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- The Brightwell | Accessibility Statement
We want everyone to use our site and are commited to doing so. Accessibility Statement Accessibility statement for www.thebrightwell.org.uk The Brightwell website is run by The West of England MS Therapy Centre Ltd. We are committed to ensuring our website is accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of ability or technology. We want everyone who visits our website to have a positive experience. This means you should be able to: change colours, contrast levels and fonts increase the font size zoom in up to 300% without text spilling off the screen navigate most of the website using a keyboard navigate most of the website using speech recognition software listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the latest versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver) We have also aimed to make the content on our website as clear and simple as possible to understand. Customising your device My Computer My Wa y provides free online resources that can help you customise your device and make it easier to use. These include: how to adjust your computers visual settings how to navigate a site using a keyboard how to make a device talk to you How accessible this website is This website is built using valid HTML5, CSS and JavaScript and, where possible, follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, levels A and AA. The site is responsive and designed to work across desktop, tablet and mobile devices. It has been tested across a range of modern browsers. Known accessibility issues Feedback and contact information While we aim to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, we are aware that some parts of the website are not fully accessible. These include: some videos do not yet have captions, subtitles or transcripts some PDFs and downloadable documents are not fully accessible some images do not have appropriate alternative text some parts of the website are not fully accessible using a keyboard some online forms can be difficult to navigate using only a keyboard some colour combinations do not meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA contrast requirements We are actively working to address these issues. If you need information on this website in a different format, please contact us via: email: community@thebrightwell.org.uk call us on: 01454 201 686 We will consider your request and get back to you in five working days Reporting accessibility problems with this website If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, please let us know. Your feedback helps us improve the website for all users. You can contact us using the details above. Please include as much information as possible about the issue you experienced. Complaints Accessibility regulations are enforced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). If you are not satisfied with how we respond to your accessibility complaint, you can contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) for independent advice and support. Non-accessible content Video and audio content We aim for all our video/audio content to have at least one of the following: subtitles captioning a transcript Some older video and audio content does not currently meet this standard. We are working to improve this over time. Downloadable documents Some downloadable resources, particularly older PDFs and Word documents, may not be fully accessible. We are working towards improving the accessibility of these documents and are exploring alternatives to PDFs where possible. Colour contrast Most of the website meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA colour contrast requirements. We are reviewing and updating colour combinations that do not yet meet these standards. Third party content Our website includes some third-party content and functionality. While we aim to work with accessible providers, we cannot always guarantee the accessibility of third-party services. What we're doing to improve accessibility We regularly review the accessibility of our website through: manual checks by our content team automated accessibility testing tools Accessibility improvements are prioritised as part of our ongoing website develop ment. Preparation of this accessibility statement This statement was prepared in August 2022. It will be reviewed on a six monthly basis. This statement was reviewed in February 2026 and will be on a six - monthly basis.
- The Brightwell | Multiple Sclerosis | The Brightwell, Bradbury House Clinic, Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 9DB
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.
- The Brightwell | Brightwell 100
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. The Brightwell 100 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. The Brightwell 100 initiative was launched in February 2022. Since that time, Brightwell 100 members have supported us with the following projects. Major Projects Oxygen Generation plant Outdoor LED lighting upgrade New Café New terrace and gazebo area In-house Brightwell Shop New Oxygen area kitchen IT Equipment PCs, monitors for staff and volunteers. Projector for Conference room Event Sponsorship and participation Colour Run Abseil Water Park events Corporate Volunteering days Sponsorship and Marketing Physio Team Uniforms Event materials and merchandising. Donated expertise and goods Garden landscaping Emergency repairs Gardening equipment Café equipment Furniture for the lounge area Professional Video/Photographic services Service User enhancements Oxygen masks and storage Physiotherapy equipment. FES Clinic set up and equipment. Ongoing fundraising support Donated Items and experiences for raflfes and draw prizes How does the Brightwell 100 work? There are a number of ways the businesses can be involved. The Brightwell Wishlist One aspect of joining this unique network is by sponsoring or donating to something specific from our Wishlist. Many of our sponsors really like the fact that they can choose exactly where their money is spent and where it will be used. The items on our Wishlist range from a contribution to one of our major projects, through to paying for Counselling Sessions , or purchasing items that will enhance our Service Users experience and therapies. Please click here to view or download our latest Brightwell Wishlist Regular Contributions by Standing Order You can also make a regular donation, again for a specific purpose, via a Standing Order. If applicable you can add 25% to your donation via GiftAid. Donate via our JustGiving page Please make a donation via our Brightwell 100 JustGiving page, by clicking on the Logo above Our Wishlist What are the benefits for The Brightwell 100 members? Supporting a worthwhile charity where your support has a positive impact. Enabling the supporting businesses to fulfil their charitable aims and objectives Being associated with a long-standing and reputable charity (we will provide you guidelines about the use of our name and logo) Being part of a professional network with a shared interest. Knowledge that 100% of your donation will be used for charitable purposes Tax-efficient way to donate with receipts and letters of thanks will be provided Publicity via our website and social media outlets for the supporting businesses Promotional opportunities with visits to the Centre, photos with staff and Centre members (with usual permissions and safeguarding in place) Use of the Brightwell's café, lounge area and outdoor garden/terrace. Regular updates and stewardship of your donation Brightwell 100 members These members are listed in their approximate date of joining. Many of our Brightwell 100 members have made contact and developed mutually beneficial business relationships. Howards Motor Group Woodstock Homes Shiptheory MSB Land & New Homes Blackfriars Auto Services Intoheat Bristol Mortgages Online CWT Landscape Supplies AJH Governance R H Hall Food Services Classeq Rugged Interactive Solarsense Total Access Scaffolding City Electrical Factors Bristol B&Q Cribbs Causeway Babcock International Ashton Alteriors Design & Build County Contractors Delta Marriott Bristol Wain Homes Rebus Medical The Block Bakehouse Ben Hutcheson Music MS People's Help Davies & Partners Event Hosts and Prize Donors West Country Water Park Village Hotel Bristol Aztec Hotel & Spa Lovell Place Care Home Willow Brook Centre Black Sheep Kitchen & Bar Hollow Tree Pub The Kendleshire Assist Mobility Tall Pines Golf Club What to do next For further information please contact Caz Blake-Symes, Trustee and Brightwell 1 00 co-ordinator, caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk Thank you for your interest in The Brightwell 100. We would very much like to invite you and your team for a visit and you can find out more about us and the services we provide, plus you can decide which areas of The Brightwell 100, you wish to be involved with, that fits in with your Company’s values and philosophies. Ways to keep in touch with updates regarding The Brightwell 100 The Brightwell Blog Follow us on LinkedIn You can also download our guide about Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell.
- The Brightwell | Support Us
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. How to Support Us Fundraise Volunteer Donate Shop Brightwell 100 Gift In Will How Your Fundraising Will Help Every donation made to The Brightwell goes directly to helping people who rely on our therapies. We use donations to help cover the cost of face-to-face therapies, clinics, and social events for people living with neurological conditions. These therapies can be expensive, so your support helps make them more affordable in the long term. The Brightwell is a small charity, not part of a larger group, we don’t get any direct funding from the Government, NHS, or big national charities. That means we rely entirely on fundraising and voluntary donations to keep going. You can choose how your donation is used: Support someone you know with their therapy costs Choose an item or project from our Brightwell Wishlist Below are just a few ideas of how you can get involved. Join a Brightwell Event Check out our Events Section and Blog for more information. You can join in one of our Major Events like the Abseil, come to our Christmas Market or Summer Fair, buy some draw tickets or have fun at a Quiz or Bingo Night. Sponsored Events If you are taking part in a Half-Marathon, a Skydive, a Tough Mudder, Swim or a Fun Run, we would be exceptionally grateful if you could support us in your challenge. Please contact community@thebrightwell.org.uk where our fundraising team will be happy to help. Other ways to Support Us… Have a Coffee Morning at home Come for Lunch or Afternoon Tea at The Brightwell Café Donate items to our in-house Shop Buy rrom our Online Shop Have one of our Collection Tins Buy Tickets for one of draws Meet our Fundraising Team Our fantastic Fundraising Team are here to help you at every step of your fundraising journey. Whether you are planning a coffee morning at home or organising a team for a sporting event, we will support you. We can help by Suggesting ideas Helping with planning Supplying promotional materials Supplying display boards Giving your event publicity through our social media and website. Contact the team: community@thebrightwell.org.uk Victoria Head of Fundraising (Grants and Trusts) Lara Events, Marketing and Communications Officer Corporate Fundraising Please click here to visit our Brightwell 100 page to find out how to join our supporters' network and become a Corporate Supporter. 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 | Join Us
By becoming a member of The Brightwell, you can access all the therapies and services we offer including Hyperbaric Oxygen, Physiotherapy, Support and Community. Becoming a New Member – Your Brightwell Journey By becoming a member of the Centre you will be able to access all the therapies and services we currently offer. How to Join... Step One Call us on 01454 201686 or email us at hello@thebrightwell.org.uk to arrange a visit, a personal tour of our facilities and have a chat about your specific needs and aims with one of the team. Step Two Once you have had your visit, please complete the information in our Membership Pack. The annual membership fee is only £40 per annum. Please click on the image or link to download your Membership pack. If you prefer, you can collect a hard copy from the Centre, or we can post one to you. A member of the team will gladly help you to complete the forms if required. Step Three Once we have all your information, one of our team will contact you to book your Clinical Assessment. Step Four Have your assessment with one of our Physio Team. Discuss and agree on the most suitable and beneficial therapy plan for you. Step Five Start benefiting from the therapies we offer and enjoy being part of The Brightwell Community. Non-Neurological Conditions If you are recovering from an Injury, Long Covid, Cancer or any other health condition that you feel would benefit from the therapies we offer, you can also self-refer and become a member, this is £50. Please note that any therapies offer great value for money, but are not subsidised by the Charity for non-neurological conditions. Please download the Non-neurological Registration Form here. Sports Injuries If you would like to benefit from using our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to accelerate healing from a Sports Injury please download the Sports Injury Registration Form here. Our Member Journey Officer If you have any questions please call Dawn Wright, our Member Journey Officer on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk We very much look forward to welcoming you to join us at The Brightwell.
- The Brightwell | Events
Throughout the year The Brightwell organises a wide range of social and fundraising events. These events range from social evenings held at the Centre such as Quiz and Bingo Nights, through to large community events such as our Colour Run and Abseil. Come and join in soon! Project01 Project02 Project03 Project04 Project05 Upcoming Events Carers Support Session Thu 22 Jan Bradley Stoke More info Details Oxygen Department Volunteer Open Day Mon 26 Jan The Brightwell More info Register here Bingo Night Wed 28 Jan Bradley Stoke More info Tickets Bath Half Marathon Sun 15 Mar Bath More info Tickets London Landmarks Half Marathon Sun 12 Apr London More info Tickets Events Gallery Frozen Princess Show 6 December 2025 Christmas Market 29 November 2025 Members' 40-Year Celebration 19 June 2025 Corporate Abseil 16 May 2025 Halloween Party 26 October 2024 Colour Run 9 June 2024 Corporate Abseil 10 May 2024 Pink Moon Swim 19 April 2024 Winter Solstice Sunrise Swim 22 December 2023 Christmas Market 3 December 2023 Abseil 13 September 2023 Colour Run 11 June 2023
- The Brightwell | Oxygen Therapy
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 injuries 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. Updated 5 January 2026 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.
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- The Brightwell | Our Sustainability Pledge
Our sustainability pledge outlines the steps we have taken and those we need to take to become to become carbon neutral Our Sustainability Pledge Background Bradbury House, the location for The Brightwell , was officially opened in 2012. Therefore, the build and construction were carried out in the 18-month period prior to that, at the time it met all the latest energy efficiency standards and was graded on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) report as efficiency level C. The management and t rustees of The Brightwell understand the importance of doing their part to address the climate emergency and have committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2019 The Brightwell launched “Project Green” in order to help The Brightwell meet its environmental responsibility goals, as well as to create a more secure and sustainable financial future for the charity. Electricity is used for everything in Bradbury House, except the gas underfloor heating and hot water to the eight sinks used in the various WC and treatment areas. The overall cost of electricity varies throughout the year, depending on how much is generated through the solar panels. Electricity costs and usage have increased since August 2022, as we are now generating our own oxygen. Existing Energy Saving Strategies Solar Panels The charity was very fortunate that Solarsense donated 114 solar panels which were installed on the roof of The Brightwell in December 2019. These have allowed significant savings on costs, with major savings in the summer of 2022 due to the exceptional levels of sunshine. These panels can create up to 28.5kW of electricity per hour on bright days. The estimat e has been made that they can generate up to an impressive 29,000kWh per annum. However, because we do not have storage batteries at this stage and as Total, our current energy provider, does not offer a suitable package for us to return energy to the grid, we are not yet enjoying the full benefits of these panels. Solar panels have proven to provide cost-saving for us, but savings are currently being lost through overproduction. The installation of a large storage battery is planned but the immediate need is to try and make urgent and significant savings on the overall cost of electricity. LED Light Conversion After taking professional advice, it was estimated that the cost saving per light fitting would be a massive 80%, with approximately £2,500 pa of the current electricity costs is due to lighting. With new tariffs and price caps being lowered this could increase by five or six times, to an eye-watering £15,000 pa just on lighting. The charity could not possibly afford the electricity based on using the current fittings, without making significant cuts elsewhere, which may impact our members well-being. The conversion to LED lighting is therefore essential. Replacement Outside Lighting In January 2023 after a significant donation from a corporate sponsor, via the Brightwell 100 , all of the exterior lights were converted to LED. Before this the outdoor lights were disproportionately more expensive than the inside lighting to run. The replacement programme of all the lights on the 13 lamp posts and all exterior wall fittings to LED has been a significant step forward and when this installation took place the cost savings were immediate. Staff Awareness Whenever possible staff and volunteers have received guidelines to ensure that all the lights are switched off whenever practical, and the air conditioning units go onto standby mode, which can be obviously turned on or overridden for the comfort of all users. All Brightwell users and visitors are also encouraged to recycle and use reusable products where possible. New facilities During the spring and summer of 2022, a number of significant building projects have taken place at The Brightwell including the whole development of an area, previously used for storage, which has enabled us to build the new cafe seating space, new offices for the administration and fundraising teams, a new smaller storage area and a state-of-the-art conference/ meeting room. These new facilities have been built with efficiency and cost savings in mind and have extensive use of natural light coming into the new office and LED lighting in the cafe seating area. The new cafe facility should be open in August 2023 and will also be to the most energy efficient standards. Oxygen Generation Included in the renovations and new build projects for the summer of 2022 was the installation of our own oxygen generation system. This was always going to be to give the centre independence away from the supplier and to avoid their rapidly rising costs and to help maintain a high level of supply to our hyperbaric therapy tank with sufficient capacity to build a further tank in the future. However, the costings of running the new oxygen generation units were based on the cost of energy at the time of the design (late 2020) The rising cost of electricity will have an impact as the new compressor uses 37kw of power compared to the previous one working at 15 kw. The overall environmental impacts are still very positive including there are no longer frequent deliveries using large tankers driving through the local housing estate and past the primary school located next door to The Brightwell. New Boiler System This expense was unfortunately was not a planned or budgeted for. The heating system, although only ten years old, was a very costly commercial system when it was installed but had proven to be very expensive and unreliable over the past few years. After a complete failure the system was condemned. Although the expense of £10,000 was not budgeted for, the installation of the new system in February 2023 does mean that the new boiler meets the top specifications in terms of efficiency and green credentials Future Plans - subject to funding Subject to being able to get funding the following projects are next on our list. 1 LED Lighting conversion in the Physiotherapy department. When the space to be used for the physio department was designed the window area was comparatively small compared to the rest of the building. The facility as a whole is a great space for all the equipment and the hoisting system is perfect. However, due to the limited natural light and the fact that the department is used extensively during the week the lights are on for most of the time, Therefore, the Physio department’s lighting being converted to LED is top of the list. The estimated cost for this is £5,000 with an estimated 30-month payback period. 2. Remaining Internal LED lighting This ideally should be done throughout the building, before the darker nights occur, so realistically before October 2023, The cost will also be about £5,000 with a 30-month payback period. 3. 100Kw Battery Storage We are seeking funding to install a 100Kw storage battery, to save money, and meet our environmental responsibility. As mentioned above The charity was very fortunate to have been given 114 250w solar panels through a partnership with solar company Solarsense. Cost savings, through having this level of battery storage, will come from the ability to generate oxygen for the next day’s sessions overnight using stored electricity, when our electricity unit cost is cheaper. Based on 4 quotes and surveys undertaken, we are also confident that for most of the year power generated solely at weekends when the Centre is closed would allow us to run the oxygen generation system, cost-free for up to two days per week. We estimate that the cost will be £90,000 and we have to look at this in terms of the key issues issues. These are: Rise in energy prices leading to the potential for bills to be at an unsustainable level, affecting service delivery. Wastage of power generated by our solar array Ensuring a financially stable future for the Charity Commitment to Carbon neutrality by 2050 How to find out more If you would like to discuss any of our Environmental policies or aims or would like to help or contribute, please contact Victoria Hocquard email Victoria.Hocquard@thebrightwell.org.uk
- The Brightwell | Physio Consent
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
- The Brightwell | Find out more about The Brightwell
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.
- The Brightwell | Volunteer
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














