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If there is one thing we’ve learned at The Brightwell, it’s that our community loves a challenge—especially when it involves trivia, music rounds, and a bit of healthy competition. Our "Fantastic Quiz Nights" have become a staple of our calendar, and for good reason! They are more than just a test of knowledge; they are a celebration of the incredible support system that keeps our Centre running. A Tradition of Trivia and Togetherness As we’ve shared in our recent blog posts, these evenings are all about the atmosphere. Whether it’s the legendary questions set by Gus McVeigh and his sister Mary-Jo—who have been the masterminds behind our brain-teasers for years—or the collective groan when a particularly tricky music round starts, the energy in the room is always electric. These nights are a chance for members, volunteers, and the local Bradley Stoke community to come together, share a laugh, and raise vital funds for the neurological support services we provide. What to Expect: Our Next Quiz # is Just Around the Corner! Are you ready to claim the title of The Brightwell’s brightest? Our next event is officially open for booking, and we want to see you there! When: Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM | Quiz starts at 7:00 PM Where: The Brightwell, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke Tickets: Just £5 per person (Teams of up to 6) Why Join Us? The Ultimate Brain Workout: Expect a variety of rounds, including our fan-favourite picture and music rounds. Whether you’re a history buff or a pop-culture pro, there’s something for everyone. Bring Your Own Banquet: We keep things relaxed! You are more than welcome to bring your own selection of drinks (alcoholic or soft) and your favourite nibbles to keep those brain cells fueled. The Raffle: It wouldn’t be a Brightwell event without our exclusive Quiz Night Raffle. We have some fantastic prizes lined up, so don't forget to grab your tickets on the night! Inclusive Fun: You don’t need a full team of six to join. Come solo and we’ll find you a friendly team to join, or bring a bunch of friends or a "cosy couple" duo. Everyone aged 10 and up is welcome. Support a Great Cause Every pound raised from our quiz nights goes directly toward supporting people living with MS and other neurological conditions. It’s a way to have a "fantastic" night out while making a real difference in the lives of our service users.   Spaces fill up fast (our last few nights have been total sell-outs!), so don’t wait. Book Your Tickets Here Polish up those trivia skills, gather your smartest friends, and let’s get quizzical! We can’t wait to see you there.

We are delighted to have appointed two new part-time physiotherapists.  Nathi will be working on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Khoula on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They have both already settled in well, and in fact, Nathi was already familiar with the Centre, having previously volunteered in the department. If you would like to find out more about Physiotherapy at The Brightwell, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio To find out more about The Brightwell team, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/meet-the-brightwell-team

Looking for the perfect way to spend your Spring Bank Holiday? Mark your calendars for Monday, 25 May, because The Maytree in Bristol is hosting a Charity Fun Day that you won't want to miss! From 12:00 PM onwards, the Maytree at Headley Park will be transformed into a hub of music, games, and community spirit, all in support of The Brightwell Centre in Bradley Stoke. What’s Happening? Whether you're there for the vibes or the prizes, there is something for everyone: Live Music: Get into the holiday spirit with sets from DJ Haigh & DJ Dom. The Massive Raffle: This isn’t just any raffle; the prize pool is incredible! Top prizes include: A brand-new Bike V.I.P. Paint Balling experience An M.O.T. Service Tattoo vouchers Plus lots more… Family Fun: Try your luck at the "Name the Teddy" stall and enjoy the festive, fun-filled atmosphere in the garden. Join the Community Events like these are a fantastic way to enjoy the long weekend while contributing to a vital local cause. The Brightwell Centre provides essential therapy and support for those living with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions, and your participation helps keep those services running. Event Details: When: 25 May, starting at 12  noon until late Where: The Maytree, St Peter's Rise, Headley Park, Bristol BS13 7QT Contact: Maytreeheadleypark.bristol@stonegategroup.co.uk The Brightwell would like to thank Kelly and all the team at The Maytrree for organising this event and supporting our charity.. Disclaimer: This is a third-party event, and proceeds after costs will benefit The Brightwell. More information about the charity can be found at www.thebrightwell.org.uk .

The London Landmarks Half Marathon takes place this weekend, bringing runners through some of the capital’s most recognisable streets and historic sights. It’s a brilliant event that blends challenge, atmosphere and community spirit, and we’re proud to have four runners taking it on in support of The Brightwell. Fundraising plays a huge part in helping us continue our work, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to run on our behalf. This year, Sarah, Jess, Oisín and Niamh are stepping up to the start line for us. Their commitment and effort, both in training and in fundraising, make a real difference.   Support Their Challenge If you’d like to back their efforts, you can visit their JustGiving pages below: Niamh: https://www.justgiving.com/page/niamh-mc-daid-1 Sarah: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-hastings-4 Oisín: https://www.justgiving.com/page/oisin-diamond-1 Jess: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jessica-shakhli-1   A Big Thank You To all four runners, thank you for representing The Brightwell and for putting so much into this challenge. We’ll be cheering you on and wishing you a strong, enjoyable race. And to everyone following along, your support means a lot. If you’re able to donate or share their pages, it goes a long way.

We are delighted to have been asked to support Bristol University with some interesting research that they are looking at. They are looking for women aged between 18 and 40, and they are researching the impact on MS symptoms across any given monthly menstrual cycle. Please see the poster and download the participant information sheet below There is a £40 gift voucher for those participating. Thank you.

Join us for our annual Easter Egg Trail around Bradley Stoke. The Brightwell Charity Easter Egg Hunt returns for its 4th year! 🐣🍫 Our much-loved Easter Egg Hunt is back, running from Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April, and families are invited to get outdoors and explore four fun trails across the Bradley Stoke area. Pick up a trail map, follow the routes, spot the Easter egg posters along the way and note down the letters you find to crack the Easter-themed words. Once you’ve completed your trail, simply return your map to The Brightwell during the week to receive a prize and be entered into the Easter Trail Prize Draw. Trail maps cost £5 and will be on sale through our online shop here. All proceeds go directly to The Brightwell,. A huge thank you to our generous sponsors, Bradley Stoke Matters and The Willow Brook Centre, for supporting this fantastic community fundraising event. Trail Maps £5 includes 4 trails that cover the Bradley Stoke area. Click here to buy your tickets If you would prefer a physical copy, you can pop into The Brightwell Monday-Friday between 8.30 am and 4:30 pm.  Please note that we will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Hand in your completed trail map at The Brightwell during opening hours to receive your easter treat. One prize per completed trail map.  Grab a map, get exploring, and support a great cause this Easter! 🌸

Are you ready to unleash your inner daredevil? Mark your calendars for Friday, 15 May 2026, because the ropes are going back up! The Brightwell is thrilled to announce the return of our annual Charity Abseil Day, and we want you  to be part of the adventure. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking for your next thrill, a local business wanting a team-building day like no other, or simply someone who wants to make a massive difference in our community, this is your moment to step up to the edge. The Challenge Picture this: You are standing 65 feet in the air, looking out over the Bristol skyline. Behind you is the iconic black cube of The Village Hotel in Filton . Below you, a crowd of friends, family, and colleagues are cheering your name. All you have to do is lean back, trust the ropes, and make the exhilarating descent down the side of the building! Since our first abseil event, this has become a legendary day in The Brightwell’s calendar. Last year’s 2025 event was a complete sell-out, raising an incredible £11,800 and even catching the eye of the local ITV news! For 2026, we are aiming even higher (while you abseil lower!). Why We Drop While the descent is pure adrenaline, the reason we do it is incredibly grounded. Every single penny you raise by taking on this 65-foot challenge goes directly toward funding life-enhancing specialist therapies at The Brightwell. We are dedicated to supporting people living with chronic neurological conditions. The funds raised from this abseil allow our members to manage their symptoms, maintain their mobility, and live fulfilled, independent lives for as long as possible. When you conquer your fear on the side of that building, you are empowering someone else to conquer their daily physical challenges. What to Expect on the Day The Abseil isn't just for those in harnesses—it’s a fantastic family fun day! Running from 9 am to 5 pm , the atmosphere at the bottom will be just as electric as it is at the top. Cheer Squads Welcome:  Spectators are highly encouraged to come and cheer on the brave participants. Festival Atmosphere:  Expect a live DJ, delicious food, snacks, and refreshments provided by our amazing hosts at the Village Hotel. Corporate & Team Spirit:  We’ll be welcoming a host of local businesses (corporate packages are available!) alongside individual fundraisers and even some of our incredibly brave Brightwell members. How to Get Involved Spots fill up fast, so don't leave it to the last minute! Whether you are signing up as an individual or want to bring your whole office down for a corporate challenge, we have a spot on the ropes for you. When:  Friday, 15 May 2026, 9 am - 5 pm Where:  The Village Hotel, Bullfinch Close, Filton, Bristol BS34 6FG Register:  Head over to www.thebrightwell.org.uk/events/charity-abseil-1 to book your spot or enquire about corporate packages. Take a deep breath, clip in, and let’s make 15 May 2026 our most successful Charity Abseil yet. We can't wait to see you at the top!

Brain Awareness Week (March 16–22, 2026) is such a fascinating event. Spearheaded by the Dana Foundation, this global campaign unites scientists, educators, and the public to celebrate the wonders of the brain and highlight the critical importance of brain health and neuroscience research. Here is a look at what makes this year's event so important and how you can join the celebration. The Big Focus in 2026 With an ageing global population and rising rates of neurological and mental health conditions, the focus has shifted heavily from just treating brain diseases to optimising brain health. Throughout this week, institutions around the world are exploring incredible themes: The Nano Brain: Universities are diving into neuroscience at the nanoscale, exploring how molecules and synapses shape our memories and emotions. The Gut-Brain Axis: There is a massive spotlight on how our microbiome (the bacteria in our gut) directly influences cognitive function, mood, and even our risk for dementia. Policy and Prevention: Major organisations like the European Brain Council are using this week to push for better funding and policies to make brain health a proactive global priority, rather than a reactive one. How You Can Celebrate (and Protect Your Own Brain) You don't need a PhD in neuroscience to participate. The best way to observe Brain Awareness Week is to take actionable steps toward protecting your own cognitive health: Prioritise Rest : Sleep is when your brain clears out toxic byproducts accumulated during the day. Protect your 7-9 hours fiercely. Feed Your Mind:  A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fibre supports both your gut and your brain. Learn Something Completely New : Neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections—doesn't stop when you grow up. Try learning a new language, an instrument, or even a new physical skill to keep those neural pathways firing. Attend an Event:  Hundreds of universities, museums, and research centres host free virtual webinars and in-person open days during this week. It is a great chance to ask real neuroscientists your most pressing questions. The Bottom Line The human brain contains roughly 100 billion neurons, making trillions of connections. It is the control centre for your entire existence. Brain Awareness Week is a vital reminder that while we have made incredible strides in understanding how it works, we still have so much to learn. Search “ Brain Awareness Week” to find a huge range of interesting articles, blogs and videos,

The University of the West of England and Shift.ms are interested in learning about people’s views and perceptions of using online support for MS. Your perspective and experiences are important and can help improve understanding of how online support works for people living with MS. The survey is short and includes a few multiple-choice questions, along with the opportunity to share your experiences in your own words if you would like. It should take approximately  10–15 minutes  to complete. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will help contribute to research aimed at improving support for people with MS. Please help if you can Please see the poster above for the weblink and/or QR Code. Many thanks

We are absolutely delighted to announce that The Brightwell has received a £2,000 grant from The Hospital Saturday Fund in support of our Accessible Movement  project, and we couldn't be more grateful.  The Hospital Saturday Fund has kindly supported the Centre in the past, and their most recent grant will help us continue to provide classes and movement for our Members. The Hospital Saturday Fund is a registered charity that has been granting funds in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for over 140 years. Their mission has remained unchanged since their founding: to provide access to affordable healthcare while giving back to communities. They support amazing causes, doing amazing things to further healthcare in this country. It is a truly values-led organisation, and one whose ethos very much mirrors ours here at The Brightwell. At The Brightwell, we believe that movement is key to living well with neurological conditions. Physiotherapy, exercise and specialist movement classes help to give better outcomes and improve wellbeing in conditions such as MS, Parkinson's, and stroke. Regular, targeted exercise can directly improve strength, mobility, balance and mental health. It reduces the risk of falls, counters the isolation that so often accompanies long-term illness, and helps people maintain their independence for longer. With rising costs across everything we do, and rising demand for our services. Securing funding like this from The Hospital Saturday Fund is vital. This grant will help us to continue delivering the group exercise and movement classes that our members rely on. So to everyone at The Hospital Saturday Fund; thank you. Your support means that more people in our community can keep moving, stay well, and feel part of something. That is not a small thing. For the people who come through our doors, it can make all the difference in the world.

Hi, I’m Lauren. I’ve worked as a physiotherapy assistant here at The Brightwell for three and a half years.  I’m originally from Yate and went to King Edmund Community School. After school, I stayed on for sixth form, where I studied Health and Beauty. At the time, it seemed like a good idea, but it didn’t take me too long to realise that the beauty industry probably wasn’t my true calling! After leaving school, I moved into retail and visual merchandising. While it was a great experience, I quickly discovered that folding clothes and rearranging shop displays wasn’t quite the long-term career for me either. What I did realise was that I really enjoyed working with people. My next role led me to work in a day care setting supporting the elderly, including those living with dementia. I loved spending time getting to know people, helping them to stay active and engaged, and sometimes taking them out. It was a really rewarding role and confirmed that working with people was definitely the direction I wanted to go in. After  I had my beautiful son, I decided it was the perfect opportunity for a complete career rethink. I’ve always loved running and going to the gym, so moving into something that promotes health, wellbeing and keeping active seemed like the perfect fit. That’s what led me to become a Physiotherapy Assistant. My role at The Brightwell is incredibly varied and includes supporting the rest of our brilliant team, helping out with classes and seeing members on a one-to-one basis. I also run a Neuro Yoga class every Friday. I love my work and enjoy helping so many people. I am very much part of the Brightwell Community and have been involved in several fundraising events too. Outside of work, life is usually pretty busy. I have a very energetic four-year-old son who definitely keeps me on my toes. I also love reading, spending time with family and friends, and getting outdoors whenever I can, especially in the summer, which is definitely my favourite time of year. I live in Yate with my partner Jack, and we’ve been together for eight years. We’re also getting married next year, so alongside work and parenting, there’s a lot of wedding planning going on too! Please come and say hello next time you are in the Centre! Best Wishes, Lauren