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Volunteers play a vital role at The Brightwell with nearly 10,000 hours being donated each year. Roles are varied and adaptable. Contact us to discuss how you can help. Volunteering Volunteers are the lifeblood of our success here at The Brightwell. If you are looking for a new interest or challenge, becoming a volunteer at The Brightwell might give you the opportunity you are looking for. You will be made very welcome and your input with make a positive and meaningful difference to our service users, staff and other volunteers. 5 6 3 5 1/7 Volunteer Opportunities We have the following volunteer opportunities available: Supermarket Collections Help our fundraising team and represent The Brightwell with collection tins and buckets at Supermarkets and Shops. Community Collection Administrator Help organise and manage collection tins that are distributed around local shops and organisations. This would require keeping track of tin locations, collecting and replacing tins when full. Raffle Prize Coordinator Source and organise the donation of raffle prizes for our monthly events. Some of our volunteers prefer to work a set number of hours per week on certain days and this works well when working closely with staff members of The Brightwell team. Please note that Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If you are interested in a volunteer role we have available please email community@thebrightwell.org.uk or call us on 01454 201 686. Please also visit https://govo.org Enter our postcode BS32 9DB, to check out all our Volunteer opportunities. Thank you. Meet some of our amazing volunteers Janet Fundraising Volunteer Colette Fundraising and Events Howard Oxygen Chamber Operator Keith Volunteer Driver Gus and Mike Fundraisers Keith Lead Oxygen Operator Corporate Volunteers Many businesses, whether they are a SME, Limited Company, a Plc., or apart of a National or even an International Group, give their employees time off to support good causes and local charities like us. By volunteering, not only are the individuals involved helping their chosen cause, but often taking part in such activities promotes communication, team building and self-awareness. We are very fortunate to have been supported by such teams in the past including groups from TSB, Lloyds Bank, Rolls Royce and different sectors of the Civil Service. The Brightwell has benefitted from tasks such as working on the grounds, gardening, building maintenance, building projects and much more. We would very much like to welcome you to come and spend time with us here at The Brightwell for a volunteering event. Please contact us at hello@thebrightwell.org.uk 1/2

The Brightwell, incorporating The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, offers specialised therapies including physio and hyperbaric plus many other support services. As a charity we rely on fundraising and donations to continue our work. Neuro Physiotherapy Find out more At The Brightwell, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With over 40 years of unwavering commitment, we strive to empower our members by providing access to a warm and friendly, non-clinical environment that fosters independence, symptom management, and overall well-being. Our aim is to offer a diverse range of specialised therapies, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Neuro-physiotherapy , all delivered by a dedicated team of experts. We embrace innovation with our in-house Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and a self-generated oxygen supply, ensuring top-tier quality and availability. We believe in inclusivity, offering one-on-one physiotherapy sessions, group activities, and online classes. Our subsidies for Brightwell Members, as well as our open doors to individuals in various stages of recovery, showcase our commitment to accessible care. At the Brightwell, we stand alongside those living with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorders, Long Covid, and Cancer, amongst many others. Our services extend to Specialist Clinics and therapies including our own Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) assessment clinic, counselling, acupuncture, reflexology, remedial massage and aromatherapy, foot health and bladder & bowel clinics. We have members from the Greater Bristol area, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath, Wiltshire, South Wales and from all across the South West and the M4 corridor. There are always lots of social events taking place and a huge and varied number of ways to be involved in fundraising and volunteering. We not only welcome new members but also provide a wide array of volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Click here to find out how to Become a Member. What is a neurological condition? A neurological condition is defined as a disorder that affects the brain, nervous system or spinal cord and, as these control every single part of your body, problems with them often cause serious consequences. Conditions can appear suddenly, for example a stroke or a brain injury; some, like epilepsy, you are born with; and others develop over time, like multiple sclerosis. They can affect anyone, at any age, of any ethnicity, and at any time in life. Some conditions are incurable, some last a lifetime and, sadly, some are life-threatening, but all of them will impact on a persons quality of life. What causes them? Sadly, no one really knows what triggers or causes most conditions. Some, especially ones that occur suddenly, can be linked to genes, the environment, accidents, injuries or infections. Although research is continuing there is yet to be any consensus on causes and, for most people, there is absolutely nothing they, or their family, could have done to stop them. Our Impact Report for 2024 This is the first time that we have produced an Impact Report in this format and we are delighted with how it gives a great representation of everything that goes on here at The Brightwell. The report is packed full of great images, facts, statistics and information. The report includes sections on Our Story So Far Who We Support Our Therapies A Letter From Our Chair A Letter From Our CEO 2024 In Numbers Fundraising Stories from Our Members Meet Our Volunteers Acknowledgements. Whether you are a New or Existing Member,Volunteer,Member of Staff or Supporter this is an excellent document, offering so much information regarding the Charity, its work and people, operational insights and community. You can view or download a copy of this report by clicking on the image above or click here .. A hardcopy version can be available on request, please call 01454 201686.

Give the gift of therapy, support and friendship by remembering The Brightwell in your Will and positively impact those living with chronic neurological conditions. Leaving a Gift in Your Will for The Brightwell 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. Why Leave a Legacy to The Brightwell? Your gift directly benefits individuals. Donations subsidise the costs associated with providing face-to-face therapies, clinics and social events for people living with these challenging conditions, so that they can afford to have these therapies on a long-term basis. The Brightwell is not part of a larger Charity or group which means that you can be assured that your legacy will be used effectively for The Brightwell. The Brightwell does not receive any direct funding from the Government, the NHS or National MS/Neurological Charities. This means that all costs must be fundraised or covered by Brightwell members’ voluntary contributions. By leaving a legacy you will be part of the future of this precious local resource. We are a small charity, and we keep our overheads as low as possible, so your donation will be used effectively to support The Brightwell, now, and in the future. So, whether you know someone who has benefitted from the therapies and support offered by The Charity, maybe you have benefitted yourself, been a supporter or a volunteer, please remember us in your Will. Here is some important information you and your Solicitor will need to know… The Brightwell is a brand name for two charities. We are regulated by the Charities Commissions Regulations. These are The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited, Registered Charity Number 801155. and The Brightwell Neurological Support Centre Limited, Registered Charity Number 1109459. How to Leave a Legacy: Your intention to make a bequest will need to be stipulated in your Will. This can be for a specific amount, for a specific purpose or as a percentage of your Estate, and can be made to one or the other of the Charities above. There may be beneficial tax implications for your beneficiaries in terms of potential Inheritance Tax savings. We cannot give you any offered or implied guidance about this, but your appointed Solicitor will be able to give you specific and qualified advice. We are very fortunate, that Wards, a firm of local Solicitors offer beneficial rates to The Brightwell Community to draw up a simple Will. Please see the details below: You can make use of this excellent and affordable service by calling The Brightwell on 01454 201686 and one of our Reception Team will be able to provide you with available dates and next steps. In Memory Donations for someone who’s no longer with us If you would like to make The Brightwell the beneficiary at your loved ones’ farewell ceremony, the person organising their send-off can arrange this with us directly. Alternative ly, if you wanted to make a personal donation in the memory of someone who is no longer with us please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/donate , or pick up the phone and call us on 01454 201686 we are always happy to talk. Should you wish to consider leaving The Brightwell a legacy and have questions, you can speak to a member of our team. If you would like to see firsthand how your gift will benefit others, we extend an open invitation for you to come and visit the Brightwell. Please call Victoria Hocquard on 01454 201686 or email victoria.hocquard@thebrightwell.org.uk How to find out more Please visit our website www.thebrightwell.org.uk Our blogs are a great place to start to get a real feel for what we have taking place www.thebrightwell.org.uk/blog You can also sign up to receive our Newsletters www.thebrightwell.org.uk/brightwell-newsletters Our Grateful Thanks On behalf of all the members, staff, volunteers and supporters at The Brightwell, we would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks for thinking about The Brightwell and taking the step in making a huge difference for the future of the Centre. Thank you.

We want everyone to use our site and are commited to doing so. Accessibility Statement Accessibility statement for www.thebrightwell.org.uk This accessibility statement applies to www.thebrightwell.org.uk This website is run by The West of England MS Therapy Centre Ltd. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website so we aim to make it as usable as possible for all our visitors, regardless of ability. For example, that means that you should be able to; change colours, contrast levels and fonts increase the font size zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen navigate most of the website with just a keyboard navigate most of the website using speech recognition software listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver) We've also made the website text as simple as possible to understand. 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 Our website is developed using valid HTML5, CSS and JavaScript and where possible to the standards laid out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ( WCAG 2.1 ). Our site is responsive to mobile devices and has been tested across a range of browsers. Whilst we strive for our website to achieve WCAG 2.1, level A and AA compliance, there are some known limitations. Here are some potential problems that we are working hard to improve: we aim to provide captions and/or transcripts for all our videos but these may not be available for all videos PDFs and documents across our site are not always accessible some images do not contain text alternatives some parts of the website may not, yet, be accessible using a keyboard some of our online forms are difficult to navigate using just a keyboard some colours used on the website do not conform with WCAG 2.1 level AA Feedback and contact information 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 encounter any issues that prevent you from using our site, please let us know. Your information will help us improve the website for all our visitors. Please provide as much detail as possible in your feedback. You can contact us via: email: community@thebrightwell.org.uk call us on: 01454 201 686 Complaints Accessibility regulations are enforced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) . If you've made a complaint to us and you're not happy wit how we responded, please contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) . Non-accessible content Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations Video and audio content We aim for all our video/audio content to have at least one of the following: subtitles captioning a transcript We know that some of our video, or audio, content - particularly older videos - does not consistently have subtitles. We are working on this. Downloadable content Our website features downloadable resources, mainly Word documents and PDFs. We will work toward making sure that all downloadable resources are accessible and will investigate moving away from the PDF documents in the future. Colour contrast We have tested the accessibility of the website's colour palette. The majority of the website conforms with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. We are in the process of changing the colours that do not. Third party content Our site includes Third Party Content and functionality. Whilst we strive to make sure any Third party is accessible, we cannot always guarantee it. What we're doing to improve accesibility Our site will be regularly reviewed with manual audits by our content team and by scans with automated testing tools. 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 2023 and will be again in August 2023

The Brightwell 100 is a network of businesses and corporate donors, who all have the shared aim of supporting the work carried out at The Brightwell, through fundraising, by donated goods & services, and volunteering. 40k for 40 years of future care In 2025, The Brightwell turns 40, an incredible four decades of supporting people affected by neurological conditions through specialist therapies, community, and care. To celebrate, we’re launching our biggest campaign yet. We’re raising £40,000 in just 6 weeks to fund vital physio, therapy, and exercise classes to ensure we can be here for those who need us most, now and in the future. Why 40 FOR 40 Matters Every pound raised helps someone living with MS, Parkinson’s, ME, Fibromyalgia, or over 600 other neurological conditions. It supports our members and those who haven’t even found us yet with access to life-changing care and connection. How you can help Donate Now More information... For further inforation about other therapies at The Brightwell, please click on the following links Become a Member Oxygen Therapy Physiotherapy Support Us Donate Events Corporate Donations Leave a Gift in Your Will Volunteer Newsletters Click on the logo to sign up to our blog.

Consent form for physiotherpy at the Centre with COVID-19 guidance < Back Consent form This form is for all existing and all potential members who wish to receive physiotherapy at The Brightwell, The West of England MS Therapy Centre or The Bristol Therapy Centre. You need to fill this form in before you physically attend or virtually attend a physiotherapy session. You only need to fill this form in once. First Name Last Name Email Phone If you are at high risk from coronavirus you're advised to follow the shielding advice issued by Public Health England to protect yourself. If this is the case you may not be offered a face to face appointment at the Centre. However, you will still be eligible to access our online, virtual appointments. If you are continuing to shield we also advise you to look at the self-management tools offered by the NHS. THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 ARE; A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual) A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest and/or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A loss or change to your sense of taste or smell - this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal Most people with COVID-19 have at least one of these symptoms. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS If you have ANY of the main symptoms of COVID-19 you must; Stay at home (self-isolate) - do not leave your home or have visitors. Anyone you live with and anyone in your support bubble must also self-isolate Get a test - Get a test to check if you have COVID-19 as soon as possible . Anyone you live with and anyone in your support bubble should also get a test To get a test visit https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test Continue

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.

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.

Oxygen therapy is also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). During a session you will be breathing 95% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. Benefits can include improvements in healing and the management of neurological and other chronic conditions. Oxygen Therapy What is oxygen therapy? Oxygen therapy can be referred to as either Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) or High Dose Oxygen Therapy (HDOT). This means that during your therapy session, you will be breathing in a higher concentration of oxygen whilst under increased atmospheric pressure (hyperbaric). Since August 2022, we have been generating our own oxygen, which guarantees supply and quality. What conditions can benefit? The majority of our members and Centre users live with chronic neurological conditions, predominantly Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Other conditions include; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's, Stroke and Fibromyalgia. Find out more about Becoming a Member. Our hyperbaric oxygen chamber Oxygen therapy for Non Neurological conditions We also offer non-subsidised sessions for those wanting to benefit from our therapies who may not have a neurological condition.. These include Acute illness ·Injury, including sports and trauma. Post operative recovery Long Covid Cancer Arthritis If your issue/condition is not on this list, please call us to discuss it, we will be delighted to help. These users will still have use of our facilities in the same way, but pay through Bristol Therapy Centre Ltd. Click here for an application form for non-neurological service users. Oxygen therapy for sports professionals Max Lahiff and Joe Joyce, Bristol Bears We frequently assist those with a variety of sports injuries. In the past, we have treated players from both amateur and professional football and rugby clubs as well as professional cricketers and ice hockey players. Due to an increased level of fitness in sportspeople, the number of sessions they require in the chamber is reduced. Oxygen therapy is particularly beneficial for speeding up the repair of strains, breaks and soft tissue damage. Click here to complete a form specifically to book sessions for sports-related injuries. The air we normally breathe contains 21% oxygen, and 78% nitrogen, with the remaining 1% being contributed by noble gases and carbon dioxide. The concentration of these gases is determined by the atmospheric pressure which is influenced by the weather and is reduced at altitude. Atmospheric pressure is accorded the unit 1 to represent atmospheric pressure absolute, or 1 ATA. How does oxygen therapy work? Oxygen timetable Please note the timetable can occasionally change due to demand, check with the oxygen team to confirm the correct timings and pressure. Isobaric and Exercise with Oxygen Sessions There are no set time for sessions on the outside of the Chamber - an appointment is required. Further Information about your therapy In instances where it isn’t feasible to attend every day, we will work with you to organise sessions as close together as possible to maximise the potential effectiveness of the therapy. When in the chamber we recommend that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Some people find it beneficial to wear layers as the chamber can become quite warm during a session and can then become quite chilly during decompression. You can take a mask break while in the chamber as long as it is only one member at a time When the pressure increases in the chamber you may need to equalise your ears, just as you would on an aeroplane. There are a number of ways to do this: • Swallow; this is usually the most effective method • Pinch your nose and with your mouth shut blow out • Move your jaw from side to side • Try to force a yawn • Take sips of water; you will need to bring a plastic bottle of still water with you If you can’t clear your ears at first, don't worry, just let the operator know straight away and they will stop the pressurisation, they'll then let out some of the pressure until you let them know, with a thumbs up, that everything is okay, the operator will then resume pressurisation at a slower rate. The operator, and the other occupants of the chamber, will always be on hand to help you. As you will be wearing your mask for the entirety of the session it will be difficult to talk and the noise will make it tricky to hear. Most people listen to something through their headphones or read a book to keep themselves entertained. You can bring your mobile phone, tablet or laptop into the chamber; but we recommend you download any programmes you’d like to watch beforehand. There is free Wi-Fi in the Centre, so you could do a spot of online shopping to pass the time. There are a number of items that are prohibited to have in the Chamber please click here for full details. Meet the Team For further information about The Brightwell Community please visit the following pages Meet The Brightwell Team and Volunteer What to do next We very much hope that you would like to Become a Member. More information about costs and ways to pay can be found on our Therapies page Our Reception Team will be delighted to help you with any questions, please callron 01454 201686 We look forward to welcoming you to The Brightwell.

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 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 offers a unique environment for those looking to receive an extensive range of therapies for people with chronic neurological and other conditions. Therapies at The Brightwell The Brightwell offers a unique environment for those looking to receive an extensive range of therapies for people with chronic neurological and other conditions. We are proud to confirm that our facilities are second to none in the Greater Bristol area and we offer a friendly yet professional approach in a non- clinical environment. The Brightwell offers fully accessible premises, with extensive free disabled parking. In the physiotherapy department there is a full hoisting system and a vast array of equipment. Each therapist is fully qualified in their field and registered with the relevant professional body. All our volunteers are also trained to the highest standard. Click here to find out about Becoming a Member. What sort of therapies are available? The Brightwell offers fully accessible premises, with extensive free disabled parking. In the Physiotherapy department there is a full hoisting system. Our main therapies include Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment in our Chamber and Neurophysiotherapy. Each therapist is fully qualified in their field and registered with the relevant professional body. All our volunteers are also trained to the highest standard as set out through the Neurological Therapy Network Guidelines. We also have an extensive range of Specialist clinics including: Bladder and Bowel support for members with MS. FES Assessment. One to One Counselling Massage Acupuncture Aromatherapy Reflexology Foot Health Citizen’s Advice sessions Mollie Suit assessments Please visit our Specialist Clinics page for full details. Non-neurological conditions and Sports Injuries We also offer non-subsidised sessions for those wanting to benefit from our therapies who may not have a chronic condition. This can include acute illness or injury, including sports and trauma. These users will still have use of our facilities in the same way, but pay through Bristol Therapy Centre Ltd. Click here for a Non-neurological Registration Form for non-neurological service users. Click here for a Sports Injury Registration Form What conditions do our members have? How much do the therapies cost? All the sessions for those members living with neurological conditions are subsidised through our fundraising efforts and supporter donations. However, as a charity we do ask for a contribution towards each session, the details of which are below. It is the Charity’s policy to never deny someone support due to financial reasons and we welcome the opportunity to confidentially discuss any payment issues with anyone struggling to contribute towards for their therapy sessions. Please click here to see our Cancellation Policy Contributing by Standing Order Where possible, we request that members contribute by standing order. The benefits are as follows: It helps us with planning for staffing/volunteer levels. Members know they have a definite booking. You only pay for 44 weeks a year, to take into account holidays. Therapy sessions are still available to you for 51 weeks a year We are usually only closed for 1 week over Christmas and New Year. You know you have made your contribution, so there are no concerns about forgetting. It is easier to budget. Adjustments can be made for long-term absence, e.g. hospitalisation or prolonged illness. Standing orders are worked out on an average of 44 weeks per year if someone attends weekly. This takes into account 8 weeks of non-attendance for any reason. Examples 1-2-1 Physio at £28 per session X 44 weeks / 12 months = £102.66 per month Oxygen at £18 per session X 44 weeks / 12 months = £66 per month Please click here to download a Standing Order Form . If you are setting up your repeat payment via your banking app, please complete the bottom section of this form so that Reception is aware that you are paying by standing order. A member of staff or a member of our Reception Team will be pleased to work out your monthly payment with you based on your personal treatment plan. We can also print off any forms and complete them with you. We are proud to be part of the Neuro Therapy Network Please visit www.neurotherapynetwork.org.uk for further information.