See all the latest news, events and updates from The Brightwell in our newsletters. Brightwell Newsletters Enjoy this page to look at our latest newsletter, view some of our previous editions and subscribe, so that you keep up to date with all the latest, news, Events and updates from The Brightwell. First name* Last name* Email* Submit Our latest newsletter Previous newsletters 2026 January February March April May June July 2025 January February July August March September April October May November June December 2024 January July February August March September April October May November June December

Throughout the year The Brightwell organises a wide range of social and fundraising events. These events range from social evenings held at the Centre such as Quiz and Bingo Nights, through to large community events such as our Colour Run and Abseil. Come and join in soon! Project01 Project02 Project03 Project04 Project05 Upcoming Events Oxygen Volunteer Drop In Sessions Mon 07 Sept The Brightwell More info Register here Great North Run Sun 13 Sept Newcastle upon Tyne More info Details Bingo Wed 30 Sept The Brightwell More info Tickets Events Gallery Corporate Abseil 15 May 2026 Frozen Princess Show 6 December 2025 Christmas Market 29 November 2025 Members' 40-Year Celebration 19 June 2025 Corporate Abseil 16 May 2025 Halloween Party 26 October 2024 Colour Run 9 June 2024 Corporate Abseil 10 May 2024 Pink Moon Swim 19 April 2024

We have several fantastic opportunities for you to work for a leading charity that supports people living with neurological conditions. Based in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, The West of England MS Therapy Centre, a part of The Brightwell, is an established and highly regarded Charity with over 30 years’ experience in the sector. ​ We deliver long-term rehabilitation therapy and vital support to people living with neurological conditions in our accessible, purpose built facilities.  ​ Join our team at The Brightwell Based in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, The West of England MS Therapy Centre, a part of The Brightwell, is an established and highly regarded Charity with over 40 years’ experience in the sector. We deliver long-term rehabilitation therapy and vital support to people living with neurological conditions in our accessible, purpose-built facilities. Corporate & Events Fundraiser and Fundraising Department Lead Role: Corporate & Events Fundraiser and Fundraising Department Lead Location: The Brightwell, Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 9DB Responsible to: Chief Executive Contract: Permanent Hours of Work: 35 hours per week, full-time Rate of Pay: £32,000 – £35,000 per annum, depending on experience Annual leave: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata) Closing Date: Post-closure dates will be confirmed on the website. Interviews will take place at the earliest opportunity and on a rolling basis until the right candidate is found. About The Brightwell The Brightwell is a neurological support centre based in Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, providing therapies, activities and community for people living with MS and other neurological conditions, along with their families and carers. Our trading subsidiary, The Bristol Therapy Centre Limited, delivers hyperbaric oxygen therapy on a commercial basis, helping to sustain our charitable work. We rely on the generosity of corporate partners, community fundraisers, donors and event supporters across the greater Bristol area to keep our services running. This is an exciting time to join us, building on recent successes including our award-winning MS Pocket Garden and a growing network of corporate and community partners. Job Purpose The Corporate & Events Fundraiser and Fundraising Department Lead is a pivotal role at The Brightwell, responsible for developing and delivering income generation through corporate partnerships and fundraising events, while providing leadership and direction for the wider fundraising department. The postholder will build and nurture relationships with businesses, sponsors and event participants, ensuring a sustainable and growing income stream, and will support and coordinate colleagues and volunteers working across other areas of fundraising. Download the full Job Description and Person Specification here. How to Apply Download the Application Form here Please complete the Application form setting out your suitability for the role and send it to: recruitment@thebrightwell.org.uk If you would like to speak to someone about the role please call Victoria Hocquard on 01454 628 728. The Brightwell is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support, and this post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check. Volunteer Roles As well as employed roles, we are always looking for volunteers to work with us. To find out more about being a Volunteer at The Brightwell, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/volunteer We are very keen to welcome new members to our community in the following roles Trustee – IT and Digital Systems Specialist We are looking for a new Trustee to join our Board, and this time we're hoping to find someone with a background in IT and digital systems. As a Trustee, you would be helping to make sure the Brightwell is secure, modern and making the most of technology, so that we can keep growing and reaching even more people who need our support. It is a voluntary role, with quarterly Board meetings and around six hours of your time per month. You don't need experience of charity trusteeship; full training and induction is provided. What matters most is a passion for what we do and some expertise in areas like cyber security, digital strategy, website management or data systems. Is this you, or maybe a family member, a colleague or a friend? if anyone springs to mind, we'd love to hear from them. For a full copy of the Trustee Role Description click here I f you're interested or want to find out more, please drop me an email at doro.pasantes@thebrightwell.org.uk

We offer a range of physiotherapy options including one-to-one and group sessions. We have an expert team to help and support you to increase mobility and maintain function in our well equipped, fully accessible Centre. Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is our most popular therapy, with over half of our members enjoying the benefits. It is offered five days a week in our well- equipped gym area by qualified and experienced therapists, who have specialist knowledge in treating neurological conditions. Whether you have been newly or recently diagnosed, we offer specialist neurophysiotherapy that will benefit you. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly yet professional environment where supporting you as an individual is of the utmost importance. Unlike a hospital or clinical situation there is no time limit to the number of sessions you can attend. Many of our physio users have been with us, attending weekly sessions, for many years. What are the benefits of having physio at The Brightwell? We very much focus on you as an individual with your own personal needs being met. These requirements might include maintaining mobility, it is crucial that you remain as active as possible, we understand that this can be a challenge for people with neurological problems, especially when their muscle strength and movement is affected. Through regular physiotherapy, muscles can be exercised in the correct way and so, where possible, mobility is maintained, and the issues associated with a lack of movement can be prevented or addressed. Many of our members have some or all of the following aims: Receiving general advice to them and their support network Maintaining/improving joint mobility Preventing/reducing muscle spasms Maintaining/improving muscle power Maintaining/improving normal patterns of movement Improving/maintaining balance and coordination Reducing/preventing ataxia Maintaining/improving general fitness In addition, physiotherapy can be combined with the other therapies on offer to help ease pain, which can be one of the most difficult symptoms to treat effectively. Our therapists and Centre staff can speak to you about whether a combination of therapies might be right for you. The physiotherapy offered to you will be based on your specific ability. Activities vary from one-to-one or group sessions to exercise classes, gym equipment can also be used, under a therapist’s supervision. All new members to the Centre have a general assessment with a physiotherapist and, if physiotherapy is requested, a discussion will take place between the individual and the therapist as to the most suitable format. Find out more about Becoming a Member. What types of sessions do we offer? One-to-One Sessions One-to-one physiotherapy sessions last 30 minutes and are available for people who have a specific issue that cannot be addressed in a group class, or who do not have the ability to join a group class. Group Exercise Classes Group exercise classes (maximum 10 people) last an hour, with some classes ending with 10-15 minutes of relaxation. These classes are led by our therapists and encourage people to exercise in a way that will be effective for them, as well as providing a fun, sociable environment. Group Therapy Sessions Group therapy (maximum 6 people) also lasts an hour, with smaller groups allowing for more focused attention on specific issues. Online Classes These classes last half an hour and are ideal for those who cannot attend the Centre, work from home, have limited time or other commitments. These take place via Zoom. All types of exercise classes are tailored to varying ability and mobility levels, so that there is something for everyone. Monday Physio Group 12 pm -1 pm with the Physio Team Focus on balance and stability - Improves mobility and upper and lower limb strength. First half of the session - upper limb strengthening. Second half of the session - standing balance and lower limb strengthening Helps to reduce fatigue and improve flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Tuesday Medium Intensity Interval Training via Zoom 8.45 am to 9.15 am with Millie This class is aimed at those members with higher mobility and relatively good balance. Upper Limb, Lower Limb and Core exercises (standing) Mixed exercises to allow for muscle groups to rest Use of weights/dumbbells Interval training - 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest Wednesday Group Physio 9:30 am-10:30 am with the Physio Team Cardiovascular training - muscle endurance and fatigue focused. Moderate intensity aerobic exercises to help reduce fatigue and improve cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. Finishes class with relaxation. Seated Zoom Class 12 pm-12:30 pm with Lauren Suitable for upper limb strengthening Strength & power training with the use of dumbbells to increase blood circulation, release endorphins and develop muscle tone and strength. Helps to improve balance to avoid injuries. Thursday Group Physio 10:15 am-11:15 am with the Physio Team Flexibility training and seated leg and trunk stretches to increase range of motion and reduce spasms and fatigue. Use of rehab equipment to help with fitness and balance. Friday Neuro Yoga/Pilates 10:30 am-11:30 am with Lauren Meaningful and individually tailored Yoga poses and movements to suit the needs of attendees. Followed by relaxation using neurophysiological principles, incorporating visualising and yogic breathing, to support recovery and calm. If you would like to find out more details about any of our therapies, please call 01454 201686. We can then arrange for you to have a personal assessment to ascertain the best option to suit your specific needs. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment that applies small electrical charges to a muscle that has become paralysed or weakened, due to damage in your brain or spinal cord. The electrical charge stimulates the muscle to make its usual movement. In MS and other neurological conditions, it is mostly used as a treatment for foot drop, where disruptions in the nerve pathways between the legs and brain mean the front of your foot cannot be lifted to the correct angle when walking. We have our own specialist FES team here at The Brightwell. Read more here . Outstanding Equipment and Facilities We are very fortunate to have an extensive range of specialist equipment in our physio department. This specialist equipment enables our members to receive the best possible solutions from the team at The Brightwell. Take a look at some of the pieces of equipment regulary used by members. Saebomas Tilt Table Therabike Easy Glide Therabike Balance Master Saebomas Outdoor Exercise Class Cardio Wall Suggested Contributions All the sessions for those members living with neurological conditions are subsidised through our fundraising efforts and supporter donations. However, as a charity we do ask for a contribution towards each session, Please click here to find out more. It is the Charity’s policy to never deny someone support due to financial reasons and we welcome the opportunity to confidentially discuss any payment issues with anyone struggling to contribute towards for their therapy sessions. Please click here to see our Cancellation Policy Contributing by Standing Order Click here to find out how to contribute by standing order.

The Brightwell is a charity supporting people to live well with their neurological condition. We receive no government, or NHS, funding and rely upon volunteers and fundraisers so that we can continue to offer our help and support. Contact We are always delighted to hear from you, whether you would like to find out more about the therapies we offer, becoming a member, joining our team as a volunteer or helping with fundraising. Please email us hello@thebrightwell.org.uk or call on 01454 201 686 Please come to see us or call in for a coffee at The Brightwell Cafe. The Brightwell Bradbury House Wheatfield Drive Bradley Stoke Bristol, BS32 9DB power.safe.apron Opening hours Monday 8.30 am - 18.15 pm Tuesday 8.30 am - 18.15 pm Wednesday 8.30 am - 17.30 pm Thursday 8.30 am - 17.00 pm Friday 8.30 am - 16.30 pm How to find us Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out! First name Last name Email Join Thanks for subscribing!

Volunteers play a vital role at The Brightwell with nearly 10,000 hours being donated each year. Roles are varied and adaptable. Contact us to discuss how you can help. Volunteering Volunteers are the lifeblood of our success here at The Brightwell. 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. You will be made very welcome and your input with make a positive and meaningful difference to our service users, staff and other volunteers. 5 6 3 5 1/7 Volunteer Opportunities We have the following volunteer opportunities available: Supermarket Collections Help our fundraising team and represent The Brightwell with collection tins and buckets at Supermarkets and Shops. 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. Please note that Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If you are interested in a volunteer role we have available please email community@thebrightwell.org.uk or call us on 01454 201 686. Please also visit https://govo.org Enter our postcode BS32 9DB, to check out all our Volunteer opportunities. Thank you. Meet some of our amazing volunteers Janet Fundraising Volunteer Colette Fundraising Volunteer Howard Oxygen Chamber Operator 3H0A9467 Keith Lead Oxygen Operator Dave IT Support Wendy Carer Group Coordinator Kirsty and Sam Cafe Volunteers Corporate Volunteers Many businesses, whether they are a SME, Limited Company, a Plc., or apart of a National or even an International Group, give their employees time off to support good causes and local charities like us. By volunteering, not only are the individuals involved helping their chosen cause, but often taking part in such activities promotes communication, team building and self-awareness. We are very fortunate to have been supported by such teams in the past including groups from TSB, Lloyds Bank, Rolls Royce and different sectors of the Civil Service. The Brightwell has benefitted from tasks such as working on the grounds, gardening, building maintenance, building projects and much more. We would very much like to welcome you to come and spend time with us here at The Brightwell for a volunteering event. Please contact us at hello@thebrightwell.org.uk 1/2

We offer specialist sessions as well as oxygen therapy and physiotherapy, including sports massage, acupuncture, counselling and bladder and bowel health clinics. We also host visiting practitioners such as the Molli suit team, AAA clinic and Ultrasound Direct by appointment. Specialist Clinics The Brightwell provides access to a variety of specialist clinics, both medical and advice-based. Each therapist is fully qualified in their field and registered with the relevant professional bodies. Below are just some of the Clinics and Sessions available. You can also keep up to date with interesting articles and updates on our Health & Wellbeing section of our Blog To check availability and book a session, please call reception on 01454 201 686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk Acupuncture Baldder and Bowel Acupuncture has been used since the 1970's as a complementary treatment for many neurological conditions and it has a good reputation for its ability to stabilise and, in some cases, improve many of the symptoms. In recent years, well documented research and modern acupuncture techniques have been introduced to help improve the efficacy of the treatment. There are different systems of acupuncture which can be used either by themselves or in combination for treatment: Body acupuncture: Can target any area of the body affected in order to help; improve blood circulation, increase relaxation in the muscles and tissues, pain relief, relief from anxiety and insomnia, increase energy levels, improve bladder control and digestive function, among many other benefits. Scalp acupuncture : A system developed in more recent years specifically for neurological conditions. Here, points are treated along lines on the scalp that lie directly over the specific areas of the brain that control different bodily functions such as mobility, sensation, balance, etc. Sam May is an experienced acupuncturist who is well versed in the complexities of neurological conditions. He holds a degree in Acupuncture from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, and has been practicing in Bristol since 2010 Ear acupuncture : This system is based on a theory similar to that of reflexology where specific points of the auricle (external ear) act as reflex points for different parts of the body which can therefore be treated through the ear. This type of acupuncture is particularly effective for stress, anxiety and pain anywhere in the body and it is also used worldwide for the emotional and physical symptoms related to drug and alcohol withdrawal as well as PTSD. Acupuncture If you are unsure that acupuncture is for you, Sam will be more than happy to meet with you to answer any of your questions and to discuss a treatment plan. Sam is at The Brightwell for appointments on Fridays between 9.30am and 2.30pm. Each session lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. Initial Consultation £40 Treatment session £30 One to One Counselling About Counselling Psychotherapeutic counselling provides a secure and confidential[1] space for you to talk to a trained professional about your issues and concerns. Counselling can help with many difficult life problems and challenges. It is also an opportunity to develop new perspectives and deepen existing insights into yourself and your life as a whole. In this way therapy can be an ongoing process of transformation not only for when we are suffering but also for when we need space to navigate life, explore the past and find meaning and hope for the future. The process involves building a trusting relationship between you and your therapist. They will work with you to explore your unique circumstances, challenges, perspectives, thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and others. They will help you make beneficial changes to ease distressing feelings and move to a place of thriving rather than just surviving. A counsellor will give little or no direct advice - they will help you find your own solutions and your own path forward. About Sasha Sasha is an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She 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 and without judgment. 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 chronic illness and long-term health conditions, major life transitions and change, grief and loss. She also has specialist training and experience in working with past inter-personal trauma. Sasha’s experience as a counsellor includes working in NHS primary care general practice in Somerset, with St Peter's Hospice in Bristol and in a trauma therapy service in South Wales, where she still currently works. She is also a therapeutic group facilitator for a national disabled people’s organisation, runs a small private practice and is an occasional associate lecturer at the University of the West of England. She has over fifteen years of experience with the Samaritans providing emotional support over the phone, face-to-face- 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. Sasha can offer shorter or longer-term therapy in-person, online or over the phone. Sessions last 50 minutes. Contribution per session £40 [1] There are some exceptions for legal and ethical reasons, which will be explained to you. Massage, Aromatherapy & Reflexolgy Claire Day, is a Therapeutic Health Practitioner. Qualified in Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy, TRE (Trauma/Tension Release exercise), Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and is also a Nordic Walking Instructor. Claire uses massage, movement & mindfulness to help build resilience from within and promote wellness. Claire works with a broad spectrum of people, from those seeking a relaxing treatment for health and wellness to those with mental health issues, sporting injuries, soft tissue injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including Neurological Conditions, arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, joint pain, migraines, piriformis syndrome, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff Injury, sciatica, tendonitis | tennis & golfers' elbow, and many more... She aims to help reduce pain & tension, increase your range of movement, and promote your body's health & wellbeing whilst building on your self-care knowledge. Claire also offers Rehabilitation for: Sports injury, Surgery, Pre/Postnatal, Illness & Post viral, TMJ Claire is at The Brightwell every Monday. Each session lasts 1 hour Cost £50 Massage We are delighted to announce that Helen Baddon, as one of our Specialist Therapists. Helen is a Therapist, Healer & Yoga instructor, with a BSc (Hons) in Complementary Health. Helen will be running clinics every other Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm. Some of you may remember Helen as she ran the clinics before departing to grow her family. Helen will be working alongside Claire Day, who will continue to offer Advanced Clinical Massage treatments every Monday. Each session is 45 minutes Cost per session will be £50 Foot Health & Care We are delighted to welcome Therese Staniland to the Brightwell from Wednesday 2 August 2023. Therese Staniland, originally from South Africa and has been in the beauty and nail industry since 2002, she was a trainer for Star Nails and owned her own training school in South Africa. She will be offering specialist foot care treatments and procedures. She is qualified as a Level 4 foot health practitioner and is passionate about the therapies she offers. Services Include: Cut and file nails Nail reconstruction Care in diabetic Feet Corns Hard skin removal (Callus) Veruca Treatment (Verrutop) Ingrowing toenails Nail fungus treatment Foot or Lower Leg Massage Manicures with gel polish. 30 minute appointments available. Follow up sessions 6/8 weeks. Cost: 30 mins £30 Mollie Suits The experts from the Company that provides Mollie Suits often hold sessions here at The Brightwel. These appointments are for those who are intetrested in finding out more and to check the suitability of the product for each individual's needs. For further information and to book an appointment, please visit www.remotion.co.uk Benefits and Advocacy Service with Bristol Citizens Advice Bureau We are very pleased to be able to offer our members and non-members living with MS the opportunity to receive support from Caroline Langdon. Caroline has expert knowledge in helping people with all aspects of benefit queries. Caroline can assist you with: Eligibility Queries Helping with the completion of forms Availability of benefits And much more… For general enquiries an appointment will last one hour. For help completing forms, a two hour appointment will be needed. All appointments are completely confidential. Appointments need to be booked in advance. Please call Reception on 01454 201 686 Therapy/Treatment Rooms for Hire We have 2 Therapy/Treatment Rooms, each one offering the following features; Washbasin with hands free mixer tap Plinth bed Desk with chair Medical grade lighting Ceiling hoist Automatic hand towel dispenser Access to our Centre WIFI Air Conditioning For further information, please visit our Cafe and Therapy Room Hire pages.

The Brightwell The Brightwell Lottery Play the new Brightwell Lottery for just £1 a week! Join our charity lottery for the chance to win exciting cash prizes while helping Brightwell provide vital therapy and support for people living with neurological conditions. Play Now! Win up to £25,000! Join our Lottery for the chance to win one of these prizes: 1st Prize - £25,000 2nd Prize - £1,000 3rd Prize - 5 x £20 4th Price 10 x £10 5th Prize - 20 x £5 When you play the Brightwell Lottery, you're not just entering a draw. You're helping people access the therapy, encouragement and support they need to overcome daily challenges and achieve their goals. And who knows? You might just win a fantastic prize along the way. Play Now! The promoter of this Weekly Lottery is The West of England MS Therapy Centre, Bradbury House, Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, BS32 9DB. Registered Charity Number 801155 (England & Wales). The West of England MS Therapy Centre is registered with South Gloucestershire Council to operate this lottery under registration number 752. For more information on responsible gambling please visit GambleAware . No under 18 allowed to enter. No prizes will be paid to anyone under 18 years of age. Terms and Conditions Lottery Policy Gambling License

The Brightwell is a charity supporting people to live well with their neurological condition. We receive no government, or NHS, funding and rely upon volunteers and fundraisers so that we can continue to offer our help and support. How To Support Us However you choose to raise money for The Brightwell, we're here to support you every step of the way. Every donation helps fund vital face-to-face therapies, clinics and running costs for people living with neurological conditions. You can even choose where your donation goes, whether that's helping someone you know with therapy costs or funding a project from our Brightwell Wishlist. Explore how you can support us below. Fundraising Volunteer Donate Shop Gift In Will Lottery Events Brightwell 100 Why Your Support Matters As a small, independent charity, we receive no direct funding from the Government, NHS or national charities, so everything we do relies on the generosity of people like you. Whatever way you choose to support us, whether it's donating, volunteering, or fundraising, you're helping us provide vital therapies and support to people living with neurological conditions. Thank you for being part of that. Roger, Member "The Brightwell is a lifeline for me as it is a place where I can be sociable, as I live alone. It is handy for me to get to in my electric wheelchair. Staff and volunteers are so helpful."

The Brightwell Café is open to all members, carers, staff volunteers and members of our wider Brightwell community. We are open from 10am with prepared food served until 2.30pm . As well as good quality tea, coffee and soft drinks, there are lots of items are to tempt you and tickle your taste buds, The Brightwell Cafe After much anticipation, we are delighted to announce that The Brightwell Café is now fully open and offering some delicious tasty items on the menu! The Café is open to all members, carers, staff volunteers and members of our wider Brightwell community. We are open from 10am with prepared food served until 2.30pm. As well as good quality tea, coffee and soft drinks, the following items are here to tempt you and tickle your taste buds: a selection of freshly made sandwiches (with gluten-free options available) jacket potatoes with a choice of delicious fillings an assortment of cakes (with gluten-free options available) A range of other snacks Everything we offer represents great value for money, using fresh ingredients and local suppliers. We will be developing the menu further over the coming weeks to serve hot food, healthy options and daily specials. Here is just a small sample of some of the tasty treats on offer..... We’re delighted to announce that The Brightwell Café has achieved a 5-star Food Hygiene rating from South Gloucestershire Council, following our first inspection on Monday 4 March 2024! 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 0 to 5, 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! Brightwell Buffets 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! Coffee Lounge and Outdoor Terrace The whole Centre is fully accessible and there is free parking too. There is a choice of seating available and on warmer days, café users are welcome to enjoy our outdoor Terrace and Garden areas.

Our sustainability pledge outlines the steps we have taken and those we need to take to become to become carbon neutral Our Sustainability Pledge Background Bradbury House, the location for The Brightwell , was officially opened in 2012. Therefore, the build and construction were carried out in the 18-month period prior to that, at the time it met all the latest energy efficiency standards and was graded on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) report as efficiency level C. The management and t rustees of The Brightwell understand the importance of doing their part to address the climate emergency and have committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2019 The Brightwell launched “Project Green” in order to help The Brightwell meet its environmental responsibility goals, as well as to create a more secure and sustainable financial future for the charity. Electricity is used for everything in Bradbury House, except the gas underfloor heating and hot water to the eight sinks used in the various WC and treatment areas. The overall cost of electricity varies throughout the year, depending on how much is generated through the solar panels. Electricity costs and usage have increased since August 2022, as we are now generating our own oxygen. Existing Energy Saving Strategies Solar Panels The charity was very fortunate that Solarsense donated 114 solar panels which were installed on the roof of The Brightwell in December 2019. These have allowed significant savings on costs, with major savings in the summer of 2022 due to the exceptional levels of sunshine. These panels can create up to 28.5kW of electricity per hour on bright days. The estimat e has been made that they can generate up to an impressive 29,000kWh per annum. However, because we do not have storage batteries at this stage and as Total, our current energy provider, does not offer a suitable package for us to return energy to the grid, we are not yet enjoying the full benefits of these panels. Solar panels have proven to provide cost-saving for us, but savings are currently being lost through overproduction. The installation of a large storage battery is planned but the immediate need is to try and make urgent and significant savings on the overall cost of electricity. LED Light Conversion After taking professional advice, it was estimated that the cost saving per light fitting would be a massive 80%, with approximately £2,500 pa of the current electricity costs is due to lighting. With new tariffs and price caps being lowered this could increase by five or six times, to an eye-watering £15,000 pa just on lighting. The charity could not possibly afford the electricity based on using the current fittings, without making significant cuts elsewhere, which may impact our members well-being. The conversion to LED lighting is therefore essential. Replacement Outside Lighting In January 2023 after a significant donation from a corporate sponsor, via the Brightwell 100 , all of the exterior lights were converted to LED. Before this the outdoor lights were disproportionately more expensive than the inside lighting to run. The replacement programme of all the lights on the 13 lamp posts and all exterior wall fittings to LED has been a significant step forward and when this installation took place the cost savings were immediate. Staff Awareness Whenever possible staff and volunteers have received guidelines to ensure that all the lights are switched off whenever practical, and the air conditioning units go onto standby mode, which can be obviously turned on or overridden for the comfort of all users. All Brightwell users and visitors are also encouraged to recycle and use reusable products where possible. New facilities During the spring and summer of 2022, a number of significant building projects have taken place at The Brightwell including the whole development of an area, previously used for storage, which has enabled us to build the new cafe seating space, new offices for the administration and fundraising teams, a new smaller storage area and a state-of-the-art conference/ meeting room. These new facilities have been built with efficiency and cost savings in mind and have extensive use of natural light coming into the new office and LED lighting in the cafe seating area. The new cafe facility should be open in August 2023 and will also be to the most energy efficient standards. Oxygen Generation Included in the renovations and new build projects for the summer of 2022 was the installation of our own oxygen generation system. This was always going to be to give the centre independence away from the supplier and to avoid their rapidly rising costs and to help maintain a high level of supply to our hyperbaric therapy tank with sufficient capacity to build a further tank in the future. However, the costings of running the new oxygen generation units were based on the cost of energy at the time of the design (late 2020) The rising cost of electricity will have an impact as the new compressor uses 37kw of power compared to the previous one working at 15 kw. The overall environmental impacts are still very positive including there are no longer frequent deliveries using large tankers driving through the local housing estate and past the primary school located next door to The Brightwell. New Boiler System This expense was unfortunately was not a planned or budgeted for. The heating system, although only ten years old, was a very costly commercial system when it was installed but had proven to be very expensive and unreliable over the past few years. After a complete failure the system was condemned. Although the expense of £10,000 was not budgeted for, the installation of the new system in February 2023 does mean that the new boiler meets the top specifications in terms of efficiency and green credentials Future Plans - subject to funding Subject to being able to get funding the following projects are next on our list. 1 LED Lighting conversion in the Physiotherapy department. When the space to be used for the physio department was designed the window area was comparatively small compared to the rest of the building. The facility as a whole is a great space for all the equipment and the hoisting system is perfect. However, due to the limited natural light and the fact that the department is used extensively during the week the lights are on for most of the time, Therefore, the Physio department’s lighting being converted to LED is top of the list. The estimated cost for this is £5,000 with an estimated 30-month payback period. 2. Remaining Internal LED lighting This ideally should be done throughout the building, before the darker nights occur, so realistically before October 2023, The cost will also be about £5,000 with a 30-month payback period. 3. 100Kw Battery Storage We are seeking funding to install a 100Kw storage battery, to save money, and meet our environmental responsibility. As mentioned above The charity was very fortunate to have been given 114 250w solar panels through a partnership with solar company Solarsense. Cost savings, through having this level of battery storage, will come from the ability to generate oxygen for the next day’s sessions overnight using stored electricity, when our electricity unit cost is cheaper. Based on 4 quotes and surveys undertaken, we are also confident that for most of the year power generated solely at weekends when the Centre is closed would allow us to run the oxygen generation system, cost-free for up to two days per week. We estimate that the cost will be £90,000 and we have to look at this in terms of the key issues issues. These are: Rise in energy prices leading to the potential for bills to be at an unsustainable level, affecting service delivery. Wastage of power generated by our solar array Ensuring a financially stable future for the Charity Commitment to Carbon neutrality by 2050 How to find out more If you would like to discuss any of our Environmental policies or aims or would like to help or contribute, please contact Victoria Hocquard email Victoria.Hocquard@thebrightwell.org.uk

The Brightwell Contributing by Standing Order Where possible, we ask members to contribute via monthly standing order. It is straightforward to set up and makes a real difference to how we plan and deliver your care. Why set up a standing order? Your booking is guaranteed, there is no need to check each visit. You only contribute for 44 weeks a year, holidays are accounted for. Most therapy sessions remain available for 51 weeks a year. We close for one week over Christmas and New Year only. It is easier to budget, one regular payment with nothing to remember each month. Adjustments can be made for long-term absence, such as hospitalisation or prolonged illness. It helps us to plan staffing and volunteer levels to serve you better. Bank Details Please keep these details to hand when setting up your standing order: Account Name The West of England MS Therapy Centre Account Number 67 21 47 16 Sort Code 08 – 92 – 99 How to Set Up a Standing Order Online or via Mobile App Setting up a standing order digitally is usually the quickest method. Every bank's layout is slightly different, but the general steps are as follows: 1. Log in to your bank. Open your bank’s website or mobile app and sign in securely. 2. Go to Payments. Look for a section labelled “Payments”, “Transfers”, or “Pay and Transfer”. 3. Select Standing Orders. Choose “Set up a standing order” or “Make a regular payment”. 4. Enter the payee details. Use the account name, number, and sort code exactly as shown above. 5. Set the amount and frequency. Choose your contribution amount and how often you would like to pay (usually monthly). Select the date you would like the first payment to leave your account. 6. Add your name as the reference. Please enter your full name as the payment reference, this helps the Centre identify your contribution. Telephone Banking If you prefer to set up your standing order by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your bank card. Follow the prompts for Payments and have the Centre’s bank details, your preferred amount, and your payment frequency ready to provide to the representative. Further Information Not sure what amount to set? Our reception team can help. You can also view suggested therapy contributions at: www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies If you have any queries, please contact Reception on: 01454 201686 Thank you for your support.