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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.

We want everyone to use our site and are commited to doing so. Accessibility Statement Accessibility statement for www.thebrightwell.org.uk The Brightwell website is run by The West of England MS Therapy Centre Ltd. We are committed to ensuring our website is accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of ability or technology. We want everyone who visits our website to have a positive experience. This means you should be able to: change colours, contrast levels and fonts increase the font size zoom in up to 300% without text spilling off the screen navigate most of the website using a keyboard navigate most of the website using speech recognition software listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the latest versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver) We have also aimed to make the content on our website as clear and simple as possible to understand. Customising your device My Computer My Wa y provides free online resources that can help you customise your device and make it easier to use. These include: how to adjust your computers visual settings how to navigate a site using a keyboard how to make a device talk to you How accessible this website is This website is built using valid HTML5, CSS and JavaScript and, where possible, follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, levels A and AA. The site is responsive and designed to work across desktop, tablet and mobile devices. It has been tested across a range of modern browsers. Known accessibility issues Feedback and contact information While we aim to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, we are aware that some parts of the website are not fully accessible. These include: some videos do not yet have captions, subtitles or transcripts some PDFs and downloadable documents are not fully accessible some images do not have appropriate alternative text some parts of the website are not fully accessible using a keyboard some online forms can be difficult to navigate using only a keyboard some colour combinations do not meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA contrast requirements We are actively working to address these issues. If you need information on this website in a different format, please contact us via: email: community@thebrightwell.org.uk call us on: 01454 201 686 We will consider your request and get back to you in five working days Reporting accessibility problems with this website If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, please let us know. Your feedback helps us improve the website for all users. You can contact us using the details above. Please include as much information as possible about the issue you experienced. Complaints Accessibility regulations are enforced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). If you are not satisfied with how we respond to your accessibility complaint, you can contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) for independent advice and support. Non-accessible content Video and audio content We aim for all our video/audio content to have at least one of the following: subtitles captioning a transcript Some older video and audio content does not currently meet this standard. We are working to improve this over time. Downloadable documents Some downloadable resources, particularly older PDFs and Word documents, may not be fully accessible. We are working towards improving the accessibility of these documents and are exploring alternatives to PDFs where possible. Colour contrast Most of the website meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA colour contrast requirements. We are reviewing and updating colour combinations that do not yet meet these standards. Third party content Our website includes some third-party content and functionality. While we aim to work with accessible providers, we cannot always guarantee the accessibility of third-party services. What we're doing to improve accessibility We regularly review the accessibility of our website through: manual checks by our content team automated accessibility testing tools Accessibility improvements are prioritised as part of our ongoing website develop ment. Preparation of this accessibility statement This statement was prepared in August 2022. It will be reviewed on a six monthly basis. This statement was reviewed in February 2026 and will be on a six - monthly basis.

The Brightwell 100 is a network of businesses and corporate donors, who all have the shared aim of supporting the work carried out at The Brightwell, through fundraising, by donated goods & services, and volunteering. The Brightwell 100 The Brightwell 100 is a network of businesses and corporate donors, who all have the shared aim of supporting the work carried out at The Brightwell, through fundraising, by donated goods & services, and volunteering. The Brightwell 100 initiative was launched in February 2022. Since that time, Brightwell 100 members have supported us with the following projects. Major Projects Oxygen Generation plant Outdoor LED lighting upgrade New Café New terrace and gazebo area In-house Brightwell Shop New Oxygen area kitchen IT Equipment PCs, monitors for staff and volunteers. Projector for Conference room Event Sponsorship and participation Colour Run Abseil Water Park events Corporate Volunteering days Sponsorship and Marketing Physio Team Uniforms Event materials and merchandising. Donated expertise and goods Garden landscaping Emergency repairs Gardening equipment Café equipment Furniture for the lounge area Professional Video/Photographic services Service User enhancements Oxygen masks and storage Physiotherapy equipment. FES Clinic set up and equipment. Ongoing fundraising support Donated Items and experiences for raflfes and draw prizes How does the Brightwell 100 work? There are a number of ways the businesses can be involved. The Brightwell Wishlist One aspect of joining this unique network is by sponsoring or donating to something specific from our Wishlist. Many of our sponsors really like the fact that they can choose exactly where their money is spent and where it will be used. The items on our Wishlist range from a contribution to one of our major projects, through to paying for Counselling Sessions , or purchasing items that will enhance our Service Users experience and therapies. Please click here to view or download our latest Brightwell Wishlist Regular Contributions by Standing Order You can also make a regular donation, again for a specific purpose, via a Standing Order. If applicable you can add 25% to your donation via GiftAid. Donate via our JustGiving page Please make a donation via our Brightwell 100 JustGiving page, by clicking on the Logo above Our Wishlist What are the benefits for The Brightwell 100 members? Supporting a worthwhile charity where your support has a positive impact. Enabling the supporting businesses to fulfil their charitable aims and objectives Being associated with a long-standing and reputable charity (we will provide you guidelines about the use of our name and logo) Being part of a professional network with a shared interest. Knowledge that 100% of your donation will be used for charitable purposes Tax-efficient way to donate with receipts and letters of thanks will be provided Publicity via our website and social media outlets for the supporting businesses Promotional opportunities with visits to the Centre, photos with staff and Centre members (with usual permissions and safeguarding in place) Use of the Brightwell's café, lounge area and outdoor garden/terrace. Regular updates and stewardship of your donation Brightwell 100 members These members are listed in their approximate date of joining. Many of our Brightwell 100 members have made contact and developed mutually beneficial business relationships. Howards Motor Group Woodstock Homes Shiptheory MSB Land & New Homes Blackfriars Auto Services Intoheat Bristol Mortgages Online CWT Landscape Supplies AJH Governance R H Hall Food Services Classeq Rugged Interactive Solarsense Total Access Scaffolding City Electrical Factors Bristol B&Q Cribbs Causeway Babcock International Ashton Alteriors Design & Build County Contractors Delta Marriott Bristol Wain Homes Rebus Medical The Block Bakehouse Ben Hutcheson Music MS People's Help Davies & Partners Event Hosts and Prize Donors West Country Water Park Village Hotel Bristol Aztec Hotel & Spa Lovell Place Care Home Willow Brook Centre Black Sheep Kitchen & Bar Hollow Tree Pub The Kendleshire Assist Mobility Tall Pines Golf Club What to do next For further information please contact Caz Blake-Symes, Trustee and Brightwell 1 00 co-ordinator, caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk Thank you for your interest in The Brightwell 100. We would very much like to invite you and your team for a visit and you can find out more about us and the services we provide, plus you can decide which areas of The Brightwell 100, you wish to be involved with, that fits in with your Company’s values and philosophies. Ways to keep in touch with updates regarding The Brightwell 100 The Brightwell Blog Follow us on LinkedIn You can also download our guide about Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell.

Summarised from an MS-UK article published: 8 December 2025 A new analysis of published research suggests that people who drink coffee may have a lower chance of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The review brought together data from more than 4,500 people across seven countries and found that those who drank coffee had about a 22 per cent lower risk of developing MS compared with those who did not. The researchers explained that coffee contains caffeine and other natural compounds that may help to reduce inflammation in the body. This could be one reason why coffee might play a protective role, although they stressed that more research is needed to understand exactly how it may influence the development of MS and what amounts might be most helpful. The study, published in Neurodegenerative Disease Management, looked at evidence from earlier research carried out in Iran, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Turkey, Sweden and the United States. In total, the analysis included information from 2,193 people living with MS and more than 2,300 people without MS. Results varied across these studies. Some suggested coffee might help to reduce risk, others showed little difference, and a few reported the opposite. Because the findings were so varied, the team noted that larger studies carried out across multiple countries would be helpful to confirm whether coffee does play a protective part. The idea that coffee could offer some benefit is supported by research in other neurological conditions. Studies in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease have also shown a possible link between coffee intake and a lower risk of developing these conditions. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of coffee might help protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. However, factors such as differences in study design, how coffee was measured, and lifestyle influences like smoking and vitamin D levels may have affected the results.   Overall, this review adds to growing interest in how lifestyle and environmental factors may influence MS risk. While the early findings are encouraging, the authors emphasised that we still need clearer evidence before drawing firm conclusions. Fancy a Coffee at The Brightwell Café? Whether you are a coffee drinker or just enjoy a nice cuppa, there is always a warm welcome waiting for you at The Brightwell Café. You don’t need to be having a treatment, our fabulous café is open to everyone.   Pop in for a cake, sandwich or a lunch from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm during the week. There are always lots of people to have a chat with, fully accessible facilities, including a baby changing station and free parking!

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. The class starts with a warm-up to a selection of music, followed by a "routine". Audrey, supported by Amrik, builds up these routines over the weeks. The music is great and very motivational. One of the regular participants says, " I enjoy these classes so much. I've been going since the classes started. I'm in a wheelchair, but I get so much out of each class: It's great fun too and a laugh with the rest of the group. I definitely feel like I've had a workout, plus it's a great feeling when we all do the routine at the end, or at least I think I've done the routine!" Classes are £9 each for one hour or a block booking of 10 for £60. Please call Reception on 01454 201686 if you want to join the class. See you there!

The Brightwell would not be able to run without fundraising. There are many ways in which groups or individuals can support us to provide therapies and care for our community of members. One of which is our incredible Corporate Supporters Network, The Brightwell 100. We are incredibly fortunate at The Brightwell to receive support from successful, generous businesses, large and small, that have chosen to become part of this fantastic network. The kind donations we receive from these partners are often directed towards items from our Wishlist . While a significant proportion of our income and fundraising is used to run the Centre and subsidise the cost of the therapies we provide, the Wishlist allows us to fund essential items that fall outside our core revenue. The Brightwell 100 was established in February 2022, and since then, tens of thousands of pounds have been invested in improving the Centre. This support has enabled us to enhance sustainability and reduce long-term costs, purchase vital new equipment, carry out repairs, implement system upgrades, undertake refurbishments, and much more. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of The Brightwell 100 members. To find out more about The Brightwell 100 , please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/brightwell-100 Corporate Supporters can contribute in a variety of ways, including financial donations, donated goods, or professional services. Every penny and every contribution directly supports the work we do. Below is a copy of our January Wishlist to give you an insight into some of the items we urgently need. We hope there will be something on this list that aligns with your corporate values, shared aims, and charitable budgets. If you would like to learn more about The Brightwell or discuss how you might get involved, please contact Caz Blake-Symes on 07970 038135  or email caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk . For other ways to support us, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/fundraising Thank you for your interest in supporting our charity.