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Hello, my name is Steve Cocks and just over 12 years ago the then Chairman Ken Edis of the Centre asked me if I could spare a few hours to help a Charity. That Charity was The West of England MS Therapy Centre. I had worked with Ken in a Bristol based software company specialising in corporate pensions and by coincidence our wives had both been diagnosed with MS. My early life was based in Cornwall and I was educated at Launceston College in the historical market town of Launceston. I left the college with a couple of A levels with no clear idea on the future and at the same time my parents decided to move to Plymouth to start a retail business. In Plymouth I started working at a Power Station on the administration side. I had also been offered a post within Barclays Bank, which I declined as there offer was £620 per year and the energy company offer was £60 a year more. Probably something to do with my Cornish heritage, as I am sure you all know that the definition of a Cornishman is a Scot with his pockets sewn up! In October of 1971 I met a young lady called Mary. We were engaged quite quickly and married in 1974, so yes it will be 50 years this August and we will be celebrating our Golden Wedding Anniversary. My career development required mobility and posts were taken in Bristol in 1976 and Guildford in 1981 and my skill set had moved to pension scheme administration. In 1985 I was head hunted to work for Edis International, back in Bristol,  who had just won a contract to computerise the administration of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme. I was therefore a key resource in defining and testing the application for the then 29 administration centres in the UK. I joined the Board of Edis International in 1989 and spent the majority of the next 10 years in business development. When in Guildford Mary had taken a post in London and was commuting, which she quickly became tired of and therefore we decided to start a family and it wasn’t long before children arrived in the form of Matthew and Chloe. They are now both in their early forties and have blessed us with 4 grandchildren. The eldest of which has just completed her degree and will start teaching in Yate in September. Mary was unfortunately diagnosed with MS in the late nineties and started to use the MS Centre in Nailsea at the turn of the millennium and has been a member ever since. With this life changing diagnosis I also engineered a career change and moved to work with Prudential insurance in Reading on a project to clean up and computerise their pensions administration with a view to outsourcing that string of the business by 2003. A four year project with the chance to create a small final salary pension for me. On completing the outsource project I was then able to take voluntary severance with immediate pension. This enabled me to be at home from age 50 to look after Mary rather than bring carers into our home. I have always enjoyed playing and watching sport. In my youth playing football at a fairly high level, and when my knees said enough, I took up chasing a little white ball with a stick. Golf has therefore been a major interest and excuse for some fresh air for the last 30 years. I am a Trustee and focus on the financial and accounting aspects of supporting the Management Team and the other Board members.  It has been a pleasure to assist the management team and other volunteers at the Brightwell to see the Centre grow and develop into what it has now become. The early years at Bradley Stoke were financially very challenging and I like to think that I have made a positive contribution by volunteering, business mentoring and acumen to  enable the Charity to be the success it is today. As a carer for someone with MS, Mary and I are eternally grateful for the support and assistance that the Brightwell offers. It is therefore  a great pleasure to give something back. Kindest Regards Steve Cocks.

Photo from UKEM eligibility page We have become aware of two really great schemes that might be of benefit to members of our Brightwell Community. With the cost of energy  and the  need to take a greener and more efficient approach to heating and running our homes, any advice and help is always welcome. We would like to signpost a couple of sites that may be of interest and draw your attention to what options and support may be available. The details for these two  options are below. UK Energy Management Go to the website  ukem.co.uk and find out more about what they say….. Fully funded solutions to improve your homes energy efficiency Find out if you are eligible for 100% FREE energy efficiency upgrades, simply entering your postcode: ​At UKEM, we can’t stop the energy crisis, but we can help soften the blow for struggling families throughout the UK. How do I know I’m eligible for the government’s FREE energy scheme? Find out if you’re eligible RIGHT NOW by filling in our quick and simple application form. It only takes a minute to complete and could lead to you saving hundreds of pounds in heating bills throughout the year! ​The best part is that we do all the hard work for you! We’ll organise the grant on your behalf. Plus, we’ll even arrange the fitting at a time to suit you (all performed by certified and accredited installers for your peace of mind). Under the official Government backed ECO4 scheme, you can get FREE home energy improvements! You can get heating upgrades and insulation improvements, completely FREE! FREE Heating System Upgrades FREE Wall and Loft Insulation FREE Smart Controls FREE Solar Panels FREE Air Source Heat Pumps FREE Electric Storage Heaters FREE Gas Boilers FREE First Time Central Heating The second option is Lendology www.lendology.org.uk This is what they say…. Lending decisions for people, by people Home improvement loans for homeowners, funded by local councils. As a Social Enterprise lender, we understand your unique financial circumstances and we never put your interest rate up because of your credit history. We disrupt traditional lending with our decisions powered by partnerships and people, enriching homes and lives through affordable finance. The areas  covered include Home Improvement Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Disability Adaptation

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