Safeguarding vulnerable adults is a fundamental responsibility across healthcare, social care, and community charities. At its core, adult safeguarding is about protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Within any care organisation, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a central role in driving this culture of protection. In this post, we’ll explore what a DSL is, their primary responsibilities in adult care, how local support like South Gloucestershire Council helps train these leaders, and how DSLs apply these standards in community health settings, focusing on Millie Rutherford at The Brightwell. What is a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)? A Designated Safeguarding Lead is a named individual within an organisation who takes operational responsibility for managing safeguarding issues. While safeguarding is everyone’s business, the DSL acts as the central point of contact for staff, volunteers, service users, and external agencies whenever concerns about safety, abuse, or neglect arise. Core Responsibilities of a DSL. A DSL’s role goes beyond handling emergencies; it encompasses proactive prevention, policy enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration. Their core duties include: Managing Safeguarding Concerns Receiving, logging, and assessing reported concerns or disclosures of abuse (physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, or self-neglect). Making Referrals Determining when a concern meets the threshold for formal intervention and referring cases to local adult social care services or law enforcement when necessary. Promoting Safeguarding Policies and Training Ensuring internal policies comply with legal standards (such as the Care Act 2014 in the UK) and ensuring that all staff and volunteers undergo proper safeguarding training. Inter-Agency Collaboration Working closely with local authority safeguarding teams, health professionals, and emergency services to create unified support plans for vulnerable adults. Maintaining Confidentiality and Record Keeping Keeping detailed, accurate, and secure records of all safeguarding incidents and allegations while navigating privacy and consent considerations appropriately. Local Training Support: South Gloucestershire Council Effective safeguarding requires continuous learning, up-to-date knowledge of local policies, and multi-agency cooperation. South Gloucestershire Council, primarily through the South Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB), provides targeted training pathways for DSLs and care practitioners. What the Training Offer Includes: Introduction & Multi-Agency Core Training: Courses establishing foundational knowledge on identifying adult abuse, thresholds for reporting, and understanding local escalation procedures. Bite-sized Learning Sessions: Focused, topic-specific workshops addressing real-world operational challenges. Examples include: Self-Neglect Workshops: Practical guidance on how to support individuals with severe self-neglect, built on local Safeguarding Adult Reviews. Thresholds Guidance: Concise sessions explaining how and when to refer cases based on local multi-agency guidance ("The right help in the right way at the right time"). Safeguarding Adults Networks: Opportunities for DSLs across the region to come together, share best practices, stay updated on statutory changes, and learn from local case reviews. By leveraging these local council resources, DSLs ensure their organisation’s protocols align with local authority standards. Safeguarding in Action: Millie Rutherford at The Brightwell At The Brightwell, a specialised centre based in Bradley Stoke providing therapies for individuals living with neurological conditions, safeguarding is integral to daily operations. Millie Rutherford, who also serves as a Rehabilitation Therapist leading specialised physical therapy and exercise sessions at the centre, holds the key role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Why the Role Matters at The Brightwell Individuals living with complex neurological conditions (such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, or Stroke recovery) may face physical limitations, communication challenges, or social isolation. This environment makes the DSL role vital: Creating a Safe Environment: As a therapist and DSL, Millie helps ensure that therapy sessions, social spaces, and online offerings are safe, accessible, and supportive. Early Detection: Working closely with members during physical rehabilitation puts therapists like Millie in a strong position to notice early signs of distress, mobility changes, or unaddressed care needs. Community Trust: Having a clear safeguarding structure led by a designated lead offers peace of mind to members and their families, reassuring them that their well-being is always prioritised. By combining clinical understanding with DSL responsibilities and utilising local training tools provided by South Gloucestershire Council, leadership at Centres like The Brightwell ensures that vulnerable adults receive both physical rehabilitation and safety in their care. Final Thoughts A Designated Safeguarding Lead is more than a policy figurehead; they are the cornerstone of a safe care environment. Through continuous training from local bodies such as South Gloucestershire Council and dedicated leads such as Millie Rutherford at The Brightwell, organisations can foster a compassionate culture in which every adult’s rights and safety are protected. How to raise a concern If you have concerns about your own personal well-being, or that of anyone else in the wider Brightwell Community, please discuss your concerns with any member of staff or a volunteer who will treat your concern with the utmost confidentiality and will liaise with Millie. Contact 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

We were delighted to welcome a lovely group of Corporate Volunteers on 26 August from BT Group, organised by one of their colleagues, Tracy, who is also a member of The Brightwell. After a tour of the Centre, the team got stuck in with filling up a large skip that had been generously donated to us by ETM Recycling of Avonmouth, who were recommended to us by our supporters at Kellaway Building Supplies. The team did a fantastic job of filling the skip with a large amount of garden rubble that was created when we installed the RHS garden at the Centre. The whole team did fantastic work, including also planting some new additions that had been donated by the group. Once these were all planted and watered, the team did a great job weeding our access paths and sweeping and tidying the car park areas. In addition, the team tackled a mammoth pile of weeds and brambles at the back of the Centre, which were extremely sharp and tough. They tackled the huge pile and transported all the cuttings to the skip – this was a massive help to us as it was such a big task! They worked like absolute stars, and we couldn’t be more pleased! It was hard work on such a warm and humid day. The whole BT team did a tremendous job on the day, and we look forward to welcoming the group back to the Centre again soon!

PJ's Track Days, created and run by one of our very own members, Paul John, hosted a fantastic fundraising event in support of The Brightwell. Held at the iconic Castle Combe Circuit on Tuesday 25th August, this open pit track day brought together motorsport enthusiasts for a cause close to our hearts, and it certainly did not disappoint! The event saw participants enjoying the thrill of the track while helping to raise much-needed funds for our charity. Thanks to everyone's generosity and the dedication of the organisers, an incredible £700 was raised, with every penny going directly towards supporting the work we do at The Brightwell. Paul has truly had an outstanding year of fundraising. Just last month, he took on the challenge of a skydive, raising an amazing £1,200+ for The Brightwell. Not content with stopping there, he quickly turned his attention to organising his famous track day, once again bringing people together and raising vital funds for our charity. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Paul, all the drivers, spectators and supporters who helped make the day such a success. Your continued support makes a real difference to our community. Thank you, PJ's Track Days, for another unforgettable event and for your incredible support of The Brightwell.

Image source: Magnific The school uniforms are ironed, and the summer holidays are officially coming to an end soon. If you are a parent or grandparent who has spent the last few weeks juggling childcare, family activities, and keeping everyone entertained, you are likely feeling one main thing right now: exhausted! While the summer months bring wonderful memories, they also disrupt routines. When you are living with a neurological or chronic condition, that lack of routine, combined with the extra energy required to keep up with family life, can take a heavy physical and emotional toll. Now that the quiet has returned during the day, it is time to refocus on what matters: looking after yourself. The Hidden Cost of "Putting Family First" It is completely natural to put your own needs on the back burner when children or grandchildren are out of school. You might have skipped an appointment, put off your exercise routine, or missed a few therapy sessions to make room for family plans. However, running on empty isn't sustainable, especially when managing conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, or chronic fatigue. Self-care isn't a luxury or an afterthought; it is a vital part of managing your health. Taking time to recharge and rebuild your strength now ensures you stay well enough to keep enjoying those precious family moments in the future. 3 Ways to Reset This Autumn 1. Give Yourself Permission to Rest Don't immediately rush to tackle every chore that was delayed over the summer. Give your body a few days to settle back into a calmer pace. Prioritise rest, hydration, and gentle movement. 2. Reinstate Your Daily Routine Routine is powerful for chronic condition management. Getting back into consistent sleep schedules, regular meal times, and balanced activity levels helps regulate your energy and manage fatigue. 3. Resume Your Therapies This is the most critical step. If you paused your regular physiotherapy, oxygen therapy, or group exercise sessions over the summer, now is the time to get back on track. Consistency is key when maintaining mobility, managing pain, and protecting your mental well-being. Getting back into your regular visits to The Brightwell Ease back into your routine at the Centre. Reconnect with friends, enjoy the therapies on offer, get out of the house, treat yourself to a coffee in our wonderful Café, or unwind with some fresh air in the Therapy Garden. Check out our website to see everything that is happening at The Brightwell wwwthebrightwell.org.uk Or call us on 0144 201686. See you soon!

As many of you may be aware, the Centre recently switched to a new clinical diary system called “Cliniko” to help manage our appointments. As a busy centre, we are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and more effectively manage the increasing number of people who come to us for support and therapies. After some steep learning curves, the team at the Centre are now using the system to manage and book all therapy appointments and services. This has represented a huge effort from staff and volunteers alike, and we are grateful for their total dedication and support as well as the patience of all our members whilst we have been getting to grips with the new system. As part of the new system being rolled out, we have also reviewed our processes and procedures to make sure that things continue to run smoothly. In respect of this, there are a few things that we would like to remind our members about: Missed appointments We appreciate that circumstances can change and that sometimes members may need to reschedule their appointments. We ask that you please let us know as soon as possible (with at least 48 hours’ notice) if you are unable to make your appointment so that we can offer the slot to someone else. We often have people who are waiting to be seen, so please help us to help them by letting us know if you can’t make it to the Centre for whatever reason. If centre users do not attend their appointments without notice, this represents a high cost to the charity. Please see our Cancellation Policy Check-in on arrival Please make sure you check in with Reception when you arrive at the Centre – this is important as we need to know that you have arrived for your appointment. Therapy Contributions We also ask that you make your contribution for your therapy as soon as you check in with Reception, before your therapy session starts. Alternatively, many members enjoy greater convenience by setting up a regular Standing Order payment (weekly or monthly) to cover their contributions instead. To find out more about Standing Orders, please visit our webpage or ask at Reception. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to settle into using the new system and will also be starting to explore some of its additional features, such as fully rolling out automated appointment reminders, which we hope will be of additional benefit to members. We will keep you updated about ongoing developments, so watch this space. Thank you again to everyone who has helped during this busy transition period and to all our members for your continued patience and support. Not a Member? If you are not yet a member, please check out our Join Us page to find out more. If you have any queries whatsoever, please call Reception on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk.

Image by prostooleh on Magnific We appreciate that there are no full bans in most of the water authorities where our members live, but thought this might be a useful article for your information. Water companies issue Temporary Use Bans (TUBs)—commonly known as hosepipe bans—it’s easy to feel the squeeze on how you care for your garden or outdoor spaces. However, there is an essential, often overlooked part of these regulations: disabled people, those with long-term health conditions, and individuals on priority registers are widely exempt. Here is what you need to know about hosepipe bans across the UK, why disability exemptions exist, and how to make sure you’re covered. What a Hosepipe Ban Actually Means When a regional water authority implements a hosepipe ban, the law prohibits standard domestic uses of a hosepipe, such as Watering lawns, flower beds, or potted plants Washing private cars or motorbikes Cleaning patios, paths, or outdoor furniture Filling or topping up domestic paddling pools, hot tubs, or ponds For most households, the rule is simple: you can still water your garden, but you have to carry a watering can or bucket instead. Why Disabled People Are Exempt Carrying a heavy watering can full of water back and forth across a garden is a physically demanding task. For people living with chronic pain, limited mobility, fatigue, or balance conditions, lifting and carrying buckets isn't just inconvenient—it poses a genuine health and safety risk. Water companies recognise this distinction. The goal of a drought restriction is water conservation, not physical strain or injury. If you cannot safely carry a watering can or bucket due to a disability or health condition, you are legally permitted to continue using a hosepipe for essential domestic tasks like keeping your garden alive or cleaning immediate safety hazards. Who Automatically Qualifies for an Exemption? While exact wording can vary slightly by water company, the standard exemptions typically cover: Blue Badge Holders: If you or someone in your household holds a Blue Badge, you are automatically exempt from hosepipe restrictions. Priority Services Register (PSR): Customers registered on their water provider's PSR for medical, physical, or mobility needs are exempt. WaterSure Tariff Customers: Households on a WaterSure tariff due to high medical water needs (e.g., conditions requiring frequent washing, such as Crohn's or skin conditions) carry automatic exemption status. Therapeutic or Medical Needs: Hosepipes used to fill pools or equipment specifically required for medical treatment or hydrotherapy are exempt regardless. Key Rule of Thumb: If you cannot make "reasonable adjustments" (like using a bucket or watering can) due to a health condition or age-related mobility issue, the restriction does not apply to you. How to Access Your Exemption In most cases, you do not need to apply for explicit permission if you fall under an automatic category (like holding a Blue Badge or being on the PSR). However, taking a couple of quick steps gives you peace of mind: Get on the Priority Services Register (PSR): Every UK water company maintains a free PSR. Joining ensures your supplier knows you need extra support during outages or restrictions. Keep proof handy: If a neighbour or passerby questions your hosepipe use during a ban, having your Blue Badge or PSR confirmation letter accessible helps quickly clear up any misunderstanding. Check local guidelines: Visit your specific water supplier’s website (e.g., Thames Water, Southern Water, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water) and look up their Temporary Use Ban FAQs to confirm exact local wording. A Note on Responsible Water Use Exemptions exist to keep people safe and ensure accessible enjoyment of outdoor spaces. Water providers still encourage exempt households to use water mindfully where possible—for instance, using trigger nozzles to prevent runoff or watering early in the morning when evaporation is lowest. If you or a family member has a disability, don't feel guilty about using a hosepipe during a drought. The exemption is there for a reason: accessibility matters, even in a heatwave. Check on the situation in your area. www.bbc.co.uk/weather/articles/cyvj2lm2p14o

image source Magnific When you live with Fibromyalgia, the advice to "get moving" can feel like a bitter contradiction. How are you supposed to exercise when every muscle aches, fatigue weighs down your limbs, and a flare-up seems to lurk around every corner? It is completely understandable to feel hesitant or fearful of movement. However, clinical evidence and lived experiences consistently show that tailored, low-impact exercise is one of the most effective non-pharmacological ways to manage Fibromyalgia symptoms over time. TheGentle Paradox: How Movement Helps Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia affects how your brain and spinal cord process pain signals, essentially turning up the volume on sensory input. While intense or unguided workouts can trigger pain spikes, gentle, consistent physical activity helps reset that sensitivity in several key ways: Natural Pain Relief: Movement stimulates the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters. Reduces Stiffness and Joint Stress: Inactivity can cause muscles to decondition and joints to stiffen, which ultimately exacerbates baseline pain. Gentle stretching and aerobic movement keep tissues flexible and nourished. Improves Sleep Quality: Deep, restorative stage-4 sleep is often elusive for people with Fibromyalgia. Low-impact daytime movement helps signal to your body that it is time to rest at night. Combats Fatigue: While it feels counterintuitive, mild aerobic exercise boosts overall energy levels and cardiovascular endurance over time, helping to fight chronic exhaustion. Key Principles for Exercising Safely The golden rule of physical activity with Fibromyalgia is "start low, go slow." Moving your body shouldn't mean pushing through excruciating pain. 1. Master the Art of Pacing Pacing is about finding your baseline—a level of activity you can sustain without causing a flare-up. Instead of pushing hard on "good days" and crashing for three days after, aim for small, consistent efforts every day. 2. Choose Low-Impact Activities High-impact running or heavy weightlifting can stress tender points and joints. Instead, look toward activities that support your body: Hydrotherapy & Swimming: Warm water supports your body weight, relaxes tight muscles, and reduces joint strain. Clinical Pilates & Yoga: Focuses on core strength, balance, controlled breathing, and gentle lengthening. Tai Chi: Combines fluid movement with mindfulness, helping reduce pain and improve emotional well-being. Gentle Walking or Stationary Cycling: Easily adjustable in time and intensity to fit your daily energy levels. Why Specialist Physiotherapy Makes the Difference Exercising with a chronic pain condition is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Standard gym routines or unguided workouts can easily lead to overexertion. This is where specialist physiotherapy becomes invaluable. A physiotherapist experienced in neurological and chronic pain conditions understands the delicate balance between active rehabilitation and symptom management. They can work with you to: Build a personalised, progressive exercise plan tailored to your daily capacity. Teach you how to monitor signs of exertion before reaching a flare-up threshold. Incorporate targeted manual therapy, posture corrections, and breathing techniques Support at The Brightwell If you are looking for guided support to help you move safely and rebuild confidence in your body, specialist resources are available. Specialist Physiotherapy classes and sessions can be found at The Brightwell, offering expert guidance tailored to chronic conditions like Fibromyalgia, including one-to-one physiotherapy, group classes and sessions, plus a great selection of complementary therapies. To find out more, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio To book an assessment or to arrange a visit, please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

Have you ever thought about volunteering at The Brightwell and making a real difference? Next month, we're holding a series of Oxygen Volunteer Drop-In Sessions for anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering within our oxygen therapy service. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, meet new people, or gain valuable experience, we'd love to meet you. Join us on one of the following dates: 7th September: 2:00pm - 4:00pm 8th September: 11:00am - 2:00pm 9th September: 11:00am - 2:00pm 10th September: 11:00am - 2:00pm Simply drop in during any of these sessions to learn more about the role, meet our team, and ask any questions you may have. If you're unable to attend at these times, please don't worry. We'd still love to speak with you. Get in touch by email or phone and we can arrange an alternative time that suits you. Importance of our Volunteers Our volunteers are the backbone of the centre and play a vital role in helping us deliver our oxygen therapy service. Without their dedication, we simply couldn't provide the level of support our members rely on. The role of an Oxygen Volunteer is varied, rewarding, and incredibly important. Volunteers work together to help run oxygen therapy sessions and ensure everything operates smoothly. Responsibilities include: Preparing for each oxygen therapy session Assisting members with masks and tubing Operating the oxygen chamber during sessions Cleaning masks and equipment afterwards Providing a friendly, supportive, and attentive presence for our members Most importantly, our volunteers help create a welcoming and caring environment where members feel comfortable and supported throughout their visit. Interested? Get in Touch If you'd like to RSVP for one of the drop-in sessions, or if you have any questions about volunteering, we'd be delighted to hear from you. 📧 sally.merriman@thebrightwell.org.uk📞 01454 201686 We look forward to meeting you and sharing more about how you can become part of our wonderful volunteer team.

My name is Sally, and I am delighted to have recently joined the Oxygen department at The Brightwell. I will be running the new evening and weekend oxygen sessions that we are rolling out over the next few months. We already have two later sessions on a Monday and a Tuesday at 5.30 pm, which are proving very popular. My previous job was at Bristol Zoo Gardens from 2003-2015, working in the gift shop. Since 2015, I have been a full-time carer for my son, who has had some serious health issues. He is now much better, and at the start of this year I decided I wanted to get back into paid work. I was very fortunate to come to The Brightwell through a work placement organised by a Charity called Women’s Work Lab, which helps women back into work. I had an amazing time primarily with the fabulous fundraising team, but also across all the departments. After my placement ended, I became a volunteer and then applied for the role of extended hours officer in the oxygen department. I have been through an extensive training programme, including the Oxygen Therapy training, plus internal and external programmes for Manual Handling, First Aid, Fire Officer cover, and Cliniko, which is our new booking system. I have been very supported by all the team here and especially by Angela and the other Oxygen Volunteers. I feel very lucky to be able to work here. I have loved every second so far, especially meeting all our fantastic members. Please come and say hello next time you are in the Centre. Watch this space for more news of additional sessions! Best Wishes Sally

Are you looking for an approachable, effective, and empowering way to boost your energy, build strength, and stay active right from the comfort of your own home? At The Brightwell, we are thrilled to invite you to a special FREE Taster Session of our popular MIIT — Medium Intensity Interval Training class, led by the wonderful Millie Rutherford! Whether you are looking to build functional strength, manage mobility, or simply introduce a supportive fitness routine into your weekly schedule, MIIT is designed with your health and wellbeing in mind. What is MIIT (Medium Intensity Interval Training)? While High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) often gets all the spotlight, it isn't suitable or enjoyable for everyone — and that is completely fine! MIIT offers all the fantastic cardiovascular and strength-building benefits of interval training, but at a balanced, moderate, and safe pace tailored to your capabilities. It is a great way to: Improve Fitness & Strength: Gently challenge your heart and strengthen key muscle groups. Boost Energy & Wellbeing: Enhance your overall vitality, mood, and day-to-day stamina. Stay Active from Home: Connect with a supportive community and exercise live without the hassle of travel. Who is this session for? This session has been crafted to be accessible, safe, and engaging. It is suitable for individuals who: Have moderately good balance Can walk with or without a walking stick Want a routine that is structured, uplifting, and manageable Because the class is hosted live online via Zoom, you can exercise in your favourite comfortable clothes right in your living room or garden! Event Summary: Mark Your Calendar! Date: Tuesday 11 August Time: 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM (A brisk, refreshing 30-minute workout to start your morning!) Format: Live Zoom Class Cost: FREE Taster Session! Instructor: Millie Rutherford How to Reserve Your Spot Spaces for this free live Zoom class are limited so that everyone gets a great experience. You can secure your spot today by choosing one of the following options: Call Reception: 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk In Person: Book directly at reception at The Brightwell. Learn More: Visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio to explore our wide range of therapies, neurological support, and community wellness classes. Grab a glass of water, set up your device, and get ready to move with Millie Rutherford! We look forward to welcoming you on Zoom!