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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 Thank you for choosing to donate to The Brightwell Thank you so much for donating to The Brightwell. We very much appreciate your generosity. If your donation is specifically to be used as a contribution towards a named member’s therapy, please let us know by emailing hello@thebrightwell.org.uk We would very much like to invite you to become an active part of our Brightwell community. If you would like to find out more about how to support us, please click on the links below. Donate Now Please use the form below to donate using a debit/credit card, Google Pay or PayPal Last name First name Email Donate in the name of Enter the amount £ Gift Aid my donation Address Town / City Postal / Zip code Donate Thank you for your donation! Other ways to donate You can donate via JustGiving. Click on the image below to go to our JustGiving page. Want to make a regular donation? If you would like to make a regular donation, please download and complete a Standing Order form. Please click on the link below to download. Standing Order Form If you are a UK taxpayer, donating through Gift Aid means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra. For example if you donate £10 that means that if you are eligible and select to add Gift Aid, The Brightwell will receive £12.50. This makes a huge difference to us. In Order for us to claim Gift Aid we ask that you provide us with your name and address. Thank you. Corporate Donations We are delighted to be supported by so many businesses and companies and such donations can be made via our Brightwell 100 Just Giving page Please visit our Brightwell 100 page to see our latest projects and Wishlist. Gift in Will 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. Please visit our Gift in Will page. Thank you.

The Brightwell Thank you for choosing to donate to The Brightwell's Treatment Fund Campaign Donate Now Please use the form below to donate using a debit/credit card, Google Pay or PayPal Last name Email Donate in the name of First name Enter the amount £ Gift Aid my donation Address Town / City Postal / Zip code Donate Thank you for your donation! Thank you so much for donating to The Brightwell. We very much appreciate your generosity. If your donation is specifically to be used as a contribution towards a named member’s therapy, please let us know by emailing hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

We offer specialist sessions as well as oxygen therapy and physiotherapy, including sports massage, acupuncture, counselling and bladder and bowel health clinics. We also host visiting practitioners such as the Molli suit team, AAA clinic and Ultrasound Direct by appointment. Specialist Clinics The Brightwell provides access to a variety of specialist clinics, both medical and advice-based. Each therapist is fully qualified in their field and registered with the relevant professional bodies. Below are just some of the Clinics and Sessions available. You can also keep up to date with interesting articles and updates on our Health & Wellbeing section of our Blog To check availability and book a session, please call reception on 01454 201 686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk Acupuncture Baldder and Bowel Acupuncture has been used since the 1970's as a complementary treatment for many neurological conditions and it has a good reputation for its ability to stabilise and, in some cases, improve many of the symptoms. In recent years, well documented research and modern acupuncture techniques have been introduced to help improve the efficacy of the treatment. There are different systems of acupuncture which can be used either by themselves or in combination for treatment: Body acupuncture: Can target any area of the body affected in order to help; improve blood circulation, increase relaxation in the muscles and tissues, pain relief, relief from anxiety and insomnia, increase energy levels, improve bladder control and digestive function, among many other benefits. Scalp acupuncture : A system developed in more recent years specifically for neurological conditions. Here, points are treated along lines on the scalp that lie directly over the specific areas of the brain that control different bodily functions such as mobility, sensation, balance, etc. Sam May is an experienced acupuncturist who is well versed in the complexities of neurological conditions. He holds a degree in Acupuncture from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, and has been practicing in Bristol since 2010 Ear acupuncture : This system is based on a theory similar to that of reflexology where specific points of the auricle (external ear) act as reflex points for different parts of the body which can therefore be treated through the ear. This type of acupuncture is particularly effective for stress, anxiety and pain anywhere in the body and it is also used worldwide for the emotional and physical symptoms related to drug and alcohol withdrawal as well as PTSD. Acupuncture If you are unsure that acupuncture is for you, Sam will be more than happy to meet with you to answer any of your questions and to discuss a treatment plan. Sam is at The Brightwell for appointments on Fridays between 9.30am and 2.30pm. Each session lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. Initial Consultation £40 Treatment session £30 One to One Counselling About Counselling Psychotherapeutic counselling provides a secure and confidential[1] space for you to talk to a trained professional about your issues and concerns. Counselling can help with many difficult life problems and challenges. It is also an opportunity to develop new perspectives and deepen existing insights into yourself and your life as a whole. In this way therapy can be an ongoing process of transformation not only for when we are suffering but also for when we need space to navigate life, explore the past and find meaning and hope for the future. The process involves building a trusting relationship between you and your therapist. They will work with you to explore your unique circumstances, challenges, perspectives, thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and others. They will help you make beneficial changes to ease distressing feelings and move to a place of thriving rather than just surviving. A counsellor will give little or no direct advice - they will help you find your own solutions and your own path forward. About Sasha Sasha is an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works to build open and trusting therapeutic relationships and will take time to listen, explore and understand the world from your point of view and at your own pace. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, confidentially and without judgment. Sasha has wide experience working with many mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, stress and burnout. Whilst she works with all the challenges life can bring, she has particular experience and interest in chronic illness and long-term health conditions, major life transitions and change, grief and loss. She also has specialist training and experience in working with past inter-personal trauma. Sasha’s experience as a counsellor includes working in NHS primary care general practice in Somerset, with St Peter's Hospice in Bristol and in a trauma therapy service in South Wales, where she still currently works. She is also a therapeutic group facilitator for a national disabled people’s organisation, runs a small private practice and is an occasional associate lecturer at the University of the West of England. She has over fifteen years of experience with the Samaritans providing emotional support over the phone, face-to-face- face and via email and has also supported individuals longer-term through Bristol-based organisations such as the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL), Changes and Womankind. Sasha can offer shorter or longer-term therapy in-person, online or over the phone. Sessions last 50 minutes. Contribution per session £40 [1] There are some exceptions for legal and ethical reasons, which will be explained to you. Massage, Aromatherapy & Reflexolgy Claire Day, is a Therapeutic Health Practitioner. Qualified in Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy, TRE (Trauma/Tension Release exercise), Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and is also a Nordic Walking Instructor. Claire uses massage, movement & mindfulness to help build resilience from within and promote wellness. Claire works with a broad spectrum of people, from those seeking a relaxing treatment for health and wellness to those with mental health issues, sporting injuries, soft tissue injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including Neurological Conditions, arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, joint pain, migraines, piriformis syndrome, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff Injury, sciatica, tendonitis | tennis & golfers' elbow, and many more... She aims to help reduce pain & tension, increase your range of movement, and promote your body's health & wellbeing whilst building on your self-care knowledge. Claire also offers Rehabilitation for: Sports injury, Surgery, Pre/Postnatal, Illness & Post viral, TMJ Supporting those living with: Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Conditions, Physical disabilities, Fibromyalgia, ME, and Autoimmune illness. At The Brightwell Claire is at The Brightwell every Monday. Each session lasts 1 hour Cost £45 Foot Health & Care We are delighted to welcome Therese Staniland to the Brightwell from Wednesday 2 August 2023. Therese Staniland, originally from South Africa and has been in the beauty and nail industry since 2002, she was a trainer for Star Nails and owned her own training school in South Africa. She will be offering specialist foot care treatments and procedures. She is qualified as a Level 4 foot health practitioner and is passionate about the therapies she offers. Services Include: Cut and file nails Nail reconstruction Care in diabetic Feet Corns Hard skin removal (Callus) Veruca Treatment (Verrutop) Ingrowing toenails Nail fungus treatment Foot or Lower Leg Massage Manicures with gel polish. 30 minute appointments available. Follow up sessions 6/8 weeks. Cost: 30 mins £30 Reflexlogy Since I was a young boy growing up on the family farm, I have been active and loved being outdoors. My passion for sports and outdoor pursuits has continued through the years. I have also had a keen interest in Complementary therapies, which peaked in 2013 when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. I explored alternative options that may be able to help with my condition, improve my overall wellbeing and allow me to keep active. Experiencing the benefits of Reflexology first hand changed my interest into a motivating new career. Now, as a qualified Reflexologist, and member of the Association of Reflexologists and the Complimentary Natural Healthcare Council, I provide treatments to people around North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.. Alongside, I enjoy being a supportive Dad to my lovely daughter. In recent years, I have volunteered at St. Peter’s Hospice and for McMillan at Southmead Hospital. I believe in supporting others without expectation and volunteering to offer support to others is incredibly rewarding to me, and for my family. At The Brightwell I am at The Brightwell every three weeks on a Tuesday with appointments starting from 10am until 1pm. Each session lasts 45 minutes. A contribution to the charity of £15 per session for your treatment is politely suggested. Please book at reception. Massage We are delighted to announce that Helen Baddon, as one of our Specialist Therapists. Helen is a Therapist, Healer & Yoga instructor, with a BSc (Hons) in Complementary Health. Helen will be running clinics on Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm once a month from 5 November 2025 Some of you may remember Helen as she ran the clinics before departing to grow her family. Helen will be working alongside Claire Day, who will continue to offer Advanced Clinical Massage treatments every Monday. Each session is 40 minutes Cost per session will be £45. Mollie Suits The experts from the Company that provides Mollie Suits often hold sessions here at The Brightwel. These appointments are for those who are intetrested in finding out more and to check the suitability of the product for each individual's needs. For further information and to book an appointment, please visit www.remotion.co.uk Benefits and Advocacy Service with Bristol Citizens Advice Bureau Dates to be advised Therapy/Treatment Rooms for Hire We have 2 Therapy/Treatment Rooms, each one offering the following features; Washbasin with hands free mixer tap Plinth bed Desk with chair Medical grade lighting Ceiling hoist Automatic hand towel dispenser Access to our Centre WIFI Air Conditioning For further information, please visit our Cafe and Therapy Room Hire pages.

The Brightwell offers expert Functional Electrical Stimultion (FES) assessments and advice for foot drop and gait issues at our Clinic in Bradley Stoke, Bristol. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment that applies small electrical charges to a muscle that has become paralysed or weakened, due to damage in your brain or spinal cord. The electrical charge stimulates the muscle to make its usual movement. In MS and other neurological conditions, it is mostly used as a treatment for foot drop, where disruptions in the nerve pathways between the legs and brain mean the front of your foot cannot be lifted to the correct angle when walking. Histor y FES was first developed in the United States in the 1960s, where it was initially tested in stroke patients. Although early results were promising, it wasn't used regularly in clinical practice until much later, as it was very much seen as an experimental treatment. Research on its use in stroke for both foot drop and to assist finger movements, was first published in the late 1970s. In the mid-1980s, a group based in Salisbury in the UK started to look at using FES. Originally their work was in people with spinal cord injuries; from this initial work they went on to develop devices for people with MS in the early 1990s and it continues to be used today. FES is currently being investigated to see if the technique can help with swallowing, hand and arm function, and even breathing problems for pulmonary disease patients and for stroke patients. It has several potential future uses in MS. How does FES work? A FES device consists of a control box, about the size of a pack of cards, with a battery and electrodes. For foot drop, the device is usually worn in a cuff below the knee. This is where the electrodes can stimulate the nerve that goes to the muscle that would normally lift the front of your foot. At the right moment in your gait, when your foot is about to lift up to be swung forwards, the FES device stimulates the nerve and lifts the foot. The stimulation stops when the foot hits the ground again. It may take some time to adjust the timing specifically for you and your gait. Some FES devices have a sensor that is worn in the heel area, to help with the timing, but in modern devices that is optional. This means that the FES device can be worn with bare feet or sandals. What are the benefits of FES? Research and experience has shown that treatment with FES produces a more normal walking pattern, enabling people to walk faster, further and with less effort. It can also help build confidence in walking and increase independence as well as reducing the risk of trips and falls. As well as being a treatment for foot drop FES can also be used in rehabilitation, complementing physiotherapy techniques, often to assist with movements in muscles that have become weak. This allows you to build up strength and range of movement. This may also help with reducing spasticity and sometimes in reducing swelling, depending on the cause. What side effects could I get with FES? The electrical stimulation causes a tingling 'pins and needles' or buzzing sensation on the skin, much like a TENS machine. Ensuring that wires and pads are in the correct position can help minimise some of these sensations. For most people this is not a problem. FES may take a little bit of getting used to. Your physiotherapist may need to help you relearn a comfortable gait, as old habits that helped you manage your foot drop are no longer needed. You may have some soreness in your legs, hips or torso as you learn to use different muscles to walk. Very occasionally people find that the stimulation or the electrodes causes irritation of their skin. Using hypoallergenic electrode patches or asking your Brightwell physiotherapist about changing the type of stimulation that is used can often solve these problems. You will be provided with your personal set of pads and electrodes at your first consultation. Who can use FES? If you have difficulty with walking due to foot drop, you may benefit from FES. However, as FES stimulates the existing nerves in the legs, it is important that your nerve fibres between the spinal cord and the muscles are not damaged. To be suitable for the treatment, you need to be able to walk, even if only for a few metres with a stick or other walking aid. Typically, you will have an initial assessment that lasts for about an hour to see if you are suitable for treatment and if you respond to the FES stimulation. If you do respond, then you can start the treatment process. One of our physiotherapists will set up the device with you and teach you how to use it. At first you may find it difficult and time consuming to put the device on and position the pads correctly, but this becomes easier with practice. Once one of our trained physiotherapists and you have agreed that a FES device is beneficial and suitable, we will give you a clinical referral to a recommended supplier. That supplier, will discuss cost and options with you, as well as delivery timescales. Follow up sessions at The Brightwell will be necessary to adjust the electrode position and the strength of the electrical stimulation. This can change as your muscles strengthen and your nerves get used to the level of stimulation. How do I get an appointment at The Brightwell FES Clinic? If you are an existing member and/or come to The Brightwell for therapy, your physiotherapist will be able to recommend your suitability to be booked into an assessment session. If you are not an existing service user, please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk to be booked in. The assessments work as follows: Initial assessment with a fully trained FES physiotherapist Approximately one hour, cost £60 plus a one-off fee of £18 for personal pads and electrodes. Follow up sessions. You will usually only require one or two follow up sessions. Cost £60 each. Annual reassessment We recommend an annual review to look at continued correct use, gait, posture, and any physical changes. Equipment Please note that we will refer you to a reliable and approved supplier, The Brightwell does not offer any warranty for the equipment or recommend any funding options. The supplier will discuss costs with you. We will gladly supply a letter of clinical support if required. We would like to thank Woodstock Homes for their ongoing support and for funding to set up The Brightwell FES Clinic.

The Brightwell London Landmarks Half Marathon 2024 Sunday 7th April 2024 About the Event The event is not your average half marathon! From cultural landmarks and heritage to the city's quirky and hidden secrets, runner get to explore the capital on a route like no other! We were thrilled to share our brand-new route for LLHM 2023. Each year we run a cheer station so you can rest assured we will be there to give you that all important encouragement (and jelly babies) at the 11th mile! The event started on the iconic Pall Mall, before runners took in the sights and sounds of London’s awe-inspiring landmarks, event ually finishing outside Downing Street. If you'd like to know more click here: About The London Landmark Half Marathon | LLHM The Route Run the iconic London Landmarks route acro ss central Lon don . Fundraising When fundraising for The Brightwell we are with you every step of the way. We will send you a fundraising pack and your very own Brightwell vest ready for those all important training pictures for your socials! As a local, independent charity we are so grateful to those who fundraise for us and are always available to give you the support you need to help you reach & exceed your target! Sign up fee £30 Fundraising target: £500 Our team of 5 runners last year raised over £3,500 to ensure our doors are kept firmly open to provide subsidised therapy for life for anyone affected by a neurological condition. Limited spaces available We have managed to secure 5 charity places for this incredible event. If you're up for the challenge click the button below and pop us an email to register your interest in running this event for us, we will then respond with the next steps. We can't wait to hear from you. Sign up NOW! Check out LLHM 2023 Photos

Thank you so much for considering making a donation to The Brightwell. We can assure you that every pound donated is used effectively to support our members. Ways that you can donate to The Brightwell Thank you so much for donating to The Brightwell. We very much appreciate your generosity. If your donation is specifically to be used as a contribution towards a named member’s therapy, please let us know by emailing hello@thebrightwell.org.uk We would very much like to invite you to become an active part of our Brightwell community. If you would like to find out more about how to support us, please click on the links below. Support Us Events Volunteer The Brightwell 100 Corporate Network Thank you once again. First name Last name Email Donate in the name of Enter the amount £ Gift Aid my donation View terms of use Subscribe to our Newsletters/Updates Donate Option 1 Use the box below to donate using a debit/credit card, Google Pay or PayPal Option 2 Donate via JustGiving. Click on the image below Option 3 Making a Regular Donation by Standing Order Standing order If you would like to make a regular donation, please download and complete a Standing Order form. Please click on the link below to download. Option 4 Paying by Cash If you wish to make a cash donation, please call into Reception If you are a UK taxpayer, donating through Gift Aid means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra. For example if you donate £10 that means that if you are eligible and select to add Gift Aid, The Brightrwell will receive £12.50.This makes a huge difference to us . Thank you. If you have any queries or issues with making your donation please call 01454 201686 Corporate Donations We are delighted to be supported by so many businesses and companies and such donations can be made via our Brightwell 100 Just Giving page Please visit our Brightwell 100 page to see our latest projects and Wishlist. Gift in Will 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. Please visit our Gift in Will page. Thank you. More information... For further inforation about other therapies at The Brightwell, please click on the following links Become a Member Oxygen Therapy Physiotherapy FES Clinic Specialist Clinics Support Us Volunteer Newsletters Click on the logo to sign up to our blog.

The Brightwell Help Us Keep Therapy Accessible For All This is your Services Page. It's a great opportunity to provide information about the services you provide. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want to share with site visitors. Donate Here Every day, people living with neurological conditions face more than health challenges - they face barriers to accessing the therapy they need to live well. Our Treatment Fund exists to remove those barriers. When you donate to our Treatment Fund, you help us: Subsidise therapy costs for those who need it most Ensure no one is turned away due to financial hardship Keep vital therapy accessible for people living with neurological conditions Even a small donation can make a life-changing difference. Together, we can ensure therapy remains within reach for everyone who needs it. The Challenge We're Facing Demand for our services is growing, and so are our costs. More people need support, and to meet this demand we are extending our opening hours, which means: Increased staffing and recruitment costs Higher operational and running expenses At the same time, we are committed to keeping our therapies subsidised and affordable, even during this period of growth. Without additional support, this becomes increasingly difficult. Your support helps us continue offering high-quality, affordable therapy to those who rely on us. Our Goal 🎯 Raise £3,000 this quarter to help keep our therapies subsidised and accessible for everyone who needs them. Donate Here How We'll Make It Happen To bring this campaign to life, we’ll be: Sharing weekly case studies from our members, highlighting the real impact of our work. Hosting pop-up fundraising events at the centre and in the local community. Posting weekly videos showcasing life at the centre and the therapies we provide Running a weekly Brightwell shop rotation, featuring different products and themes Members Stories 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."

The Brightwell

The Brightwell

The Brightwell

The Brightwell