinks and food until 2:30pm every day. However, you are welcome to spend time here with us for the whole time that the Centre is open. If you feel that your physical or mental health is suffering at any time, please pick up the phone or come along to the Centre, there will always be someone to talk to and who will be pleased to listen. Click here to view the full MS-UK article.