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Volunteers' Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole. This year we celebrate Volunteers’ Week from Monday 3 June until Sunday 9 June. This year’s event is particularly special as it is the 40th Anniversary of this important week Here at The Brightwell, we completely rely on the dedication and commitment of our Volunteers to ensure that our work continues to provide support and therapies for those living with chronic neurological conditions. There is a huge range of Volunteer roles here at The Brightwell. Our expert Oxygen Operators are all fully trained and enable us to provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for hundreds of people each month. Our Board of Trustees are all Volunteers. We then have others who help on Reception, support the Fundraising Team, help run the Café and a team who specifically ensure our beautiful grounds are maintained. On behalf of all the Staff, Members and Supporters we would like to say a massive heartfelt thank you to each and every person who generously gives us their time, knowledge and commitment. Many of our Volunteers have been with us for many years. In fact, Keith Taylor, our Lead Oxygen Operator, has been with us for over 40 years! If you would like to find out more about being a Volunteer at The Brightwell, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/volunteer Whether you are looking for a new challenge and want to work with us on a regular basis or maybe just help out at events on an occasional basis, we would very like to welcome you to join our Brightwell Community!

Check out our latest newsletter packed full of lots of events, articles and find out how you can help us plan for the future.

When and where 19 Jun 2024, 18:30 – 21:00 Bradley Stoke, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About Come and join us for a fun-filled evening! Please feel free to bring your own drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and your own nibbles. Buy Tickets £5 each Click here to buy your tickets!

Adapted from an MS Trust Newsletter article May 2024 A new study has discovered the number of people living with multiple sclerosis in the UK has increased by nearly 13%.* The latest UK MS prevalence figure, which considers the number of people living with MS at any one time, is now estimated to be over 150,000. The previous figure, published by the MS Society in 2019, was 130,000. The sharp rise is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including better diagnosis and people with MS living longer, rather than an increase in the risk of developing MS. Further findings from the new data are listed below. All four UK nations have seen a rise in the number of people living with MS. There’s been a 15% increase in England, 10% in Scotland, 9% in Northern Ireland and 8% in Wales. More than 7,100 people are diagnosed with MS each year. Around 135 people are told they have MS every week. 71% of people with MS are women, meaning women are 2.5 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with MS. People are most likely to be diagnosed in their 30s and 40s. This latest data highlights the ongoing concerns of the MS Trust at the insufficient resourcing of NHS neurology and MS services across the country. The UK currently ranks 44 out of 45 European nations for the number of neurologists for each person with a neurological condition. Together with the MS Society, the MS Trust is calling for shortages in neurologists and MS nurses to be addressed by the Government. The MS Trust have been tackling the shortage of MS specialists for many years and are actively working to address the problem through the Specialist Nurse and Advanced MS Champion programmes.  These schemes part fund MS health professionals in areas of the country with the greatest need and are proven to save the NHS hundreds of thousands of pounds a year in emergency care. It is vital that NHS leaders and political parties recognise this escalating problem and develop MS services which meet the needs of the people living with this chronic condition. Lucy Taylor, MS Trust CEO, comment on the increase: “These new figures highlight a problem we already knew existed. There are simply not enough neurologists and MS specialists to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Every day, our helpline hears from people living with MS, struggling to get access to the care they need. This is just not acceptable. We fully support the MS Society in their call for the Government to urgently address the shortage of neurologists and MS specialists in the UK.” *Established using data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) Database (a Cegedim Property Database). This work uses data provided by patients and collected by the NHS as part of their care and support. Here at The Brightwell, we whole heartedly support both the MS Trrust and MS Society in their campaign to have more Neurologists , MS Nurses and more general NHS Support. If anyone is struggling, the team at The Brightwell are always here to help.

Hi, my name is Dawn the Receptionist and Member Journey Officer here at The Brightwell. I live locally to the Centre having moved to Bradley Stoke in 1987, Bradley Stoke was mainly fields, with the plans for 8,000 new houses for a whole new town! Obviously I was very young then!  It wasn’t long before shops, pubs and other facilities were being built and within a few years Bradley Stoke started to feel like more of a community. I have a son and a daughter and have found Bradley Stoke a lovely area to bring them up in.  They are my pride and joy and give me so much pleasure and worry in equal measures but I wouldn’t be without them and am proud of the young adults they are turning into. They both attended Wheatfield Primary school, opposite the Centre, and I watched the then ‘MS Therapy Centre’ being built not knowing that I would end up working here. I was first introduced to the Centre when I was a Slimming World consultant.  One of my members, who had previously volunteered here, said that the Centre was looking for a receptionist and also needed some part-time cover.  She thought that this would be the ideal place for me.  I arranged to come in to help on reception and was asked to put in my CV which led to an interview and the rest is history.  I also used to hold my Slimming World classes at the Centre on a Saturday morning for quite a few years  and only finished Slimming World recently. The support the Centre gives people has always amazed me and it is a privilege to be a part of it.  Reception is the first point of contact, so it is important to make members feel welcome and supported.  Relationships are built and if existing members and new members are made to feel welcome and cared for then that’s very satisfying.  I hope in some small way that I help the members on their journey. Since I started working at The Brightwell, 7 years ago  I’ve seen the Centre change so much, it’s definitely much busier and the facilities have really grown, I work with some great people and glad to have made some great friends too. My role has been developed recently to include being the Member Journey Officer, which includes being involved with the members on a one to one basis to ensure that they  can access and make the most the therapies and support we offer. This is a completely new role and I’m really enjoying it. When I get the opportunity I enjoy going on holidays in the sun and weekends away watching live bands.  I am very excited to have just bought myself a converted Peugeot Partner and I’ve called her “Doris!” I must finish with an acknowledgment to our volunteers, as we couldn’t run without them.  I am so grateful for the help they give on reception so, thank you, thank you, thank you. I look forward to seeing you all next time you are in. Love and Best Wishes Dawn

Are you thinking of having a work meeting, a family gathering for a special lunch or a friends get together and want a super buffet? We can help! The Brightwell Café is delighted to offer sandwich platter buffets with the option of a selection of cakes, fruit, canned drinks, bottled water etc. at a very competitive price. We can cater for special dietary requirements such as providing Gluten free bread, with Vegetarian and Vegan options available too – just contact us with your requirements and we’ll be happy to help. Buffet orders will need to be pre-ordered at least 48 hours in advance and are available for collection on weekdays between 10am and 3pm. For further information or to book a buffet please call 01454 201686 and ask for Paula or Helen to discuss your requirements or email us at hello@thebrightwell.org.uk. Alternatively, just pop into the café at The Brightwell to discuss your needs and we’d be happy to help! For further information about The Brightwell Cafe please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/the-brightwell-cafe

As anyone with a disability or limited mobility will know, going out can be a challenge. I thought that it might be worthwhile giving you a quick review of my positive experience at the recently refurbished Bristol Beacon. I went to the Colston Hall a few years ago  with my husband and friends. Although we got to our seats via chair lifts to get into the auditorium, when the performance started,  It was not possible to sit next to my friends and although we had booked tickets at the front of a section, I was sat on my own, in my wheelchair,  in front of the others! However, my experience on 9 May in the evening was completely different and very enjoyable. I had registered on their Access Register a few months earlier, This was very easy to do and they only required a scan/photo of my most recent PIP confirmation letter. To register click below https://bristolbeacon.org/access-register/ The benefits are that the person going with you goes free. I paid the standard price of £48 for my ticket and nothing for Martin. You also get advanced email notification of any new events. On the evening itself, the main foyer is similar with plenty of lifts and accessible loos, big enough for electric wheelchairs. The major change was in the new auditorium which is amazing. We were in row S, Martin had a standard seat and there was a space next to him for my chair. Plenty of space behind and easy access to leave or to use the loo. The position was excellent. The row configuration meant that I could have gone with up to 3 people in standard seats, the seating plan shows the different accessible seating  locations bristolbeacon.org/plan-your-visit/seating-plans/ We went in via the back entrance. Although Level 1 has lots of parking in Trenchard Street NCP, there is a steep slope down to the pavement and I think some might struggle to push back up it.. Ideally get dropped off. We didn’t use them but there are places to get food and a fully accessible bar. I hope this helps. It’s nice to go out and feel   “normal”, we will definitely go again. Caz Blake-Symes

During the last year, The Brightwell has been honoured to have been chosen as one of the Mayor of Bradley Stoke’s chosen charities. Mayor Daley Lawrence has been incredibly supportive of The Brightwell’s work. Not only has he taken a genuine interest in support we give to those living with neurological conditions, but he has been very involved with our Charity.  Last June he even officially started  our Colour Run, held at Jubilee Green, by blasting off fire extinguishers full of colour! Throughout the year the Mayor has been involved in many fundraising events, including the ever-popular and spectacular Fireworks Display Evening in November. The Brightwell are delighted to share the proceeds of Mayor Daley Lawrences' tenure with Bristol Mammas and Prostrate Cancer UK. At the end of his tenure as Mayor, Head of Fundraising at The Brightwell, Victoria Hocquard, was invited along with representatives from the other beneficiaries to receive an amazing cheque for £1792.54. During the meeting the new Mayor of Bradley Stoke, Natalie Field, officially took over the reigns of this prestigious position.  The Brightwell is delighted to once again be chosen, along with Bristol Mamma’s as Mayor’s Charity for 2024-25. Thank you Daley, from all at the Brightwell, we know you will continue your great work as a Councillor, and we can’t wait to work closely with Natalie throughout this year. The Town Council have also agreed to host this year’s Colour Run at  the Jubilee Green fields  on Sunday 9 June. It promises to be another great community event!

Image courtesy of the AJ Bell Great Run website We are always overwhelmed by the tremendous effort that supporters put into raising funds for The Brightwell. This month we have so many dedicated supporters running for us, details are below, please donate on their various pages if you can. Great Bristol Run: 19 May Half Marathon and 10K Callum Blake-Symes and Charlotte Dilloway. This is Callum and Charlotte’s first official run. Callum is the son of one of our members and Trustees. They are also getting married in August! Callum and Charlotte Blake-Symes is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Stu Rutherford Stu is Millie’s Dad. Millie is a member of our Physiotherapy Team. Stu is a great supporter and fundraiser for The Brightwell and ran the London Landmark Half Marathon for us juyst a few weeks ago! https://www.justgiving.com/page/stu-rutherford-1710251949573 Dan Giuliani Dan is a relative of one of our members, Debbie Sutor. The nephew of Sarah Brewer, who has been a great help to the charity. So, Dan has lots of connections to our members and the work we do. The Brightwell Neurological Centre: Dan's page (enthuse.com) Tim Ransome Tim is doing the 10K.  Tim is the husband of Nicola Ransome one of our members. Thank you Tim for supporting us. timothy ransome is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) If you are going to watch on 19 May on the route, please give our runners a big cheer! Keep an eye out for the yellow T-shirts and vests! and the Brightwell logo! Ibex Gale 100K challenge Some of the team at Ibex Gale have set themselves a challenge of running 100 k in May! We are exceptionally grateful that they picked us as one of their chosen charities. Brogan Miles has set up a JustGiving page to donate for the team’s achievement. Brogan Miles is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Thank you so much to everyone involved and we look forward to welcoming you in person to the Centre.

The Brightwell’s second Corporate Abseil Event took place on 10 May 2024, at The Village Hotel in Filton, a short distance from Bradbury House. The day was a massive success, in total over 60 brave participants abseiled down the 65 foot drop from the  top of the black iconic hotel building. The corporate teams were from Wain Homes, Regal Tile Ltd, Village Hotels, West Country Water Park, Waylands Volvo, Golf South West, TechEx Events and Bristol Pitbulls, not only did all these supporters overcome their fears but will also raise an anticipated £5,000 for our charity. As well as these corporate teams, a limited number of places were available for plucky individuals, the first solo abseiler was Barbs, one of our regular Cafe Volunteers. The day was organised by our hardworking Fundraising Team, Victoria, Lara and Clare. We were also delighted to have volunteers with us including new recruits Claire and Kirsten, who worked so hard in the heat and sold lots of raffle tickets and spread the word about all the great work that we do here at The Brightwell. Two of our Trustees Roger and Caz flew the flag meeting lots of guests and our longest serving Oxygen Operator, Keith Taylor was on photographic duties. The weather for the day was perfect with bright sunshine and a slight breeze. The actual drops and everything relating to the abseiling itself were managed by JT Expeditions who supplied all the equipment, training and safety procedures. The team at the Village Hotel were outstanding, not only allowing us to make use if their facilities, but also provided a constant supply of freshly prepared food and cold drinks for every one there. Steve, Manager of the Village Hotel worked so hard ensuring that everything went smoothly, getting lots of photos and making sure a good time was had by all! Thank you Steve! The Bristol Pitbulls not only had a team abseiling, but also had a good crowd of supporters with them. The Pitbulls’ fans added to the whole vibrant atmosphere by cheering and clapping for everyone but especially loud cheers for the Pitbulls. However, the prize for the best dressed team goes to TechEx Events  who were all dressed as Super Heroes, even with the high temperatures, they stayed in their costumes including two ladies in Superwoman costumes, a chap in a full Spiderman body suit, a Wolverine and a very glamourous Catwoman.  Well done to them all! A number of Village Gym members came to see what was going on and we were surprised to suddenly see our audience numbers swell by 40  people, who we found out were students on a day trip from Southampton University. 2 very enthusiastic young ladies, actually paid to take part and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Over the coming weeks we will be adding photos to our Events page www.thebrightwell.org.uk/Events We were also very grateful to Wayne of Refresh Video Productions, who was taking professional photos of the day and even  had a drone taking footage of the event. Thank you to everyone involved these events, are only a success with the input from each and every person involved. Our next big event will be our Colour Run on Sunday 9 June www.thebrightwell.org.uk/events/the-brightwell-colour-run-2024 Check out this video- it looks really scary from above! Thank you to everyone involved these events, are only a success with the input from each and every person involved. Our next big event will be our Colour Run on Sunday 9 June www.thebrightwell.org.uk/events/the-brightwell-colour-run-2024

At our AGM on 25 April 2024 there were a number of presentations. For those who could not attend, we thought you might be interested to see some of the facts and figures presented by our CEO, Doro Passantes. Membership Numbers: West of England MS Therapy Centre Jan 2023 198 subscription renewals. Picked up an average of 9 new members per month after that. Total 299 + 14 lifelong members + 29 Centre Friends = 342 individuals In 2024 we are on track to raising our member numbers, we are already on 252 members, and we are only 4 months into the year. Bristol Therapy Centre 73 existing subscribers through the trading company in Jan 23 Picked up an average of 7 new subscribers per month. = 146 Member Breakdown by Gender and Age 61% of all Centre Users were women. Through the Charity WOEMSTC more of our members are 60 + followed by 40 -60 yr olds. Through the BTC, the main age group for males is 18 - 40 yrs of age and for females 40 -60. Our Reach The picture is very similar to our reach in 2022. The two main areas Service Users come from are Bristol and South Glos. All other numbers have followed last year’s trend and the percentage breakdown is remarkably similar to 2022. Interestingly further afield include 14 people, 7 from Wiltshire ,4 from Devon, 2 from London and 1 from Cheshire Conditions people have Across the Centre people with MS make up 34% of all service users. Next largest group are those with other neurological conditions, which includes Stroke Survivors, people with fibromyalgia / Parkinson’s / FND /Brain Injury amongst others. They make up 28% of all Service Users. 18% of people who attend the Centre have Long Covid. Symptoms can be neurological: fatigue/brain fog. Out of those who attend the Centre and are living with or have survived Cancer – the largest numbers are those with Breast and Prostate Cancer. Oxygen Department Out of the 281 people who had oxygen in 2023, 108 were new to the therapy. 26% are people with MS. In 2019 people with MS made up 45% of those attending for oxygen. In 2023 there was a big surge in those coming to us with Long Covid which amounted to as many people having oxygen with Long Covid as those with MS. There was also an Increase in those attending with Musculo skeletal issues inc. broken bones and soft tissue injury. Physio Department In Physio people with MS still account for 41% of all those supported in the department. Overall neurological conditions account for over 80% of all those who attend the physio gym either for a 1-2-1 or group session. Therapy Numbers It has taken us to up to 2023 to get back to the pre-pandemic numbers in 2019 and in fact both in oxygen and in physio we have delivered more sessions to more people. We increased our Isobaric Oxygen station to 3 places, one more than in 2022. We expect these numbers to build in 2024. Physiotherapy 1-2-1 sessions were up despite staffing challenges in the department. We also set up our own Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Clinic. New Exercise classes for groups like Paul’s Place and building relationships with other organisations like Rugged Interactive, who provided the Cardio Wall (we want to do more of this over 2024) Complementary Therapies: Room for growth.  Foot Health / Acupuncture numbers are currently low. Clinics: still not back up to pre-pandemic levels these include the Bladder & Bowel Wellbeing clinic, Citizen s Advice which is delivered in partnership with the MS Society and the Botox for Rehabilitation Clinic. Sept 23 saw the re-introduction of counselling with Sasha. This service has received very positive feedback from members. These figures give us an insight into how the Centre is performing as well as a comparison with previous years. Which in turn helps us to focus on the future direction of the Brightwell. We hope you have enjoyed looking at these figures and that they have given you a greater understanding about the numbers involved regarding members, their conditions and the therapies received.

We were delighted that Sasha Leigh, our Specialist Counsellor, opened up The Brightwell’s AGM on 25 April 2024 with a fascinating presentation. Sasha is a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works to build open and trusting therapeutic relationships and will take time to listen, explore and understand the world from your point of view and at your own pace. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, confidentially and without judgment, including things you may not have felt able to share with anyone else. During her presentation, Sasha explained about the Research she is undertaking. Below are some of the slides from the presentation which we hope you will find of interest. Sasha holds sessions at The Brightwell in person, online or over the phone. Contact can be made via Reception. Further information about Sasha and the other Specialist Clinics we offer can be found at www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/specialist-clinics