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image courtesy of Somerset Council Earlier this year, Keith Taylor, one of our founders and Senior Oxygen Operator, received a letter from King Charles to advise Keith that he had been nominated to receive a British Empire Medal, as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List. Keith received his award for services to those living with Multiple Sclerosis and Other Neurological Conditions. The ceremony took place in the beautiful surroundings of The Newt in Somerset. The King’s representative was the Lord Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq, who has been Lord Lieutenant for Somerset since October 2022. Keith was one of 6 people to receive the British Empire Medal in Somerset. Further information can be found at: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/news/six-british-empire-medals-awarded-in-somerset/ Everyone at The Brightwell was thrilled to be able to see the medal and certificate when Keith came to the Centre for his weekly duty as our Senior Oxygen Operator. We are all so proud of Keith and incredibly grateful for his 40 years of dedication to our charity. To see our earlier blog about when Keith learned about his award, please visit. www.thebrightwell.org.uk/post/keith-taylor-recognised-in-the-king-s-birthday-honours-list

CALLING ALL CARERS! Thursday 13 November 2 - 4 pm at The Brightwell. Physical and Emotional Well-being Talk for Carers Click her e or on the image above to book your FREE place 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 the leaves start to turn and the days become cooler, The Brightwell Café will be offering plenty of seasonal treats. This month, we see the return of Paula’s lovely homemade soups, served with a large crusty roll and butter – a hearty bowl of goodness perfect for warming up on chilly days! As well as our range of freshly made sandwiches, filled jacket potatoes and daily specials, we will also be serving some delicious Halloween-themed treats, supplied by Eliza’s Bakes and Cakes. So, whether you fancy a sweet treat or a tasty lunch, pop into The Brightwell Café for a warm welcome this Autumn! For further information, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/the-brightwell-cafe See you soon!

We are very pleased to publish our new Accessibility Statement. Our facilities are purpose-built and fully accessible. However, it is reassuring for those visiting us for the first time to know where to park, how to navigate the premises and to be aware of all our excellent facilities. Please view or download the Accessibility Statement below, or there is a link from the footer on our website. We are also delighted to announce the installation of our new baby changing facility. This is located in the accessible WC next to the entrance to the physiotherapy department. The Brightwell is always delighted to welcome young families to the Centre, whether they are coming for a therapy session, visiting the Café or accompanying a family member or friend.  The Centre is for everyone !f you have any queries, please call Reception on 014554 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk We look forward to seeing you soon!

We are thrilled that The Brightwell has a full-page feature in this month’s edition of MS-UK’s magazine called New Pathways. We can be found on page 15. This is a great publication published on a bi-monthly basis. This article is the first in a series of features on Therapy Centres across the UK, which are part of the Neuro Therapy Network. We have a number of copies of this edition at the Centre for you to read. You can also download or view the article below. If you wanted to find out more or subscribe to the magazine, please visit. https://ms-uk.org/new-pathways-magazine/

Come and join Lauren for a fantastic Mind  &  Body Workout every Friday between 10.30 – 11.30 am In this group, exercises will be offered at various levels, allowing you to choose what suits you best. Please note that anyone joining this class should be able to get on and up from the floor without assistance.. This session includes meaningful and individually tailored Yoga poses and movements to suit the needs of attendees.  Followed by relaxation using neurophysiological principles incorporating visualising and yogic breathing, to support recovery and calm.  £9 per session or £60 for a block of 10. To book this or any other class, please call  Reception on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk To find out more about all the Physiotherapy classes and sessions that we offer, please visit. www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio

We are delighted to announce the return of Helen Baddon, as one of our Specialist Therapists.   Helen is a  Therapist, Healer & Yoga instructor, with a  BSc (Hons) in Complementary Health, and will be running clinics on Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm once a month from  5 November.   Some of you may remember Helen as she ran the clinics before departing to grow her family.    Helen will be working alongside Claire Day, who will continue to offer Advanced Clinical Massage treatments every Monday.   Each session is 40 minutes Cost per session will be £45.   To find out more about the Specialist Clinics we offer, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/specialist-clinics   To book a session with Helen  or any of our clinics, please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

We are delighted to welcome Aaron to the Physiotherapy Team here at The Brightwell. Aaron joined us last month and is already busy seeing lots of members, fitting in with the team and finding out more about what we do here at the Centre. Aaron was born in Chichester, West Sussex. He became interested in learning more about physiotherapy after benefiting from the treatment himself after a tennis injury. Aaron studied Sports Science at College and then applied to the University of the West of England to study Physiotherapy and recently graduated in June 2025. Whilst at Uni, Aaron came to The Brightwell on a placement. We were very impressed with his obvious interest in all aspects of neurophysiotherapy at that time. We were delighted that when we recently advertised a vacancy for a Physiotherapist, Aaron applied and is now part of the team! Aaron has a lot of interests involving sports and plays tennis competitively, and enjoys playing golf and football. Please say hello to Aaron, next time you see him at The Centre. Welcome to the team!

Last week, Doro met Libby Littlehales at an Overcoming MS event held at The Brightwell. Libby lives with MS and is currently undertaking a PhD researching  “ Could a Citrus Extract Improve Cognition and Fatigue in MS?” Libby is looking for participants for her research approved by Swansea University. The requirements for participants are that they have Relapsing-Remitting MS and have no food allergies. Please see the poster below for more information and scan the QR Code to register. We all look forward to hearing about the outcomes of this research.

We’re proud to share that Ciaran has completed the Loch Ness Marathon – a fantastic achievement made even more meaningful by the reason behind it. As mentioned in a previous blog, Ciaran took on this challenge in memory of his uncle, Nick, a much-loved member of the Brightwell community. The marathon took place at the end of September and was a fantastic event. The route began just south of Fort Augustus and followed the scenic shores of Loch Ness, finishing in Inverness. With stunning views and plenty of hills, it was no easy task – but Ciaran pushed through and crossed the finish line with determination. So far, he has raised an incredible £1,731 in support of Brightwell. We’re so grateful for his dedication and for choosing to honour his uncle in such a meaningful way. Every pound raised helps us continue providing vital support to our community. Thank you, Ciaran – your effort, commitment, and generosity are truly appreciated.

Every year on  10 October, the UK, along with the rest of the world, marks World Mental Health Day. It's a crucial day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing the stigma surrounding them, and mobilising efforts in support of mental well-being. This year, as we navigate ever-changing landscapes, the message feels more important than ever: mental health is a universal human right. In the UK, World Mental Health Day provides a powerful platform for individuals, communities, and organisations to come together. It's a chance to reflect on our own mental health, check in with loved ones, and advocate for better mental health services and support. Why is World Mental Health Day so important? Tackling Stigma:  Despite some progress, stigma around mental illness still exists. Many people feel unable to talk openly about their struggles, fearing judgment or discrimination. World Mental Health Day helps to normalise conversations about mental health, reminding us that it's okay not to be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Raising Awareness:  The day shines a spotlight on the prevalence of mental health conditions. One in four adults in the UK experiences a mental health problem in any given year. Understanding this helps us to foster empathy and build a more supportive society. Promoting Support Services:  It's an opportunity to highlight the incredible work done by charities, healthcare professionals, and community groups across the UK who provide vital mental health support. From helplines to therapy services, these organisations are lifelines for many. Advocating for Change:  World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder to policymakers and government bodies that mental health must be prioritised. It fuels campaigns for increased funding, improved access to services, and a more equitable mental health system. This year's theme, "Mental health is a universal human right," resonates deeply in the UK. It emphasises that everyone, regardless of their background, circumstances, or location, deserves access to quality mental healthcare and the opportunity to live a mentally healthy life. It challenges us to look at the systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing the support they need and to work towards dismantling them. What can you do on World Mental Health Day and beyond? Start a Conversation:  Reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague. Ask how they're truly doing. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can make a huge difference. Educate Yourself:  Learn more about different mental health conditions and how to support someone who might be struggling. Mental health charities in the UK offer a wealth of resources. Prioritise Your Own Well-being:  Take time for self-care. This could be anything from a walk in nature to practising mindfulness, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones. Advocate for Change:  Write to your local MP, participate in campaigns, or simply share information on social media to help keep mental health on the public agenda. World Mental Health Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a call to action. It's a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that together, we can create a more understanding, compassionate, and supportive society for everyone in the UK. Let's use this day to talk, to listen, and to act. Support at The Brightwell The Brightwell is a warm, friendly, inclusive space, as well as having a safe and supportive environment. As well as being able to talk to any member of staff or volunteer, we also provide one-to-one counselling through Sasha Leigh and a Carers Support Group, which holds regular meetings and has an information point next to the Café. Our members often find the social space we offer an opportunity to have an open chat with those who may be in the same or a similar situation and can empathise or appreciate any concerns or worries that you may have. If you would like to talk to someone in a private area, on a one-to-one basis, please discuss with a member of staff or a volunteer, and we would be pleased to help. You can call us on 01454 201686, email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk. To find out more about our Specialist Clinics, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/specialist-clinics

Taking on the challenge alongside her dad, Millie crossed the finish line in an impressive 2 hours and 26 minutes, achieving her goal of running the entire distance without stopping. A sub-2.5-hour finish was the icing on the cake! The vibrant atmosphere of the Cardiff Half Marathon, with thousands of spectators lining the streets, made the experience even more special. Millie said the crowd’s energy helped push them through every mile - and they even had enough left in the tank to sprint across the finish line! Together, Millie and her dad have raised an incredible £1,300 for The Brightwell, thanks to the generosity of our amazing community, family, and friends.  You can still donate to Millie’s challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/millie-rutherford-3?msockid=17cbdf630fa869311fe1ca330e1368f8 Well done, Millie - we’re all so proud of you!