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Volunteers are the lifeblood of our success here at The Brightwell. Our existing team of volunteers have a wide variety of roles and skills that add great value to the work we do. We are always looking for helpers to support us run our charity. So, if you are looking for a new interest or challenge, becoming a volunteer at The Brightwell might give you the opportunity you are looking for. Any help you can offer, will be greatly appreciated, even for an hour or so a week. You will be made very welcome and your input with make a positive and meaningful difference to our service users, staff and other volunteers. Some of our volunteers prefer to work a set number of hours per week on certain days and this works well when working closely with staff members of The Brightwell team. Such roles might include administration and reception cover duties, assisting the fundraising team or maybe working with us with maintenance and gardening tasks. If you wanted to train to become an Oxygen Chamber Operator, this is an important role and you will receive full training, supported by the Neuro Therapy Network. Here is Peter’s story, one of our Oxygen  Operators “I was drawn into volunteering some years ago after losing my wife. After caring for her in her later years, I found that I had lost contact with so many friends and felt that I needed to do something about it. We always enjoyed walking, so I looked round and found a rambling group who met near me, Severnside Ramblers.  It was a great decision as I have met so many people, including my friend Sue, an ex-nurse who is also into volunteering.  At the time she was volunteering in Southmead Hospital and thought that it would be good for me to apply there.  As my wife was looked after there until she passed away it was an easy decision for me. I really enjoyed my time there, which unfortunately came to an end with the first Covid lockdown, as it was deemed too risky for volunteers of a certain age to be exposed to the threat of the virus.  I could have returned in the months since but changes to the operating systems there meant that it is not the same as before. This meant that I was searching for another opportunity to volunteer. I came across The Brightwell Centre and as I had a work colleague who had MS and subsequently passed away, it meant that it was meaningful to me. I have met so many wonderful people, both volunteers and members that it has become a highlight of the week to attend and help to run the Oxygen Therapy treatments. It’s something that I would recommend to all who are looking to help a very worthwhile charity and become part of the community.” If you are looking to use your experience in a more strategic role, perhaps come and talk to us about becoming a Trustee. We welcome board members to join us with clinical, legal, financial, HR and business development experience. However, we also have a very dedicated group of volunteers who help out on an ad hoc basis subject to what events are taking place. We have a very sociable and active calendar of events, some in the evenings and again that fits in with certain volunteers’ other commitments. Whichever option suits you; we would love to hear from you. At the moment we have an urgent need for the following roles Volunteers to help run The Brightwell Café we would ideally like to have additional Cafe Volunteers to cover afternoons. A Volunteer or Trustee with current Health & Safety Knowledge. A Trustee with a Clinical/Medical experience. Helpers for outdoor events. To find out more please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/volunteer We would very much like to hear from you if you are interested and will gladly arrange for a tour of  our Centre and an initial chat. Please call 01454 201686 or email us hello@thebrightwell.org.uk ​

The MS Register is a ground-breaking study designed to increase the understanding of living with MS in the UK. The UK MS Register Needs You! The UK MS Register is a unique research project that allows people with MS to add their own experiences and medical information to research. The aim of the project is to increase our understanding of living with MS in the UK. How do I get involved? Anyone over 18 in the UK with a confirmed MS diagnosis can register  at https://ukmsregister.org/Account/Register Once registered you can opt to track your condition over time. You will be contacted and asked to log in every six months to answer regular questionnaires about you and your life with MS. The MS Register team work with selected NHS hospitals around the UK. If you are under the care of one of these, you can also contribute by consenting to have your medical records securely linked to the Register. They encourage people to do this wherever possible to because it provides the richest data about what it’s like to live with MS. What happens to all this data? Data is held securely by Swansea University (where they are based). The team of researchers study many different aspects of MS, for example the impact of diet, differences in the age of onset, effects of smoking on MS, and more. They also collaborate with MS researchers across the world. Research is anonymous, so participants are never identifiable by their data. Read more about MS Register’s research by visiting their news pages on their website https://blog.msregister.org/ Join more than 20,000 people with MS who have already signed up. Whether you are newly diagnosed, or have been living with MS for many years, they would be delighted to hear from you.

Many of you will already know me as I have been involved with The Brightwell since 2007. I originally started as a volunteer in Nailsea. It was the first Charity I had ever had any experience of, and I was impressed by the splendid work the Centre was doing and the amazing people who I met there. When the opportunity arose, I applied, and was successfully chosen for the role of   Centre Manager at the end of 2009. I was born and raised in Central London to Spanish parents and grew up in a very multicultural, council housing estate, I loved every minute of my childhood there, and look back on that time with much nostalgia. I am exceptionally proud of my Spanish heritage and enjoy speaking to people in Spanish at every opportunity I get. I am also conversant in French, Italian and Portuguese, and have been trying to learn Welsh over the last year, which is a much tougher language to learn. Dw i’n mwynhau siarad cymraeg! I went to Portsmouth University, where I studied a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies. My first two jobs made use of my language skills working on translations for a Spanish Lawyer and then as a PA to the Secretary General at The Spanish Chamber of Commerce, where I got to organise trade fairs and run their Young European Entrepreneur Programme. I moved to Nailsea when I married my husband Paul in 2003. We are the proud parents of two amazing, grown-up children Natalia and Santiago. We currently live in the beautiful coastal town of Portishead, where I am part of the gig rowing club and will be attending and participating in my fourth Gig Rowing World Championship in May this year! Paul and Natalia are both active members of the Portishead Lifeboat Crew and Santiago toured the UK and went to Dubai with Mary Poppins and Les Misérables when he was just 11! I am immensely proud of my family and their achievements. Over the years, I have had the wonderful opportunity of being involved with so many members, volunteers and committed staff through the work done by our fantastic charity, and it has been a real privilege to do so! The past few years since Covid,  have seen the scope of the work carried out at The Brightwell  broaden significantly, in terms of conditions treated and therapies offered. I am exceptionally proud to be the CEO of this great charity and community.  I am always blown away by the passion and commitment that members, volunteers and supporters have for the work we do. Thank you all for your ongoing care and support. Doro Pasantes.

What better way to raise awareness & vital funds for The Brightwell than a bright, colourful fun run, walk or wheel that the whole family can enjoy? Under 3K family-friendly route! Early Bird offer - tickets only £12.00 per adult, £6 per child and Under 5's are free until Monday 18 March! Click here to buy your tickets When and where 09 Jun 2024, 12:00 – 16:00 Jubilee Green (Town Council Offices), Jubilee Green, Savages Wood Rd, Bradley Stoke, Patchway, Bristol BS32, UK About The Brightwell Colour Run is back for 2024! Don't worry this run is all about having FUN! It isn't the competitive type in the slightest in fact, you're unlikely to run that much at all, unless you're a pro at running & laughing at the same time!!! The route is twice round the Jubilee Green which is under 3K so a super family-friendly & accessible route! The Bradley Stoke Town Council are kindly letting us host the Colour Run on the Jubilee Green again, so a HUGE thank you to them for making this possible. This event was a sell out last year and we can't wait to bring the community together once again for this one of kind family-fun event. What to expect? Fun warm up session Under 3K family-friendly route. 5 colour stations to blast through! Music around the course Fun photo opportunity Medal for adult & sticker for every child on completion! You won't want to miss this... it going to be a BLAST! There will also be a variety of refreshments available to purchase on the day. Shout out to the amazing local businesses sponsoring the Colour Run, without them it wouldn't be possible, so a huge thank you to; West Country Water Park Willow Brook Shopping Centre Woodstock Homes Heats There will be 2 heats on the day as follows: Heat 1: ARRIVE AT 2PM for registration / WARM UP 2:15PM / START RUN 2:30PM Heat 2: ARRIVE AT 2:30PM for registration / WARM UP 2:45PM / START RUN 3PM What's included in your ticket price? Fresh white Colour Run T-Shirt ready to get colourful! (ages 5 plus only) Your own powder paint sachet to add some more fun to your warm up session Up to 2 laps around the colour course Take photos at The Brightwell photo back drop at the finish Medal for every participant who finishes (over 5's only!) About The Brightwell So, lets go! Let's run, have fun and raise funds for your local neurological support centre. By buying a ticket to this event every penny you pay will be going towards ensuring that The Brightwell can continue to offer subsidised therapy to those affected by MS, ME, Fibromyalgia, Stroke survivors, and other neurological conditions. Through the therapies we can offer such as Neuro-Physiotherapy, & Oxygen Therapy our members are able to manage their symptoms and improve their overall wellbeing. We believe that it's important to raise awareness of these conditions and to celebrate the amazing people who achieve so much despite living with chronic illness. It is an opportunity to let anyone affected know that they are valued, and important and that we care. Accessibility At the Brightwell, it is a high priority to make sure that our events are inclusive to all. The colour run course is on grass and is mostly flat with only a very small incline at one point in along the route. This should be suitable for most pushchairs and wheelchairs and there will be marshals throughout the course to help should it be required. In the case of very bad weather closer to the date, or for further clarification please do not hesitate to get in touch. Parking The Jubilee car park will be closed for this event so on-street parking will be available and Willow Brook Shopping Centre has kindly said that attendees of this event can use the parking there, which is just a short walk away from the Jubilee Green. Safety Your safety is our priority, we are heavily marashaling this event to ensure everyone is safe and there shall be barriers and first aid provision on the day. We strongly advise wearing some form of eye protection, either sunglasses, glasses or goggles. These will be available on the day to purchase for an additional cost but feel free to bring your own. Although allergies to corn (and therefore cornstarch) are very rare we would strongly recommend that you do not participate in the Colour Run if you know you are allergic. Cornstach contains no other allergens. Full safety information can be found on our suppliers website data sheet here: Colour Powder - MSDS v2 - 26/04/2023 (shopify.com) Environmental The powder paint is a mixture of cornstarch and food colouring and therefore will wash away very easily and cause no harm to the environment or wildlife. Find out more

When and where 27 Mar 2024, 19:00 – 21:30 Bradley Stoke, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, About Doors open at 6.30pm. Eyes down at 7pm A fun evening with 6 prize bingo games, 2 cash bingo games and 2 'silly bingo games Feel free to come on your own to make new friends, as a couple or with a larger friends/family group. Suitable for all ages from 10+ Come and join us for a fun & relaxed evening of bingo, prizes and socializing!elcome to bring your own drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks) and nibbles to the event. Click Here to buy your tickets.

As many of you may be aware, the Physiotherapy Department will be closed for therapy sessions and classes on Monday 18and Tuesday 19 March. The reason for this closure it that Amrik, Bhumika, Millie and Max will be attending the MS Trust Conference. The Management Team and the Board of Trustees believe in furthering knowledge and supporting staff members’ Continuous Professional Development, and this is an opportunity not to be missed. This 3-day conference, starting on the Sunday, is being held in the East Midlands and is nationally recognised for its excellent choice of speakers, seminars, workshops and is a great opportunity to network and meet with other MS healthcare professionals. Over the 3-day period our team  will be able to learn about all the latest methodology, thoughts and research, as well s being able to look at some of the latest equipment and use of IT. The funding for this conference and accommodation comes partly through MS Trust Bursaries, and through the excellent support we receive in the Physiotherapy Department from the National Lottery. The programme is packed and promises to give the team a great insight into the wider perspective and innovations regarding MS in 2024 and to bring back new ideas to The Brightwell. We hope our delegates will get a great deal out of this valuable opportunity. Every effort will be made to try and fit members in on alternative dates to replace any missed sessions.

We’re delighted to announce that The Brightwell Café has achieved a 5-star Food Hygiene rating from South Gloucestershire Council, following our inspection on Monday 4 March! A food hygiene rating tells consumers about the hygiene standards of a food premises to help them choose where to eat or shop for food. During an inspection, the food safety officer checks how well businesses are meeting the law by looking at: · The handling of food. · How food is stored. · How food is prepared. · Cleanliness of facilities. · How food safety is managed. The scheme gives food premises a rating from 5 to 0, where 5 shows hygiene standards are very good and 0 shows urgent improvements are required. We’re so pleased that The Brightwell Café has been awarded the maximum 5-star rating and that all the care and attention to preparing food taken by the café team has been officially recognised! The café will continue to expand its menu over time – so don’t hesitate to pop in and check out what’s on offer!

This article has been adapted from a feature in the February edition of the MS Society newsletter for professionals. Although this article has been written from an MS perspective, the tips below will often apply for those living with other disabilities and conditions. Please click on the links below for further information. 10 tips to help with everyday costs We know the cost of living crisis is causing challenges for people affected by MS. The MS Society Helpline Benefits Advisers can be contacted on 0808 800 8000 1. Help with your rent if you receive benefits If you get Universal Credit Housing Element or Housing Benefit to help with renting costs, there might be extra support available too.  If these benefits don’t cover your full rent, you might qualify for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). These can help you pay a shortfall in your rent. They’re usually short-term payments. You can apply through your local council. If you apply but you don’t get awarded the DHP payment, you can challenge the decision. To do that, ask for a revision or write a complaint. Here is the link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments 2. Help with your mortgage if you receive benefits If you get Universal Credit or income-related ESA, you might qualify for help with your mortgage payments. This is called Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). SMI is a loan. You’ll need to repay the money with interest, but not until you sell or transfer ownership of your home. An SMI loan can help pay the interest on up to £200,000 of your loan or mortgage. You may want to get financial advice before applying for SMI. You can get free mortgage and money advice from Money Helper by calling 0800 138 7777. Or you can visit the Money Helper website for more information. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/contact-us/money-guidance 3. Council Tax Support If you’re on a low income, you may be entitled to Council Tax Support, or help paying your rates if you’re in Northern Ireland. These reduce your local tax bill. Each local council's scheme is different, and you apply through them. You’re unlikely to be entitled if you have savings over £16,000. Click on thIs link to get the ball rolling https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction 4. Council Tax discounts Do you have a second bathroom you use to meet your needs? Or enough space to use your wheelchair indoors? If so, you may be able to get a disability-related reduction in your Council Tax. This is called the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme. If you’re the only adult in your household, you should be entitled to a 25% single person discount on your council tax. Click on the link below to check eligibility https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-council-tax-discount 5. Equipment and practical help Some symptoms of MS can make everyday tasks and self-care more challenging. If you get help on a day-to-day basis, you may be able to get care and support from your local council. To get this support, you’ll need to ask for a care needs assessment. The results of that  assessment could include recommendations for aids or adaptations to your home to help you do daily tasks. It could also include practical help from a paid carer. Once you’ve had a needs assessment, you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant – or similar support for equipment or adaptations if you’re in Scotland. A Disabled Facilities Grant comes from your local council and can help you pay for useful adaptations to your home. This could cover things like: widening doors installing ramps installing grab rails A wet room If you live in Wales, you may also qualify for help from the charity Care and Repair. More information is available at the council discount rate above 6. Housing advice If you need advice on housing rights, rent or mortgage arrears, eviction or disrepair, visit the Citizen's Advice website for free advice. You can also visit Shelter’s website for more free guidance.   https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/ Don’t forget we have regular visits from CAB at the Centre. Please see reception for contact details and dates. 7. Everyday budgeting Money Helper’s online budget planner to get you started. You can also use comparison websites like Money Saving Expert and Uswitch to check you’re on the cheapest deal for your gas, electricity, phone, mobile and broadband. These links might be helpful Money Helper Budget Planner https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner Money Saving Expert https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ USwitch https://www.uswitch.com/ 8. Debt Owing money can add unwanted stress. If you have debt and you’re struggling with repayments, you can get advice and support from Citizens Advice. And through the National Debtline, you can find out if you can reduce your debt payments. Find your local Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/ National Debt Helpline https://nationaldebtline.org/ 9. Grants for utility debts Expensive energy costs are a big concern for many people. But if you’re struggling to pay gas, electricity or water bills, you can ask your energy provider  or utility provider. Contact details will be on your bill. 10. Getting financial support if you have children Looking after children while juggling other outgoings can be hard. But you may be eligible for help covering childcare costs. You can find more information on childcare cost support on the Gov.uk website. You may also be eligible for free school meals through your local council or your child’s school Please also visit Childcare help at gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs We hope you have found this blog helpful. The Brightwell plans to run a series of blogs over the coming weeks. These will include looking at eleigibility for PIP, Access to Work and details about more general benefits. However, in the meantime please do not suffer in silence or have sleepless night. You can talk about your issues in confidence with a member of the Brightwell team and we will endeavour to help or signpost you to where that help can be found.

When and where 17 Apr 2024, 18:30 – 22:00 Bradley Stoke, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About The Brightwell Quiz night is back! Doors open at 6.30pm & the quiz starts at 7pm. A fun evening with various rounds including picture and music rounds too! Feel free to come on your own to make new friends, as a couple or with a larger friends/family group. Suitable for all ages from 10+ You are welcome to bring your own drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks) and nibbles to the event. Click here to buy tickets £5 each

A hamper of easter treats! £1 per ticket available online or at Reception. This Easter Hamper includes a variety of treats including items from Lindt, Thorntons and Cadbury. Items include 2 x large Easter Eggs Box of Thorntons Chocolates The famous Lindt bunny Mini Lindt bunnie Cream Eggs Mini Eggs A Scented Candle and much more. All in a beautifully presented basket. Prize draw will be selected on Monday 25th March by 12pm by a random name generator. Click below to buy your tickets! https://www.thebrightwell.org.uk/product-page/easter-hamper-prize-draw

An extensive research study has taken place looking at the impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on a man suffering from Dementia over a seven-year period with some incredibly positive results. The work was carried out by a team based at Leicester University, in what was referred to as a multi-place chamber, like the one used here at The Brightwell (please see photo above.) The person involved had two sessions a week at 2 ATA. The report looked extensively at all aspects of HBOT and recognises that it is useful in 27 conditions including many of the conditions we see including Fibromyalgia, Long Covid, Brain fog and sports injuries. The report acknowledges that HBOT is not a recognised treatment for Dementia at present, but the more positive reports we have like this supported by academic facts will only serve to increase the awareness of HBOT in the medical sector. The report is quite a detailed, academic document, you can download it by clicking the link below. For those of you who enjoy finding out more about other related reading, used in this study, there are some useful links in the acknowledgements section at the end of the report. We will, of course, keep you updated on any further developments and research.

Find out all the latest news from The Brightwell, including exciting updates about The Brightwell Cafe