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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

Oxygen Therapy What is oxygen therapy? Oxygen therapy can be referred to as either Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) or High Dose Oxygen Therapy (HDOT). This means that during your therapy session, you will be breathing in a higher concentration of oxygen whilst under increased atmospheric pressure (hyperbaric). Since August 2022, we have been generating our own oxygen, which guarantees supply and quality. What conditions can benefit? The majority of our members and Centre users live with chronic neurological conditions, predominantly Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Other conditions include; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's, Stroke and Fibromyalgia. More recently people affected by Long Covid have found oxygen therapy to be beneficial. Our hyperbaric oxygen chamber Oxygen therapy for Non Neurological conditions We also offer non-subsidised sessions for those wanting to benefit from our therapies who may not have a neurological condition.. These include Acute illness ·Injury, including sports and trauma. Post operative recovery Long Covid Cancer Arthritis If your issue/condition is not on this list, please call us to discuss, we will be delighted to help. These users will still have use of our facilities in the same way but pay through Bristol Therapy Centre Ltd. Click here for an application form for non neurological service users. Oxygen therapy for sports professionals Max Lahiff and Joe Joyce, Bristol Bears We frequently assist those with a variety of sports injuries. In the past, we have treated players from both amateur and professional football and rugby clubs as well as professional cricketers and ice hockey players. Due to an increased level of fitness in sportspeople, the number of sessions they require in the chamber is reduced. Oxygen therapy is particularly beneficial for speeding up the repair of strains, breaks and soft tissue damage. Click here to complete a form specifically to book sessions for sports-related injuries. The air we normally breathe contains 21% oxygen, and 78% nitrogen, with the remaining 1% being contributed by noble gases and carbon dioxide. The concentration of these gases is determined by the atmospheric pressure which is influenced by the weather and is reduced at altitude. Atmospheric pressure is accorded the unit 1 to represent atmospheric pressure absolute, or 1 ATA. How does oxygen therapy work? During therapy you will be breathing 95% oxygen at up to 2 ATA, therefore increasing the uptake of oxygen in your blood. Oxygen is transported and dissolved in the blood and in combination with haemoglobin in the red blood cells. Although haemoglobin carries most of the oxygen, it is only dissolved oxygen that passes into the tissues. Breathing high levels of oxygen under hyperbaric conditions dissolves more oxygen in all of the body's fluids therefore more can reach areas where the circulation is diminished, or blocked, and so improve recovery. The effects of extra oxygen varies depending on the condition you are seeking help for. What are the reported benefits? The body’s tissues need oxygen to function and adding more oxygen can help damaged tissue to heal. At pressure, it can enhance tissue function and help to fight infections. More oxygen improves your white blood cell function, encourages the growth of new blood vessels, and reduces inflammation and swelling. Although the damage caused by neurological and other conditions cannot be prevented or cured by oxygen therapy, many people throughout the world find that it reduces the severity of their symptoms. Your oxygen therapy session explained Everyone who comes to the Centre, with a neurological condition, has an initial assessment where details of their condition, symptoms and mobility will be recorded. This is the general assessment, and it helps us, and you, monitor your progress as it provides a baseline to track back to. Your initial assessment will be carried out by a member of our physiotherapy team. During this assessment, the various therapies we offer will be discussed. For people with sporting injuries, or non-neurological conditions, the assessment will be carried out by a member of the oxygen therapy team. The first step in beginning oxygen therapy is to have a chat with one of our team, this can be by phone or in person, they will guide you through the process and, once your forms are complete, book you in for your first sessions. Your first therapy session takes place outside the chamber and this is to help you get used to wearing an oxygen mask. After this your therapy will take place inside the oxygen chamber which will be pressurised. Once in the chamber, you attach the oxygen supply and exhaust pipes to your mask - this will have been demonstrated to you by one of our volunteers. The entire time you are sat in the chamber you will be on a completely separate air supply from everyone else. Comfortable seating for oxygen outside the chamber Your therapy session is carried out in three stages How to get the most out of your oxygen therapy A standard oxygen mask All oxygen therapy sessions are overseen by a minimum of two trained volunteer operators. Every year these operators are re-qualified using nationally set operating procedures. When you begin therapy you will be shown how to fit your mask, what to do if you are feeling uncomfortable and you will be taken through all the relevant procedures and, please, ask as many questions as you like. For your first session inside the chamber you will not be left alone in all likelihood you will be sitting with another one of our members who has already had multiple sessions. The Centre is a friendly place and everyone here will do all they can to help you feel at ease throughout your session. Before starting oxygen therapy, you should expect to commit to an initial course of 15 to 20 sessions (block sessions). You will usually have one session per day, for three to five days over a period of around four to six weeks. After your block sessions are completed you will then, usually, have one session a week. The standard starting protocol for neurological conditions is; You will have five P2 sessions and then have an assessment with the coordinator, if you do not show any improvement of 1-2 or more symptoms then you move to the next pressure P3, again you have 5 sessions then another assessment, if you have improvement of 1-2 or more symptoms you stay at that pressure until you have completed 15/20 sessions, this is how we find out what pressure suits you best. Inside the Chamber Seating inside the oxygen chamber Members about to begin an oxygen session Oxygen timetable Please note the timetable can occasionally change due to demand, check with the oxygen team to confirm the correct timings and pressure. Further Information about your therapy In instances where it isn’t feasible to attend every day, we will work with you to organise sessions as close together as possible to maximise the potential effectiveness of the therapy. When in the chamber we recommend that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Some people find it beneficial to wear layers as the chamber can become quite warm during a session and can then become quite chilly during decompression. You can take a mask break while in the chamber as long as it is only one member at a time When the pressure increases in the chamber you may need to equalise your ears, just as you would on an aeroplane. There are a number of ways to do this: • Swallow; this is usually the most effective method • Pinch your nose and with your mouth shut blow out • Move your jaw from side to side • Try to force a yawn • Take sips of water; you will need to bring a plastic bottle of still water with you If you can’t clear your ears at first, don't worry, just let the operator know straight away and they will stop the pressurisation, they'll then let out some of the pressure until you let them know, with a thumbs up, that everything is okay, the operator will then resume pressurisation at a slower rate. The operator, and the other occupants of the chamber, will always be on hand to help you. As you will be wearing your mask for the entirety of the session it will be difficult to talk and the noise will make it tricky to hear. Most people listen to something through their headphones or read a book to keep themselves entertained. You can bring your mobile phone, tablet or laptop into the chamber; but we recommend you download any programmes you’d like to watch beforehand. There is free Wi-Fi in the Centre, so you could do a spot of online shopping to pass the time. There are a number of items that are prohibited to have in the Chamber please click here for full details. Meet the Team For further information about The Brightwell Community please visit the following pages Meet The Brightwell Team and Volunteer What to do next We very much hope that you would like to find out more. More information about costs and ways to pay can be found on our Therapies page Our Oxygen Manager, Angela Palmer will be delighted to help you with any questions, please call her on 01454 201686 We look forward to welcoming you to The Brightwell. More information... For further inforation about other therapies at The Brightwell, please click on the following links Therapies Information Physiotherapy FES Clinic Specialist Clinics Click on the logo to sign up to our blog including the Health & Wellbeing Section

< Back Consent form This form is for all existing and all potential members who wish to receive physiotherapy at The Brightwell, The West of England MS Therapy Centre or The Bristol Therapy Centre. You need to fill this form in before you physically attend or virtually attend a physiotherapy session. You only need to fill this form in once. First Name Last Name Email Phone If you are at high risk from coronavirus you're advised to follow the shielding advice issued by Public Health England to protect yourself. If this is the case you may not be offered a face to face appointment at the Centre. However, you will still be eligible to access our online, virtual appointments. If you are continuing to shield we also advise you to look at the self-management tools offered by the NHS. THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 ARE; A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual) A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest and/or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A loss or change to your sense of taste or smell - this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal Most people with COVID-19 have at least one of these symptoms. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS If you have ANY of the main symptoms of COVID-19 you must; Stay at home (self-isolate) - do not leave your home or have visitors. Anyone you live with and anyone in your support bubble must also self-isolate Get a test - Get a test to check if you have COVID-19 as soon as possible . Anyone you live with and anyone in your support bubble should also get a test To get a test visit https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test Continue

Volunteering Volunteers are the lifeblood of our success here at The Brightwell. If you are looking for a new interest or challenge, becoming a volunteer at The Brightwell might give you the opportunity you are looking for. You will be made very welcome and your input with make a positive and meaningful difference to our service users, staff and other volunteers. 5 6 3 5 1/7 If you wanted to train to become an Oxygen Chamber Operator, this is an important role and you will receive full training, supported by the Neuro Therapy Network. Some of our volunteers prefer to work a set number of hours per week on certain days and this works well when working closely with staff members of The Brightwell team. Such roles might include administration and reception cover duties, assisting the fundraising team at events or maybe helping with maintenance and gardening tasks. If you are interested in volunteering please fill in the submissions form at the bottom of this page. Please note that Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Meet some of our amazing volunteers Janet Fundraising Volunteer Colette Fundraising and Events Howard Oxygen Chamber Operator Keith Volunteer Driver Gus and Mike fundraisers Keith Lead Oxygen Operator Corporate Volunteers Many businesses, whether they are a SME, Limited Company, a Plc., or apart of a National or even an International Group, give their employees time off to support good causes and local charities like us. By volunteering, not only are the individuals involved helping their chosen cause, but often taking part in such activities promotes communication, team building and self-awareness. We are very fortunate to have been supported by such teams in the past including groups from TSB, Lloyds Bank, Rolls Royce and different sectors of the Civil Service. The Brightwell has benefitted from tasks such as working on the grounds, gardening, building maintenance, building projects and much more. We would very much like to welcome you to come and spend time with us here at The Brightwell for a volunteering event. Please contact us at hello@thebrightwell.org.uk 1/2 Volunteer with Us First Name Opportunities you are interested in? Last name Email Submit Application Thanks for applying to volunteer with us! We'll get back to you soon. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Therapies at The Brightwell The Brightwell offers a unique environment for those looking to receive an extensive range of therapies for people with chronic neurological and other conditions. We are proud to confirm that our facilities are second to none in the Greater Bristol area and we offer a. friendly yet professional approach in a non- clinical environment. The Brightwell offers fully accessible premises, with extensive free disabled parking. In the physiotherapy department there is a full hoisting system and a vast array of equipment. Each therapist is fully qualified in their field and registered with the relevant professional body. All our volunteers are also trained to the highest standard. What sort of therapies are available? The Brightwell offers fully accessible premises, with extensive free disabled parking. In the physiotherapy department there is a full hoisting system. Our main therapies include Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment in our Chamber and Neurophysiotherapy. Each therapist is fully qualified in their field and registered with the relevant professional body. All our volunteers are also trained to the highest standard as set out through the Neurological Therapy Network Guidelines. We also have an extensive range of Specialist clinics including: Bladder and Bowel support for members with MS. FES Assessment. One to One Counselling Massage Acupuncture Aromatherapy Reflexology Foot Health Citizen’s Advice sessions Mollie Suit assessments Please visit our Specialist Clinics page for full details. Non neurological conditions We also offer non-subsidised sessions for those wanting to benefit from our therapies who may not have a chronic condition. This can include acute illness or injury, including sports and trauma. These users will still have use of our facilities in the same way but pay through Bristol Therapy Centre Ltd. Click here for an application form for non neurological service users. What conditions do our members have? How much do the therapies cost? All the sessions for those members living with neurological conditions are subsidised through our fundraising efforts and supporter donations. However, as a charity we do ask for a contribution towards each session, the details of which are below. It is the Charity’s policy to never deny someone support due to financial reasons and we welcome the opportunity to confidentially discuss any payment issues with anyone struggling to contribute towards for their therapy sessions. Please click here to see our Cancellation Policy Click here to download our therapy price list. Specialist Clinics Please see our Specialist Clinics page for details about session chaeges where applicable. Volunteer Drivers We have a volunteer driver who can bring people to the Centre if transport is required. Clients must be able to transfer with minimal assistance. Costs based on distance provided by the driver. Contributing by Standing Order Where possible we request that members contribute by standing order. The benefits are as follows: It helps us with planning for staffing/volunteer levels. Members know they have a definite booking. You only pay for 44 weeks a year, to take into account holidays. We are only usually closed for 1 week over Christmas and New Year. You know you have made your contribution, so there are no concerns about forgetting. It is easier to budget. Adjustments can be made for long term absence e.g. hospitalisation or prolonged illness. Standing orders are worked out on an average of 44 weeks per year if someone attends weekly. This takes into account 8 weeks of non-attendance for any reason. 1-2-1 Physio @ £25 per session X 44 weeks / 12 months = £91.66 per month Oxygen @ £15 per session X 44 weeks / 12 months = £55.00 per month Exercise class @ £ 8 per session X 44 weeks / 12 months = £29.33 per month For fortnightly sessions the following applies: 1-2-1 Physio @ £30 per session X 22 weeks / 12 months = £55.00 per month Please click here to download a Standing Order Form. A member of staff or a member of our Reception Team will be pleased to work out your monthly payment with you based on your individual treatment plan. We can also print off any forms and complete them with you. We are proud to be part of the Neuro Therapy Network Please visit www.neurotherapynetwork.org.uk for further information. More information... For further inforation about other therapies at The Brightwell, please click on the following links Oxygen Therapy Physiotherapy FES Clinic Specialist Clinics Click on the logo to sign up to our blog including the Health & Wellbeing Section

Bradley Stoke Easter Egg Hunt 2024! Egg-citing times! The hunt is back for 2024! Last year’s Easter Egg Hunt was a great success raising a brilliant £2,200 for the Centre & we had some excellent feedback from participants; “My children and I have really enjoyed the Ea ster egg hunt tha t The Brightwell Centre organised. We found paths we never know existed and walked/scooted much further than we would have. The displays were brilliant and picking up our prizes at the end made it even better. Hope you do it again next year!” – participant, Claire Similar to last year, families will follow trails around the Bradley Stoke area to search for hidden letters displayed on decorated Easter eggs, that are being hosted by the community. “Really enjoyed our experience of decorating our front g arden for the Easter trail was lovely to watch all the families come into the street looking for the letter! We loved doing the trails as a family ourselves as well” – Host and particip ant, Bea Once all the letters have been found along each trail, children can try to spell out the Easter word or phrase. On completion of all four trails, families can bring their completed answer sheets to The Brightwell to receive an Easter *surprise for their children and enjoy a fun photo opportunity to remember this event *(one Easter surprise per child per completed trail pack). There will also be the option to enter the Brightwell Easter raffle with some brilliant family-friendly prizes up for grabs - so don’t miss out! We hope this year’s hunt will be just as popular as last year and that the Centre will benefit from raising further vital funds, whilst delivering a fun, family even t for our local community. Get your Easter Trail Maps here The Egg Hunt will be available to complete during the Easter School Holidays from Thurs 28 until Sunday 14 April For more information please contact community@thebrightwell.org.uk EGGs-tra prize draw tickets here Thank you to this years very kind trail sponsors!

Join our team at The Brightwell We have a fantastic opportunity for you to work for a leading charity that supports people living with neurological conditions from across the region. Based in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, The West of England MS Therapy Centre, a part of The Brightwell, is an established and highly regarded Charity with over 30 years’ experience in the sector. We deliver long-term rehabilitation therapy and vital support to people living with neurological conditions in our accessible, purpose built facilities. For more information and a full job description please see below. Physiotherapist Role: Physiotherapist Location: Bradley Stoke, Bristol Hours: part time up to 21 hrs available over three days Term: Permanent Responsible to: Physiotherapy Lead Salary: £25K - £30K pro rata 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. The West of England MS Therapy Centre, part of the Brightwell group, is an independent charity and one of the leading providers of therapies including physiotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, talking and complementary therapies. We are a member of the Neuro Therapy Network (NTN) and work closely with the NHS, and other healthcare organisations, delivering quality therapies and support to our Service Users, their carers and family. Our mission is to build a dedicated and compassionate community, committed to the care and wellbeing of individuals living with neurological conditions, their families and carers. What are the main duties of the role? The therapist(s) appointed will become valued members of the team. They will be required to: Assess, plan and carry out the most suitable neuro-physiotherapy, to meet the needs of the Service User. Develop and implement the relevant physiotherapy rehabilitation exercise programme(s) to meet the needs of Service Users. Advise, support and train carers and family members to help the Service User maintain their functional independence for as long as possible. Build and nurture links between the Service User and their carers/family with the NHS and other healthcare professionals and agencies. Guide and supervise junior members of the team; including physiotherapy students, and share knowledge and experience. Assist the team in the planning, coordination, delivery and evaluation of the physiotherapy service. Represent the Centre by taking an active role in events, shared learning and activities to promote the service to all that need it. What can we offer you? The challenge of making a real difference as part of an enthusiastic team of specialised neuro-physiotherapists, working for a Charity with over 40 years of experience in this field. The Brightwell is leading the way in the delivery of physiotherapy, exercise and oxygen treatment to people with neurological conditions and we have ambitious development plans. We will support you in your learning and in your continuous professional development (CPD) to further develop your knowledge and skills in neuro physiotherapy and practice-based clinical education. Newly qualified physiotherapists are welcome to apply. Rewards & Benefits: Competitive salary Employer contributory pension scheme Free on-site parking 33 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays) Uniform allowance CPD support To be considered for this post you should: Have a relevant qualification, such as a Degree in Physiotherapy Registration as a Chartered Physiotherapist with the CSP and the HCPC Have a caring disposition with excellent empathy skills. Have a real interest in the Centre and the work that takes place here. Be self-motivated, organised flexible and reliable. Be able to show initiative and work without close supervision. Be an active team player, who understands the role of teamwork in providing a quality service Have good written and spoken communication skills and good IT skills. Have the ability to stay calm under pressure. Have a means of reliable transport to the Centre. To apply please download and complete the online application form below Full Job Description Application Form and send it via email to amrik.sidhu@thebrightwell.org.uk and doro.pasantes@thebrightwell.org.uk

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Brightwell Thank you so much for donating to The Brightwell. We very much appreciate your generosity. If your donation is specifically to be used as a contribution towards a named member’s therapy, please let us know by emailing hello@thebrightwell.org.uk We would very much like to invite you to become an active part of our Brightwell community. If you would like to find out more about how to support us, please click on the links below. Donate Now Please use the form below to donate using a debit/credit card, Google Pay or PayPal Last name First name Email Donate in the name of Enter the amount £ Gift Aid my donation Address Town / City Postal / Zip code Donate Thank you for your donation! Other ways to donate You can donate via JustGiving. Click on the image below to go to our JustGiving page. Want to make a regular donation? Why not set up a standing order... If you are a UK taxpayer, donating through Gift Aid means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra. For example if you donate £10 that means that if you are eligible and select to add Gift Aid, The Brightwell will receive £12.50. This makes a huge difference to us. In Order for us to claim Gift Aid we ask that you provide us with your name and address. Thank you.

Our Sustainability Pledge Background Bradbury House, the location for The Brightwell , was officially opened in 2012. Therefore, the build and construction were carried out in the 18-month period prior to that, at the time it met all the latest energy efficiency standards and was graded on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) report as efficiency level C. The management and t rustees of The Brightwell understand the importance of doing their part to address the climate emergency and have committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2019 The Brightwell launched “Project Green” in order to help The Brightwell meet its environmental responsibility goals, as well as to create a more secure and sustainable financial future for the charity. Electricity is used for everything in Bradbury House, except the gas underfloor heating and hot water to the eight sinks used in the various WC and treatment areas. The overall cost of electricity varies throughout the year, depending on how much is generated through the solar panels. Electricity costs and usage have increased since August 2022, as we are now generating our own oxygen. Existing Energy Saving Strategies Solar Panels The charity was very fortunate that Solarsense donated 114 solar panels which were installed on the roof of The Brightwell in December 2019. These have allowed significant savings on costs, with major savings in the summer of 2022 due to the exceptional levels of sunshine. These panels can create up to 28.5kW of electricity per hour on bright days. The estimat e has been made that they can generate up to an impressive 29,000kWh per annum. However, because we do not have storage batteries at this stage and as Total, our current energy provider, does not offer a suitable package for us to return energy to the grid, we are not yet enjoying the full benefits of these panels. Solar panels have proven to provide cost-saving for us, but savings are currently being lost through overproduction. The installation of a large storage battery is planned but the immediate need is to try and make urgent and significant savings on the overall cost of electricity. LED Light Conversion After taking professional advice, it was estimated that the cost saving per light fitting would be a massive 80%, with approximately £2,500 pa of the current electricity costs is due to lighting. With new tariffs and price caps being lowered this could increase by five or six times, to an eye-watering £15,000 pa just on lighting. The charity could not possibly afford the electricity based on using the current fittings, without making significant cuts elsewhere, which may impact our members well-being. The conversion to LED lighting is therefore essential. Replacement Outside Lighting In January 2023 after a significant donation from a corporate sponsor, via the Brightwell 100 , all of the exterior lights were converted to LED. Before this the outdoor lights were disproportionately more expensive than the inside lighting to run. The replacement programme of all the lights on the 13 lamp posts and all exterior wall fittings to LED has been a significant step forward and when this installation took place the cost savings were immediate. Staff Awareness Whenever possible staff and volunteers have received guidelines to ensure that all the lights are switched off whenever practical, and the air conditioning units go onto standby mode, which can be obviously turned on or overridden for the comfort of all users. All Brightwell users and visitors are also encouraged to recycle and use reusable products where possible. New facilities During the spring and summer of 2022, a number of significant building projects have taken place at The Brightwell including the whole development of an area, previously used for storage, which has enabled us to build the new cafe seating space, new offices for the administration and fundraising teams, a new smaller storage area and a state-of-the-art conference/ meeting room. These new facilities have been built with efficiency and cost savings in mind and have extensive use of natural light coming into the new office and LED lighting in the cafe seating area. The new cafe facility should be open in August 2023 and will also be to the most energy efficient standards. Oxygen Generation Included in the renovations and new build projects for the summer of 2022 was the installation of our own oxygen generation system. This was always going to be to give the centre independence away from the supplier and to avoid their rapidly rising costs and to help maintain a high level of supply to our hyperbaric therapy tank with sufficient capacity to build a further tank in the future. However, the costings of running the new oxygen generation units were based on the cost of energy at the time of the design (late 2020) The rising cost of electricity will have an impact as the new compressor uses 37kw of power compared to the previous one working at 15 kw. The overall environmental impacts are still very positive including there are no longer frequent deliveries using large tankers driving through the local housing estate and past the primary school located next door to The Brightwell. New Boiler System This expense was unfortunately was not a planned or budgeted for. The heating system, although only ten years old, was a very costly commercial system when it was installed but had proven to be very expensive and unreliable over the past few years. After a complete failure the system was condemned. Although the expense of £10,000 was not budgeted for, the installation of the new system in February 2023 does mean that the new boiler meets the top specifications in terms of efficiency and green credentials Future Plans - subject to funding Subject to being able to get funding the following projects are next on our list. 1 LED Lighting conversion in the Physiotherapy department. When the space to be used for the physio department was designed the window area was comparatively small compared to the rest of the building. The facility as a whole is a great space for all the equipment and the hoisting system is perfect. However, due to the limited natural light and the fact that the department is used extensively during the week the lights are on for most of the time, Therefore, the Physio department’s lighting being converted to LED is top of the list. The estimated cost for this is £5,000 with an estimated 30-month payback period. 2. Remaining Internal LED lighting This ideally should be done throughout the building, before the darker nights occur, so realistically before October 2023, The cost will also be about £5,000 with a 30-month payback period. 3. 100Kw Battery Storage We are seeking funding to install a 100Kw storage battery, to save money, and meet our environmental responsibility. As mentioned above The charity was very fortunate to have been given 114 250w solar panels through a partnership with solar company Solarsense. Cost savings, through having this level of battery storage, will come from the ability to generate oxygen for the next day’s sessions overnight using stored electricity, when our electricity unit cost is cheaper. Based on 4 quotes and surveys undertaken, we are also confident that for most of the year power generated solely at weekends when the Centre is closed would allow us to run the oxygen generation system, cost-free for up to two days per week. We estimate that the cost will be £90,000 and we have to look at this in terms of the key issues issues. These are: Rise in energy prices leading to the potential for bills to be at an unsustainable level, affecting service delivery. Wastage of power generated by our solar array Ensuring a financially stable future for the Charity Commitment to Carbon neutrality by 2050 How to find out more If you would like to discuss any of our Environmental policies or aims or would like to help or contribute, please contact Victoria Hocquard email Victoria.Hocquard@thebrightwell.org.uk

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 Trusts) Lara Events, Marketing & Communications Officer Physiotherapy Team Amrik Lead Physiotherapist Bhumika Physiotherapist Millie Rehabilitation Therapist Audrey Physiotherapist Alex Physio Assistant Lauren Physio Assistant 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 Terry Volunteer Operator Peter Volunteer Operator John Volunteer Operator Ted Volunteer Operator Board of Trustees Geoff Chair of Trustees Paul Trustee and Chair Neuro Therapy Network Charles Trustee Steve Trustee David B Trustee Mark Trustee Caz Trustee Roger Trustee David G Trustee