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Join us for our annual Easter Egg Trail around Bradley Stoke. The Brightwell Charity Easter Egg Hunt returns for its 4th year! 🐣🍫 Our much-loved Easter Egg Hunt is back, running from Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April, and families are invited to get outdoors and explore four fun trails across the Bradley Stoke area. Pick up a trail map, follow the routes, spot the Easter egg posters along the way and note down the letters you find to crack the Easter-themed words. Once you’ve completed your trail, simply return your map to The Brightwell during the week to receive a prize and be entered into the Easter Trail Prize Draw. Trail maps cost £5 and will be on sale through our online shop here. All proceeds go directly to The Brightwell,. A huge thank you to our generous sponsors, Bradley Stoke Matters and The Willow Brook Centre, for supporting this fantastic community fundraising event. Trail Maps £5 includes 4 trails that cover the Bradley Stoke area. Click here to buy your tickets If you would prefer a physical copy, you can pop into The Brightwell Monday-Friday between 8.30 am and 4:30 pm.  Please note that we will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Hand in your completed trail map at The Brightwell during opening hours to receive your easter treat. One prize per completed trail map.  Grab a map, get exploring, and support a great cause this Easter! 🌸

Are you ready to unleash your inner daredevil? Mark your calendars for Friday, 15 May 2026, because the ropes are going back up! The Brightwell is thrilled to announce the return of our annual Charity Abseil Day, and we want you  to be part of the adventure. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking for your next thrill, a local business wanting a team-building day like no other, or simply someone who wants to make a massive difference in our community, this is your moment to step up to the edge. The Challenge Picture this: You are standing 65 feet in the air, looking out over the Bristol skyline. Behind you is the iconic black cube of The Village Hotel in Filton . Below you, a crowd of friends, family, and colleagues are cheering your name. All you have to do is lean back, trust the ropes, and make the exhilarating descent down the side of the building! Since our first abseil event, this has become a legendary day in The Brightwell’s calendar. Last year’s 2025 event was a complete sell-out, raising an incredible £11,800 and even catching the eye of the local ITV news! For 2026, we are aiming even higher (while you abseil lower!). Why We Drop While the descent is pure adrenaline, the reason we do it is incredibly grounded. Every single penny you raise by taking on this 65-foot challenge goes directly toward funding life-enhancing specialist therapies at The Brightwell. We are dedicated to supporting people living with chronic neurological conditions. The funds raised from this abseil allow our members to manage their symptoms, maintain their mobility, and live fulfilled, independent lives for as long as possible. When you conquer your fear on the side of that building, you are empowering someone else to conquer their daily physical challenges. What to Expect on the Day The Abseil isn't just for those in harnesses—it’s a fantastic family fun day! Running from 9 am to 5 pm , the atmosphere at the bottom will be just as electric as it is at the top. Cheer Squads Welcome:  Spectators are highly encouraged to come and cheer on the brave participants. Festival Atmosphere:  Expect a live DJ, delicious food, snacks, and refreshments provided by our amazing hosts at the Village Hotel. Corporate & Team Spirit:  We’ll be welcoming a host of local businesses (corporate packages are available!) alongside individual fundraisers and even some of our incredibly brave Brightwell members. How to Get Involved Spots fill up fast, so don't leave it to the last minute! Whether you are signing up as an individual or want to bring your whole office down for a corporate challenge, we have a spot on the ropes for you. When:  Friday, 15 May 2026, 9 am - 5 pm Where:  The Village Hotel, Bullfinch Close, Filton, Bristol BS34 6FG Register:  Head over to www.thebrightwell.org.uk/events/charity-abseil-1 to book your spot or enquire about corporate packages. Take a deep breath, clip in, and let’s make 15 May 2026 our most successful Charity Abseil yet. We can't wait to see you at the top!

Brain Awareness Week (March 16–22, 2026) is such a fascinating event. Spearheaded by the Dana Foundation, this global campaign unites scientists, educators, and the public to celebrate the wonders of the brain and highlight the critical importance of brain health and neuroscience research. Here is a look at what makes this year's event so important and how you can join the celebration. The Big Focus in 2026 With an ageing global population and rising rates of neurological and mental health conditions, the focus has shifted heavily from just treating brain diseases to optimising brain health. Throughout this week, institutions around the world are exploring incredible themes: The Nano Brain: Universities are diving into neuroscience at the nanoscale, exploring how molecules and synapses shape our memories and emotions. The Gut-Brain Axis: There is a massive spotlight on how our microbiome (the bacteria in our gut) directly influences cognitive function, mood, and even our risk for dementia. Policy and Prevention: Major organisations like the European Brain Council are using this week to push for better funding and policies to make brain health a proactive global priority, rather than a reactive one. How You Can Celebrate (and Protect Your Own Brain) You don't need a PhD in neuroscience to participate. The best way to observe Brain Awareness Week is to take actionable steps toward protecting your own cognitive health: Prioritise Rest : Sleep is when your brain clears out toxic byproducts accumulated during the day. Protect your 7-9 hours fiercely. Feed Your Mind:  A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fibre supports both your gut and your brain. Learn Something Completely New : Neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections—doesn't stop when you grow up. Try learning a new language, an instrument, or even a new physical skill to keep those neural pathways firing. Attend an Event:  Hundreds of universities, museums, and research centres host free virtual webinars and in-person open days during this week. It is a great chance to ask real neuroscientists your most pressing questions. The Bottom Line The human brain contains roughly 100 billion neurons, making trillions of connections. It is the control centre for your entire existence. Brain Awareness Week is a vital reminder that while we have made incredible strides in understanding how it works, we still have so much to learn. Search “ Brain Awareness Week” to find a huge range of interesting articles, blogs and videos,

The University of the West of England and Shift.ms are interested in learning about people’s views and perceptions of using online support for MS. Your perspective and experiences are important and can help improve understanding of how online support works for people living with MS. The survey is short and includes a few multiple-choice questions, along with the opportunity to share your experiences in your own words if you would like. It should take approximately  10–15 minutes  to complete. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will help contribute to research aimed at improving support for people with MS. Please help if you can Please see the poster above for the weblink and/or QR Code. Many thanks

We are absolutely delighted to announce that The Brightwell has received a £2,000 grant from The Hospital Saturday Fund in support of our Accessible Movement  project, and we couldn't be more grateful.  The Hospital Saturday Fund has kindly supported the Centre in the past, and their most recent grant will help us continue to provide classes and movement for our Members. The Hospital Saturday Fund is a registered charity that has been granting funds in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for over 140 years. Their mission has remained unchanged since their founding: to provide access to affordable healthcare while giving back to communities. They support amazing causes, doing amazing things to further healthcare in this country. It is a truly values-led organisation, and one whose ethos very much mirrors ours here at The Brightwell. At The Brightwell, we believe that movement is key to living well with neurological conditions. Physiotherapy, exercise and specialist movement classes help to give better outcomes and improve wellbeing in conditions such as MS, Parkinson's, and stroke. Regular, targeted exercise can directly improve strength, mobility, balance and mental health. It reduces the risk of falls, counters the isolation that so often accompanies long-term illness, and helps people maintain their independence for longer. With rising costs across everything we do, and rising demand for our services. Securing funding like this from The Hospital Saturday Fund is vital. This grant will help us to continue delivering the group exercise and movement classes that our members rely on. So to everyone at The Hospital Saturday Fund; thank you. Your support means that more people in our community can keep moving, stay well, and feel part of something. That is not a small thing. For the people who come through our doors, it can make all the difference in the world.

Hi, I’m Lauren. I’ve worked as a physiotherapy assistant here at The Brightwell for three and a half years.  I’m originally from Yate and went to King Edmund Community School. After school, I stayed on for sixth form, where I studied Health and Beauty. At the time, it seemed like a good idea, but it didn’t take me too long to realise that the beauty industry probably wasn’t my true calling! After leaving school, I moved into retail and visual merchandising. While it was a great experience, I quickly discovered that folding clothes and rearranging shop displays wasn’t quite the long-term career for me either. What I did realise was that I really enjoyed working with people. My next role led me to work in a day care setting supporting the elderly, including those living with dementia. I loved spending time getting to know people, helping them to stay active and engaged, and sometimes taking them out. It was a really rewarding role and confirmed that working with people was definitely the direction I wanted to go in. After  I had my beautiful son, I decided it was the perfect opportunity for a complete career rethink. I’ve always loved running and going to the gym, so moving into something that promotes health, wellbeing and keeping active seemed like the perfect fit. That’s what led me to become a Physiotherapy Assistant. My role at The Brightwell is incredibly varied and includes supporting the rest of our brilliant team, helping out with classes and seeing members on a one-to-one basis. I also run a Neuro Yoga class every Friday. I love my work and enjoy helping so many people. I am very much part of the Brightwell Community and have been involved in several fundraising events too. Outside of work, life is usually pretty busy. I have a very energetic four-year-old son who definitely keeps me on my toes. I also love reading, spending time with family and friends, and getting outdoors whenever I can, especially in the summer, which is definitely my favourite time of year. I live in Yate with my partner Jack, and we’ve been together for eight years. We’re also getting married next year, so alongside work and parenting, there’s a lot of wedding planning going on too! Please come and say hello next time you are in the Centre! Best Wishes, Lauren

Image courtesy of Freepix It's easy to cruise through the day on autopilot, grabbing a coffee here or a quick snack there, often forgetting the very fuel that keeps our engines running. That's exactly why Nutrition and Hydration Week exists. Coming up from 16  to 22 March, 2026, this annual global movement is a perfect excuse to hit the "reset" button on your habits. Whether you're at home, in the office, or navigating the complexities of healthcare environments, the goal is simple: celebrate, promote, and improve how we nourish ourselves. Why It Matters Nutrition and hydration are the silent partners of our daily performance. They aren't just about weight or "diets"; they are the foundational elements for: Cognitive Function: Ever hit a 3:00 PM slump? Often, that's your brain signalling a need for better fuel, or simply a glass of water. ·Immune Support: Quality nutrients provide the building blocks your body needs to stay resilient. ·Mood & Energy: Stable blood sugar and proper fluid intake can prevent the irritability that comes with hunger or dehydration. A Week of Healthy Habits This year, the organisers have laid out a fantastic schedule to help you focus on different aspects of your wellbeing throughout the week: Day                      Theme Monday              Breakfast (Start the week right) Tuesday             Snacks (Snacky Tuesday) Wednesday       Global Tea Party (The main event!) Thursday            Hydration (Thirsty Thursday) Friday                 Fishy or Fruit (Fishy/Fruity Friday) Saturday            Brunch (A relaxed start) Sunday               Smoothies & Shakes (Refresh and recharge) The mid-week highlight, the Global Tea Party, is a wonderful reminder that nutrition is also social. Sharing a drink and a bite to eat with others is a vital way to nourish our mental wellbeing alongside our physical health. Simple Ways to Participate You don't need to be a nutritionist to make this week count. Here are a few ways to get involved: Audit Your Desk: Keep a dedicated water bottle at your workspace. If you're struggling to drink plain water, try infusing it with fresh cucumber, mint, or a slice of lemon. · Level Up Your Snacks: Swap the processed vending machine bar for a handful of nuts, Greek yoghurt, or fresh fruit. · Host a "Tea Break": Whether you're working remotely or in an office, schedule 15 minutes on Wednesday to step away from your screen, connect with a colleague or friend, and enjoy a drink together-no "shop talk" allowed. Listen to Your Body: Use this week to practice mindful eating. Pay attention to when you are truly hungry versus when you are just eating out of habit or stress. Nutrition and Hydration Week is a gentle nudge to treat your body with the care it deserves. By making even the smallest, consistent changes, you'll find that you have more energy to tackle whatever 2026 throws your way. Nutrition and Hydration Week at The Brightwell Paula and the Team always have a fantastic range of food and drink on offer in our wonderful Brightwell Café. Free chilled water is available  from the dispenser near Reception The Café and Bradbury lounge is a great space to meet up with friends and to socialise too. To mark this event, Paula will be introducing some healthy and nutritious smoothies for you all to enjoy (more details to follow soon) The Café is open to our wider community  Monday to Friday from 9.30 am until 2.30 pm.

When and where 25 Mar 2026, 19:00 – 23:00 The Brightwell, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About 🎉 Charity Bingo Night!  🎉 📅 Date:  Wednesday, 25th March 2026 🕡 Doors Open:  6:30 PM | Eyes Down:  7:00 PM 🍷 BYO drinks and nibbles Join us for a fun-filled evening in support of a great cause! Play 6 bingo games , 2 cash games , Silly Bingo , and try your luck in our exclusive raffle  with some wonderful prizes up for grabs. 🎟 Tickets:  £8 each – on sale now! Don’t miss out on the laughs, prizes, and a fantastic night of charity bingo fun! Click here to buy your tickets online. Tickets are also available from Reception at The Brightwell. Thank you in advance for your support!

Introducing our Luxury Easter Egg Prize Draw! Win the Patisserie Ostrich Easter Egg from Hotel Chocolat (worth £90) with over 1 kilo of indulgent chocolate. One half is 40% milk chocolate with cookies and white chocolate. The other is 50% milk chocolate with pecan, praline and cookies, finished with a selection of individual chocolates, from Carrot Cake to Billionaire’s Shortbread. Winner will be randomly selected on 31st March. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS Online Raffle Entry Disclaimer Please note that due to payment provider processing fees, a minimum purchase of three (3) raffle entries is required for all online transactions. If you wish to purchase fewer than three entries, you are very welcome to do so in person at: The Brightwell Bradbury House Wheatfield Drive Bradley Stoke BS32 9DB This draw has been kindly sponsored by our Chair of Trustees, Geoff Mayell.

This year, three fantastic supporters are stepping up to run the Bath Half Marathon in support of The Brightwell next Sunday. Taking on 13.1 miles is no small commitment. Months of training, early mornings, and tired legs all add up, and they’re doing it to help raise vital funds so we can continue delivering specialist support and services.   Callum Callum is running to make a meaningful difference for the people and families we support. Every donation to his page will directly help fund Brightwell services. Support Callum here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/callum-davidge-4   Sarah Sarah has taken on the challenge with determination and focus. By backing her run, you’re helping ensure we can continue providing vital therapy. Support Sarah here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-jasmine-king-1   Connor Connor is also lining up at the start in Bath, raising funds to strengthen the work we do every day. His efforts on race day translate directly into practical support for those who rely on us. Support Connor here: https://2026getprobathhalf.enthuse.com/pf/connor-mccarron   We’re hugely grateful to Callum, Sarah and Connor for choosing to run for The Brightwell. If you’re able to donate or share their pages, it makes a genuine difference.   We’ll be cheering them on all the way to the finish line.

Being a mum is a whirlwind on its own, but navigating motherhood while living with MS brings a unique set of challenges that not everyone "gets." If you’re looking for a space to relax, share stories, and meet others who truly understand your journey, we have some exciting news! The MS Society  is launching a new monthly social specifically for mums affected by MS  in and around the Bristol area. Whether you were recently diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, you are warmly invited to join us for coffee and conversation. Event Details What: A casual monthly social for MS Mums. When: The first Thursday of every month , starting April 2nd, 2026 . Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Where: Brightwell Centre, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB. Why Join Us? We know that getting out of the house can sometimes feel like a mission. That’s why we’ve kept things simple and welcoming: Kid-Friendly: Don't worry about finding a sitter— kids are more than welcome  to come along. Easy Refreshments:  There is an on-site cafe  where you can grab a coffee and a snack while you chat. A Supportive Community:  This is a low-pressure environment designed to help you build a local support network of women who share similar experiences.   Get in Touch If you have any questions or just want to say hello before your first visit, please reach out to Maria Fitzgerald . You can contact her via email at maria.fitzgerald@mssociety.org.uk  for more information. We can't wait to see you there and start building this community together!