Search Results

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. Donate Now 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. 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, incorporating The West of England MS Therapy Centre, has been offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy and specialist physiotherapy for over 35 years. Based in Bradley Stoke, Bristol we support members from North Somerset, Bath, Gloucestershire and South Wales. About The Brightwell At The Brightwell, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With 40 years of unwavering commitment, we strive to empower our members by providing access to a warm and friendly, non-clinical environment that fosters independence, symptom management, and overall well-being. Our Mis sion To build a dedicated and compassionate community, committed to the care and wellbeing of individuals living with neurological conditions, their families and carers. Our Goal Is to provide a range of therapies and services to support and enrich the lives of those living with neurological conditions. The Brightw e ll is... A relaxed, happy and caring space, where people can share their experiences, build friendships and access support when it is needed. An accessible building providing therapies and support services by qualified professionals. A place where the members, volunteers and staff are the cornerstones of a thriving and vibrant community. A hub for self-help and positivity. What we do ... Our therapies are provided in a warm, friendly non-clinical environment all with the aim to help reduce the physical, emotional and psychological effects of life with a neurological condition. We have a state of the art physiotherapy gym, oxygen therapy suite and a variety of individual treatment rooms, housing the wide range of therapies and clinics on offer. We are delighted to have recently opened our Brightwell Café, offering a selection of drinks, hot beverages, and snacks, members can relax and catch up with friends in our comfortable lounge In the summer we have a beautiful terrace, large gazebo and garden area for all our visitors to enjoy. Under 1% of the Centre's funding is statutory, we therefore rely on donations from the public, organisations and community groups to continue our vital work. What our members,volunteers and supporters have to say.... Click on the logos to see what others are saying about us on Google and Facebook Our History Following the introduction of Centres elsewhere in the country, a local group of people living with Multiple Sclerosis, their families and friends were brought together by Jackie and Ray Brightwell. With the support of ARMS (Action for Research into Multiple Sclerosis) a national organisation, they set up the first MS Therapy Centre to support people in the Bristol area. The Centre was opened in Nailsea in 1985 and at that time only offered oxygen therapy. Over time physiotherapy, exercise and yoga were introduced. We soon realised how important access to on-going physiotherapy was for people living with long-term conditions and the nucleus of our now well-equipped and well-staffed physiotherapy unit was established. As the Centre continued to grow counselling, reflexology and acupuncture were added to the therapies available. We also started to host various NHS clinics at the Nailsea Centre, these included an MS specialist nurse, a continence clinic and a speech therapist. The Centre in Nailsea had been expanded to take in three industrial units but planning restrictions, the nature of the buildings and the cramped car parking facilities made improving our facilities and further expansion impractical. On the 20th February 2012 we opened the doors at our brand new, purpose built Centre in Bradley Stoke. The Centre was officially opened by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne on the 31st October 2012. Research into the benefits of Oxygen therapy has been on-going with many agreeing that it can help many conditions, not just Multiple Sclerosis. From the beginning of 2012 we opened our doors to anyone with a neurological condition, as well as to others through our trading arm with all proceeds going back to the Charity. In 2016 discussions began with the members to formalise this expansion. At the Cente's AGM in 2017 it was agreed that renaming the Centre in memory of Jackie Brightwell would not only be a fitting tribute to a lady who gave so much to help so many but, was also a way of reaching out to those living with neurological issues. In 2019, we began the transition to The Brightwell - a Centre for neurological wellbeing and physical recovery. Our aims, strengths and core values remain the same as they were way back in the Nailsea days and we hope to continue to provide timely and effective help for the people who need us, well into the future. Our Sustainability Pledge The Brightwell is wholly committed to its Sustainability Pledge to be net Zero by 2050 and to have emmissions reduced by 50% by 50% by 2030. We try to adopt a “green “approach in whatever we do. We have been very fortunate that through focused fundraising campaigns, and incredibly generous support from a number of Brightwell 100 members we have achieved so much. Solar Energy has been a major focus with 114 x 250kw panels being fitted in 2019, upgraded by a further 40 x 400 kw panels in 2023, with the addition of 3 x 14kw storage batteries being installed at the same time. Despite considerable increases in energy costs for commercial properties, the benefit of generating this amount of solar energy has made a significant difference to keeping our fuel bills to a manageable level. We have also been working on a gradual LED lighting replacement programme. All the outdoor lighting was upgraded to LED in 2022. The internal lighting is an ongoing project. The new offices, meeting room and lounge area are all LED. As of February 2025 the Oxygen Suite has been completed with plans for the Physio department, the Reception and Cafe areas to be completed as soon as funds are available. In 2022 we started generating our own Oxygen for our Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, Although this means we are using more power to generate the oxygen, environmentally there is no other impact as we no longer have large tankers making frequent deliveries and there is no waste. Other improvements have been the upgrade to a more efficient heating boiler and we are always mindful of any equipment purchased or disposed of. Our green credentials are very important to us here at The Brightwell. To find out more about the individual projects, how you can help us to fund more, the respective sponsors and the impact, please scroll through to our Blog Heading 3 Legal and Regulatory Information The Brightwell is an umbrella name for two main charities and a trading company. We are regulated by the Charities Commissions Regulations. These are The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited Registered Charity Number 801155. The Brightwell Neurological Support Centre Limited Registered Charity Number 1109459. The trading arm is the Bristol Therapy Centre Limited Company Number 0819674. If you require any further information, please contact our CEO Doro Pasantes on 01454 201686. 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 is a charity supporting people to live well with their neurological condition. We receive no government, or NHS, funding and rely upon volunteers and fundraisers so that we can continue to offer our help and support. Contact The Brightwell We are always delighted to hear from you, whether you would like to find out more about the therapies we offer, becoming a member, joining our team as a volunteer or helping with fundraising. Please email us hello@thebrightwell.org.uk or call on 01454 201 686 Please come to see us or call in for a coffee at The Brightwell Cafe. The Brightwell Bradbury House Wheatfield Drive Bradley Stoke Bristol, BS32 9DB Opening hours Monday 8.30 am - 18.15 pm Tuesday 8.30 am - 17.30 pm Wednesday 8.30 am - 17.30 pm Thursday 8.30 am - 17.00 pm Friday 8.30 am - 16.30 pm How to find us Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out! First name Last name Email Join Thanks for subscribing! 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.

We’re turning 40 - and we want YOU to help us celebrate in the biggest, most exciting way ever! To mark this incredible milestone, we’re launching our BIGGEST and BEST raffle yet - with 40 amazing prizes up for grabs!  Want a shot at winning? Here’s just a taste of what you could take home: 🏡 A weekend getaway in a fully accessible cottage for up to 6 people 🚀 A brand-new whizzy rollator to keep you moving in style 🎶 A one-of-a-kind signed programme from Irish chart-toppers The Script 🏎️ Tickets to the Goodwood Festival of Speed (courtesy of Alpine) 🏏Family tickets to any home game at Gloucestershire Cricket Club ⛳ 4 Ball Voucher for 18 holes at The Bristol Golf Club - Almondsbury (courtesy of Kellaway Building Supplies) 🎯 A night of social darts + meal vouchers at The Village Hotel … and SO much more! 🎟 Get your raffle tickets now at reception or on our website. Don’t miss out - These prizes are too good to pass up! Good luck - and thank you for celebrating 40 fantastic years with us!

World MS Day is an international awareness day for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign for change. World MS Day is officially marked on 30 May but activities take place throughout the month of May and early June. The My MS Diagnosis campaign The theme for World MS Day 2025 is diagnosis. The name of the campaign is My MS Diagnosis and the tagline: navigating MS together. The My MS Diagnosis campaign advocates for early and accurate diagnosis for everyone living with MS. It highlights the global barriers to diagnosing MS, raising awareness by sharing real stories and data. WMSD are calling for better MS training for healthcare professionals, new research, and clinical advancements in MS diagnosis. Building informed, caring communities and systems that support people diagnosed with MS For further information about this global event please visit https://worldmsday.org/about Thoughts from The Brightwell We  suggest that newly diagnosed people, with not only MS but any chronic or neurological condition, consider what therapies would complement any clinical treatment they are undertaking and support their health and general wellbeing further.  This could include seeing one of our neuro-physiotherapists who would assess your current symptoms and work with you on a plan to maintain or improve mobility, balance, coordination and establish good patterns of movement.  Or, starting a course of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which increases the amount of oxygen  in the blood that is then more easily delivered to the cells around the body, including where there are areas of inflammation or areas that are short of oxygen. Or, speaking to our Counsellor, who can help you to work through the major emotional rollercoaster that coming to terms with a long term chronic condition like MS brings with it. Or, having a massage, reflexology or acupuncture, all therapies that can help to manage pain and support improved wellbeing. There is strong evidence that indicates having and active and healthy lifestyle and taking a proactive approach with therapies and your physical and mental wellbeing can have a positive impact on a condition. Our 40 years of experience in this area supports this evidence. Time and time again we hear our members say that that they wish that they had come to us years before; when they were newly diagnosed, not just for the therapy, but also for the support the Centre provides. Please come and talk with us as soon as you have been diagnosed or are presenting with symptoms, we are here to offer support and advice at any stage of your journey. What will the Brightwell be doing on this day? On this day the Brightwell will be at the Willowbrook Centre hosting a coffee morning with cake! We will be raising awareness with Information on the therapies and support available at the Centre.  Anytime Fitness will be running an accessible Charity Circuit Challenge to highlight how important it is to stay fit and active whatever your level of mobility. If you are newly diagnosed and want to join the incredible Brightwell Community please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/join-us

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 Member,Volunteer,Member of Staff or a 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 link below. A hardcopy version can be available on request, please call 01454 201686. Thank you to everyone who was involved in compiling all the data and information, photos and design for this report.