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We are delighted to welcome Tina to the board and our Brightwell Community. Tina has kindly written a short bio to introduce herself.   My name is Tina Ashley. I first became aware of The Brightwell Centre as I was keen to build and form a relationship with a local charity within my role as a solicitor. I wanted to work with The Brightwell Centre because it is a small charity trying to achieve big things, and it is a charity supporting people with neurological conditions. When I met Caz and Doro earlier this year, it was great to see that the Brightwell Centre is bringing together a community and in doing so, makes things less isolating for those who live with neurological conditions. I wanted to know more and become part of it. I am a Senior Associate Solicitor at Davies and Partners Solicitors, specialising in medical negligence. I primarily represent clients who have experienced neurological injuries, which aligns closely with the mission of The Brightwell. I was born in Bristol, and for a short while moved to Northampton to study my degree, and then lived in Leeds for 2 years whilst I completed my training contract to become a solicitor. I moved back to Bristol on qualifying – and now work in Bradley Stoke, just a stone’s throw from the Brightwell Centre.   I am mum to a young child, a beloved dog and a cat. In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband, daughter and dog, which will usually involve a beach and a dog walk. I also love travelling whenever possible and trying out new restaurants. Recently, I have taken up golf, and I am enjoying the challenge of learning a new skill. Tina was co-opted as a Trustee at our July meeting, and we will be officially appointed at the next AGM. Welcome Tina!

Image courtesy of freepix Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your wishes are carried out after you are gone and to provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Here is a breakdown of the key reasons why it is so important: You Control the Distribution of Your Assets A Will is a legal document that allows you to decide who inherits your money, property, and possessions (your "estate"). Without a valid Will, you are said to have died "intestate," and the law decides who gets what. This means your assets may not go to the people or causes you would have wanted to support. For example; Unmarried Partners:  If you are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner has no automatic right to inherit from you, regardless of how long you have been together. Friends and Charities:  The rules of intestacy do not provide for friends, stepchildren, or charities. If you want to leave a gift to a specific person or cause, you must include it in your Will. You Can Appoint a Guardian for Your Children If you have children under the age of 18, a Will allows you to name a guardian to care for them in the event of your death. Without a Will, this decision could be left to the courts, and the person chosen may not be who you would have wanted. It Helps Reduce Family Disputes A clear and legally binding Will can prevent arguments and misunderstandings among family members. It lays out your wishes clearly, leaving less room for disputes over who should receive what. This can save your loved ones a significant amount of stress and legal costs during an already difficult time.   It Can Minimise Inheritance Tax Careful Will planning, often with the help of a legal professional, can help you reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that might be payable on your estate. This ensures that more of your assets go to your beneficiaries rather than to the government. You Appoint an Executor An executor is the person or people responsible for carrying out the instructions in your Will, including paying off debts and distributing your assets. By making a Will, you can choose someone you trust to handle this important and often complex task. If you do not appoint an executor, the court will appoint an administrator, which may be a person you would not have chosen. You Can Specify Funeral Wishes While funeral arrangements are often made before a Will is read, a Will provides a good opportunity to record your wishes regarding burial, cremation, and any other specific preferences you have for your final farewell. In summary, making a Will is the only way to ensure that your money, property, and possessions go to the people and causes you care about. It provides control, protects your loved ones, and can significantly simplify a difficult process for those you leave behind. Will Writing Service  from Wards Solicitors At The Brightwell, we are very fortunate that Wards,  a firm of local Solicitors, offer beneficial rates to The Brightwell Community to draw up a simple Will.  Please see the details below To find out more about booking to see Wards, please call Reception on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk   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. For further information, please visit our Gifts In Will page www.thebrightwell.org.uk/gift-in-will If you have any questions, please call  Victoria Hocquard  on 01454 201686 or email  victoria.hocquard@thebrightwell.org.uk

The MS Society will be holding a Community Connection event at Worlebury Golf Club, Monks Hill, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 9SX on 9 October between 11 am and 2 pm. This event is for people with MS, family members and unpaid carers. Join them for a day of support and connection for the local MS community The Brightwell will be represented at this event, plus representatives from ·       The MS Society  Community Connections Team ·       North Somerset MS nurse team ·       Citizens Advice ·       NHS Talking Therapies ·       Job Centre’s Disability Employment Service ·       Pier Health Group Social Prescribing Service ·       Curo Group Community Connect Service ·       WHAM (Warmer homes, advice and money)   Lunch will be provided at this event.. This will include a selection of sandwiches, biscuits and hot drinks. Please advise about dietary requirements when you register. Please register if you would like to attend this event by scanning the QR Code on the poster below or emailing msconnections@mssociety.org.uk We would like to encourage all  members  in Weston or North Somerset to attend Please see the poster below for more information.

Image by wayhomestudio via Freepix Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may enhance recovery from sports injuries by delivering increased oxygen to damaged tissues, which promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and accelerates the repair of soft tissues, ligaments, and fractures. How HBOT works for sports injuries: Increased Oxygen Delivery In a hyperbaric chamber, pure oxygen is breathed at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure, allowing the blood to carry significantly more oxygen to injured areas. Tissue Oxygenation This increased oxygen saturates damaged tissues, preventing hypoxia (oxygen starvation) and supporting cellular repair and function. Reduced Inflammation and Swelling HBOT can help decrease inflammation and swelling by improving blood flow and reducing harmful oxygen radicals that contribute to tissue damage. Enhanced Healing High oxygen levels stimulate the production of new blood vessels (neovascularization), collagen, and other factors essential for healing connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. Immune Response Support HBOT can enhance the body's immune response, increasing the ability of white blood cells to fight bacteria and prevent infection at the injury site. Benefits for Athletes: Faster Return to Play By promoting quicker and more efficient healing, HBOT may reduce the overall recovery time for athletes. Reduced Pain The anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT can help alleviate pain associated with injuries. Improved Tissue Health HBOT supports the repair of microscopic tears in muscles and encourages the formation of healthy tissue. HBOT at The Brightwell Although the sessions we offer for Sports Injuries are not subsidised by the charity, they offer excellent value for money. Registration fee is £50. Each session lasts 1 hour, is only £30 per session. The number of sessions required will depend on the individual's level of fitness and the severity of the injury. As a guideline most users with a general sports injury will see benefits after just 5 sessions. To find out more, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy If you have any queries, please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

Throughout September, we will be running weekly Pop-Up Shops, changing every Wednesday. Our Shop, located in the reception area at The Brightwell, offers lots of bargains and great items to buy, and these Pop-Ups will offer an even greater choice. All the money raised from the shop goes directly to our amazing Charity. Here are some photos of the fantastic items that we are starting with. Week 1:  Clothes Week 2:  Books and Media Week 3: Jewellery     Week 4:  Homeware/Gifts Come along and have a good browse, the Centre is open until 5 pm and you can pay by cash or card. Why not join us for a Coffee or Lunch in our Cafe, open until 2.30 pm Monday to Friday. Thank You for Your Support!

On Friday, 29 August, we say a fond farewell to Bhumika, one of our valued and much-loved Physiotherapists. Bhumika has been a key member of our exceptional physio team here at the Centre for the past seven years. Not only has Bhumika had a significant and positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Brightwell members, but she has also been a keen supporter of events and fundraising, helping The Brightwell become the vibrant and supportive place it is today. Over the years, Bhumika has attended several MS Trust Conferences with Amrik and other physiotherapy team members. Last year, the Brightwell and Rugged Interactive team presented the findings of using the CardioWall here at The Brightwell. Bhumika is also an active member of the Bradley Stoke Community, taking part in numerous cultural and social events. She is the proud Mum of her son, who attends a local school and is a keen cricketer. On behalf of every person whom she has helped maintain a level of fitness, mobility and deal with the challenges of living with a neurological condition, a massive thank you. We look forward to Bhumika remaining part of our wider Brightwell Community, and we all wish you all the best for a happy and healthy future.

On 3 September, an intrepid bunch from the Kendleshire Golf Club will swap their clubs for wheels as they take on a 100-mile cycle ride. The team will end their gruelling journey at Machynys Golf and Monk Island Resort, Llanelli. The ride starts early on 3 September 2025, and they hope to complete the ride in about 10 hours, probably very saddle sore at the finish! The Kendleshire men’s Captain, Martyn Olds, has generously chosen The Brightwell as one of their charities of the year. He and his wife Sue will be providing refreshments and support along the route, along with Marcus Sykes and Phil Wiltshire. The ride aims to raise £3000, and you can support Eion and the other riders by donating to their page and help spur them to the finish line! Eion Bailey is fundraising for MS Therapy Centre at Bristol Thank you to all at The Kendleshire for their continued support!

Looking to develop your cycle skills? The Vinehill Trust hosts FREE drop-in Cycle sessions on Wednesdays between 10 am-4.00 pm for people with disabilities, additional needs or enduring health conditions They offer a range of bikes, trikes, handcycles, co-riders, and other adaptive bikes, so they provide a variety of ways to get you pedalling. Please see the poster below for more information or visit www.strawberrycycles.com. This looks like a great way to get out and about and exercise at the same time!

Due to the great success of the Taster Class, we are delighted to announce that the Dance Class will become a regular exercise class every Monday from 3 to 4 pm. Check out the video from the Taster class, it was great fun! Meet Your Instructor: Audrey Lam Audrey Lam, one of our expert Physiotherapists, is also an accomplished Street Dancer. Audrey and the Physio team have put together an exciting new Exercise Class to include some Street Dance! and cardio fitness. What to Expect: This class promises to be lively, fun, as well as a great chance to exercise at the same time! This class is suitable for all of our Brightwell Community. So whether you are a wheelchair user, use a walking aid or can stand, this class is for you No dance experience needed, Audrey will help you through the whole class! Suggested contribution for each session is  £9 per person or a discounted rate of £60 for a block booking of 10 sessions paid in advance. To book your place, please call Reception on 01454 201 686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

We are delighted to share that Wain Homes has raised an incredible £11,000  at their Severn Valley annual charity golf day, held at the impressive Kendleshire Golf Club in Coalpit Heath. More than 100 golfers from across the property and construction industry came together for the event, raising vital funds that will directly support people living with chronic neurological conditions in our community. Nick Moore, Managing Director of Wain Homes Severn Valley, said: “It is an honour to be able to support the important work The Brightwell does looking after people suffering with neurological conditions in our local communities. The conditions can seriously affect a person’s quality of life, and I would like to thank everyone who either played or supported our golf day through sponsorship, which raised much-needed funds for The Brightwell to help them continue to provide their vital services.” Wain Homes Severn Valley are proud near-neighbours of The Brightwell and have chosen us as their Charity Partner for the second year running. Headquartered in Bradley Stoke, they are also currently building eight new family home developments across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and the West Midlands. Earlier this year, a team from Wain Homes Severn Valley also achieved an impressive second place in Bristol Rotary’s Dragon Boat Race, with proceeds benefiting The Brightwell. It has been an absolute pleasure to partner with Wain Homes, and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Nick, Maisie, Claire, Nicky, and the whole team for their incredible support and generosity.

We are delighted to announce a Taster Session for a completely new style of class for us here at The Brightwell. This new session has been developed by Millie Rutherford, our Rehabilitation Therapy Specialist. This is a Zoom class. This will be a great start to the day for those who are working or have commitments during the day that prevent them from coming to the Centre. This can also be an additional exercise opportunity for those attending other classes or Oxygen Therapy. What is MIIT? Interval Training: Instead of exercising at a steady rate for pace, MIIT involves alternating between short bursts of planned exercise and brief periods of lower-intensity activity or complete rest.  Every exercise has been designed taking into account the needs of those living with a neurological or chronic condition. Who is this MIIT class suitable for? This class is aimed at those members with higher mobility and relatively good balance. Maybe you are newly diagnosed or looking for a more challenging class but find classes elsewhere too tiring or unsuitable for your condition. What will the class include? Each 30-minute session will 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 Including Warm Up Upper Limb Exercises (standing) Core Exercises (standing) Lower Limb Exercises (standing) Cool Down When is this session? Tuesday 2 September 8.45 am to 9.15 am. If this class is popular and there is a demand, a face-to-face option will be considered. How much is the cost? This is a FREE Taster Session Should you wish to join this class on a weekly basis, the suggested contribution for members is £9 per session or £60 for a block of 10 sessions booked in advance. How do I join? Call Reception on 01454 201686 to book.  Millie will contact you to discuss the class further and will send you the link to join the class.