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For many years The Brightwell has been part of the Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres (MSNTC). In recent months the MSNTC has had a complete rebrand and refocused on its aims and purpose. The network is now called the Neuro Therapy Network will a clear message of being “A UK-wide network delivering life-enhancing therapies for people living with neurological and other long-term health conditions.” What do they do? Neuro Therapy Network is a registered charity and membership organisation that represents a thriving group of 50 independent therapy centres throughout Great Britain, and in Gibraltar and Jersey. ​They provide support, training, and operational guidance to centres, as well as promoting their work nationally so that more people living with neurological and other life-limiting conditions can access their services. As we do at The Brightwell, many centres, offer Oxygen Therapy, Neuro-Physiotherapy and complementary therapies, but a few also offer therapies such as Hydrotherapy. ​Their Vision ​“We will be the strong national voice of a thriving network of therapy centres supporting people living with neurological and other long-term medical conditions.” ​​Their Mission “Supporting our member centres to deliver life enhancing therapies. Providing a national voice promoting and signposting the work of our member centres” The Neuro Therapy Network is important as it enables the individual centres to have the benefit of working as a collective in terms of best-practice, research opportunities and furthering knowledge. We are particularly proud that Paul Spaven our ex-Chair of Trustees, is now Chair of Neuro Therapy Centres. Paul is still very much involved with us all here at The Brightwell. For further details please visit www.neurotherapynetwork.org.uk/

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 mproving/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. How can I get physiotherapy at The Brightwell? For further information please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio Or call us today on 01454 201686 to book in your General Assessment with a physio specialist.

A number of items of equipment have been donated to the Centre recently and we would like to find a new home for them for an appropriate donation. Dishwasher – This was in use at the Brightwell until fairly recently and replaced by a donated industrial dishwasher for the café. It is still in great working order. Scooter - currently we have two, one needs the batteries replacing. Both can be taken apart to fit in the car boot. Scooter Travel Cover – This is really handy if you are traveling on a plane and need to check-in a scooter or wheelchair. It’s thick and padded for the equipment’s protection. Brushed Steel and Chrome Handrails - we have two different types and at least 7 of one and twenty of the other. Stair Steady - The rail is 3.84 metres long and is fitted on a flight of 11 stairs. It will be professionally removed and It is important to have it professionally fitted. It was supplied and fitted by Dolphin Western Ltd in Clevedon. Car Ramp: This is a heavy-duty ramp for scooters or wheelchairs and can be taken apart into two pieces and folded into a case shape for carriage. It should be suitable for most cars and may be used as to get over a door ledge or step. If you are interested in any if these items, would like any other information, please call our reception team on 01454 201 686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

The new SaeboMas dynamic arm support is a piece of equipment that has been on the physiotherapy wish list for several years. It is an absolutely fantastic addition to the physiotherapy department. The equipment is designed to facilitate support for those who have limited movement in their shoulder, elbow and arm. The dynamic mobile arm support system suspends the limb eliminating the weight of the arm, lessening fatigue. It also allows the correct alignment of the joints, when making movement, lessening pain and discomfort. The equipment greatly enhances an individual's capability to participate in therapeutic rehabilitative tasks which encourages them to keep going. This is of particular benefit in allowing an individual to make repetitive movements, that they would otherwise be unable to do, through fatigue, pain or weakness. Repetition is a great tool in neurological physiotherapy as it helps the brain to remember the pathways involved in making a particular movement. It is also incredibly useful for strengthening and stretching specific muscle groups and in conditions such as stroke recovery, this can lead to lasting improvements and even restoration of functionality. Amrik has found that the SaeboMas is also helping people who have limited reach, the equipment can support the arm, enabling individuals to practice reaching further. This conditions and strengthens the muscles over time and again sparks the neural pathways of the brain. Please take a look at these two excellent videos showing Val Nash before the Saebo and one using the equipment. Impressive results! Before - with using the SaeboMas After - whilst using the SaeboMas One of our members that has been using this equipment with Amrik says “It is very good… I can actually move my arm. The movement feels natural and comfortable, not forced… I think it will help as I use it more regularly”. If you would like to find out more about the SaeboMas please speak to your Centre physiotherapist or email Amrik.sidhu@thebrightwell.org.uk

Thank you to a fantastic bunch of volunteers from TSB located at the Bradley Stoke Business Park, who on the 21 June, helped us continue to tackle some tough tasks in our garden area. Work was started on the garden furniture turning a well weathered chair into something resembling it’s original form, the clearing of the rear of the Centre was finished, window cleaning was carried out along with weed tackling and lawn mowing to name but a few tasks… Thank you and hopefully see you all again next year, if not sooner.

Over the last month we have had 3 amazing teams of volunteers from the Lloyds Banking Group, who kick started this year’s gardening projects, making an incredible difference by progressing tasks commenced by other groups. The teams were with us on the 25 May and then again on 8 and 13 June. We have been so lucky with the weather, every time the Lloyds Bank teams have been with us. As well as the continuous weeding that was undertaken, helping to collate goody bags and help prepare for our successful Colour Run, we also created raised beds ready for planting , started clearing waste from the rear of the Centre, started work on the composting area, clearing our drainage channels, to name but a few challenges. Apologies to anyone who is not shown in our photos. Thank you for your help, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

The Brightwell Colour Run took place on Sunday 11 June 2023 at The Jubilee Green in Bradley Stoke. The Colour Run is by far the biggest and most successful community event that The Brightwell has ever organised. The drivng force and lead organiser of this fun-filled day was Libby Jordan our Community and Events Development Officer. As this was our first-ever Colour Run and also the first held in Bradly Stoke, it involved months of planning. The event was very well supported by our key sponsors, the Willow Brook Shopping Centre, the Aztec Hotel, the Black Sheep Kitchen & Bar, West Country Water Park and Woodstock Homes. Each sponsor had their own “Colour Station”and had the enjoyable job of covering the runners in their designated colour as the participants went through. On the actual day Jubilee Green looked great and we were very well supported by lots of volunteers to ensure that the day went smoothly. The event had been advertised on our website, social media platforms and around and about Bradley Stoke. We were thrilled to have sold out of tickets for the two heats, selling over 300 tickets, plus each sponsor had 10 free places so it was a success to say the least! We had been watching the weather forcasts as there was a number of mixed messages during the week building up to the big day, with predictions of 30 degree heatwaves, thunderstorms and heavy cloud bursts, we weren’t sure what to expect. On the day itsself, it was overcast and a bit drizzly but the general opinion was that this was definitely better compared to thunder and lightening! The lovely people of Bradley Stoke and our Brightwell supporters turned out in significant numbers and there was a great deal of excitement in the build up to the first heat. The event started with a warm up with Bhumika, one of our physiotherapists. We were delighted that Cllr Dayley Lawrence, Mayor of Bradley Stoke and our CEO, Doro Pasantes started the event off with a shower of mauve paint to get the runners ready for what was to come. Every single person had a great time from the two-year old who wanted every colour on his new trainers through to grandparents who were accompanying their families and everyone wanted us to do a Colour Run every year. Victoria Hocquard, Head of Fundraising commented ”Wow, it’s been such an amazing day the feedback from all those who have taken part, oir supporters and all our helpers are so keen for us to make this an annual event. Check out this brilliant video- great images from the day!! Not only was this a great event to develop and increase awareness of The Brightwell, in Bradley Stoke, but we raised a staggering £4,800! Thank you to everyone who made our first Colour Run such a fantastic

Book your team in here! When and where 13 Sept, 09:00 – 17:00 The Village Hotel, Bullfinch Close, Filton, Bristol BS34 6FG, UK About Take on the challenge of descending 65 feet down the Village Hotel, Bristol. Wednesday 13 September Abseil times slots between 9:00 - 17:00 The Village Hotel, Bullfinch Close, Bristol, BS34 6FG You're in safe hands, we have teamed up with JT Expeditions to bring this event to life. This is The Village Hotel Bristol's first EVER charity abseil and an adrenaline-fuelled event you won't want to miss. Be part of providing life-long therapy for those who really need it. Our dedicated therapy Centre supports those affected by Multiple Sclerosis & other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and many others. Every penny you raise will go to providing life-changing therapy to enable our members to minimise symptom & live a fulfilled, independent life for as long as possible. INDIVIDUAL ABSEIL £40 sign up fee £250 fundraising target Goody bag and raffle ticket included on the day T-shirts available to purchase closer to the date There are corporate & group packages and individual sign up's available: EVERY TEAM RECEIVES Exhilarating team building day away from the office! 40% off Food* at The Village Hotel, Bristol Free Starbucks for your team Team photograph A goody bag & 1 raffle ticket per participant *only on day of the event BRONZE 5 Abseils Price: £300 | £60pp Minimum fundraising target £1,000 Your team organiser receives a FREE* meal for 2 at The Pub & Grill, Village Hotel, Bristol. SILVER 10 Abseils Price: £500 | £50pp Minimum fundraising target £2,000 Your team organiser receives a FREE* meal for 4 at The Pub & Grill, Village Hotel, Bristol GOLD 20 Abseils Price £800 | £40pp Minimum fundraising target £3,000 Your team organiser receives a FREE weekend overnight stay for two, including dinner at The Village Hotel, Bristol. MATCH IT Secure up to 50% match funding from your company or organisation & receive a FREE event t-shirt for every participant with your branded logo! CORPORATE OR TEAM If you are a corporate or team entering with one of our packages, you will be automatically added to our leaderboard. The team to raise the most wins! Who will walk away with the best corporate fundraiser trophy for this iconic event? Go on ... sign up for the challenge today! For further info email: community@thebrightwell.org.uk

Magical Moon Entertainment presents... a 1 hour magical Encanto dance show kindly sponsored by Capri Gems Cleaning Services. Click here to Buy Tickets When and where 12 Aug, 13:00 – 15:00 Bradley Stoke, The West of England MS Therapy Centre Bradbury House, Wheatfield Dr, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 9DB, UK About Calling all Encanto fans out there! Magical Moon Entertainment presents a magical hour of Encanto themed dance for your children to enjoy. Meet and greet Mirabel and Isabella including photos Goody bag for each child to take away Door open 1pm Show starts 1:30pm Break Finish 3pm Children will be sat on the floor so please feel free to bring a cushion to two! There are limited tickets due to space in the Centre and to ensure as many children can enjoy the show as possible we are asking that just 1 adult accompanies your party if possible. Refreshments available to purhase on the day. This fundraiser is kindly sponsored by Capri Gems Cleaning Services, your fantastic local cleaning service, which means that every penny raised through this fundraising event will go towards providing life-changing therapy. Our therapies enable our members to minimise symptoms of their chronic conditions & live a fulfilled, independent life for as long as possible. Tickets are non-refundable. Limited Parking is available on site or on-street parking just outside the grounds.

We are delighted to welcome Classeq Ltd to The Brightwell 100. In early May, Nick Sanders from RH Hall, also Brightwell 100 members, introduced us to Nick Burridge, National Sales Manager for Classeq. Nick Sanders had kindly told Nick Burridge about his visit to The Brightwell, in early 2023, and all about the work we do in supporting those living with neurological conditions. Nick S also advised that we were opening our own café for our service users and the local community. Classeq, who are based in Milton Keynes, manufacture and distribute top quality commercial dishwashers and glass washers, kindly offered to donate a commercial dishwasher for the Brightwell Café. Steve Fitt, our Facilities Manager, and Nick B, discussed all the suitable options. the best dishwasher option for us was chosen, including a water softener. The following week, the new dishwasher was installed and set up. All the team at The Brightwell are amazed at how speedy and quiet the new machine is. On Wednesday 21 June, we were delighted to welcome Nick Burridge to the Centre to have a look at the new piece of equipment in situ and to have a tour of the Centre. It was a delight to meet Nick and he has promised to try and help us grow our Brightwell 100 network, by introducing contacts to us. The photo shows Nick Burridge, Steve Fitt and Caz Blake-Symes, Brightwell 100 Co-ordinator Everyone at The Brightwell would like to thank Nick, Andy Salter, MD at Classeq and Glen Dawson, Head of Marketing for their generosity and interest in our charity. To find out more about Classeq please visit www.classeq.co.uk The Brightwell 100 is a growing network of corporate sponsors supporting The Brightwell either through financial donations for specific projects or through donated services or goods. Further details can be found at www.thebrightwell.org.uk/brightwell-100

A few months ago, it was discussed that it would be very beneficial for The Brightwell to have its own on-site defibrillator. There were two very important reasons for this. Primarily, to potentially save the life of anyone using, volunteering, or working at the Centre who might have a cardiac arrest. Many if not most of our service users have pre-existing health conditions, so we obviously have a duty of care to them and having a defibrillator to hand reduces the time in which we can start any possible emergency treatment required. Secondly, we want to encourage clinics and practitioners to use our excellent facilities. Some of these clinicians/practitioners have a check list of standards that we need to meet. Due to the facility being purpose-built we already meet most of the criteria. This new on-site defibrillator strengthens our case for them to use our therapy rooms. The advantages of having clinicians onsite benefits The Brightwell by providing much needed income, the ability to be able to offer additional specialist therapies for our users and to increase awareness of the charity via these clinics. Victoria Hocquard, Head of Fundraising, secured funding for this new defibrillator from Westfield Health, for which we are most grateful. We would also like to thank Rotary Club of Bristol Breakfast for their kind dnation, which enabled us to buy and install the purpose-builr storage cabinet. The new piece of potentially life-saving equipment is in a wall mounted case in the vestibule. It meets all the latest standards and is simple to use. Let’s hope we never need to use it, but it gives peace of mind to know it’s there.

Many of us living with neurological conditions will be very familiar with the issues and challenges caused by our illnesses not being fully visible or obvious to others. We found this very interesting article, adapted from the June edition of MS Trust’s monthly newsletter, which highlights some of the everyday problems encountered. Many MS symptoms seem invisible to other people. They may affect you greatly, but no one seems to notice. This can be very frustrating and upsetting. It can be surprising sometimes. You might be clinging onto your shopping trolley for support, feeling dizzy or fatigued but no one seems to notice. Another time, your lip is set and your expression is grim but do they ask how your pain is today? So, why don’t people see some of the more visible signs of so-called invisible symptoms? Which MS symptoms are invisible? These symptoms may not be visible to other people: Not everyone will experience all symptoms, but many will be recognised by most living with MS. anxiety bladder symptoms bowel difficulties cognitive symptoms depression dizziness fatigue pain sexual issues for men and women sight problems Why don't people realise? There are lots of reasons why people around you might not notice your invisible symptoms. They don’t know you have the symptom People aren’t mind readers so perhaps we expect too much from them in figuring out what’s going on. Will they guess that a grim expression means that you are in pain? Or will they assume that you are just thinking about work or your dinner? If they don’t know, is it reasonable to expect them to guess and guess correctly? They don’t remember Maybe you have already explained your MS symptoms to someone, but they don't ask you about them at a later date. Have they forgotten that you can't walk for long when they plan an outing on foot? Or are they being mean? Many people focus on their own lives and worries and don’t have head space for remembering anything more. It’s not that people don’t care, they just don’t get around to thinking about it. They don’t notice You may feel that your MS symptoms are really obvious. So-called invisible symptoms can be so bad that they show up on your face, especially if you are in pain. Surely if you are holding onto something for support it must be a dizzy day or a fatigue day or both... It can be puzzling that others don’t notice something is wrong. As before, it may be because people are in their own world and not looking outward enough to see what’s happening to you. They don’t understand Perhaps you’ve told them about your symptoms and they’ve remembered what you said. However, they don’t really understand how these symptoms affect you in everyday life. It may be worth thinking back to when you were first learning about MS. Had you heard of spasticity? Could you explain nerve pain? These are quite difficult concepts to get to grips with. For most people, these things will be outside their personal experience. You might need to explain several times or in different ways so they understand how they affect you. They put two and two together and get five! People can be very quick to jump to conclusions. If you are wobbly on your feet walking up the High Street after pub closing time, they may assume you’ve had too much alcohol. If it’s 10am, they may still assume the same thing. The chances are that they will not consider MS balance symptoms as a possibility. You are doing a great job of hiding it Many people with MS prefer to cover up how much symptoms are affecting them. Some worry that they shouldn’t make a fuss. Others find that invisible symptoms are easier to hide and this can be helpful if they don't want to disclose their diagnosis to everyone. Perhaps you are doing a better job of hiding your symptoms than you realised! If everyone assumes you are OK when you really aren’t, perhaps being more open about your symptoms would be better? What could you do? You could wear a T shirt that says “Can you see my invisible symptoms?” It might help! On the other hand, you might like to: Explain more about how MS affects you and emphasise that it includes invisible symptoms. Add in gentle prompts and reminders like “You’ll remember that I can’t walk further than the High Street without a sit down, so can we stop at the bench on our way?” Highlight when symptoms are playing up by being open about your limitations, for example, “I know I said I wanted to walk into town but my fatigue is really bad today. I’d like us to take the bus so I can use my energy for shopping once we get there.” Try different ways of explaining your symptoms. Muscle stiffness may be an easier concept to understand than spasticity, for example. Avoid hiding your symptoms so much. Being more open about the impact of your MS is not the same as making a fuss so perhaps some plain speaking will make a difference. How can other people help? If you are the friend, family or colleague of someone with MS, you could make a difference by: Being supportive. MS is a complex condition where different people experience different symptoms some of which may not be obvious to you. Avoiding saying “But you look so well!” Many people find this hugely frustrating as they may look OK on the outside, but they are feeling really ill on the inside. Asking open questions such as “How are you today?” This allows someone with MS to choose from a whole range of possible answers from “really good” to “really struggling” and gives them the option to give some detail if they’d like to. Asking if there is anything that you can do to help right now. You could follow it up by encouraging them to tell you when you can help in the future. It can be very reassuring to know that you can call on someone if needed. Trying to learn about invisible symptoms so that you understand better. Listening! Accepting that invisible symptoms are very real to the person who is experiencing them. To view the full article and to view other useful links please click here Don’t forget that there is always help and support at The Brightwell whether that support might be from a member of staff, a volunteer or another Centre user – it’s always good to talk.