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Image courtesy of Freepix Adapted from an MS-UK Guide This guide was written specifically for those living with MS but applies to anyone living with other chronic or neurological conditions. Winter can be a challenging time when you’re living with a chronic condition. The cold weather can affect symptoms, darker days can impact mood, and fatigue often feels harder to manage. Preparing for Winter Get your vitamin D Our bodies make vitamin D from sunlight, but in the UK, there isn’t enough sun for most people to meet their targets. Low vitamin D is implicated in both disease activity and as a possible environmental risk factor for the development of MS, but more research is needed. Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advise everyone to take a supplement of vitamin D, and especially in the winter months. They don’t make any recommendations specifically for people with MS, but for bone health in people in the general population, they recommend 10 micrograms daily, which is 400 IU. Most neurologists like their MS patients to have a daily dose of between 2,000 and 5,000 IU of vitamin D. The flu vaccine The flu jab helps to protect you from the worst effects of the most common strain of flu that’s circulating in a particular year. As a person with MS, you qualify for a free flu jab on the NHS, and so does your partner or carer.   You may also be offered shingles and COVID-19 vaccinations. It is generally recommended that you get the flu vaccine. It’s possible that an infection such as flu could make your symptoms worse. The flu itself can also be very serious. You should ask your doctor which other vaccinations you should have. Colds and flu are more common in winter because people are indoors in close proximity more frequently, which allows viruses to spread. Avoid catching germs by washing your hands thoroughly and regularly when you have touched surfaces or handles in public. Continuing to social distance from people not within your household can also help you avoid catching germs. The cold weather While it’s well known that the heat can exacerbate symptoms, the cold can trigger problems too. Muscle stiffness and spasms can worsen, as can pain and mobility. Nerve pain in particular can be affected by the cold, including trigeminal neuralgia, altered sensations, the MS hug, and altered sensations such as numbness and tingling. Most problems pass once you have warmed back to a normal temperature, but it’s wise to try and stay warm. Wearing several thin layers helps with temperature regulation, especially if you are passing through different environments. If you feel the cold more than others in your household, you can create your own personal heating system with an electric blanket and/or a hot water bottle. Extreme weather in the winter can also pose potential hazards when you are out and about. Keeping active and exercising before winter’s arrival are very important. Practising balance routines and strengthening muscles will help keep you active and improve your stability. Winter fuel payment scams The UK government has warned of a sharp rise in scam text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, with reports jumping by 153 per cent at the end of September 2025. Fraudsters are posing as officials and asking people to “apply” or share bank details. You do not need to apply, if you are eligible, your Winter Fuel Payment is made automatically. Most people will receive a letter in October or November confirming the amount, with payments due between mid-November and December 2025. If you get a text about Winter Fuel Payments, do not reply, do not click any links, and do not share personal information. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 for free so your network can block the sender, then delete the message. If you receive a scam email claiming to be from HMRC, forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk . Being Part of The Brightwell Community This Winter The Brightwell offers a warm, friendly atmosphere to everyone in our community. Now that we have our own Café, we can offer warm drinks and food until 2:30pm every day. However, you are welcome to spend time here with us for the whole time that the Centre is open. If you feel that your physical or mental health is suffering at any time, please pick up the phone or come along to the Centre, there will always be someone to talk to and who will be pleased to listen. Click here to view the full MS-UK article.

Image and information from Carers UK Carers Rights Day 2025 will take place on Thursday, 20 November, spotlighting the critical need for the UK's millions of unpaid carers to “Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights”.  This annual national campaign, organised by Carers UK, is a crucial opportunity to raise awareness of the legal rights, entitlements, and support available to those who dedicate their lives to caring for a family member, partner, or friend. The Vital Role of Unpaid Carers Unpaid carers are the backbone of the UK's health and social care system, providing essential support to those who are older, disabled, or have a long-term illness. While the role is often rewarding, it can also lead to significant challenges impacting a carer's own health, finances, employment, and wellbeing. Many people don't even identify as a 'carer,' meaning they miss out on vital support and statutory rights. The 2025 theme is a direct call to action, urging both new and experienced carers to understand their entitlements and feel confident in asserting them, whether in the workplace, when engaging with healthcare professionals, or in accessing local services.   Key Legal Rights for Carers in the UK Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward accessing the support you need. While specific provisions can vary across the UK nations (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland), here are some of the most important rights for unpaid carers: 1. The Right to a Carer’s Assessment Any adult (over 18) who provides or intends to provide regular, substantial care to another adult is legally entitled to a “Carer's Assessment” from their local council's Adult Social Services. This is a chance to discuss how your caring role affects you and to identify your own needs for support. What it covers: It looks at whether you need things like replacement care (respite breaks), help with travel or utility costs, emotional support, or information on local groups. Crucially, you are entitled to this regardless of the amount of care you provide, your financial situation, or the needs of the person you care for. 2. Workplace Rights For those juggling care responsibilities with paid employment, recent legislation offers increased protection and flexibility: Carer's Leave Act 2023: Employees who are carers have a statutory right to take one week (five days) of unpaid leave per year to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need. This right applies from day one of employment. Flexible Working: All employees have the legal right to request flexible working from the first day of their employment. An employer must deal with the request reasonably and within a two-month period. Protection from Discrimination: The Equality Act 2010 protects against direct discrimination or harassment in the workplace due to your caring responsibilities ("discrimination by association"). 3. Health and Financial Rights Financial Support: You may be eligible to claim Carer's Allowance. If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and meet the eligibility criteria. Even if you cannot receive the payment, you may be awarded an underlying entitlement, which helps protect your State Pension contributions. Free Flu Vaccination: As a carer, you have a right to request a free annual flu vaccination to help protect both yourself and the person you care for. Identification as a Carer: You can ask your GP practice to record you as an unpaid carer on your patient record. This ensures you are recognised and may allow you priority access to things like health checks and public health campaigns. 4. Involvement in Care Planning You have the right to be consulted and involved in decision-making when the local authority or health services are making decisions about the care and support of the person you look after, including their discharge from the hospital. Getting Involved on Carers Rights Day Carers' Rights Day is not just a day for charities and professionals; it is an opportunity for everyone to play a part. Carers:  Use the day to contact your local Carers Centre or a national charity like Carers UK or Carers Trust. Book a benefits check, request a Carer's Assessment, or attend a local event to get informed. Employers:   Review your policies to ensure they are 'Carer Friendly.' Promote the right to Carers' Leave and Flexible Working to all staff. General Public:  Help spread the word! Share information about carers' rights on social media or in your local community to help someone recognise their role and access support. Knowing your rights is essential for sustaining your health, well-being, and ability to care. Carers Rights Day 2025 is the perfect time to commit to making sure that every carer is seen, heard, and supported. For further information please visit www.carersuk.org/ The Brightwell Carers Support Group.   We have an active and supportive group here at the Centre. The group led by Wendy Patterson is keen to hear your views and suggestions about how the Centre can best support Carers. So, whether or not you can come along to one of our sessions, or would like to talk, we would love to hear from you. You can contact Wendy by leaving a message at Reception.   Don’t forget to take a look at the leaflets and information available at the Carers Information Point. This can be found in the area beyond the Café.   Our next meeting Thursday 20 January 2 - 4 pm  Hints and Tips for Carers. This is a free event. Places are available face-to-face at The Brightwell or via Zoom For further information, please see our blog, newsletter and social media. Please call Reception on 01454 201 686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

Yesterday evening, 13 November, we hosted our Annual Volunteers Thank You Party and what a fantastic night it was! Over 70 guests joined us for an evening filled with laughter, great company, and heartfelt appreciation. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet, complimentary drinks, and fabulous live entertainment from Ben Hutcheson, the talented Bristol-based singer-songwriter. A big thank you to Ben for making the night extra special! At The Brightwell, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of staff, however, our charity simply could not function without our amazing community of Volunteers. Our volunteers support every aspect of The Brightwell’s work; from our oxygen therapy operators and fundraising team helpers, to our café and gardening volunteers, support drivers, receptionists, and those who share their specialist skills in areas such as accounting, IT, databases, and health & safety. Even our Carers Support Group is coordinated and run by one of our fantastic volunteers. Our brilliant Board of Trustees are all volunteers too, they generously share their time, knowledge, and expertise to help the charity grow and thrive. To everyone who joined us last night: a huge thank you. It was a truly enjoyable evening, and a wonderful reminder of the community spirit that drives The Brightwell. If you’d like to become part of our volunteer family, we would love to hear from you. To find out more, visit: www.thebrightwell.org.uk/volunteer

The festive season is almost here - and that means it’s nearly time for our Annual Brightwell Christmas Market! Join us on Saturday 29th November for one of our biggest and most exciting fundraising events of the year. Our Christmas Market is a key event in our fundraising calendar, helping us continue our vital work supporting our community. Think of it as an extension of our Brightwell Charity Shop - but bigger, brighter, and even more festive!   You’ll find a fantastic selection of Brightwell stalls selling everything from: 🛍️ Christmas gifts 👗 Clothing & accessories 📚 Books & homeware 🎁 And much more!   Alongside our own stalls, there will also be independent stallholders offering a wonderful variety of items - perfect for some early Christmas shopping.   To add to the fun, we’ll have classic festive games like: 🍾 The Bottle Tombola 🧸 Teddy Tombola 🎁 Lucky Dip To make our Christmas Market a success, we’re asking for donations of items we can sell or use as prizes. We’re especially in need of: ✨ Bottles (wine, soft drinks, etc.) 🎁 Gift sets 🕯️ Homeware 🧣 Accessories 📚 Books …or any other good-quality, resalable items!   If you’re able to contribute, please drop off your donations at: 📍 Bradbury House, Wheatfield Drive, BS32 9DB 🕓 Before Thursday 27th November   Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference and helps us raise vital funds to support our work.   Thank you so much for your generosity and continued support - we can’t wait to see you at the market!

Whether you are coming on your own or with a group of friends, a warm welcome awaits you. Suitable for all ages from 10+. So bring the whole family! You are welcome to bring your own drink and nibbles, great for sharing and getting to meet new friends. Doors open at 6.30 pm. Eyes down at 7 pm. Only £8 per person for the whole evening! A fun evening with 6 prize bingo games, 2 cash bingo games and 2 silly bingo games. A Bingo exclusive raffle will take place on the night. As well as having a great time, you will also be supporting our charity. Click here to book tickets or call Reception on 01454 201686 See you there!

Image courtesy of Freepix Acupuncture Awareness Week (AAW) is an annual campaign dedicated to educating the public about traditional acupuncture, a healthcare practice with roots in ancient China. This initiative is championed primarily by organisations like the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) in the UK, aiming to dispel common myths and highlight the efficacy of acupuncture as a valid and widely accepted healthcare choice. What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practised for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of extremely fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. ·       Traditional Theory: It is based on the belief that a life force or energy, known as Qi (pronounced "chee"), flows through channels in the body called meridians.. Illness or pain is thought to occur when the flow of Qi is blocked or imbalanced. Acupuncture aims to restore this balance by stimulating the points along the meridians. ·       Modern Understanding: From a Western perspective, acupuncture is believed to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This stimulation increases the body's release of natural painkillers and other chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which modify how pain signals are received and promote healing.   ·       Key Fact: Acupuncture needles are not like the needles used for injections or drawing blood; they are often as thin as a human hair, making the treatment generally painless and often reported as deeply relaxing. The Goals of Acupuncture Awareness Week The campaign focuses on several key areas to inform and encourage the public: ·       Raising the Profile: Promoting acupuncture as a viable and evidence-based option for managing a range of conditions, rather than a "last resort."   ·       Addressing Misconceptions: Dispelling popular myths, particularly the fear of needles, by highlighting the fine size and sterile nature of acupuncture tools.   ·       Promoting Professional Standards: Highlighting the role of professional bodies, such as the BAcC, in upholding high standards of training, safety, and professional practice for traditional acupuncturists.   ·       Encouraging Access: Guiding prospective patients to use resources to find a qualified and registered practitioner near them. Who Can Benefit? Traditional acupuncture is a holistic treatment that focuses on the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms. While people often seek treatment for specific issues, others use it for preventative health and general well-being. Current scientific evidence supports the use of acupuncture for conditions including: ·       Chronic Pain: Relief from low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis of the knee. ·       Headaches: Short-term relief of tension headaches and migraine-type headaches. ·       Nausea and Vomiting: Relief in certain situations, such as post-operative or chemotherapy-induced nausea. It is also commonly used to assist with issues like fertility support, emotional well-being, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances. As a complementary therapy, it can often be safely integrated with conventional medical treatments. Acupuncture Awareness Week serves as a crucial time to learn more about this ancient, yet increasingly recognised, form of healthcare and discover how it could potentially benefit your own health journey Acupuncture at The Brightwell We have been offering acupuncture at The Brightwell for many years, with hundreds of members finding it extremely beneficial. To find out about all the specialist clinics we offer, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/specialist-clinics To book an appointment, please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwel.org.uk

This Christmas Market is an absolutely fantastic way to get into the festive mood, The whole Centre is taken over with lots of stalls,  games and an amazing raffle! The atmosphere is lovely, filled with music and some amazing refreshments. You can even say hello to Santa! There is plenty of parking, and a warm welcome will greet you. All family and friends are most welcome. Plus, you will be supporting our wonderful charity. See you there!

I was born in February 1955 in Ormskirk, a market town in Lancashire, just north of Liverpool.  As a young man, I was always interested in diving after watching the TV series “Sea Hunt” where Lloyd Bridges played a diver. I always wanted to be a diver, but at the time didn’t know how to go about getting into that field. After studying for my A levels at school, I then attended Wigan Mining and Technical College to study construction.  My parents managed many pubs when I was growing up, and I enjoyed working in the pubs and mixing and bantering with people, which I still enjoy today. In 1979, I enrolled on a basic diving course in Plymouth, and then started my first offshore job in Holland, quickly followed by accepting a diving job on the Piper Alpha Platform in 1980, which I worked on for around 2 years.  Many will know of this infamous rig, as in 1988, 167 out of 228 men were killed in the worst offshore explosion ever.  In 1981, I completed my Advanced Deep Sea Diving Qualification in Fort William, and then worked on diving ships and construction barges and vessels working in Norway and Scotland.  My job involved diving to a depth of hundreds of feet to measure pipelines and connect to the well heads, working in teams of 3 underwater for 6-8 hours at a time. The jobs were often rotated. The job involved ideally working for a month, and then having a month’s leave. However, sudden call-ups and long trips were commonplace. There was the opportunity to travel with my skills, and I had a pipe laying job in the Ivory Coast, which was contracted for around 6 months. My father sadly had a heart attack and decided on a change of career and took over the running of a Post Office in a village south of Bath. In 1982, I moved to Bath and was able to put a deposit on a flat with the money I had made working off the Ivory Coast. I have lived in Bath for around 43 years. I became a Hyperbaric Welding Supervisor for overseeing the Health and Safety aspects of this operation, overseeing divers and hyperbaric chamber occupants . The divers worked in an airspace called a habitat underwater, working at a depth of around 180 metres. I was very fortunate to work in many different countries during my working career, and some of these included Canada, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, South Africa, Egypt, Italy, France, Southern Ireland, Denmark, Holland, India and Malaysia. When I first started working in the oilfields, it was a potentially hazardous occupation and environment, but there was always plenty of craic and banter wherever in the world we worked. I built great friendships with my fellow divers, many of whom came from all different locations from across the World. When I first started working on the Oil Rigs and in various locations, it was 100% men, but over the years, more women joined the profession. I enjoyed the camaraderie that working offshore gave me when I was working so far from home. I met lots of different people, of a mix of nationalities, including both men and women. I’m still in contact with many of them to this day. I retired at the end of December in 2019, after being with the same company for 39 years.  In February 2020, I started volunteering at The Brightwell as an oxygen operator and then became a Regional Training Advisor in 2021. I work closely with Keith Taylor, who was my Mentor in the early days. As my experience developed, I became a Regional Advisor for what is now the Neuro Therapy Network. I truly enjoy being part of The Brightwell Community. Helping people to keep well and active through receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is obviously very rewarding. However, meeting people, chatting and being part of this Charity is equally important. I enjoy hill and fell walking in my spare time, and in September, I climbed Kilimanjaro with another 4 ex-divers. It was really tough, and I struggled towards the top, at 19,340 feet, due to altitude sickness, but an incredible experience!  I am a keen Everton football supporter, attending all of their home games and also enjoy Rugby and was fortunate enough to follow the British Lions on their recent tour around Australia this year. My passion is that I collect a number of classic cars, such as a 1968 Cadillac De Ville, a 1965 Ford F100, a 2005 Chrysler, a 2003 Bonneville and a 1990 Land Rover. I occasionally attend Classic Car Shows, but mostly these are for my own enjoyment. In 2023, I drove the length of Route  66 in the United States, as this was something that I had always wanted to do, and I can now cross that off my bucket list! My philosophy in life is based on a quote attributed to John Holmes, which says “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up” I hope you have found my introduction interesting. I’m always happy to have a chat next time you are in the Centre. My volunteering day is a Tuesday. Best Wishes Howard

My dad always used to say that “if you want something done, give it to someone who is busy.” I didn’t really appreciate what he meant when I was young, but I thoroughly understand now, after having the pleasure of working with our incredible trustees! This week we are joining organisations across the UK to celebrate Trustees’ Week, a time to recognise the huge contribution that trustees make to charities and communities everywhere. In charities, the trustees have a unique role, similar to the board of a large corporation. However, in charities the board is unpaid! They use their expertise to help us: • Set our direction: Helping us define priorities and make key decisions that shape our future. • Ensure accountability: Making sure we use our resources responsibly and deliver real impact. • Provide expertise and support: Bringing a range of perspectives, professional experience, and community insight. • Uphold our values: Keeping us true to our purpose and ensuring our work benefits those we serve. The Brightwell is more fortunate than most charities, as we have ten dedicated people who give their time, skills, and energy completely voluntarily. They work closely with Doro, the CEO, to guide our charity’s strategy, ensure strong governance, and keep us focused on our mission. In many charities, the trustees are distant from the day-to-day running of the organisation, but at The Brightwell we are so lucky that ours are actively involved. Some are also members and will be well known to all of you. Thank you to:Geoff, Steve, Caz, Mark, Roger, Paul, Charles, David B, David G, and Tina for choosing to bring your expertise and hard work to The Brightwell. Your dedication, insight, and leadership help ensure that The Brightwell continues to grow, innovate, and make a difference. Most charities are desperate for people to become trustees. If you have a specific skill or interest that you think might be useful, you can find more information at trusteesweek.org or look for opportunities on Flexible Volunteering Opportunities with Charities | GoVo , Jobs & Volunteering – Voscur  other charity-specific recruitment sites.

The  Brightwell holds a bi-monthly Quiz Night. The excellent evenings are not only a great social event but also raise funds for our Charity. We have two brilliant quiz-setters, Gus and Mary-Jo McVeigh. The questions are topical and varied with the opportunity for teams to play their Joker and score those all important extra points. There is always lots of fun and banter. Teams can bring their own food and drink. Doors open at 6.30 pm, ready for a 7 pm start. Below are some great shots of teams taking part in our October Quiz. Our next Quiz will be our Christmas Quiz on Wednesday, 10 December. Tickets are £6 per person with a maximum of 6 in a team. Get your tickets soon, as they always sell out! For the months that we don’t have a Quiz, we have a Bingo night instead. Our next Bingo Night is on Wednesday, 26 November. Click here to visit our events page to buy tickets for both events. See you soon!

On Sunday 2nd November, a group of our wonderful volunteers attended Bradley Stoke Town Council’s Annual Fireworks Display to proudly represent The Brightwell. Bradley Stoke’s Mayor, Natalie Field, has chosen three charities to support this year - and we’re honoured to be one of them! Each year, the Town Council hosts fantastic fundraising events like the fireworks display to raise money for the Mayor’s chosen charities. Our volunteers joined the celebration to collect donations for the Mayor’s charities and raise awareness about The Brightwell. The evening was brilliantly organised, featuring a heartwarming performance from Bowsland Green Primary School’s Choir, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. With delicious food vendors, glow sticks, and a buzzing community atmosphere, it was a night to remember. A huge thank you to: Natalie Field, Mayor of Bradley Stoke, for selecting The Brightwell as one of her chosen charities. Bradley Stoke Town Council, for their ongoing dedication, organisation, and support. And of course, our incredible volunteers who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm to represent The Brightwell so proudly. We’re so grateful to be part of such a supportive and vibrant community.