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You may recall that last month the Physio Team went to the 2024 MS Trust Conference. This was a great success and below is a brief summary. Please follow the link to view the full report. This report has been compiled from feedback supplied by the three Physiotherapist who attended the 3-day conference, namely  Amrik Sidhu, Bhumika Vaghela and Max Hinton. The conference took place between Sunday 17  and Tuesday 19 March  at The Leonardo Conference Centre, Hinckley in the East Midlands. The cost of the Brightwell Physiotherapy team was funded through the MS Trust Bursary Scheme, National Lottery and the Brightwell’s training budget. Unfortunately, Millie Rutherford could not attend due to illness. The team had decided upon a strategy of attending as many seminars and workshops as possible in order to gain the maximum exposure to new information, to share between each other and to feedback to the team on return to work. It was an extensive programme starting at 7am and going through to 10pm on two nights, but this did include breaks and a Conference Dinner on the Monday Evening. The overall feedback was that the conference was very enjoyable, well organized and packed full of opportunities to learn, The team have a clear strategy about how their findings will be used. Amrik says ”We have also made links with the Charity Overcoming MS and are working with them to offer an informative workshop at the Brightwell, introducing a healthy lifestyle program and sharing their free resources with our Service Users. We plan to conduct similar exercises at the Brightwell to increase the level of excellence in the services we provide to members. We are currently working on a guideline document to raise awareness amongst our Centre colleagues, staff and volunteers around self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and prevention. Our next task is to introduce cognitive behavioural therapies in our exercise classes to help people with pain and fatigue symptoms. We are extremely grateful to have been a part of this years’ MS Trust conference and look forward to implementing all the learning we have taken from the seminars, lectures, and workshops we attended and all the links we have made with other HCPs and organisations.” Please view or download the full report below

It was great to welcome a group of volunteers from Wain Homes to the Centre last week. They did a great job of getting in the garden and despite the chilly weather, the grounds are really coming to life. The hardworking team brought loads of new plants adding much needed colour and variety. We are delighted to be Wain Homes’ Charity of the Year for 2024, and look forward to them being involved in  more visits and events. Thank you all for your help and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

As you are no doubt aware we are part of the Neuro Therapy Network. For MSAW 2024, NTN is again teaming up with MS Society, MS Trust, MS-UK, MS Together, Overcoming MS and Shift.ms to raise awareness about the realities of living with MS. Together, they will be launching #MSUnfiltered - a national campaign highlighting MS symptoms that can be difficult to talk about. NTN’s pre-campaign survey shows that many people feel embarrassed by some of their more sensitive symptoms, often avoiding seeking help, or hiding them from family and friends. #MSUnfiltered aims to break the stigma and give people the confidence to speak up when they need support. During the week we will be sharing  posts and stories. If you would like to add your own personal MS journey, please let us know and speak to Doro. Keep an eye out in general for information using #MSUnfiltered

Please can you take a few minutes to read Katie’s inspirational story on her Enthuse fundraising page and support her if you can. Katie has overcome terrible and very frightening symptoms of dealing with her diagnosis of Encephalitis and has found running to have helped her on the road to recovery. This determination and perseverance has meant that incredibly, Katie is running the London Marathon on Sunday! Please see Katie’s full story and support her by clicking on the link below https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/katie-mauthoor-5dc8b Katie lives in Ilford  in Essex and has not even been to the Centre, but chose to support us, which is incredible. She sent us this message "I'm writing to you as I wanted to inform you that I have chosen to support your charity for my London marathon run. I read about your association and think it would have really helped me back in 2008 when I was diagnosed with Encephalitis and consequently with cluster migraines. In fact running saved me, as you can read from my story.  I saw that you do oxygen therapy and I would also be interested if ever there was an opportunity for me to come and visit you to try this out. I hope you do not mind me supporting you like this but at the time I felt so isolated and I'm sure I would have got a lot out of an environment like at Brightwell. Best wishes, Katie Mauthoor" You can also follow Katie on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KMAUTHOOR Thank you so much from everyone at The Brightwell. Good Luck on Sunday! We look forward to welcoming you to The Brightwell very soon!

On behalf of our Chairman, Geoff Mayell and the Board of Trustees, you are invited to attend our 2024 Annual General Meeting. This year’s AGM, open to all Charity Members, Volunteers, Members of Staff (not on duty) and all supporters * will be held at the Brightwell on Thursday 25 April, from 14:00 – 15:30 at the Centre or via Zoom *N.B only current member have voting rights For those who cannot attend in person, the  meeting will also be available on a live feed via Zoom, please ask at reception for the Zoom link details. Please let us know if you are able to attend either in person or via Zoom. Pastries and refreshments will be available after the AGM for all those attending the meeting at the Centre. Agenda A presentation from Sascha Leigh, Counsellor at the Brightwell The acceptance of the Minutes of the last AGM The Chairman’s Update The CEO’s 2023 Centre Review A review of the Centre’s Finances for 2023 The election of Trustees AOB A vote of thanks If you have any queries, please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

The Brightwell is delighted to announce that we have been selected by Wain Homes Severn Valley as their Charity of the Year. We are honoured to have been chosen to work in partnership with such a forward-thinking and community-minded company. Representatives from Wain Homes recently visited the Centre to see for themselves the extensive facilities and learn about the vital gap in provision that the Brightwell fills for people living with neurological conditions. It was also an opportunity for the Wain Homes team to seek volunteering opportunities for their staff, as part of their ‘helping hands’ initiative. Teams from Wain homes have been working hard over the last few years to make a real impact in their local communities by rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck in! They have helped many local charities and community groups and continue their mission to provide a year full of good deeds in 2024. Pictured - Nickie Cochrane, Maisie Boyd, Jess Thorne, Wain Homes, Victoria Hocquard, Lara Carnell, The Brightwell, and Claire Hayward and Claire Quilliam from Wain Homes The Brightwell is beyond excited for this partnership and very much look forward to events and activities throughout the year. Wain homes will be supporting The Brightwell in their upcoming corporate abseil, and hope to pitch in at other fundraising events throughout the year. The flagship event will be the annual Golf Tournament at Kendleshire Golf Club.  Teams will be competing for the coveted champions crown on 19 July. Wain Homes will also be joining our Brightwell 100 Corporate Network Thank you once again to all at Wain Homes Severn Valley from everyone at The Brightwell; we look forward to seeing you for coffee and cake again very soon!

The team fundraising for The Brightwell at The London Landmark Half Marathon on Sunday 7 April did a fantastic job. We originally had a team of 5, but Jemima had to withdraw due to a back injury. Our Brightwell team had a great run and all made excellent times around the two hour mark! The weather was very kind and stayed dry albeit a bit breezy. Apparently, if you are a competitive runner, this event is one of the most enjoyable ones to take part in. The crowds were very supportive with lots of entertainment en route. Our Lead Physio Amrik reported back “I was really flagging  but there was an amazing group of drummers encouraging all the runners, plus a gospel choir. My last name was on my vest and people were calling out “Come on Sidhu!”, it really gave me the motivation to put a spring in my step, I even had a quick dance in front of the drummers! It really was a great experience.” “Team Millie” was made up of Millie’s Dad Stu and neighbour Sarah. As many of you know Millie is a key member of our physio team and always gets behind any fundraising events. Millie and her family made a weekend of it and stayed in London to cheer them on and enjoy the day. Simon who is the Centre Manager at the Willow Brook Shopping Centre in Bradley Stoke has been making every opportunity to train, including running around the Centre when it was closed – much to the amusement of the security staff! Thank you all so much, your fundraising is very much appreciated by us all at The Brightwell. There is still time to sponsor them by clicking on the links below. Simon Whiting, Manager at the Willow Brook Centre,  and fantastic supporters of The Brightwell Simon Whiting is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Stu Rutherford Stu is Millie’s Dad, Millie is part of our physio team Stu Rutherford is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Sarah McAllister Sarah is a supporter of our work and Millie's neighbour Sarah McAllister is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Amrik  Sidhu, The Brightwell’s Lead Physiotherapist Amrik Singh Sidhu is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com)

Eyes down for a fun-filled evening of light-hearted bingo and socialising When and where 22 May 2024, 18:30 – 22:30 Bradley Stoke, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About Doors open at 6.30pm; eyes down at 7pm 6 bingo prize games, 2 cash games and one 'silly bingo' games BYO drinks and nibbles to make a night of it Whether you come alone to make friends, as a couple, family group or with a large group of friends, everyone is most welcome! Buy your tickets here!

Everyone at The Brightwell would like to wish a massive “Good Luck” to those taking part in the London Landmark Half Marathon on Sunday. As always, we are overwhelmed by the effort that so many supporters put into raising funds for our great charity. Below is a list of runners and links to their donation pages. Please support them if you can. Simon Whiting, Manager at the Willow Brook Centre,  and fantastic supporters of The Brightwell Simon Whiting is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Jemima Coulter, Jemima is the partner of Max, one of our physio team members, Jemima Coulter is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Stu Rutherford Stu is Millie’s Dad, Millie is part of our physio team  Stu Rutherford is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Sarah McAllister Sarah is a supporter of our work Sarah McAllister is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Amrik  Sidhu, The Brightwell’s Lead Physiotherapist Amrik Singh Sidhu is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol (justgiving.com) Our Physio team  are making a great effort lead by Amrik who is taking part  supported by  family members of the team as well. Thank you everyone, we look forward to seeing some great photos!

Please check out our March newsletter, full of all the latest news, events and information...

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.