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The Brightwell would not be able to run without fundraising. There are many ways in which groups or individuals can support us to provide therapies and care for our community of members. One of which is our incredible Corporate Supporters Network, The Brightwell 100. We are incredibly fortunate at The Brightwell to receive support from successful, generous businesses, large and small, that have chosen to become part of this fantastic network. The kind donations we receive from these partners are often directed towards items from our Wishlist . While a significant proportion of our income and fundraising is used to run the Centre and subsidise the cost of the therapies we provide, the Wishlist allows us to fund essential items that fall outside our core revenue. The Brightwell 100 was established in February 2022, and since then, tens of thousands of pounds have been invested in improving the Centre. This support has enabled us to enhance sustainability and reduce long-term costs, purchase vital new equipment, carry out repairs, implement system upgrades, undertake refurbishments, and much more. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of The Brightwell 100 members. To find out more about The Brightwell 100 ,  please visit   www.thebrightwell.org.uk/brightwell-100 Corporate Supporters can contribute in a variety of ways, including financial donations, donated goods, or professional services. Every penny and every contribution directly support the work we do. Below is a copy of our February 2026 Wishlist to give you an insight into some of the items we urgently need. We hope there will be something on this list that aligns with your corporate values, shared aims, and charitable budgets. If you would like to learn more about The Brightwell or discuss how you might get involved, please contact Caz Blake-Symes  on 07970 038135  or email caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk .    For other ways to support us, please visit   www.thebrightwell.org.uk/fundraising Thank you for your interest in supporting our charity.

MS Awareness Week is back – and we need you!  MS Awareness Week is returning this 20 – 26 April 2026. We’re once again partnering with seven of the UK’s biggest MS charities to raise awareness about the condition and the issues people with MS have told us about. For 2026 we’ll be challenging MS assumptions and the harm they can cause. That’s where you come in. We want to hear your experiences of assumptions and judgements to shape our campaign. We’ve created a short survey that shouldn’t take longer than 5-10 minutes to complete. Please help us deliver the strongest campaign by completing our survey below: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91027947/MSAwareness2026 If you’d like to share your story more publicly, please do include your contact details at the end of the survey. Thank you!

Trish Smith, a Volunteer and Veteran of Oceans of Hope UK, has kindly written this article for us, which we hope you will find interesting... Sailing? Are you mad! You have Multiple Sclerosis, you cannot possibly sail having this condition, I can hear you asking.  I too thought that when I was diagnosed in October 2016 and going through a very bleak time in my life of severe depression, feeling suicidal, and the passing of my dad 5 months later, my life had hit rock bottom!  I have this neurological condition, unsure of my future and how bad I will become and how long I have until I am in a wheelchair?   My life changed in 2018 when I heard about this charity called Oceans of Hope whilst on a taster weekend sailing in Bewl, Kent. They were offering a 5-day sailing trip in Croatia along the Dalmatian coast, for me it was a big turning point of going into an unknown territory and meeting people who had the same condition as me yet having the confidence to fly abroad on my own and not knowing anyone, one week later, my mindset of having MS changed and me as a person (for the better). I met so many people, a crew who accepted me as the person I was and a skipper who showed me the way forward and believed in me. I was so hooked it was like a drug; it fuelled me to believe I could do anything I wanted if I put my mind to it. Since May 2019, I have been to Turkey (I am about to go back for my fourth time in May this year with Oceans of Hope UK) that same year, and have been to Greece twice, Sardinia, sailed a 72ft Challenger boat to Belfast with fellow Oceans of Hope MS participants and the Tall Ships Youth Trust and many day sails in Port Solent. Oceans of Hope is a charity that offers hope to those with Multiple Sclerosis. There is hope that just because you have this horrible disease, you can feel free, let the wind blow the problems away that we face daily and feel, brave doing something new and exciting. Oceans of Hope has some exciting day sails coming up in May on two yachts from Southampton (we do ask that you can climb stairs from the deck to the Galley) for those who are wheelchair bound or are unsure of trying this on a yacht, we have a Wheelchair accessible catamaran that is sailing in July from Port Silent. In July, there is a weekend at Calvert Lakes in Keswick, Lake District, which includes Sailing big and small boats, Archery, swimming, and Zip-Lining. The cost is £175 all-inclusive. You can find all these events on https://oceansofhope.co.uk/take-part/ and you can sign up for the newsletter here as well, which will keep you updated on allwe are doing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me: info@oceansofhope.co.uk     I hope to see you at some of these events. Take Care and remember...... “Life is not about waiting for the winds to change; it's about learning to adjust your sails”

When and where 25 Feb 2026, 19:00 – 22:00 Bradley Stoke, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About Quiz Night is Back!  🧠🎶 You are going to love The Brightwell Quiz Night  – brain-teasing trivia, with a hint of Valentine's love ! 🥰 🕡  Doors open:  6:30 PM🕖  Quiz starts:  7:00 PM Expect a heart-warming atmosphere with quiz rounds – including picture and music rounds – designed to test your knowledge and keep you entertained all night long. 💘💕 Whether you're flying solo, coming as a cosy couple, or bringing the galentines crew, everyone is welcome! 🎟️ Don’t forget to grab your raffle tickets for our Quiz Night Raffle  – packed with goodies, available on the night! 🥂 Bring your own wine, fizz, soft drinks, and nibbles to keep the brain cells functioning! So get revising, polish up those trivia skills, and join us for a love ly evening – all in support of a great cause.

What is Time to Talk Day? Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for all of us to come together to talk, listen and change lives. This year’s event is on Thursday, 5 February, with the aim of encouraging friends, families, communities, and workplaces to have a conversation about mental health. Time to Talk Day is the UK’s biggest annual campaign focused on encouraging people to speak openly about mental health. Organised primarily by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness (in partnership with Co-op), the goal is to break down the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues. Why is talking important? Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can even save lives. Talking can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it. The power of being able to talk about your own experiences and turn them into something positive is huge. Start a conversation today From sharing a post on social media using #TimeToTalk t o organising an activity in your workplace, or simply checking in with a friend or family member. There are lots of ways to get involved this Time to Talk Day. Here are some ideas to get started. Text or call a friend to ask how they're doing. Go for a walk and talk with a neighbour. nvite a friend for a cup of tea and a chat You’re not only helping yourself and the people around you in that initial conversation, but you’re also helping to break down barriers so other people feel more comfortable talking about their mental health. For further information, please visit www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk- Support at The Brightwell Our fantastic team of staff and volunteers are always happy to stop and have a chat. However, time and again, our members and supporters tell us how valuable the peer support at The Brightwell is. Whether you’re chatting in the Café, the Chamber, or the Gym, it can be a real comfort to talk to someone who may be in a similar health situation, or who shares the same concerns and worries. If you’re feeling a little down or fed up, a session of physiotherapy or oxygen therapy combined with a friendly conversation can really make a difference. The Brightwell community is always on hand to listen and support. It’s good to talk!

As the winter weather continues, we’ve been adding some delicious winter warmer dishes to the menu at The Brightwell Café. As many of us start the new year with aims to improve our health, we have been extending our menu to include hearty and nourishing meals with a focus on increasing the number of vegetables, wholegrains, and legumes we use. These foods are great sources of fibre and plant-based proteins, which are beneficial for our gut microbiomes as well as being anti-inflammatory in nature. Recent additions include a wonderful Vegetable Stew – packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and lentils, served with wholegrain rice – you can even swap to cauliflower rice if you are watching your carbs or just if you want to get even closer to your 5-a-day! Or how about trying our latest Chickpea and Spinach Curry – another great way to keep out the cold on a chilly day. Of course, we still offer all your regular favourites – freshly-made sandwiches and jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings (you can also ask to swap for plant-based spread instead of butter if you are being mindful of calories). Paula has also been extending her range of delicious homemade soups served with a crusty roll and butter (if you’d prefer no bread, sliced bread, gluten-free bread or plant-based spread, just ask!). We want to ensure that the café has something for everyone – we also have a lovely range of cakes and sweet treats too (from a Bristol-based artisan bakery as well as a local baker) – perfect with a cuppa. So, whether you stop by for a sandwich or a hearty stew, or even just pop in for a coffee and a piece of cake, we would love to see you. Paula and her wonderful volunteers are always happy to help, and, of course, every penny from items sold at the Brightwell Café goes back to the charity and helps to keep the service running. Don’t forget, if you are coming in for a treatment, you can always pre-order your food. Tel 01454 201686. We look forward to seeing you soon!

We have an active Carers Group here at The Brightwell. Any carer who looks after any of our members is most welcome. You can be a paid or unpaid carer, a partner, family member or a friend, to take part in our events. Our next talk is called “Practical Hints and Tips for Carers” This talk will cover topics, including accessing health care, benefits, Priority Services Register, aids and adaptations, Emergency Plans, 3 rd Party Mandates, Powers of Attorney and Carers Assessments. There will be an opportunity for an open discussion, allowing members to share experiences as well. This session will be led by Wendy Paterson, our Carers Support Co-Ordinator. Click here or on the image above to book your FREE place. Call 01454 201686 Getting Involved and Feedback We are keen to hear your views and suggestions about how the Centre can best support Carers, so whether or not you can come along to these sessions, we would love to hear from you. You can contact Wendy by leaving a message at Reception, or look out for the short survey form we are planning to make available in the next few months. Carers' Information Point Don’t forget to take a look at the leaflets and information now available on the poster and in the information racks at the Carers Information Point. This can be found in the corridor past the Café.

As well as the wide range of exercise and physio sessions available at The Brightwell, we also offer 3 options for Online Classes. Online Classes are great if you are working, can’t easily get to the Centre or just fancy a top-up to your usual exercise routine. Each class is led by one of the Physio team, who will guide and encourage you through each session. A Zoom link will be sent to you when you book. Option 1: Medium Intensity Interval training with Millie. This class takes place on a Tuesday from 8:45 am until 9.15 am. This class is aimed at those members with higher mobility and relatively good balance. Sessions include: Upper Limb,  Lower Limb and Core  exercises (standing) Mixed exercises to allow for muscle groups to rest Use of weights/dumbbells Interval training - 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest Option 2: ​Seated Zoom Class  with Audrey This class takes place on a Wednesday from 12noon until 12.30 Suitable for upper limb strengthening Strength & power training with the use of dumbbells to increase blood circulation, release endorphins and develop muscle tone and strength. Helps to improve balance to avoid injuries. Option 3: Zoom Exercise Class with Audrey This class also takes place on a Wednesday directly after the Seated Zoom Class from 12:30 pm-1 pm.   Suitable for lower limb strengthening. Helps strengthen, maintain mobility and improve balance. Participants can book to take part in both or either of these Wednesday classes. The suggested contribution for any of these online classes is £6 per session. To book any of these classes, please call Reception(option1) on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk For further Information about any of the classes or one-to-one physio sessions we offer, please visit our physio page. www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio ​         ​

Mark and Evelyn Whitehouse We are deeply saddened and shocked to share the news that Mark Whitehouse passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, 11 January 2026. Mark was a much-loved friend, Trustee and a valued member of our community for many years. Many of you will have known him from the early Nailsea Centre days, where his presence, humour, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression. Born and raised in Middlesex, Mark spent a short time living in Sussex with his parents before returning to Twickenham. Later, when his parents moved to Somerset, Mark followed in 2007, settling in Uphill near Weston-Super-Mare so he could be closer to his family, including his brother John. After moving to North Somerset, Mark joined the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Nailsea. Although he struggled with his mobility, he committed himself wholeheartedly to weekly physiotherapy sessions, which he continued faithfully right up until the Monday before his passing. Mark was determined, resilient, and never one to give in easily. Mark was a clever, witty, and fun-loving person, always smiling and willing to help others. During his working life, he enjoyed a successful global career in the IT industry with Intel, travelling extensively and collecting countless fascinating stories along the way.  While working abroad, Mark began to notice early symptoms of MS and was formally diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2003. Mark never let his diagnosis define or limit him; he continued working, contributing, and helping others wherever he could. In every sense, Mark lived a life well lived. Many will remember Mark whizzing around the Centre in his custom-built wheelchair or proudly demonstrating his specially adapted car to impressed visitors. His ingenuity and enthusiasm were infectious. Mark’s contribution to our charity was truly extraordinary. Over the years, he worked on numerous IT and communications projects, beginning with the development of our original branding and website at Nailsea. His knowledge, awareness, and foresight were invaluable during the planning of our move to the new Centre in Bradley Stoke, ensuring that the systems we put in place then would not only meet the Centre’s needs at the time, but continue to support our work well into the future. Mark even wrote the code for the database contact system that we still use today. Since our move in 2012, Mark worked tirelessly alongside fellow IT volunteer Dave Whittaker, ensuring the Centre always had reliable, up-to-date systems. He managed our servers and security systems and was a driving force behind our name change to The Brightwell , as well as all subsequent rebranding and website development. One of Mark’s most recent major projects took place last year, when the majority of the Centre’s equipment and software was upgraded, a huge undertaking for which we are exceptionally grateful. As recently as last week, Mark was still advising the team on our new appointment programme and proposed CRM system, a testament to his ongoing dedication. Mark was also deeply involved in fundraising. He was particularly proud of the charity motorcycle ride he organised with his brother John which saw hundreds of bikers and classic motorcycles ride from Weston-Super-Mare across the Clifton Suspension Bridge to the Centre. It was a truly unforgettable spectacle! Mark was a regular visitor to The Brightwell with his wonderful wife, Evelyn. They met in 2019 and married two years later. Evelyn’s caring nature shone through in everything she did, and she was a tremendous support to Mark. When we published an article about him, Mark said, “To be honest, I’m not sure what I’d do without her.” We sincerely hope Evelyn will continue to be part of our Brightwell community. Beyond The Brightwell, Mark generously gave his time and expertise to the Multicultural Friendship Association and his local GP practice in Weston-Super-Mare. He touched the lives of so many people, and the kind words shared over the past week speak volumes about the impact he had on our community. We will share details of the funeral arrangements as soon as they are confirmed. We also hope to hold a celebration of Mark’s life at the Centre and will provide further information nearer the time. Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go to Evelyn, John and all of Mark’s family and friends. Rest in Peace Mark.

Summarised from an MS-UK article published: 8 December 2025 A new analysis of published research suggests that people who drink coffee may have a lower chance of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The review brought together data from more than 4,500 people across seven countries and found that those who drank coffee had about a 22 per cent lower risk of developing MS compared with those who did not. The researchers explained that coffee contains caffeine and other natural compounds that may help to reduce inflammation in the body. This could be one reason why coffee might play a protective role, although they stressed that more research is needed to understand exactly how it may influence the development of MS and what amounts might be most helpful. The study, published in Neurodegenerative Disease Management, looked at evidence from earlier research carried out in Iran, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Turkey, Sweden and the United States. In total, the analysis included information from 2,193 people living with MS and more than 2,300 people without MS. Results varied across these studies. Some suggested coffee might help to reduce risk, others showed little difference, and a few reported the opposite. Because the findings were so varied, the team noted that larger studies carried out across multiple countries would be helpful to confirm whether coffee does play a protective part. The idea that coffee could offer some benefit is supported by research in other neurological conditions. Studies in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease have also shown a possible link between coffee intake and a lower risk of developing these conditions. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of coffee might help protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. However, factors such as differences in study design, how coffee was measured, and lifestyle influences like smoking and vitamin D levels may have affected the results.   Overall, this review adds to growing interest in how lifestyle and environmental factors may influence MS risk. While the early findings are encouraging, the authors emphasised that we still need clearer evidence before drawing firm conclusions. Fancy a Coffee at The Brightwell Café? Whether you are a coffee drinker or just enjoy a nice cuppa, there is always a warm welcome waiting for you at The Brightwell Café. You don’t need to be having a treatment, our fabulous café is open to everyone.   Pop in for a cake, sandwich or a lunch from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm during the week. There are always lots of people to have a chat with, fully accessible facilities, including a baby changing station and free parking!

Every Monday, Audrey runs a fantastic dance/exercise class for one hour here in the Brightwell gym area. It is suitable for all skill levels. The current group includes wheelchair users, those who prefer to do the class seated, as well as those who can stand. The class starts with a warm-up to a selection of music, followed by a "routine". Audrey, supported by Amrik, builds up these routines over the weeks. The music is great and very motivational. One of the regular participants says, " I enjoy these classes so much. I've been going since the classes started. I'm in a wheelchair, but I get so much out of each class: It's great fun too and a laugh with the rest of the group. I definitely feel like I've had a workout, plus it's a great feeling when we all do the routine at the end, or at least I think I've done the routine!" Classes are £9 each for one hour or a block booking of 10 for £60. Please call Reception on 01454 201686 if you want to join the class. See you there!