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We have recently taken delivery of an outstanding piece of equipment kindly lent to us by Rugged Interactive. Several months ago, Libby Jordan, our Community and Events Development Officer, attended an event at the Empire Fighting Chance Charity based in Easton, Bristol. The key speaker for the event was Bob Reeves from the Foundation for Leadership through Sport. Libby was inspired by both the work Empire Fighting Chance do and by Bob’s talk. There was a piece of equipment being used which fascinated Libby and after showing an interest Bob introduced her to Robin Mills, from Rugged Interactive, who had supplied the Cardio Wall, which was the name of the equipment. The cardio wall is a highly interactive piece of equipment to develop fitness, coordination, movement and speed. Libby discussed at length the potential benefits for our members and service users at The Brightwell. Robin was keen to help and after discussions with the Directors at Rugged Interactive, they generously delivered a Cardio Wall Landscape to The Brightwell. This new piece of equipment was welcomed by the physio team and they have already been impressed by users positive reactions to using the wall. Due to the highly engaging nature of the activity, it helps develop not only positive physical strength and coordination but also aids mental agility. We are exceptionally grateful to Rugged Interactive. On 16 October, they team from Rugged Interactive came a videoed some of our physio team and members using the equipment to use in one of their promotional videos. We have promised to provide Rugged Interactive with feedback, not only to help our own physio users but potentially others living with chronic and neurological condition. Thank you to everyone involved, your interest in our charity and commitment is greatly appreciated.

On 13 September, we held the most incredible day at Village Hotel Club for our first Charity Abseil! We had promoted this challenging adventure mostly to corporate groups and local businesses, although some individuals took part. In total over 60 participants took part raising a whopping £4,500!! The Village Hotel Club, located in Filton, just a few miles from the Centre, is an iconic landmark being a distinctive black cube shaped building. It was from the top of this hotel that our brave supporters abseiled from! All the team from the Village hotel worked tirelessly to ensure that the day went smoothly and were excellent hosts, we would like to say a massive thank you to every member of staff who worked so hard on the day., everyone commented on how utterly amazing, so friendly and accommodating they were. Huge thanks, of course, goes to all the 60 participants who took the descent to raise funds for the Centre. We had a brilliant turn out of corporates join us on the day too so a shoutout to: CLARK - UK GKN Aerospace Business West Lovell Place Care Home Toyota Bristol South Rolls-Royce Filton For most of these businesses it was the first time that they had taken part in such a daring challenge, plus the first time many of them learnt more about the work we do here at The Brightwell supporting those living with chronic neurological conditions through specialist therapies. We will definitely be running this event again next year and we look forward to welcoming the participants to our wonderful Centre very soon, so that they can find out more about us. Thanks everyone involved!

Bradley Stoke Town Council will be launching the 2023 Charity Scarecrow Trail on Saturday 21 October at 9am. The trail will close on Sunday 29 October at 6pm. Twenty-one scarecrows will be distributed throughout Bradley Stoke for people to find using trail maps which can be purchased for £2 from today. The trail maps can be purchased from the Town Council Office, Jubilee Centre, Baileys Court Activity Centre, Brook Way Activity Centre, The Willow Brook Centre, Black Sheep Kitchen, Mamas Bristol and The Brightwell Centre. Visit Bradley Stoke Town Council website for more information: www.bradleystoke.gov.uk/scarecrow23 Councillor Dayley Lawrence, Mayor of Bradley Stoke said: ‘I am delighted that so many people and organisations have come forward to make scarecrows as all the money raised will go to the Mayor’s charities which are Mamas, the Brightwell Centre and Prostate Cancer UK. I really look forward to judging the scarecrows. This year the theme for the trail is ‘international’ to celebrate all the people in the world and the diverse cultures which we live in and embrace within the community of Bradley Stoke’. Councillor Natalie Field, Deputy Mayor of Bradley Stoke commented: ‘The scarecrow trail is great fun for families with children, but anyone can do it. It’s an enjoyable way of getting out and about and to be active whilst finding the scarecrows then working out which countries they represent. It’s wonderful as well that the people/organisations who have made the scarecrows are making them out of recycled materials. It shows people care about their environment.’ Libby, from the Brightwell Centre, who has worked alongside the Council remarked ‘The Brightwell are very excited to be part of the Charity Scarecrow event this year. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs including day trips to local attractions and meals out to be won. I hope the community really enjoy this engaging activity through half term and wish everyone luck in finding the scarecrows and identifying which countries they represent.’ Photo shows – Mayor, Dayley Lawrence and Libby from The Brightwell Centre There will be an award ceremony for the best scarecrow and the Mayor’s favourite scarecrow on Saturday 4 November between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at the Brook Way Activity Centre.

We are really delighted to present this delicious range of Hotel Chocolat selection for our next draw. This fantastic draw includes. The Hotel Chocolat Grand Advent Calendar full of the best that Hotel Chocolat offers – nearly 1 kilo in weight! Hotel Chocolat Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar Hotel Chocolat Everything pocket selection of desserts Santa lolly Large Hotel Chocolat Tote bag. Worth £100! Please note that this draw is for over 18s only as the Grand Advent Calendar contains alcohol. No matter how old you are, there’s something inherently exciting about an advent calendar. The anticipation of opening up a window each day, revealing a bitesize piece of festive joy. If you’re after something extra special this year, then look no further than The Grand Advent Calendar. Brimming with decadent chocolate slabs, batons and truffles, you’ll discover a new indulgent treat each day in the run-up to Christmas. But it doesn’t stop there. Not only does this advent calendar contain twin packs of truffles, festive chocolate slabs and Selector packs. You’ll also find an array of tipples, beauty lip balm, and maybe even a sachet of insatiably creamy hot chocolate. After all, variety is the spice of life. The Grand Advent Calendar makes a beautiful gift for a partner or lucky friend, so why not spread the Christmas cheer? Tickets for this draw are £1 each and can be purchased from our online shop or from Reception at The Brightwell. The draw will take place electronically on Friday 24 November 2023. We would like to thank Nicky and Lee at Blackfriars Auto Services for sponsoring this draw. You can buy tickets via our online shop https://www.thebrightwell.org.uk/product-page/hotel-chocolat-christmas-advent-decadent-chocolate-draw or from r4eception at The Brightwell.

We are delighted to announce that The Brightwell now offers Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) assessments and advice. 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. 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. 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. We would like to thank Woodstock Homes for their ongoing support and for funding to set up The Brightwell FES Clinic. Please visit the FES Clinicpage of our website for full details and assessment information www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/fes-clinic

The resurgence of shingles in recent years has raised concerns within the medical community and prompted action to protect vulnerable populations through the National Shingles Programme. In this blog we highlight the reasons behind the shingles surge, the science behind the vaccines and the importance of informed voluntary choices. We would like to emphasise that the choice for individuals to participate in the programme is a personal one. The NHS offers a vaccine that reduces your risk of developing shingles. This guide describes the national shingles programme, the benefits of the vaccine and who is eligible. There are two shingles vaccines, Zostavax® and Shingrix®. Your GP practice or local pharmacy will advise which is the right vaccine for you. Unlike most other infections, you don’t catch shingles from someone else. Most of us had chickenpox when we were young, although some of us will not be aware that we’ve had it. After you have chickenpox, the virus remains dormant living in the nerves. For most of your life, you will not be aware of this, but from time to time the virus can come back and spread to the skin causing a disease called shingles. Shingles can be very painful and tends to affect people more commonly as they get older. This can be because your immune system is weakened by increasing age, by stress or by a range of medical conditions and treatments. For some, the pain caused by shingles can last for many years. Shingles can really affect your life, stopping you from doing all the things you usually enjoy. About shingles Cause and symptoms of shingles Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is caused by the dormant chickenpox virus spreading to an area of skin served by one of the nerves. It results in clusters of extremely painful and itchy, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can burst and turn into sores that eventually crust over and heal. These blisters usually affect an area on one side of the body, most commonly the chest, but sometimes also the head, face and eye. How long shingles lasts and how serious it can be? The first signs of shingles can be feeling generally unwell with a tingling or burning feeling in an area of skin on one side of the body. A painful rash with fluid-filled blisters usually appears a few days after the initial symptoms. Shingles on the body can cause severe pain. If shingles develops in the eye and eyelid, it can lead to decreased vision or even permanent blindness in that eye. Incidence of shingles About 1 in 5 people who have had chickenpox will develop shingles. This means that every year in England and Wales, tens of thousands of people will have shingles. Although shingles can occur at any age, the risk, severity and the complications of shingles all increase with age. Post-herpetic neuralgia Each year, about 14,000 people go on to develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) after shingles and over 1,400 are admitted to hospital because of PHN. Most people recover fully after a few weeks, but for some, the pain goes on for several months or even years. PHN is a particularly unpleasant condition with severe burning, throbbing or stabbing nerve pain. The older you are, the more likely you are to have long-lasting pain. The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of getting shingles and PHN. How shingles spreads Shingles does not spread as easily as chickenpox, but the fluid in the blisters does contain the chickenpox virus. So, someone who is not immune to chickenpox can catch the infection if they are in contact with this fluid. If you have a shingles rash you should cover the rash with loose clothing to reduce the risk of spreading chickenpox. Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, people with a weakened immune system and newborn babies should avoid direct contact with the rash. Who will get the shingles vaccine? From 1 September 2023, the vaccine programme is being offered to the following: Healthy people aged 70 to 79 years who have not yet been vaccinated. People aged 50 years and over with a severely weakened immune system. Healthy people aged 60 to 70 years will become eligible for the vaccine over the next 5 years, when they turn 65 or 70 years. You will remain eligible for the shingles vaccine until your 80th birthday, unless you have a weakened immune system; people with a severely weakened immune system remain eligible for vaccine. The sooner you have the vaccine, the earlier you will be protected. Younger people and the vaccine Younger people will be offered the vaccine when they reach the eligible age. Shingles can occur at any age, but the risk, severity and complications increase with age. Those with severely weakened immune systems are at higher risk and that is why the vaccine is recommended at an earlier age. If you have a shingles vaccine, you will be given a record card with your name and the date of the next appointment if you need a second dose. Please keep it in a safe place. Side effects Side effects from both Zostavax and Shingrix vaccines are usually quite mild and don’t last very long. The most common side effects (occurring in at least one in every ten people) are: pain and redness at the injection site ·general muscle aches ·headache You may feel tired and have a fever after Shingrix vaccine. You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the advice in the packaging) to help make you feel better. Do not use machines or drive if you are feeling unwell. You should feel better after a few days but if your symptoms persist for longer, you should discuss these with your GP or practice nurse. Zostavax can rarely cause serious side effects in people with very weakened immunity – these people should have the Shingrix vaccine instead. Vaccine safety Like all licensed vaccines, the shingles vaccines have been thoroughly tested and meet strict UK safety and licensing requirements. Both vaccines have been used extensively in Europe and North America for the last few years. How and when the vaccine is given Like most vaccinations, the vaccine will be given as an injection in your upper arm. As there are two different vaccines available, you will be offered the vaccine that is right for you. Shingrix is a non-live vaccine, and you will need two doses to give you the best longer-lasting protection. For most people the second dose of Shingrix will be offered from about six months after the first dose. If you have a severely weakened immune system your second dose of Shingrix should be given earlier, but at least eight weeks after dose one. Your GP practice will let you know when to book for the second dose. Zostavax is a live vaccine and only a single dose is required to give you good protection. Choosing which shingles vaccine to have Your GP or practice nurse will offer you the vaccine that is recommended for you. You become eligible for shingles vaccine on the NHS programme depending on your age and your current medical history. Further information If you would like more information before or after you have the vaccination, speak to your GP or practice nurse or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shingles-vaccination-for-adults-aged-70-or-79-years-of-age-a5-leaflet/vaccination-against-shingles-guide-from-september-2023

We hope you enjoy the September edition of our newsletter. To see this version in full as wwell as previous editions, please visit the newsletter page of pur website. www.thebrightwell.org.uk/about-us/brightwell-newsletters

Fri, 20 Oct | The Brightwell From Music Hall to Beanstalk Tim & Sheila Furneaux bring to life a light hearted musical extravaganza of Jack & the Beanstalk at The Brightwell. Expect 1 hour of music, song, a spoken word and some audience participation along with a note of nostalgia. When and where 20 Oct, 18:30 – 21:00 The Brightwell , The Brightwell Centre Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK Bring along your favourite snacks and tipple and enjoy 1 hour of music, song, a spoken word and some audience participation along with a note of nostalgia taking you back to the times of Flanders & Swann. Through buying a ticket to our events you are helping to provide subsidised therapy to anyone affected by a neurological condition, thank you for your support.

Overview You could get a grant from your council if you’re disabled and need to make changes to your home. For example if you: are physically disabled·have a learning disability have age-related needs are autistic have a cognitive impairment, like dementia have a progressive condition, like motor neurone disease have a terminal illnes·have a mental health condition You might need to: widen doors and install ramps or grab rails improve access to rooms and facilities, for example with a stairlift, or level access shower improve access to your garden build an extension, for example a downstairs bedroom provide a heating system suitable for your needs adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use A Disabled Facilities Grant won’t affect any benefits you get. What you'll get How much you get usually depends on your: household income household savings over £6,000 Disabled children under 18 can get a grant without their parents’ income being taken into account. Contact your local council for more information. Landlords can get a grant without their income and savings being taken into account. The council may ask for the property to be let to another disabled person if the current tenant moves within 5 years. How much you can apply for England Up to £30,000 Wales Up to £36,000 Northern Ireland Up to £25,000 Some councils may give more. Depending on your income, you may need to pay towards the cost of the work to the property. You can apply for another grant for the same property if you need to. For example, if your condition changes. You might not get any grant if you start work on your property before the council approves your application. How you’ll be paid You’ll be paid either: in instalments, as the work progresses in full, when the work is finished The council may pay the contractor directly or give you a cheque to pass on to them. They’ll agree this with you when they approve your application. When you’ll be paid You’ll be paid either: when you and the council are happy with the finished work when you give the council the invoice, demand or receipt for payment from the contractor Normally, if you (or a relative) do the work the council will only accept invoices for materials or services you’ve bought. For further information Government website www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants Local Authority Grants search “Disabled Facilities Grants” on your local authority’s website. Your local authority will be whichever Council you pay your Council Tax to.

My name is Victoria Hocquard, I am the Fundraising Manager (Grants and Trusts), here at The Brightwell, specialising in grants and trusts. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to work with such a positive, enthusiastic and hardworking team. I discovered the Brightwell completely by accident when I was introduced to Doro through another charity. I immediately felt at home at the Centre and was inspired and impressed by what was offered. I applied for the position and was over the moon to join the Brightwell in 2018, initially for two days a week focusing on writing off to Grant Making Trusts and Foundations asking for donations towards projects or our running costs. I do not come from a fundraising background, although in many of my previous formal or voluntary roles I have raised significant amounts. I have had a varied career history, including bank clerk, a buyer for a chain of giftware stores, where I absolutely loved attending gift fairs and picking out product ranges for the stores. I have also been a teaching assistant in a residential special school, specialising in children with many different barriers to learning and diagnoses. As an avid reader and book lover, I was frustrated that so many of the children came to the school not being able to read, and through no fault of their own did not have access to books, or storytelling. With class sizes and such differing levels of literacy the teachers found it hard to find the time to read individually with the pupils. So, I set up a library from scratch. I also then ended up as the librarian! I have also been a young person's counsellor and a mentor and coach, and have enjoyed writing newsletters, press copy and marketing materials for businesses and organisations. My husband's job meant that we were lucky enough to spend some time living in America. This was a fantastic experience and a real revelation, especially when it came to healthcare costs. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2004, and it was a real shock to see how quickly you could accumulate sizable medical bills. My experience has been that Doctors and Consultants on both sides of the pond are dismissive and unempathetic about Fibromyalgia symptoms. This was one of the reasons I was drawn to The Brightwell. Everyone was so caring and kind. Most people have never heard of Fibromyalgia, and so to find a place that was knowledgeable and compassionate and where there were other people like me honestly felt like coming home. I have always had a passion for writing and have been a member of whichever writing group is local to me. The Californian writer's group was quite the experience! The Brightwell allows me to pursue my love of the written word, whilst being a part of the most amazing community of people. I am proud of the money that my team and I have raised and am determined to keep pushing to enable The Brightwell to continue strongly well into the future. I now live in Devizes Wiltshire, with my Husband and our two cocker spaniels. My son recently graduated with a law degree and so is temporarily back at home with the annoying old folks, whilst he earns some money for his next steps. Please come and say hello if you see me at The Brightwell, I am usually in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Best Wishes Victoria

When and where 18 Nov, 10:30 – 12:15 Bradley Stoke, The West of England MS Therapy Centre Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About Calling all Frozen fans ... Magical Moon Entertainment presents a 1.5 hour themed dance party & show for your children to enjoy. Meet and greet Anna and Elsa including photos Door open 10.30am Show starts 10:45 Show finished 12:15 Children will be sat on the floor so please feel free to bring a cushion to two! There are limited tickets due to space in the Centre and to ensure as many children can enjoy the show as possible we are asking that just 1 adult accompanies your party if possible. Refreshments available to purhase on the day. This fundraiser is kindly sponsored by Capri Gems Cleaning Services, your fantastic local cleaning service, which means that every penny raised through this fundraising event will go towards providing life-changing therapy. Our therapies enable our members to minimise symptoms of their chronic conditions & live a fulfilled, independent life for as long as possible. Tickets are non-refundable. Limited Parking is available on site or on-street parking just outside the grounds. Click here for more inoration and to buy tickets.

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, eventually 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 across central London. 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. ​Please click here to visit our dedicated webpage and to see some great photos from our supporters in the 2023 LLHM,