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My name is Victoria Hocquard, I am the Fundraising Manager (Grants and Trusts), here at The Brightwell, specialising in grants and trusts. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to work with such a positive, enthusiastic and hardworking team. I discovered the Brightwell completely by accident when I was introduced to Doro through another charity. I immediately felt at home at the Centre and was inspired and impressed by what was offered. I applied for the position and was over the moon to join the Brightwell in 2018, initially for two days a week focusing on writing off to Grant Making Trusts and Foundations asking for donations towards projects or our running costs. I do not come from a fundraising background, although in many of my previous formal or voluntary roles I have raised significant amounts. I have had a varied career history, including bank clerk, a buyer for a chain of giftware stores, where I absolutely loved attending gift fairs and picking out product ranges for the stores. I have also been a teaching assistant in a residential special school, specialising in children with many different barriers to learning and diagnoses. As an avid reader and book lover, I was frustrated that so many of the children came to the school not being able to read, and through no fault of their own did not have access to books, or storytelling. With class sizes and such differing levels of literacy the teachers found it hard to find the time to read individually with the pupils. So, I set up a library from scratch. I also then ended up as the librarian! I have also been a young person's counsellor and a mentor and coach, and have enjoyed writing newsletters, press copy and marketing materials for businesses and organisations. My husband's job meant that we were lucky enough to spend some time living in America. This was a fantastic experience and a real revelation, especially when it came to healthcare costs. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2004, and it was a real shock to see how quickly you could accumulate sizable medical bills. My experience has been that Doctors and Consultants on both sides of the pond are dismissive and unempathetic about Fibromyalgia symptoms. This was one of the reasons I was drawn to The Brightwell. Everyone was so caring and kind. Most people have never heard of Fibromyalgia, and so to find a place that was knowledgeable and compassionate and where there were other people like me honestly felt like coming home. I have always had a passion for writing and have been a member of whichever writing group is local to me. The Californian writer's group was quite the experience! The Brightwell allows me to pursue my love of the written word, whilst being a part of the most amazing community of people. I am proud of the money that my team and I have raised and am determined to keep pushing to enable The Brightwell to continue strongly well into the future. I now live in Devizes Wiltshire, with my Husband and our two cocker spaniels. My son recently graduated with a law degree and so is temporarily back at home with the annoying old folks, whilst he earns some money for his next steps. Please come and say hello if you see me at The Brightwell, I am usually in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Best Wishes Victoria

When and where 18 Nov, 10:30 – 12:15 Bradley Stoke, The West of England MS Therapy Centre Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About Calling all Frozen fans ... Magical Moon Entertainment presents a 1.5 hour themed dance party & show for your children to enjoy. Meet and greet Anna and Elsa including photos Door open 10.30am Show starts 10:45 Show finished 12:15 Children will be sat on the floor so please feel free to bring a cushion to two! There are limited tickets due to space in the Centre and to ensure as many children can enjoy the show as possible we are asking that just 1 adult accompanies your party if possible. Refreshments available to purhase on the day. This fundraiser is kindly sponsored by Capri Gems Cleaning Services, your fantastic local cleaning service, which means that every penny raised through this fundraising event will go towards providing life-changing therapy. Our therapies enable our members to minimise symptoms of their chronic conditions & live a fulfilled, independent life for as long as possible. Tickets are non-refundable. Limited Parking is available on site or on-street parking just outside the grounds. Click here for more inoration and to buy tickets.

About the Event The event is not your average half marathon! From cultural landmarks and heritage to the city's quirky and hidden secrets, runner get to explore the capital on a route like no other! We were thrilled to share our brand-new route for LLHM 2023. ​ Each year we run a cheer station so you can rest assured we will be there to give you that all important encouragement (and jelly babies) at the 11th mile! ​ The event started on the iconic Pall Mall, before runners took in the sights and sounds of London’s awe-inspiring landmarks, eventually finishing outside Downing Street. ​ If you'd like to know more click here: About The London Landmark Half Marathon | LLHM The Route Run the iconic London Landmarks route across central London. Fundraising When fundraising for The Brightwell we are with you every step of the way. We will send you a fundraising pack and your very own Brightwell vest ready for those all important training pictures for your socials! As a local, independent charity we are so grateful to those who fundraise for us and are always available to give you the support you need to help you reach & exceed your target! ​ Sign up fee £30 Fundraising target: £500 ​ Our team of 5 runners last year raised over £3,500 to ensure our doors are kept firmly open to provide subsidised therapy for life for anyone affected by a neurological condition. ​ Limited spaces available We have managed to secure 5 charity places for this incredible event. If you're up for the challenge click the button below and pop us an email to register your interest in running this event for us, we will then respond with the next steps. ​Please click here to visit our dedicated webpage and to see some great photos from our supporters in the 2023 LLHM,

Many people living with MS can find they experience problems with both extremes of temperature. This can be hard to explain to people around you, as different symptoms may be affected by heat and cold. You may find you need to monitor the temperature and situation around you and take steps to keep yourself at a comfortable temperature. What causes temperature sensitivity in MS? Temperature sensitivity could be caused a number of ways. Extremes of heat and cold may affect the speed at which nerve impulses can travel along your nerves, particularly where there has been demyelination or nerve damage. Alternatively, MS may have caused a lesion in the part of the brain that controls or responds to body temperature. Your brain may not trigger sweating or shivering responses that keep your body at the best temperature for comfort. Although unpleasant, the effects of heat and cold are temporary and do not cause any permanent damage to your nerves. Your symptoms are generally quickly reversed when body temperature returns to normal. If they do not, then discuss it with your doctor or MS team. Heat sensitivity Between 60% and 80% of people with MS find that heat can cause their symptoms to worsen. This might involve a build up of fatigue, blurred vision, loss of balance or a worsening of cognitive symptoms such as concentration or memory. The effect of temperature changes on your visual symptoms is known as Uhthoff's phenomenon. Summer weather, excessive central heating, vigorous exercise or having a fever can all raise your core body temperature. You might also find environments with lots of people crowded together uncomfortable. If you have MS, just a small rise in core body temperature can make a difference to how you might feel. Being heat sensitive may affect the activities you choose to do. If you are sensitive to heat, you could opt for strength or resistance exercise rather than endurance exercise, as this tends not to raise your core temperature so much. Dealing with the heat ·Have regular cold drinks or suck an ice cube or frozen pineapple chunks. ·Spray your face and wrists with a plant mister filled with iced tap water ·There are also commercially available sprays available from high street pharmacists that will stay cool throughout the day. ·Some people find eating makes them warmer, and so it may be an idea to choose salads and sip iced water while eating. A cooling dessert can help. When you take a bath or shower, start with tepid water and reduce the heat gradually. A floor or desk fan can help to keep the temperature down and the air flowing in a room. A hand held fan can be useful when moving around. Useful equipment to keep cool There are many different options for cooling equipment. Wearable options include hats, scarves, ties and wrist bands that can be worn during day to day activities and are relatively inexpensive. These contain a gel or other substance that can be pre-cooled before wearing, usually by soaking in water. Depending on the product, the cooling effect can last from a few hours to several days. More expensive options may involve active cooling technology that requires a battery. Cool vests incorporate cooling packs fitted into the lining of a waistcoat-like garment, keeping the torso cool. Many of these are designed for athletes and are styled to be comfortable when active. If you get hot at night, a cooling pillow may help, and there are plenty of options available. You can find regular pillows designed and made with cooler materials, but also pillows with cooling gel pads attached, or gel pads that you can put on top of your existing pillow. Memory foam can be heat-retentive and uncomfortable in hot conditions, so you may wish to save that for winter, or select a reversible option with a cool side and a warm side. Some people find equipment to cool rooms a great help during hot periods of the year, though there are a few points to think about before making a purchase. Air conditioners use a refrigerant to lower room temperature. Permanent devices can be expensive, but there are cheaper, portable models available that can be set up where needed. Although very effective, air conditioners can be noisy, take up space and use a lot of electricity. As the process creates hot air, the device needs to be set up near a window so that this can be expelled. Air coolers work by drawing air through water. Whilst these are much quieter than air conditioners and are also much cheaper to run, the cooling effect is less, particularly in humid conditions. To get the best from an air cooler it is worth investing in a more expensive model. Cold sensitivity Cold sensitivity is less common with MS than heat sensitivity, and it tends to affect different symptoms. The symptoms most likely to be affected are nerve pain, mobility and spasms. Depression and fatigue may also be triggered by the cold, particularly if it coincides with poor weather and less sunlight. Having increased spasticity or stiffness due to low temperatures can make walking in icy conditions harder. If you have this sensitivity, you may find cold weather, cold draughts or having a fever affects you considerably. You may even find that driving with the window open triggers your symptoms. The Brightwell The Brightwell is fully air-conditioned, and we have plenty of shaded outdoor space. All members are most welcome to spend time with us to keep comfortable. MS Society Guide Bhumika Vaghela, one of our Physiotherapists has suggested reading this guide, regarding temperature issues from the MS Society. Please click here to view or download. Further information You may also find the following links helpful www.verywellhealth.com/heat-intolerance-and-ms-2440799 https://mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/ask-expert-heat-sensitivity https://www.mssociety.org.uk/research/latest-research/latest-research-news-and-blogs/handling-the-heat-latest-research

We are very pleased to announce that we have a new Clinical Nurse Specialist, called Cath Dixon from Hollister, carrying out appointments here at the Centre. Up to 70% of people with MS will be affected by either bladder or bowel problems at some point, discussing any issues, however small, can really help. Common problems include increased urgency/frequency, retention, constipation, leakage or diarrhoea Many other neurological conditions will also face similar problems with bladder and bowel health. Our Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cath Dixon, has many years’ experience and a wealth of knowledge concerning neurogenic bladder symptoms. Cath would be very pleased to answer any of your bladder and bowel questions or address any concerns you may have around this area. This clinic is freely available for all current members of The Brightwell. Who is Hollister? The roots of Hollister Incorporated date back to 1921, when 23-year-old entrepreneur John Dickinson Schneider founded a small printing company in Chicago, which he named JDS Printer Craftsman. From the very beginning, John Schneider's business philosophy was "only first class is good enough," and the company became known for its quality products, quality service, and quality people. Innovation in Medical Products In the decades that followed, John Schneider's company evolved from the printing industry to the medical products industry — developing quality medical products and services under the name Hollister. Early in the 1960s, an employee who had a family member with an ostomy came to John Schneider with an idea to develop ostomy products. With dynamic innovations and quality products, Hollister Incorporated revolutionized ostomy care and provided much-needed solutions for people who had undergone ostomy surgery. In subsequent years, Hollister continued to expand its range of medical products and services to include Continence Care, Wound Care, and Critical Care. The Schneiders' Legacy John Schneider and his wife, Minnie Schneider, created a strong sense of family within the company. They built Hollister Incorporated on the underlying principles of Dignity of the Person, Integrity, Service, and Stewardship. Today, Hollister Incorporated is still independent and employee owned. With manufacturing and distribution facilities on three continents, Hollister is serving the global community; yet, the spirit of Hollister remains the same as that small printing company that began in Chicago in 1921. Member Review Helen and Mike Murphy had an appointment with Cath when she was with us in August. Here is what they had to say… "As you may already know, MS poses some really difficult and embarrassing effects in the bladder and bowel department! Nurse Cath welcomed us warmly at The Brightwell and immediately made us feel at home in her room, ready to talk about this most intimate and basic human function. She listened to each of the problems being faced and knew exactly what we were going through. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and simple tips were helpful and easy to understand. We left the appointment feeling very confident and looking forward to being able to cope so much better than before." Next visit Cath’s next visit will be on Thursday 5 October from 10.30am to 330pm. Please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk to book an appointment. Further information Please click here to visit our Specialist Clinic page on our website for details about other clinics available.

Motability offers grants to disabled people who may need help towards the costs of their transportation needs. Our Access to Mobility Grant Funding Programmes have been created to support our vision: that no disabled person shall be disadvantaged due to poor access to transportation. We currently have the following grant programmes available through Access to Mobility Grant Funding: Driving Lessons Grant Programme Transitional Support Package Additional Transitional Support Grant Programme Access to Work Grant Programme Driving Lesson Grant Programme We can provide grants towards the cost of up to 40 hours’ driving lessons through an approved instructor, to help a disabled person pass their driving test. We can also provide familiarisation lessons to enable you to get used to a new way of driving or a different vehicle. Additional Transitional Support (ATS) Grant Programme Our ATS Grants Programme can support you if, following a disability benefit reassessment, you are no longer eligible for the Motability Scheme and cannot meet the cost of a replacement vehicle or the adaptations you need. Access to Work Scheme We provide support to disabled people who are in work or have the offer of work. Support offered through this programme includes grants towards the cost of equipment required for individuals to gain or retain employment. Transitional Support Grant Programme We can support Scheme customers who have been unsuccessful in their PIP assessment More information To see the full details of this programme please visit www.motability.org.uk/charitable-grants/access-to-mobility-grant-programmes/ Contact Motability, the Charity, on 0800 500 3186 to be considered for funding through one of our grant programmes.

Meet our new Counsellor Sasha Leigh Sasha is a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (PGDip, MBACP). Therapeutic counselling is a process which involves exploring your unique circumstances and challenges to help you improve how you’re feeling and make beneficial changes in your life. Sasha 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[1] and without judgment, including things you may not have felt able to share with anyone else. Sasha holds a deep interest in people and is continually inspired by the changes people make through counselling. She finds real meaning in helping people find their way to feeling more fulfilled and content in their lives. Sasha has wide experience working with many mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety, stress and burnout. Whilst she works with all the challenges life can bring, she has particular experience and interest in long-term and chronic health conditions, major life transitions and change, grief and loss. She also has specialist training and experience in working with past trauma. Sasha’s experience as a counsellor includes working in NHS primary care general practice in England and in a trauma therapy service in South Wales. She has over fifteen years of experience with the Samaritans providing emotional support over the phone, face-to- face and via email and has also supported individuals longer-term through Bristol-based organisations such as the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL), Changes and Womankind. She is currently also a volunteer counsellor with St Peter’s Hospice. Sessions last 50 minutes. Contribution per session £35. If you want more information about the counselling or to book an appointment please speak to reception. [1]There are some exceptions for legal and ethical reasons which will be explained to you.

We were delighted to welcome back two groups of Volunteers from the Civil Service. Despite terrible weather for this time of year, the sun shone on both days that these groups of volunteers were with us. We are so grateful to both groups who have helped before and know the Centre and the outdoor space well. Steve Fitt, our Premises Manager who also coordinates the volunteer days, commented” These two groups achieved so much in the garden and outdoor areas of the Centre, we are so fortunate to have help to keep everything looking so lovely with amazing support from our regular volunteers and our corporate volunteers.” Steve continued” The completed jobs included the garden table was sanded and stained to complete the set of refurbished garden furniture, lots of weeding was carried out on the flower beds and paving, the electrical plant room floor was painted, our new water butt was installed, the grass was mown, just to name a few things, just fantastic!” Thank you from everyone at The Brightwell for all your hard work!

Fri, 01 Sept Mighty MS Blue Moon Swim Be thereWhen and where 01 Sept, 19:00 Trench Lane, West Country Water Park, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS36 1RY, UK About Join our Mighty MS Moonlight Swim this September which we have collaborated with West Country Water Park. Tickets are £10 each & 60% of ticket sales will go to The Brightwell, to continue delivering life-changing therapies & vital support to those affected by neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s & Long Covid. This special fundraising event falls on the Blue Moon which only comes around once every two or three years, hence the saying “once in a Blue Moon”, and it occurs when there are two full moons in the space of one month. In 2018 there were two Blue Moons in one year, a phenomenon that won’t happen again until 2037. 8:00-9:00pm- Live music at dusk & refreshments available to purchase to enjoy whilst you enjoy the tranquil tunes next to the lake. 9:00pm- 11:00pm Guests will enjoy swimming under the stars in groups of 20. (should you wish to swim with friends or family please arrive at the same time to be put into the same swim group on the night). TICKETS ON SALE NOW to purchase now visit: Night Glow Swimming - West Country Water Park Be there! As they say, its only once in a blue moon!! As they say, its only once in a blue moon! Tickets on sale now via West Country Water Park's website only:

For just £1 per entry you could be in for a chance to win this stunning M&S Chocolate and Champagne Hamper worth £100! A luxurious bottle of Louis Vertay Champagne sits beside sweet treats, displayed in a large wicker hamper. Discover single-origin chocolate bars, florentines, and hazelnut creme. Enjoy the Belgian chocolate biscuits with luxury Belgian hot chocolate flakes, a true decedency not to be missed. Kindly donation by one of our members Margaret O'connor in memory of her late mother Monica Thomas. The prize draw will run for 1 month from 7th Aug - 7th Sept and shall be called via electornic random name generator on 7th September at 12pm. Hamper Contents Collection Belgian Hot Chocolate Flakes Tin (240g) Collection Belgian Chocolate Luxury Biscuits (380g) Louis Vertay Champagne (75cl) Collection Belgian Milk Chocolate Florentines (170g) Collection Marc de Champagne Truffles (125g) Collection Signature Batons (130g) Collection Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Crème (360g) Wicker Basket with Liner How to buy tickets Please click on the link to buy your draw tickets www.thebrightwell.org.uk/product-page/luxury-hamper-prize-draw Tickets are also available from Reception at The Brightwell.

Living with a neurological condition can be complex and challenging whether it’s caused by a long-term illness like Multiple Sclerosis or the sudden effects of something like long Covid. The Brightwell in Bradley Stoke provides a range of therapies – oxygen therapy, physiotherapy and specialist clinics – to help anyone suffering from a neurological problem, whether it’s permanent or temporary. Raising funds to provide these vital services is a constant struggle which is why Wards Solicitor’s Katherine Roe, who works in the Bradley Stoke office, is so delighted to have formed a very special partnership with The Brightwell. Make a Will – help The Brightwell Every month, Katherine – an Associate Solicitor in the Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team – visits The Brightwell to help people who want to make or update a standard Will. She gives her time and expertise for nothing in return for a donation to the charity. Katherine says: “Our scheme with The Brightwell has been running for six months now and is proving very popular. “It is hugely rewarding to be able to provide properly drafted Wills whilst at the same time raising money for such a worthwhile and important cause. “Many of those who have decided to make a Will attend the centre on a regular basis. It is lovely to hear from them in person about how much they benefit from the therapies offered there and the difference it makes to them.” Why is it important to make and regularly review your Will? It puts you in control of the final destination of your estate and brings you peace of mind knowing that your family, friends and the charities of your choice will be provided for as you wish. ·It’s an inexpensive way of avoiding difficulties for your family and friends when you die because it sets out exactly what you want. You can appoint people you know and trust as executors so everything is handled how you want for your beneficiaries. ·Regularly updating your Will means you won’t miss out on fast changing tax laws like Inheritance Tax. You can be clear about what kind of funeral you want. How to make a Will with Wards at The Brightwell Katherine usually visits the centre on the first Friday of the month but please book ahead by contacting The Brightwell on 01454 201 686 or email community@thebrightwell.org.uk

My name is Geoff Mayell, some eighteen months ago, I had the privilege of being asked to become a Trustee of the Brightwell and earlier this year, I became the Chair of Trustees. I’m a proud Bristolian, born and educated in our great city. In 1974 I started work for an Energy Company – I retired in 2014 having worked all that time for the same company. That might sound single tracked to some but in that time, I held a wide range of roles, worked with some wonderful colleagues in a number of different countries and gained a wealth of experience. I worked in direct operations, managing some very large teams of people from very diverse backgrounds, I worked in procurement and contract management and in my last role as project manager, I delivered a number of multi-million-pound projects. I found retirement a challenge and grasped the opportunity to do some consultancy work, also in the energy sector, this time delivering a technology project. This work enabled me to look at other options – a chance to ‘give something back’ I started volunteering within a community and vocational setting, without doubt, this is the most rewarding thing I have ever participated in. Joining the board of Trustees and now chairing the board of Trustees at the Brightwell is an honour and further enriches that opportunity to volunteer. I hope my extensive experience, business acumen and commercial grounding adds value to the Centre. But why is the Brightwell so important to me? What inspired me to join my fellow Trustees? A number of years ago, I lost my best friend. He had type one diabetes, which ultimately resulted in him losing both of his legs due to acute ulcers and then he contracted cancer, and we lost him. My best friend was my dad, there were no options then for relief from the ulcers or the awful pain that resulted from them, if he had had the opportunity of a course of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, as we offer in our Chamber, it might have gone some way towards increasing the ability of his body to repair those ulcers, alleviate the pain and we might just have had the opportunity of having him with us for a little longer. That is what inspired me to become a Trustee, a compelling wish to support this wonderful charity and the work that is done at The Brightwell. If you see me next time that I am at the Centre- please come and say hello, it‘s always great to meet and get to know those in our Brightwell community. Geoff Mayell