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What is Time to Talk Day? Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for all of us to come together to talk, listen and change lives. This year’s event is on Thursday, 5 February, with the aim of encouraging friends, families, communities, and workplaces to have a conversation about mental health. Time to Talk Day is the UK’s biggest annual campaign focused on encouraging people to speak openly about mental health. Organised primarily by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness (in partnership with Co-op), the goal is to break down the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues. Why is talking important? Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can even save lives. Talking can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it. The power of being able to talk about your own experiences and turn them into something positive is huge. Start a conversation today From sharing a post on social media using #TimeToTalk t o organising an activity in your workplace, or simply checking in with a friend or family member. There are lots of ways to get involved this Time to Talk Day. Here are some ideas to get started. Text or call a friend to ask how they're doing. Go for a walk and talk with a neighbour. nvite a friend for a cup of tea and a chat You’re not only helping yourself and the people around you in that initial conversation, but you’re also helping to break down barriers so other people feel more comfortable talking about their mental health. For further information, please visit www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk- Support at The Brightwell Our fantastic team of staff and volunteers are always happy to stop and have a chat. However, time and again, our members and supporters tell us how valuable the peer support at The Brightwell is. Whether you’re chatting in the Café, the Chamber, or the Gym, it can be a real comfort to talk to someone who may be in a similar health situation, or who shares the same concerns and worries. If you’re feeling a little down or fed up, a session of physiotherapy or oxygen therapy combined with a friendly conversation can really make a difference. The Brightwell community is always on hand to listen and support. It’s good to talk!

As the winter weather continues, we’ve been adding some delicious winter warmer dishes to the menu at The Brightwell Café. As many of us start the new year with aims to improve our health, we have been extending our menu to include hearty and nourishing meals with a focus on increasing the number of vegetables, wholegrains, and legumes we use. These foods are great sources of fibre and plant-based proteins, which are beneficial for our gut microbiomes as well as being anti-inflammatory in nature. Recent additions include a wonderful Vegetable Stew – packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and lentils, served with wholegrain rice – you can even swap to cauliflower rice if you are watching your carbs or just if you want to get even closer to your 5-a-day! Or how about trying our latest Chickpea and Spinach Curry – another great way to keep out the cold on a chilly day. Of course, we still offer all your regular favourites – freshly-made sandwiches and jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings (you can also ask to swap for plant-based spread instead of butter if you are being mindful of calories). Paula has also been extending her range of delicious homemade soups served with a crusty roll and butter (if you’d prefer no bread, sliced bread, gluten-free bread or plant-based spread, just ask!). We want to ensure that the café has something for everyone – we also have a lovely range of cakes and sweet treats too (from a Bristol-based artisan bakery as well as a local baker) – perfect with a cuppa. So, whether you stop by for a sandwich or a hearty stew, or even just pop in for a coffee and a piece of cake, we would love to see you. Paula and her wonderful volunteers are always happy to help, and, of course, every penny from items sold at the Brightwell Café goes back to the charity and helps to keep the service running. Don’t forget, if you are coming in for a treatment, you can always pre-order your food. Tel 01454 201686. We look forward to seeing you soon!

We have an active Carers Group here at The Brightwell. Any carer who looks after any of our members is most welcome. You can be a paid or unpaid carer, a partner, family member or a friend, to take part in our events. Our next talk is called “Practical Hints and Tips for Carers” This talk will cover topics, including accessing health care, benefits, Priority Services Register, aids and adaptations, Emergency Plans, 3 rd Party Mandates, Powers of Attorney and Carers Assessments. There will be an opportunity for an open discussion, allowing members to share experiences as well. This session will be led by Wendy Paterson, our Carers Support Co-Ordinator. Click here or on the image above to book your FREE place. Call 01454 201686 Getting Involved and Feedback We are keen to hear your views and suggestions about how the Centre can best support Carers, so whether or not you can come along to these sessions, we would love to hear from you. You can contact Wendy by leaving a message at Reception, or look out for the short survey form we are planning to make available in the next few months. Carers' Information Point Don’t forget to take a look at the leaflets and information now available on the poster and in the information racks at the Carers Information Point. This can be found in the corridor past the Café.

As well as the wide range of exercise and physio sessions available at The Brightwell, we also offer 3 options for Online Classes. Online Classes are great if you are working, can’t easily get to the Centre or just fancy a top-up to your usual exercise routine. Each class is led by one of the Physio team, who will guide and encourage you through each session. A Zoom link will be sent to you when you book. Option 1: Medium Intensity Interval training with Millie. This class takes place on a Tuesday from 8:45 am until 9.15 am. This class is aimed at those members with higher mobility and relatively good balance. Sessions include: 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 Option 2: ​Seated Zoom Class  with Audrey This class takes place on a Wednesday from 12noon until 12.30 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. Option 3: Zoom Exercise Class with Audrey This class also takes place on a Wednesday directly after the Seated Zoom Class from 12:30 pm-1 pm.   Suitable for lower limb strengthening. Helps strengthen, maintain mobility and improve balance. Participants can book to take part in both or either of these Wednesday classes. The suggested contribution for any of these online classes is £6 per session. To book any of these classes, please call Reception(option1) on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk For further Information about any of the classes or one-to-one physio sessions we offer, please visit our physio page. www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio ​         ​

Mark and Evelyn Whitehouse We are deeply saddened and shocked to share the news that Mark Whitehouse passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, 11 January 2026. Mark was a much-loved friend, Trustee and a valued member of our community for many years. Many of you will have known him from the early Nailsea Centre days, where his presence, humour, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression. Born and raised in Middlesex, Mark spent a short time living in Sussex with his parents before returning to Twickenham. Later, when his parents moved to Somerset, Mark followed in 2007, settling in Uphill near Weston-Super-Mare so he could be closer to his family, including his brother John. After moving to North Somerset, Mark joined the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Nailsea. Although he struggled with his mobility, he committed himself wholeheartedly to weekly physiotherapy sessions, which he continued faithfully right up until the Monday before his passing. Mark was determined, resilient, and never one to give in easily. Mark was a clever, witty, and fun-loving person, always smiling and willing to help others. During his working life, he enjoyed a successful global career in the IT industry with Intel, travelling extensively and collecting countless fascinating stories along the way.  While working abroad, Mark began to notice early symptoms of MS and was formally diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2003. Mark never let his diagnosis define or limit him; he continued working, contributing, and helping others wherever he could. In every sense, Mark lived a life well lived. Many will remember Mark whizzing around the Centre in his custom-built wheelchair or proudly demonstrating his specially adapted car to impressed visitors. His ingenuity and enthusiasm were infectious. Mark’s contribution to our charity was truly extraordinary. Over the years, he worked on numerous IT and communications projects, beginning with the development of our original branding and website at Nailsea. His knowledge, awareness, and foresight were invaluable during the planning of our move to the new Centre in Bradley Stoke, ensuring that the systems we put in place then would not only meet the Centre’s needs at the time, but continue to support our work well into the future. Mark even wrote the code for the database contact system that we still use today. Since our move in 2012, Mark worked tirelessly alongside fellow IT volunteer Dave Whittaker, ensuring the Centre always had reliable, up-to-date systems. He managed our servers and security systems and was a driving force behind our name change to The Brightwell , as well as all subsequent rebranding and website development. One of Mark’s most recent major projects took place last year, when the majority of the Centre’s equipment and software was upgraded, a huge undertaking for which we are exceptionally grateful. As recently as last week, Mark was still advising the team on our new appointment programme and proposed CRM system, a testament to his ongoing dedication. Mark was also deeply involved in fundraising. He was particularly proud of the charity motorcycle ride he organised with his brother John which saw hundreds of bikers and classic motorcycles ride from Weston-Super-Mare across the Clifton Suspension Bridge to the Centre. It was a truly unforgettable spectacle! Mark was a regular visitor to The Brightwell with his wonderful wife, Evelyn. They met in 2019 and married two years later. Evelyn’s caring nature shone through in everything she did, and she was a tremendous support to Mark. When we published an article about him, Mark said, “To be honest, I’m not sure what I’d do without her.” We sincerely hope Evelyn will continue to be part of our Brightwell community. Beyond The Brightwell, Mark generously gave his time and expertise to the Multicultural Friendship Association and his local GP practice in Weston-Super-Mare. He touched the lives of so many people, and the kind words shared over the past week speak volumes about the impact he had on our community. We will share details of the funeral arrangements as soon as they are confirmed. We also hope to hold a celebration of Mark’s life at the Centre and will provide further information nearer the time. Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go to Evelyn, John and all of Mark’s family and friends. Rest in Peace Mark.

Summarised from an MS-UK article published: 8 December 2025 A new analysis of published research suggests that people who drink coffee may have a lower chance of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The review brought together data from more than 4,500 people across seven countries and found that those who drank coffee had about a 22 per cent lower risk of developing MS compared with those who did not. The researchers explained that coffee contains caffeine and other natural compounds that may help to reduce inflammation in the body. This could be one reason why coffee might play a protective role, although they stressed that more research is needed to understand exactly how it may influence the development of MS and what amounts might be most helpful. The study, published in Neurodegenerative Disease Management, looked at evidence from earlier research carried out in Iran, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Turkey, Sweden and the United States. In total, the analysis included information from 2,193 people living with MS and more than 2,300 people without MS. Results varied across these studies. Some suggested coffee might help to reduce risk, others showed little difference, and a few reported the opposite. Because the findings were so varied, the team noted that larger studies carried out across multiple countries would be helpful to confirm whether coffee does play a protective part. The idea that coffee could offer some benefit is supported by research in other neurological conditions. Studies in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease have also shown a possible link between coffee intake and a lower risk of developing these conditions. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of coffee might help protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. However, factors such as differences in study design, how coffee was measured, and lifestyle influences like smoking and vitamin D levels may have affected the results.   Overall, this review adds to growing interest in how lifestyle and environmental factors may influence MS risk. While the early findings are encouraging, the authors emphasised that we still need clearer evidence before drawing firm conclusions. Fancy a Coffee at The Brightwell Café? Whether you are a coffee drinker or just enjoy a nice cuppa, there is always a warm welcome waiting for you at The Brightwell Café. You don’t need to be having a treatment, our fabulous café is open to everyone.   Pop in for a cake, sandwich or a lunch from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm during the week. There are always lots of people to have a chat with, fully accessible facilities, including a baby changing station and free parking!

Every Monday, Audrey runs a fantastic dance/exercise class for one hour here in the Brightwell gym area. It is suitable for all skill levels. The current group includes wheelchair users, those who prefer to do the class seated, as well as those who can stand. The class starts with a warm-up to a selection of music, followed by a "routine". Audrey, supported by Amrik, builds up these routines over the weeks. The music is great and very motivational. One of the regular participants says, " I enjoy these classes so much. I've been going since the classes started. I'm in a wheelchair, but I get so much out of each class: It's great fun too and a laugh with the rest of the group. I definitely feel like I've had a workout, plus it's a great feeling when we all do the routine at the end, or at least I think I've done the routine!" Classes are £9 each for one hour or a block booking of 10 for £60. Please call Reception on 01454 201686 if you want to join the class. See you there!

The Brightwell would not be able to run without fundraising. There are many ways in which groups or individuals can support us to provide therapies and care for our community of members. One of which is our incredible Corporate Supporters Network, The Brightwell 100. We are incredibly fortunate at The Brightwell to receive support from successful, generous businesses, large and small, that have chosen to become part of this fantastic network. The kind donations we receive from these partners are often directed towards items from our Wishlist . While a significant proportion of our income and fundraising is used to run the Centre and subsidise the cost of the therapies we provide, the Wishlist allows us to fund essential items that fall outside our core revenue. The Brightwell 100 was established in February 2022, and since then, tens of thousands of pounds have been invested in improving the Centre. This support has enabled us to enhance sustainability and reduce long-term costs, purchase vital new equipment, carry out repairs, implement system upgrades, undertake refurbishments, and much more. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of The Brightwell 100 members. To find out more about The Brightwell 100 , please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/brightwell-100 Corporate Supporters can contribute in a variety of ways, including financial donations, donated goods, or professional services. Every penny and every contribution directly supports the work we do. Below is a copy of our January Wishlist to give you an insight into some of the items we urgently need. We hope there will be something on this list that aligns with your corporate values, shared aims, and charitable budgets. If you would like to learn more about The Brightwell or discuss how you might get involved, please contact Caz Blake-Symes on 07970 038135  or email caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk . For other ways to support us, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/fundraising Thank you for your interest in supporting our charity.

We are delighted to offer some outstanding Prizes for our Valentine’s Draw 1 ST Prize – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for two at Berwick Lodge* 2 nd  Prize – Bottle of Champagne, plus 4 boxed Dartington Champagne Flutes 3 rd Prize 2 Handcrafted Steel Heart-tail Robins Plant stakes** 4 th  Prize- Set of Stone Effect Heart Tea- Light Holders and stone-filled  tray Further information *Berwick Lodge is a beautiful hotel in stunning surroundings, in North Bristol. This fantastic night away is valued at nearly £300. The voucher is valid until 1 January 2027. Further details about this venue can be found at www.berwicklodge.co.uk ** These beautiful Robins can be used as a plant stake or decoration. Created by Industrial Modern Furniture. www.industrialmodernfurniture.co.uk Any of these prizes would make a fantastic Valentine's Day gift! The draw will take place on 11 February.  Tickets are only £2 each. We would like to thank John and Barb for kindly sponsoring this draw. Thank you for supporting The Brightwell

Just before Christmas, a local building company, PPS Building Services , reached out to the community on social media asking for recommendations of local charities they could support with a Christmas donation. Thanks to the kindness of our local community, we were fortunate to be one of the organisations recommended. Within just one day, PPS Building Services delivered an incredibly generous £450 donation  to our centre. We are unbelievably grateful to PPS Building Service for choosing to support us. This donation will make a real difference and will directly help us continue our mission of delivering vital therapies to people living with neurological conditions. A huge thank you also goes to our wonderful local community for thinking of us and recommending us for this donation.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Centre on Monday, 5 January 2026. Please note that with effect from that date, we will be operating from a new timetable. This will mostly affect our P2 session, which will now be on a Friday morning. Existing HBOT Users If you are an existing Hyperbaric or Isobaric Oxygen Therapy user, please check with Reception or one of the Oxygen team to ensure that we have all your sessions booked. Considering HBOT for the first time? Maybe you have been considering having Oxygen Therapy for a while, but have not had time to book it, then the New Year is a great time to start! The charity offers sessions at a subsidised rate to those living with a Chronic Neurological Condition. However, The Brightwell’s Oxygen Therapy is also available to others. Including. Those living with a chronic condition to enhance their general well-being. Those looking to reduce any post-operative recovery period. Those with a short-term or long-term Sports Injury to speed up the healing process. For more information, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy We will be delighted to answer any questions that you may have or to arrange a visit. Please call 01454 2014686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk . We look forward to seeing you soon!

Living with a neurological condition—whether it’s Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, ME/CFS, or a stroke recovery—can often feel like your body is playing by a different set of rules. When your nervous system is sending mixed signals, the idea of "keeping fit" might feel daunting or even impossible. However, exercise isn't just about aesthetics or "standard" fitness; for those with neurological challenges, movement is a powerful form of neuro-rehabilitation. The "Neuro-Plasticity" Advantage One of the most incredible things about the human brain is its ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, a process known as “neuro-plasticity.” Physical activity acts as a catalyst for this process. When you move, you aren't just strengthening muscles; you are challenging your brain to find new pathways to communicate with those muscles. 1. Managing Secondary Symptoms Neurological conditions often bring "hitchhiker" symptoms like fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances. Regular, adapted exercise helps by: Boosting Mood - Releasing endorphins and dopamine, which act as natural antidepressants. Reducing Fatigue  -  It sounds counterintuitive, but burning energy through controlled exercise can actually improve your overall stamina. Better Sleep  - Physical exertion helps regulate the circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.  2. Improving Balance and Proprioception Many neurological conditions affect your sense of where your body is in space (proprioception), leading to a higher risk of falls. Targeted Training  - Exercises like Tai Chi, Yoga, or simple balance drills strengthen the core and fine-tune the vestibular system. Safety First  - Building "functional strength" means it’s easier to get out of a chair, climb stairs, or steady yourself if you trip. Listen to Your Body When living with a neurological condition, your "max capacity" might change from day to day. The 10-Minute Rule:  If you’re feeling fatigued, try just 10 minutes. If you feel better, keep going. If not, give yourself permission to rest. Temperature Control:  For conditions like MS, heat can temporarily worsen symptoms. Opt for swimming or air-conditioned environments. Work with Pros:  Look for physical therapists or trainers who specialise in neurological "adapted fitness." How to improve your fitness levels at The Brightwell You have a choice of physio and fitness options. You can choose  from any or all of the following.. 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 7 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 5 people) also lasts an hour, with smaller groups allowing for more focused attention on specific issues.​ Online Classes 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. To find out more, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio or call 01454 201686. We look forward to supporting you with your exercise and fitness aims in 2026