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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.

This year’s AGM took place on Thursday 22 May at 2pm in the Bradbury Lounge here at the Centre. The meeting was really well attended both in person and via Zoom. Presentations were made by Paul Spaven, Acting Chair, Doro Pasantes, CEO  and Steve Cocks Treasurer and Trustee. Our Chairman, Geoff Mayell, was unable to attend due to health reasons, we all wish him a speedy recovery. Below are some of the key slides from these presentations and the full suite of slides is available as a download below, We hope you find these slides of interest.   There will also be a separate blog regarding The 2024 Impact Report. If you have any queries or questions please email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk  and your question will be forwarded to the appropriate person who will be delighted to help.

Are you fearful of falls?  Do you or someone you care for have frequent falls?  Do you find it difficult to get up if you have a fall? Do you find it difficult to help someone who has had a fall ? Would you like to know more about how to prevent falls? On Thursday 12 June at 2pm we are holding a “ Prevention and Management of Falls ” talk here at The Brightwell as part of our Carers Support programme. Please come along and join us to hear an informative talk by team members from  the Sirona NHS Specialist Falls Service   who will be presenting a session about the Prevention and Management of Falls. This promises to be a very lively, informative and interactive session. This is a free session and is open to all members, carers, volunteers and anyone at risk of falls in the wider Brightwell Community. We are expecting this talk to be very popular so please book a place as soon as possible. Please contact Reception on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk .

On 19 May we held our annual Abseil for the third consecutive year at The Village Hotel in Filton, Bristol. This year's event was a complete sell out, so we knew it was going to be a success, but we didn’t realise quite how successful! Yet again we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day, albeit a bit breezy at times. There was a tremendous atmosphere and it was fantastic to see so many people cheering and supporting. The team from the Village Hotel, true to form, were excellent hosts and worked flat out all day.  They arranged for Thatcher’s Cider to bring one of their promotional trailers, plus the Village team provided snacks, food  and refreshments that went down really well. The sounds from the Live DJ  added to the atmosphere, and The Bristol Pitbulls Ice Hockey team brought along an inflatable goal for people to test their skills, and we even had an ice cream van! We were very well supported by a team of volunteers from Motability Operations here in Bristol. A big thank you to them, for all their help. Bravely taking the plunge to raise funds, were teams from: Redcliffe Homes Delta Marriot Hotel Bristol Double Tree Hilton Hotels Bristol North and City Centre Kellaway Building Supplies Thompsons Solicitors Bristol Pit Bulls Ice Hockey Team Bristol Aztecs American Football Team Thank you all! However, the stars of the show were undoubtedly our own incredibly brave Brightwell members, Roger, Jane and Rachel! The determination and commitment from these three had the onlookers in tears whilst cheering and clapping at the same time! ITV were filming throughout the day, but there is never a guarantee that you’ll make the news. However, there was a brilliant piece for several minutes including some great shots and interviews on the early evening local ITV news. Excellent publicity for the Charity! The whole day was a massive success and thanks go to Lara and Libby who have been working hard on this for months. As well as being an enjoyable, inspirational and positive day we raised £11,800 with hopefully more to follow! Heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved!! Pease check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for some great videos and photos from the day. Let’s do it again in 2026…

WHO ARE WE?   We are a fully accessible, inclusive, centre that provides specialist physiotherapy, oxygen therapy, clinics, mental health support, complimentary therapies, a café and social events for our community of 400+ individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. We are dedicated to the care of the physical and mental health of our service users.  We provide our services in a warm-non clinical environment where our members feel supported and included. Our effective interventions enhance life quality and empower individuals to be as mobile and active as possible. In 2024 we provided 17,135 appointments. Our interventions allow people to stay in, or return to the workforce, helping our community to take control of their finances.  We support those living with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorders, Stroke, Cancer, Diabetes, Long-Covid and many others.     WHY IS THE BRIGHTWELL NEEDED? One in Six people in the UK have a neurological condition. These conditions are life-long, incurable, often degenerative and disabling. They affect people of all ages and backgrounds and are most often diagnosed in young people.   Life after diagnosis can be challenging in many ways. Symptoms are unpredictable and life-altering. Every function of the body is affected. Pain, extreme fatigue, and loss of mobility are common. Financially, life changes too, 60% of sufferers have to leave the workforce, often along with their family members who take on an unpaid carer role. This lifestyle change can very often lead to people becoming isolated, lonely and immobile. Aside from yearly consultant appointments, and emergency intervention in case of relapse, infection or flare, there is little that GPs can do to help. Exercise and physiotherapy are proven to lessen symptoms, help maintain ability and functions and improve outcomes. However, the NHS is unable to provide ongoing, weekly physiotherapy intervention. Private physiotherapy is expensive and out of reach for our service users.  Regular gyms are not equipped with adaptive equipment and are too often inaccessible. Exercise classes in the community are not tailored to the unique needs of individuals with these complex conditions. These barriers can lead to people giving up on exercise altogether. The Brightwell believes in life after diagnosis, we believe that everyone deserves to thrive.  Please help us to provide fun, inclusive exercise classes, adaptive gym equipment and one-to-one physiotherapy suitable for people with all levels of mobility. Your support will allow us to continue to provide all the therapies at The Brightwell. You will be helping people to stay well in both body and mind and your donations will allow us to continue to provide a centre of excellence for those affected.   WHY ARE WE CROWDFUNDING? Since the pandemic, we have seen the price of everything rise. The energy crisis, the cost of living crisis, and the changes to National Insurance means that providing our services costs more and we are receiving less! It now costs £45,000  per month to run the centre.  We have been providing services for 40 years and we need to ensure that we are here for the next 40. We know that our interventions work and want to make sure that a 20 year old who is diagnosed today can count on our support well into the future. We need to raise £40,000 to meet rising costs, grow our services and ensure that people with neurological conditions are given an equal chance to thrive.  HOW WILL WE SPEND THE MONEY RAISED? Your generosity will go towards funding our excellent physio, rehab and oxygen services, and accessible gym equipment. It will allow us to provide new exercise classes, look after the mental health of our community as well as ensure that all those who need us can access the help they need.  The new classes will be tailored to the needs of our community. Classes are suited to both seated and standing attendees, including wheelchair users and include:  Dance for Fitness  Medium Intensity Interval Training  High and Medium Level Yoga  Balance and Stability  Cardio  Strength and Power  Endurance.  It will also allow us to continue our virtual classes for those unable to get to the centre.  Funding will also provide  An online self-managed 6-week pain management and wellness programme, integrating exercise, CBT, nutrition and advice. Developed by our lead physiotherapist.  Provide Oxygen therapy to improve overall well-being, energy levels and symptom management. And keep people in work.  Help with the rising costs of running our centre. £50   -  Supports the running of a group physiotherapy session for up to 6 people or an exercise class / Pilates / yoga for up to 12 people. £40  - Will purchase an oxygen mask that can be used by anyone having Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. £30  - Will support an individual to have a 1-2-1 specialist physiotherapy session or a week of Hyperbaric Oxygen block sessions. £20  -  will allow us to purchase 2 dumb bells used in exercise to maintain tone and strengthen muscles    £10  - Will cover the weekly cost of a specialist exercise bike loan to someone who needs it.   HOW WILL THIS HELP PEOPLE? Your donations will change lives! Each pound you give will go directly to providing therapy and support for people who need it. You may enable a Mother to continue to provide for her family, allow a Dad to take part in activities with his children, keep someone out of a wheelchair for longer, or help a wheelchair user maintain strength and condition to stay in employment. You will also give our community of members a place to belong, a place where their needs are understood, and they can socialise in safety.   Exercise and staying active helps not only physical health but supports mental well-being too. Group classes tackle isolation and loneliness as do our café and social activities. In a recent joint research study involving exercise classes at The Brightwell. Participants in the class reported: 50% Reduction in Pain  47% Improvement in Overall wellbeing  39% Improvement in mood  As well as better balance, better strength, more motivation to be productive, and more confidence in social situations.    Our service users say it best!  “I go to a group class, it is fun as well as trying to increase my endurance, keeping me fit and battling my fatigue. It is also great to meet others. I always feel better after attending.”    ‘Where would I be without the centre - I dread to think! Stiffer, more tired, more helpless and needing more care than I do now’.    “As well as the therapies I receive I enjoy the companionship at the centre. Without the Centre, I would undoubtedly be far more isolated as it is part of my routine to come.  Without the Physiotherapy I now receive I would be in much more pain.”  Please consider donating, here’s to another 40 years!

Many of you will know Lucy Smith, Director at Inclusive Change. based here at The Brightwell. On Sunday 6 July, Lucy will be bravely taking a Stand Up slot at the Bristol Ultra Comedy Event. The Brightwell is always very impressed with the tremendous efforts that people undertaken to fundraise for us. Often these challenges might be a run, swim abseil or even a sky dive, but we think the challenge that Lucy is undertaking is a first for us! If you would like to go and see Lucy perform and have a fun afternoon the venue is in Clifton at starts at 3pm. More information can be found and  tickets purchased from uk.ultratickets.co/event/ultra-comedy-bristol-06-07-2025 Please support Lucy by sponsoring her via her Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/page/lucy-smith-comedy Good Luck and a massive thank you Lucy from everyone at The Brightwell!

Millie Rutherford, our amazing Rehabilitation Therapist has undertaken two major challenges  just a month apart to raise funds for The Brightwell. The first event was on  12 April, Millie and her friend Amira Clarke  walked a marathon (26.2miles) from Ashton to Portishead Marina and back. Amira’s auntie Geraldine (Gel) has MS.  They were really happy with the time they did, albeit it was  very hilly! Completed in an impressive 9 hours 12 minutes! Well done ladies! The next event was the 10k Run as part of the Great Bristol Run Event on Sunday 11May. This time Millie was joined by Lauren Iles one of our Physio Assistants and Amanda Rutherford, Millie’s lovely Mum. Millie commented “ It was very hot and a lot of runners were struggling in the heat. Bizarrely, the three of us really enjoyed it. There was a great atmosphere and we were happy that we completed the run in good time” far, it looks like Millie and her team mates will be raising £700 for The Brightwell. Millie, Lauren and Stu Rutherford (Millie’s dad) will be running the Cardiff Half Marathon on 5 October for The Brightwell.  A massive thank you from the Brightwell Community to everyone who took part!

Doro Pasantes, Brightwell’s CEO and Geff Mayell, Chair of Trustees,  invite you to come and  join in with our 40 year  Celebration Event here at the Centre on 19 June from 2.30 until 4 pm. We are extremely proud that the Charity has been  supporting those living with Chronic Neurological Conditions for 40 years. Over that time we have supported thousands of people! Our facilities are second to none and the dedication, knowledge and expertise of  our staff and volunteers is outstanding!  Definitely lots to celebrate! This invitation is extended to all Members, Volunteers, Staff and Centre Friends whether past or present. This will be a great chance to meet up with friends colleagues, fellow volunteers and supporters, all of whom make this such an amazing Brightwell Community! Drinks and nibbles will be provided. We very much hope that you will be able to join us. Please email Helen Green, on helen.green@thebrightwell.org.uk to confirm your attendance. Alternatively. please call Reception on 01454 201686 to confirm your attendance or let them know next time that you are at the Centre.

Every year on  12 May,  individuals, support groups, and health organisations around the globe observe World Fibromyalgia Day. This significant date, which also marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale – a historical figure believed by some to have suffered from a similar chronic condition – serves as a crucial opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia.   Fibromyalgia is a complex and often debilitating chronic illness characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues, commonly referred to as "fibro fog." Millions of people worldwide live with this invisible illness, frequently facing misunderstanding and challenges in diagnosis and treatment.   The primary aim of World Fibromyalgia Day is to bring this condition into the spotlight, fostering greater public and medical community awareness. It's a day for advocating for improved patient care, enhanced support systems, and increased funding for research into the causes, mechanisms, and effective treatments for fibromyalgia.   World Fibromyalgia Day also often shares its observance with International ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and other Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND) Awareness Day, highlighting the interconnected struggles faced by those with these often-misunderstood conditions. The day emphasizes the need for compassion, recognition, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone affected by fibromyalgia.   Many of our members living with this condition benefit from regular Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Neurophysiotherapy here at The Brightwell. Benefits, through reduced inflammation and movement,  include increased flexibility, reduced pain, reduced fatigue and improved sleep patterns. For further information please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio