Search Results

The Brightwell, incorporating The West of England MS Therapy Centre, has been offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy and specialist physiotherapy for over 35 years. Based in Bradley Stoke, Bristol we support members from North Somerset, Bath, Gloucestershire and South Wales. About The Brightwell At The Brightwell, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With 40 years of unwavering commitment, we strive to empower our members by providing access to a warm and friendly, non-clinical environment that fosters independence, symptom management, and overall well-being. Our Mis sion To build a dedicated and compassionate community, committed to the care and wellbeing of individuals living with neurological conditions, their families and carers. Our Goal Is to provide a range of therapies and services to support and enrich the lives of those living with neurological conditions. The Brightw e ll is... A relaxed, happy and caring space, where people can share their experiences, build friendships and access support when it is needed. An accessible building providing therapies and support services by qualified professionals. A place where the members, volunteers and staff are the cornerstones of a thriving and vibrant community. A hub for self-help and positivity. What we do ... Our therapies are provided in a warm, friendly non-clinical environment all with the aim to help reduce the physical, emotional and psychological effects of life with a neurological condition. We have a state of the art physiotherapy gym, oxygen therapy suite and a variety of individual treatment rooms, housing the wide range of therapies and clinics on offer. We are delighted to have recently opened our Brightwell Café, offering a selection of drinks, hot beverages, and snacks, members can relax and catch up with friends in our comfortable lounge In the summer we have a beautiful terrace, large gazebo and garden area for all our visitors to enjoy. Under 1% of the Centre's funding is statutory, we therefore rely on donations from the public, organisations and community groups to continue our vital work. What our members,volunteers and supporters have to say.... Click on the logos to see what others are saying about us on Google and Facebook Our History Following the introduction of Centres elsewhere in the country, a local group of people living with Multiple Sclerosis, their families and friends were brought together by Jackie and Ray Brightwell. With the support of ARMS (Action for Research into Multiple Sclerosis) a national organisation, they set up the first MS Therapy Centre to support people in the Bristol area. The Centre was opened in Nailsea in 1985 and at that time only offered oxygen therapy. Over time physiotherapy, exercise and yoga were introduced. We soon realised how important access to on-going physiotherapy was for people living with long-term conditions and the nucleus of our now well-equipped and well-staffed physiotherapy unit was established. As the Centre continued to grow counselling, reflexology and acupuncture were added to the therapies available. We also started to host various NHS clinics at the Nailsea Centre, these included an MS specialist nurse, a continence clinic and a speech therapist. The Centre in Nailsea had been expanded to take in three industrial units but planning restrictions, the nature of the buildings and the cramped car parking facilities made improving our facilities and further expansion impractical. On the 20th February 2012 we opened the doors at our brand new, purpose built Centre in Bradley Stoke. The Centre was officially opened by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne on the 31st October 2012. Research into the benefits of Oxygen therapy has been on-going with many agreeing that it can help many conditions, not just Multiple Sclerosis. From the beginning of 2012 we opened our doors to anyone with a neurological condition, as well as to others through our trading arm with all proceeds going back to the Charity. In 2016 discussions began with the members to formalise this expansion. At the Cente's AGM in 2017 it was agreed that renaming the Centre in memory of Jackie Brightwell would not only be a fitting tribute to a lady who gave so much to help so many but, was also a way of reaching out to those living with neurological issues. In 2019, we began the transition to The Brightwell - a Centre for neurological wellbeing and physical recovery. Our aims, strengths and core values remain the same as they were way back in the Nailsea days and we hope to continue to provide timely and effective help for the people who need us, well into the future. Our Sustainability Pledge The Brightwell is wholly committed to its Sustainability Pledge to be net Zero by 2050 and to have emmissions reduced by 50% by 50% by 2030. We try to adopt a “green “approach in whatever we do. We have been very fortunate that through focused fundraising campaigns, and incredibly generous support from a number of Brightwell 100 members we have achieved so much. Solar Energy has been a major focus with 114 x 250kw panels being fitted in 2019, upgraded by a further 40 x 400 kw panels in 2023, with the addition of 3 x 14kw storage batteries being installed at the same time. Despite considerable increases in energy costs for commercial properties, the benefit of generating this amount of solar energy has made a significant difference to keeping our fuel bills to a manageable level. We have also been working on a gradual LED lighting replacement programme. All the outdoor lighting was upgraded to LED in 2022. The internal lighting is an ongoing project. The new offices, meeting room and lounge area are all LED. As of February 2025 the Oxygen Suite has been completed with plans for the Physio department, the Reception and Cafe areas to be completed as soon as funds are available. In 2022 we started generating our own Oxygen for our Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, Although this means we are using more power to generate the oxygen, environmentally there is no other impact as we no longer have large tankers making frequent deliveries and there is no waste. Other improvements have been the upgrade to a more efficient heating boiler and we are always mindful of any equipment purchased or disposed of. Our green credentials are very important to us here at The Brightwell. To find out more about the individual projects, how you can help us to fund more, the respective sponsors and the impact, please scroll through to our Blog Heading 3 Legal and Regulatory Information The Brightwell is an umbrella name for two main charities and a trading company. We are regulated by the Charities Commissions Regulations. These are The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited Registered Charity Number 801155. The Brightwell Neurological Support Centre Limited Registered Charity Number 1109459. The trading arm is the Bristol Therapy Centre Limited Company Number 0819674. If you require any further information, please contact our CEO Doro Pasantes on 01454 201686.

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. Fundraise for The Brightwell IMG_2981 1/6 The ways you can entice those pennies your way are really only limited by your imagination and the time you can spare. So whether you choose to manage a collection pot in your local shop, run a marathon, attend our events or fundraise at home, we'll be right behind you to provide all the advice and support you could possibly want. How Your Fundraising Will Help Every donation made to The Brightwell goes directly to helping people who rely on our therapies. We use donations to help cover the cost of face-to-face therapies, clinics, and social events for people living with neurological conditions. These therapies can be expensive, so your support helps make them more affordable in the long term. The Brightwell is a small charity, not part of a larger group, we don’t get any direct funding from the Government, NHS, or big national charities. That means we rely entirely on fundraising and voluntary donations to keep going. You can choose how your donation is used: Support someone you know with their therapy costs Choose an item or project from our Brightwell Wishlist Below are just a few ideas of how you can get involved. How to Support Us Donate Join a Brightwell Event Check out our Events Section and Blog for more information. You can join in one of our Major Events like the Abseil, come to our Christmas Market or Summer Fair, buy some draw tickets or have fun at a Quiz or Bingo Night. Sponsored Events If you are taking part in a Half-Marathon, a Skydive, a Tough Mudder, Swim or a Fun Run, we would be exceptionally grateful if you could support us in your challenge. Please contact community@thebrightwell.org.uk where our fundraising team will be happy to help. Other ways to Support Us… Have a Coffee Morning at home Come for Lunch or Afternoon Tea at The Brightwell Café Donate items to our in-house Shop Buy rrom our Online Shop Have one of our Collection Tins Buy Tickets for one of draws Meet our Fundraising Team Our fantastic Fundraising Team are here to help you at every step of your fundraising journey. Whether you are planning a coffee morning at home or organising a team for a sporting event, we will support you. We can help by Suggesting ideas Helping with planning Supplying promotional materials Supplying display boards Giving your event publicity through our social media and website. Contact the team: community@thebrightwell.org.uk Victoria Head of Fundraising (Grants and Trusts) Lara Events, Marketing and Communications Officer Corporate Fundraising Please click here to visit our Brightwell 100 page to find out how to join our supporters' network and become a Corporate Supporter. Gift in Will Make a Difference That Lives On Give the gift of therapy, support and friendship by remembering The Brightwell in your Will. Leaving a financial gift to The Brightwell will have a direct and positive impact on those living with chronic neurological conditions. Your gift will enable individuals to be supported by our wonderful Centre. Please visit our Gift in Will page. Thank you.

The Brightwell offers expert Functional Electrical Stimultion (FES) assessments and advice for foot drop and gait issues at our Clinic in Bradley Stoke, Bristol. 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. Histor y FES was first developed in the United States in the 1960s, where it was initially tested in stroke patients. Although early results were promising, it wasn't used regularly in clinical practice until much later, as it was very much seen as an experimental treatment. Research on its use in stroke for both foot drop and to assist finger movements, was first published in the late 1970s. In the mid-1980s, a group based in Salisbury in the UK started to look at using FES. Originally their work was in people with spinal cord injuries; from this initial work they went on to develop devices for people with MS in the early 1990s and it continues to be used today. FES is currently being investigated to see if the technique can help with swallowing, hand and arm function, and even breathing problems for pulmonary disease patients and for stroke patients. It has several potential future uses in MS. How does FES work? A FES device consists of a control box, about the size of a pack of cards, with a battery and electrodes. For foot drop, the device is usually worn in a cuff below the knee. This is where the electrodes can stimulate the nerve that goes to the muscle that would normally lift the front of your foot. At the right moment in your gait, when your foot is about to lift up to be swung forwards, the FES device stimulates the nerve and lifts the foot. The stimulation stops when the foot hits the ground again. It may take some time to adjust the timing specifically for you and your gait. Some FES devices have a sensor that is worn in the heel area, to help with the timing, but in modern devices that is optional. This means that the FES device can be worn with bare feet or sandals. What are the benefits of FES? Research and experience has shown that treatment with FES produces a more normal walking pattern, enabling people to walk faster, further and with less effort. It can also help build confidence in walking and increase independence as well as reducing the risk of trips and falls. As well as being a treatment for foot drop FES can also be used in rehabilitation, complementing physiotherapy techniques, often to assist with movements in muscles that have become weak. This allows you to build up strength and range of movement. This may also help with reducing spasticity and sometimes in reducing swelling, depending on the cause. What side effects could I get with FES? The electrical stimulation causes a tingling 'pins and needles' or buzzing sensation on the skin, much like a TENS machine. Ensuring that wires and pads are in the correct position can help minimise some of these sensations. For most people this is not a problem. FES may take a little bit of getting used to. Your physiotherapist may need to help you relearn a comfortable gait, as old habits that helped you manage your foot drop are no longer needed. You may have some soreness in your legs, hips or torso as you learn to use different muscles to walk. Very occasionally people find that the stimulation or the electrodes causes irritation of their skin. Using hypoallergenic electrode patches or asking your Brightwell physiotherapist about changing the type of stimulation that is used can often solve these problems. You will be provided with your personal set of pads and electrodes at your first consultation. Who can use FES? If you have difficulty with walking due to foot drop, you may benefit from FES. However, as FES stimulates the existing nerves in the legs, it is important that your nerve fibres between the spinal cord and the muscles are not damaged. To be suitable for the treatment, you need to be able to walk, even if only for a few metres with a stick or other walking aid. Typically, you will have an initial assessment that lasts for about an hour to see if you are suitable for treatment and if you respond to the FES stimulation. If you do respond, then you can start the treatment process. One of our physiotherapists will set up the device with you and teach you how to use it. At first you may find it difficult and time consuming to put the device on and position the pads correctly, but this becomes easier with practice. Once one of our trained physiotherapists and you have agreed that a FES device is beneficial and suitable, we will give you a clinical referral to a recommended supplier. That supplier, will discuss cost and options with you, as well as delivery timescales. Follow up sessions at The Brightwell will be necessary to adjust the electrode position and the strength of the electrical stimulation. This can change as your muscles strengthen and your nerves get used to the level of stimulation. How do I get an appointment at The Brightwell FES Clinic? If you are an existing member and/or come to The Brightwell for therapy, your physiotherapist will be able to recommend your suitability to be booked into an assessment session. If you are not an existing service user, please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk to be booked in. The assessments work as follows: Initial assessment with a fully trained FES physiotherapist Approximately one hour, cost £60 plus a one-off fee of £18 for personal pads and electrodes. Follow up sessions. You will usually only require one or two follow up sessions. Cost £60 each. Annual reassessment We recommend an annual review to look at continued correct use, gait, posture, and any physical changes. Equipment Please note that we will refer you to a reliable and approved supplier, The Brightwell does not offer any warranty for the equipment or recommend any funding options. The supplier will discuss costs with you. We will gladly supply a letter of clinical support if required. We would like to thank Woodstock Homes for their ongoing support and for funding to set up The Brightwell FES Clinic.

The Brightwell team includes a expert physiotherapists, volunteer Oxygen Chamber operators, through to our support and fundraising teams and our Board of Trustees. Meet The Brightwell Team We have a truly exceptional team of people working, volunteering and supporting us here at The Brightwell. If you think that you might like to join our team please read more information by clicking he links below Volunteer Support Us Administration and Support Team Doro CEO Caroline Finance Officer Dawn Lead Receptionist Paula Cafe Coordinator Helen Centre Administrator Monique Receptionist Fundraising Team Victoria Head of Fundraising (Grants and Trust) Lara Events, Marketing and Communications Officer Physiotherapy Team Amrik Lead Physiotherapist Millie Rehabilitation Therapist Audrey Physiotherapist Lauren Physio Assistant Aaron Physiotherapist Oxygen Team Angela Oxygen Coordinator Keith Senior Operator Jane S Volunteer Operator Howard Volunteer Operator Hazel Volunteer Operator Andy Volunteer Operator Mike Volunteer Operator Carol Volunteer Operator Stevyn Volunteer Operator Anju Volunteer Operator Guy Volunteer Operator Sandra Volunteer Operator Roger Volunteer Operator Brian Volunteer Operator Peter Volunteer Operator Ted Volunteer Operator Caroline Volunteer Operator Board of Trustees Geoff Chair of Trustees Paul Trustee Charles Trustee Steve Trustee David B Trustee Mark Trustee Caz Trustee Roger Trustee David G Trustee Tina Trustee

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.