Search Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adapted from overcomingms.org/program/sunlight-vitamin-d The Brightwell has been developing  relationships with Overcoming MS and we hope you find this article useful.   There is strong evidence that vitamin D levels influence both the risk of developing MS and how the condition progresses. Overcoming MS recommends that people with MS supplement with between 4,000 and 10,000 units of vitamin D per day. To ensure the right dosage for your individual needs, they advise working with a healthcare practitioner to test your vitamin D levels and develop a personalised supplementation plan. Factors such as sun exposure, season, and location can all influence how much vitamin D you need. Vitamin D and MS: the evidence Vitamin D plays a crucial role in MS, and research continues to highlight its impact on disease progression and overall health. Here’s what the latest evidence tells us: Higher vitamin D levels at diagnosis are linked to slower disease progression and fewer symptoms. Maintaining good vitamin D levels is associated with a lower risk of new brain lesions. Low vitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of relapses, greater disability, and more disease activity. Extremely low vitamin D levels (below 50 nmol/L) may double the risk of developing MS. How much vitamin D should people with MS take? Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is essential for people with MS, and experts widely agree on its importance. In many parts of the world, sunlight is too scarce, or UVB levels are too low to produce enough vitamin D naturally, making supplementation necessary. In fact, an estimated one billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient. Standard recommended daily intakes (RDIs) don’t account for the specific needs of people with MS, who often require higher doses to reach and maintain adequate levels. Overcoming MS recommends testing your vitamin D levels as soon as possible after diagnosis. This can be done through a general practitioner or an online testing kit. If levels are very low, a one-off megadose of vitamin D3 (eg, 600,000 units under medical supervision) may be used to quickly restore levels, followed by regular daily supplementation. General recommendations: A healthy vitamin D level is thought to be between 100–150 nmol/L. There is no single ‘good for everyone’ dose, but common recommendations include: 4,000 units per day – a common amount recommended by UK neurologists. 6,000–10,000 units per day – may be needed to maintain optimal levels. It’s always best to work with your doctor to test your vitamin D levels regularly and find the right dose for you. If testing your vitamin D levels isn’t possible right now, you can still take steps to maintain healthy levels by taking a moderate daily dose and maximising safe sun exposure. Some healthcare providers, research studies, or public health initiatives offer free or discounted vitamin D testing. It’s worth checking with your GP, healthcare provider, local MS society, or pharmacy to see if any options are available. What are the research gaps? Research into vitamin D and MS is complex, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have not yet definitively proven that supplementation leads to better outcomes. Adding to the complexity, some studies show conflicting results—for example, while some suggest that higher vitamin D levels are linked to reduced relapse rates, others have not found a clear effect. These differing findings highlight the nuanced role of vitamin D in MS. It’s also important to consider that different types of studies have their own strengths and limitations, which is why Overcoming MS review multiple sources of evidence when making their recommendations. A Guide to Vitamin D If you want a quick guide to understanding Vitamin D on the Overcoming MS Program you can download this one below. It delves into the key components, benefits and practical tips that can guide you on your way to making the lifestyle changes that will help you to Live Well with MS.

Photo shows Karen Parsons and Brightwell CEO, Doro Pasantes Karen Parsons has been a member of The Brightwell Community for many years, originally joining the old Centre in Nailsea in 2005. Karen has wanted to  share the story of her very challenging diagnosis journey, that has spanned over 40 years, in the hope that it may help others going through a similar experience firstly to know they are not alone, and not to lose hope and secondly to empower others to find their voice and advocate for their truth. The  way that Karen was treated over many years is truly shocking, but her journey  is a modern-day David and Goliath story. An account of how one very brave and determined lady took on the establishment to overcome years of prejudice and misdiagnosis. Karen who is now 60 had a distressing start in life when she lost her Mother at only six years of age.  Nobody explained to her what had happened to her Mum, just that she was no longer around. This was followed by an very challenging and unhappy childhood which had a lasting impact on her. This period was used as an excuse for “psychosomatic” symptoms by more than one doctor over the period of her illnesses! At a young age, Karen had episodes when she was unable to walk, had headaches, balance issues, sight problems and struggled academically. She was able to bounce back from these episodes and more or less carry on the same as other teenagers. Age 21, she fell pregnant with her first child and didn’t have a great pregnancy and some of the symptoms reappeared. She was diagnosed with preeclampsia and had to have a c-section and noticed that recovery following her daughter’s birth was very slow, which was put down to the anesthetic. Unfortunately, she then suffered with post-natal depression, but not realising what this was at the time, she didn’t seek any help. Symptoms following her second baby were not as severe for Karen. Aged 38, Karen’s health rapidly declined and she  underwent a number of significant operations including an appendectomy and a hysterectomy. Unbeknown to anyone at that time, every time anesthesia was used, it was causing Karen more and more harm. These procedures resulted in loss of speech, reduced vision, hearing loss and reduced mobility. Karen had to stop working at this point. Despite numerous scans, both private and NHS consultations Karen was repeatedly told that there was nothing physically wrong with her and that her symptoms were  psychosomatic.  At one time, when her mobility was so affected that she was not able to walk, she was told that, there was no reason for this and that she should “just walk”. Karen’s sister had come across the Therapy Centre in Nailsea and suggested to Karen that she gave them a call.  Karen took what felt like a huge step at the time for fear of being disbelieved and ultimately disappointed.  In fact, she says it was the total opposite,  “I was understood and supported for the first time in a long while” and she was able to commence various therapies to help her increasingly numerous symptoms. By this point she had seen neurologists at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and Frenchay Hospital and continued to feel that no one was listening to her and taking her symptoms seriously, she felt that several of the Consultants were rather confrontational. Eventually, Karen was diagnosed with a Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with no treatment plan. Over the years following diagnosis, Karen’s symptoms continued to worsen including the very upsetting condition of incontinence. Even after very invasive tests that proved Karen’s bladder was not working at all, she was still not receiving any effective treatment and was pushed from pillar to post, without any positive solutions. Throughout this ordeal, Karen was supported in particular by her sister and her children as well as by the Centre staff and volunteers. By 2020, despite the situation with her bladder and bowel becoming extreme, increased fatigue and mobility problems, Karen carried on with her own research and investigations and was convinced her symptoms were not associated with FND. She was referred to a Specialist in Urology and Neurology and was put through a number of intrusive and invasive tests. She was told that she had Fowler’s Syndrome, which results in the inability to pass urine. Again, there was no joined up thinking and all her other symptoms were ignored. Karen kept insisting that her symptoms were wider than her latest diagnosis, until she was contacted by a different consultant in London.  When Karen arrived he watched her walk into his office, he asked about her complexion and skin, what her siblings skin was like and about her flexibility.  He also enquired about previous anesthetics she had undergone and said that he thought she had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).  This encompasses a group of 13 different genetic conditions that affect the body's connective tissues, which provide support, structure, and stability to various parts of the body.  There is no overall treatment or cure for this collection of health problems, but many of the issues can be dealt with individually. The more Karen read up on the condition the more sense everything started to make. Despite this confirmed diagnosis  there was no apology from any of the previous specialists that Karen had seen, which has made her feel particularly frustrated.  Likewise, there has been no recognition for the years of pain and suffering that Karen lived through affecting every aspect of her life. Yet Karen remains, stoic and wants to move forward with her life. Karen is an amazing craftswoman making beautiful items with paper including  all the flower table decorations for her younger sister’s wedding as well as all the department gonks you will see around the Centre.  She also makes beautiful craft ornaments for her community of neighbours and to raise money for charity. Over the last  20 years that Karen has been using the Centre she has always been involved in the  Summer and Christmas Fairs and fundraising , in whatever way she can for the Charity. She also has the best comedy timing, even when she is talking about her challenging experiences she makes people around her laugh out loud.  Doro, our Brightwell CEO has suggested that Karen should look at doing a stand up comedy course – because she would be amazing at it!. Karen always has time for other members at the Centre. She hopes that her story may inspire others to advocate for themselves no matter how many times they are misdiagnosed or not listened to.  Standing up for yourself should not be seen as “confrontation” or “fighting the system”. Everyone deserves to be heard and feel cared for. The ultimate goal is that Karen’s experience may help to raise awareness amongst clinicians and broaden the learning of new doctors, to realise that the person in front of them has to be listened to and treated holistically.  They are treating the person as a whole not just the condition. We would like to thank Karen very much for being so open and honest with us in deciding to share her story. Karen asked us to include some of her thoughts about the Brightwell. These are such warming and heartfelt words… “In my opinion, from my experience the staff and volunteers become your friends and  part of your family. Everyone is always there to help and support you in many ways, physically, emotionally and practically, helping with access to external services, benefits etc. They are the people I laugh with and share stories with and at times a shoulder to cry on. I always remember when Angela advised me to try oxygen and to  use the chamber. I was reluctant as I did not think I would see any improvement. How wrong I was! Oxygen therapy is a lifeline for me, it helps me manage my fatigue and my cognitive function and energy is always increased after oxygen. My ability to heal from operations is also increased. I always feel better and see a benefit after an oxygen session. The staff and volunteers in the oxygen suite are always on hand to help you in any way they can, assisting you with access whether that be walking or via a wheelchair. They understand my condition and my individual needs and always support me with this. I’ve had counselling at the Centre, which was my life saver. It allowed me a safe, secure and comforting place to tell someone my feelings, good or bad and offered me incredible support to overcome issues past and present and help me see a way forward both with my physical condition and with my mental health. The physiotherapy offered at the centre is excellent and there is a wide choice of options, from one to one appointments through to group exercise classes and sessions. I have used the services in the past and really benefited from them. The Brightwell Centre is a great place that welcomes all with open arms. It helps me and others make the best of our lives, it offers compassion, support, advice, services and friendship. I can honestly say that the Brightwell Centre, the staff and services available have saved me and it continues to do so” At The Brightwell, we do not offer medical advice, but we do have an experienced team who can listen and support you including therapists, counsellors and clinics to address chronic and neurological conditions. Please see the following pages on our website for more help www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/specialist-clinics www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/fes-clinic You can also phone us on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk