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Find out more At The Brightwell, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With over 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 aim is to offer a diverse range of specialised therapies, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Neuro-physiotherapy , all delivered by a dedicated team of experts. We embrace innovation with our in-house Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and a self-generated oxygen supply, ensuring top-tier quality and availability. We believe in inclusivity, offering one-on-one physiotherapy sessions, group activities, and online classes. Our subsidies for Brightwell Members, as well as our open doors to individuals in various stages of recovery, showcase our commitment to accessible care. At the Brightwell, we stand alongside those living with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorders, Long Covid, and Cancer, amongst many others. Our services extend to Specialist Clinics and therapies including our own Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) assessment clinic, counselling, acupuncture, reflexology, remedial massage and aromatherapy, foot health and bladder & bowel clinics. We have members from the Greater Bristol area, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath, Wiltshire, South Wales and from all across the South West and the M4 corridor. There are always lots of social events taking place and a huge and varied number of ways to be involved in fundraising and volunteering. We not only welcome new members but also provide a wide array of volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. What is a neurological condition? A neurological condition is defined as a disorder that affects the brain, nervous system or spinal cord and, as these control every single part of your body, problems with them often cause serious consequences. Conditions can appear suddenly, for example a stroke or a brain injury; some, like epilepsy, you are born with; and others develop over time, like multiple sclerosis. They can affect anyone, at any age, of any ethnicity, and at any time in life. Some conditions are incurable, some last a lifetime and, sadly, some are life-threatening, but all of them will impact on a persons quality of life. What causes them? Sadly, no one really knows what triggers or causes most conditions. Some, especially ones that occur suddenly, can be linked to genes, the environment, accidents, injuries or infections. Although research is continuing there is yet to be any consensus on causes and, for most people, there is absolutely nothing they, or their family, could have done to stop them. Becoming a member at The Brightwell By becoming a member of the Centre you will be able to access all the therapies and services we currently offer. Membership is via self-referral and is available to those affected by MS, or any other neurological condition, at £35 annually. If you are recovering from an injury, long Covid, cancer or any other health condition that you feel would benefit from the therapies we offer you can also self-refer and become a member, this is £50 for a 12 month membership. Your next step is to call us on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk to arrange for a membership pack to be sent to you, When we've received your completed forms we will contact you to arrange an induction to the Centre during which we will begin to build a therapy plan with you. Members' Pack for those with Neurological Conditions We very much look forward to welcoming new members to the Brightwell community. For new members with neurological conditions Please click here or on the image to download our Members Pack. If you have any queries regarding this pack or would like assystance completing it, please call reception on 01454 201686 Further useful information For new members with non-neurological conditions Please click here for a registration form For those with sports injuries Please click here for a sports registration form. Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell View or download our guide Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell Sign up to our blog Click here or on the logo fo keep upto date with all our latest news and events on our blog Brightwell Newsletters Visit our Newsletter page for most recent and past newsletter.

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. Our Physio Team 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 is neurophysiotherapy? Neurophysiotherapy treats people with neurological conditions. These are conditions associated with the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and nerves. People with neurological conditions can often have complex problems including: Muscle weakness Stiffness Balance problems Sensory changes. These conditions can have a huge impact on the body’s function, and on day-to-day activities. Neurological disorders and diseases Our physiotherapists see a huge range of disorders and diseases. Some of the more common disorders we see include: Multiple Sclerosis Stroke Guillain barre syndrome Parkinson’s disease Polyneuropathies Motor Neurone Disease Muscular Dystrophy Functional Neurological Disorders 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. 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 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. Both types of exercise classes are tailored to varying ability and mobility levels, so that there is something for everyone. Monday Group 12pm-1pm Balance & stability focused - Improves mobility and upper and lower limb strength. First half of session - upper limb strengthening Second half of session - standing balance + lower limb strengthening Help reduce fatigue and improve flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Wednesday 09:30am-10:30am Class 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. Wednesday 12-12.30pm Seated Zoom Class suitable for upper limb strengthening Strength & power training with the use of dumbbells to increase blood circulation to release endorphins and develop muscle tone and strength. Helps improve balance to avoid injuries. Wednesday Zoom 12.30-1pm Standing Zoom Class for standing balance + lower limb strengthening/stretching. Endurance, strength and balance focused. Great class for those who are unable to commute to the centre but want to stay active and increase their fitness. Thursday Group 10:15am-11:15am Flexibility training & 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 10:30am-11:30am Class Low impact stretches to help increase strength, endurance and flexibility, done in seating, lying and standing. Finish class with relaxation 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. 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 Outdoor Exercise class Isamar on the Balance Master Jeremy using a Therabike headshot Ruth on a Tilt Table & Saebo Mass Roger using one of the Therabike Mary using the Saebo Mass Liane on theEasy Glide Mark using the Tilt Table Michael using the Saebo Mas How can I get physiotherapy at The Brightwell? For further information please call us today on 01454 201686 to book in your General Assessment with a physio specialist. More information... For further inforation about other therapies at The Brightwell, please click on the following links Therapies Information Oxygen Therapy FES Clinic Specialist Clinics Click on the logo to sign up to our blog including the Health & Wellbeing Section

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. More information... For further inforation about other therapies at The Brightwell, please click on the following links Oxygen Therapy Physiotherapy Specialist Clinics Click on the logo to sign up to our blog including the Health & Wellbeing Section

Happy New Year! May I wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2025! I hope you had a good Christmas break and managed to spend some time with friends and family. I was very fortunate to have my two children at home as well as many other family members, so it was a very busy and  full-on Christmas in our house! I know that many of you have succumbed to this horrible cold and flu bug that is doing the rounds, please take care as it appears to be making people feel exhausted. Get well soon if you are or have been poorly with it. 2025 is an important year for The Brightwell as we are celebrating our 40th Anniversary! Can you believe the Centre has been around for that long? Well, I know that some of you can, because you have been with the Centre from the very beginning!  We will obviously be celebrating such a momentous occasion and are planning a number of events which we will be sharing the information about very soon. However, as members and supporters, if you have any ideas of how we should mark this special anniversary, please let me know directly. Our fundraising focus for January is our “Move4MS” campaign encouraging everyone to be as active as possible whilst fundraising for The Brightwell. For further information please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/events/move4ms-3  and join in! We are also holding our first Jumble Sale on Sunday 26 January at the Centre, please come along and bag some bargains. Likewise, if you have any suitable As-New items or unwanted Christmas gifts, we would be very grateful if you could donate them for the Brightwell Shop. Paula has been tempting us with some new menu choices; today …. and yesterday  I enjoyed a jacket potato with a veggie, bean and chili filling - delicious! Come and have a tea, coffee, lunch or afternoon cake with us the next time that you are in the Centre. Tell your friends about the Brightwell Café – it’s open to everyone! I thought this photo would give you a smile, the Gonks were made for each department: Café, Oxygen and Reception by Karen Parsons one of our Members. Thank you Karen! I am guessing that a popular New Year’s Resolution amongst Members may be  to improve your personal well-being and fitness, why not ensure that you are making the most of the therapies available at The Brightwell  to reach your goals. I look forward to seeing you the next time you visit the Centre. Best Wishes, Doro

Every year we organise a Members’ Christmas Get Together, this year’s lunch took place on Wednesday 11 December. It was the first time that we  held the event in the Bradbury Lounge, here at the Centre, with all the  catering being provided by our own Brightwell Café team. The tickets sold  out quickly. It was great to see so many members chatting , laughing and having a good time. Even the naughty Christmas Elf sneaked in!  There was a great atmosphere with Christmas music, a delicious cold buffet, a table quiz, live entertainment and even a festive sing-along! Thank you everyone who made this event such an enjoyable success! In 2025 we will be celebrating our 40th Anniversary and we plan to host a number of member events. so that everyone can be involved. Merry Christmas!