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Today, Monday 1 June, marks the beginning of Volunteers Week 2026.. Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. Here at The Brightwell, we simply could not operate without the dedication and support of our wonderful Volunteers across all aspects of the Charity. On behalf of every member of staff, service user, carer, family member and supporter, we would like to say a massive “Thank You! We like to emphasise how important it is that we celebrate the support we get from all our Volunteers every single week, not just on this specific week. Our Volunteer Oxygen Operators are fully trained, knowledgeable experts. Many have decades of experience. They run five / six sessions a day, five days a week and help support our Oxygen Coordinator to keep this department running like clockwork. Our Fundraising and Events department has a dedicated group of Volunteers who support the team with administrative work, the Brightwell Shop, collections and collecting tins at multiple locations and organise and support fundraising and social events at the Centre and beyond, as well as give support in all other areas of fundraising. There is also a host of tasks that go on behind the scenes, including the running of our IT systems, database, website and communications as well as making sure that we are H&S compliant. Support is given by a number of dedicated and expert volunteers in their fields, which would cost the Centre a substantial amount if we had to buy this expertise in! Our Café team relies on the goodwill of brilliantly hard-working volunteers, and our Reception team counts on the support of a select group of equally brilliant volunteers that professionally carry out any manner of reception duties from answering the phone to booking in appointments and using the database. Our beautiful Therapy Garden and grounds are managed by our green-fingered gardening volunteers, with help from time to time by groups from our corporate supporters. Who are also giving up their time to volunteer for us. A Special Tribute to Keith Gilbey During Volunteers' Week Our volunteers are at the very heart of this community, and Keith embodied everything a great volunteer should be; kind, friendly, reliable, and utterly committed. It feels only right, then, to celebrate his life during Volunteers' Week. As part of our tributes to all our wonderful volunteers, we will be honouring Keith as one of our Star Volunteers, and we warmly invite his Centre friends to join us for tea and cake on Thursday, 4 June at 2 pm. All volunteers, staff, and members are most welcome to join us. Doro Pasantes, our CEO, would personally like to take this opportunity to thank each Volunteer who gives up their time at the Brightwell! We will also be holding our annual “Volunteers Thank You Party” later in the year. THANK YOU!” If you would like to find out about becoming a Volunteer at the Centre or supporting external events, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/volunteer

An unexpected diagnosis can make the world feel like it has suddenly shifted beneath your feet. For those recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the initial days, weeks, and months are often filled with a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, fear, uncertainty, and an endless stream of questions about what the future holds. But if there is one message to take to heart, it is this: An MS diagnosis is a new chapter, not the end of your story. And you do not have to navigate it alone. Every year on May 30, the global community comes together to mark World MS Day. Spearheaded by the MS International Federation and its global partners, this day is all about raising awareness, sharing life-changing stories, and building solidarity. The Theme: My MS Diagnosis The official campaign theme for World MS Day is My MS Diagnosis, running under the empowering tagline: navigating MS together. This campaign shines a much-needed spotlight on the diagnosis journey itself. It advocates for early and accurate diagnoses, pushes for better training for healthcare professionals, and highlights the global barriers people face when trying to get answers. Most importantly, it aims to build informed, caring communities that wrap their arms around individuals from the very moment they receive their diagnosis. Receiving the news that you have MS can feel isolating, but World MS Day reminds us that there is a massive, global network of people who understand exactly what you are going through. Newly Diagnosed? Why the First Steps Matter When the shock of a diagnosis begins to wear off, the question usually becomes: What now? While disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and clinical treatments prescribed by your medical team are foundational, managing MS effectively is a holistic, long-term journey. This is where finding a local, supportive community and accessing specialised physical and emotional therapies becomes vital. In the UK, one of the most powerful lifelines available to you is The Brightwell. How The Brightwell Helps You Find Your Footing The Brightwell is a specialist neuro therapy centre dedicated to bridging the gap between clinical hospital appointments and daily life, providing practical, life-enhancing support. They are also proud members of the Neurotherapy Network. If you are newly diagnosed, here is how The Brightwell can help you take control of your health from day one by offering: Specialised Physical Therapies Neuro-Physiotherapy: Both one-to-one and group physiotherapy designed to combat muscle weakness, stiffness, balance issues, and fatigue. Managing symptoms early on can significantly impact your long-term mobility and quality of life. The Brightwell provides access to knowledgeable, experienced physiotherapists with neurological specialism, who understand the complexities of MS. Accessible Gym & Fitness: Gym spaces equipped with specialist, accessible machinery alongside expert advice to help you safely maintain strength and cardio health. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A non-invasive technique aimed at stimulating oxygen delivery through the bloodstream, which many living with MS find highly beneficial for symptom management. Emotional Support & Counselling An MS diagnosis takes a toll on your mental health just as much as your physical health. Coming to terms with a chronic condition requires time and emotional processing. The Brightwell offers access to professional counselling, to help you navigate anxiety, depression, or the simple stress of adjusting to change. A Ready-Made, Understanding Community Perhaps the greatest hurdle of being newly diagnosed is the feeling that nobody truly understands. When you step through the doors at The Brightwell, you are greeted by an active, welcoming community. Through informal talking sessions, social events, and peer support, you can connect with others who are walking the same path. It's a space where you can share tips, vent without judgment, and realise that a fulfilling life continues long after a diagnosis. The Brightwell also has a social space with a café and has regular accessible events for you to enjoy. Carers Support At The Brightwell, we understand that an MS diagnosis affects the whole family. There are inevitable shifts in relationships, finances, careers as well as the emotional toll. Carers and loved ones play an essential role in day-to-day life, carrying a huge and often heavy burden of responsibility. However, they may feel that their own knowledge is limited, and that there is nowhere to ask the questions they need to ask. Sadly, too their wellbeing can often go overlooked. That is why The Brightwell warmly welcomes carers as part of our community. Whether it is accessing guidance on how best to support someone with MS, finding a friendly ear from others who share the same experience or having a quiet cuppa, carers will find a compassionate, understanding space at The Brightwell. The Brightwell also provides access to a range of specialist clinics and Advice Services, as well as holistic Therapies, acupuncture, reflexology and massage. Navigating Your MS Diagnosis Together This World MS Day, let's break down the isolation that so often accompanies a medical diagnosis. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with MS, remember that clear information, effective symptom management, and deep community support are out there. Explore the resources, toolkits, and global stories over at World MS Day to see how the world is uniting for change. And to find practical, hands-on help right on your doorstep, visit The Brightwell. A specialist centre and proud member of the Neuro Therapy Network, to connect with experts who can help you confidently navigate your next steps.

For many individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions, hot weather and increased body temperature can significantly worsen symptoms. This phenomenon, often referred to as Uhthoff's phenomenon or heat sensitivity, is a common challenge, affecting between 60% and 80% of people with MS. While the effects are temporary and do not cause permanent damage, they can be highly disruptive to daily life. Understanding why heat impacts MS and implementing effective coping strategies are crucial for maintaining comfort and quality of life. Why Heat Affects MS Symptoms The exact mechanisms behind heat sensitivity in MS are still being fully understood, but several factors contribute: Nerve Conduction Impairment: MS involves damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibres. Myelin helps nerve signals transmit quickly and efficiently. When nerves are demyelinated, even a slight increase in body temperature (as little as 0.25 to 0.5 degrees Celsius or 0.5 to 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit) can further slow down or block these already impaired nerve signals. This leads to a temporary exacerbation of existing MS symptoms. Temperature Regulation Issues: In some cases, MS lesions can affect the parts of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. This can impair the body's natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels to release heat), making it harder for individuals with MS to cool down effectively. Increased Core and Skin Temperature: Heat sensitivity can be triggered by a rise in core body temperature (e.g., from exercise, hot baths, fever) or even by an increase in skin temperature from direct sun exposure or a hot room. Common symptoms that may worsen in the heat include fatigue, blurred vision, muscle weakness, numbness, difficulty concentrating, impaired balance, and cognitive issues. Practical Strategies for Coping with Heat While heat sensitivity can be challenging, a range of practical strategies can help individuals with MS stay cool and manage their symptoms: Environmental Control: Seek Air-Conditioned Environments: During periods of extreme heat and humidity, staying in air-conditioned spaces is paramount. This could be your home, a public library, a shopping mall, or a designated cooling centre. Optimise Your Home: Use fans, air conditioners, or portable cooling devices. Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to keep rooms cooler. Consider window tinting or blackout curtains. Strategic Scheduling: Plan outdoor activities, errands, or exercise for the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Personal Cooling Techniques: Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of cold fluids throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can also help. Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration. Cool Showers or Baths: Taking a cool shower or bath can quickly lower your body temperature. Even a cold foot bath can provide relief. Cooling Aids and Garments: Many products are designed to help you stay cool: Cooling Vests: These vests contain ice packs or circulating cool water to lower core body temperature. Cooling Wraps: Neck wraps, wrist wraps, and headbands often contain gels or substances that can be pre-cooled. Misting Sprays: A spray bottle filled with cold water can provide instant relief. Cooling Towels and Pillows: These can be pre-chilled and applied to pulse points or used for sleep. Clothing Choices: opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo. Light colours reflect sunlight and heat more effectively than dark colours. Wet Hair: Leaving long hair wet can provide a cooling effect through evaporation. Ice and Ice-lollies: Sucking on ice cubes or eating ice-lollies can help cool you from the inside out. Activity Modification: Adjust Exercise Routines: Exercise is beneficial for MS, but it can raise core body temperature. Consider exercising indoors in a cool environment, swimming in an unheated pool, or scheduling workouts during cooler times of the day. Pre-cooling before and post-cooling after exercise can also be helpful. Avoid Overexertion: Listen to your body and pace yourself, especially in warmer conditions. Be Mindful of Hot Environments: Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Communication and Support: Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: If you experience significant heat sensitivity, discuss it with your neurologist, MS nurse, or GP. They can help you develop a personalized management plan and explore options like cooling product programs. Educate Loved Ones: Help family and friends understand how heat affects your MS symptoms so they can offer support and adjust activities accordingly. While heat sensitivity can be an uncomfortable aspect of living with MS, proactive management and a variety of cooling strategies can help individuals navigate warmer temperatures and maintain a comfortable, active lifestyle. Staying Cool at The Brightwell The whole building is well ventilated, and the Oxygen Suite and the Physiotherapy Department have full air-conditioning. Outdoors, we have a fully accessible terrace area with a large gazebo providing plenty of shade. The Café has a range of chilled drinks, and there is free chilled water ALWAYS available. Should you be unwell at the Centre, we have fully trained first aiders on hand. Stay Cool. Keep Well.

Every year in May, the UK comes together to mark Stroke Awareness Month. It is a time to shine a light on a condition that changes a life every five minutes in the UK. Whether you are a survivor, a carer, or someone looking to understand the risks, this month is about two things: Awareness and Action. For 2026, the Stroke Association is continuing its vital "Make May Purple" campaign. The goal is simple but profound: to ensure that every stroke survivor has the support they need to find their "new normal." Why Awareness Matters: The FAST Test A stroke is a medical emergency. When the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, brain cells begin to die. Speed is everything. The faster you act, the more of the person you can save. The Stroke Association urges everyone to remember the FAST test: Face: Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms: Can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech: Is their speech slurred or garbled? Time: It’s time to call 999 if you see any one of these signs. The Journey Beyond the Hospital While the immediate medical response is critical, the journey doesn't end when a patient leaves the hospital. In fact, for many, that is where the real challenge begins. A stroke can affect everything from how you walk and speak to how you feel and think. This is where specialised, community-based rehabilitation becomes a lifeline. How You Can Get Involved This May Make May Purple: Wear purple, bake purple treats, or light up your building purple to start conversations. Know Your Risk: High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke. Use this month as a reminder to get yours checked. Stroke Support at The Brightwell We are pleased to support many members living with stroke symptoms. Many benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy sessions or having one-to-one or group Neurophysiotherapy. We will be delighted to help you or your family with any queries you may have about how we can help you. Call us today on 01454 201686 or email hell@thebrightwell.org.uk

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Keith Gilbey, who died peacefully on Saturday, 2nd May, after a few months of courageously living with cancer. Keith had been a beloved part of The Brightwell family since the beginning of 2013, more than a decade of quiet, dedicated service that touched the lives of so many. He was a volunteer driver, a steadfast supporter, and, perhaps most importantly, a dear friend. Keith, who lived in Weston Super Mare, began his journey with us by driving members from North Somerset to the new Centre, many of whom had come to us from our previous site in Nailsea. For those passengers, he was often their first and last friendly face of the day, and nothing was ever too much trouble for Keith. He was warm, chatty, and always had a tale to tell! Many of you will instantly picture him at his favourite spot, the first table by the shop in the lounge, where he would settle in happily for hours, greeting members old and new as he waited for them to finish their therapies. When he wasn’t driving, you would find him deep in his newspaper, working through his daily crossword with Gus and other members to help. He was also a familiar and enthusiastic presence at Centre events, and a formidable regular at our Quiz evenings! Keith became unwell before Christmas, and when living alone grew difficult, he was lovingly taken in by his close friends, the Norley family, themselves valued members of our Brightwell community, before moving into residential care at Beaufort Grange. He spent his final weeks there contentedly and was regularly visited by his Brightwell friends right up until the end. Keith will have a private cremation. A Special Tribute During Volunteers' Week Our volunteers are at the very heart of this community, and Keith embodied everything a great volunteer should be; kind, friendly, reliable, and utterly committed. It feels only right, then, to celebrate his life during Volunteers' Week (1–7 June). As part of our tributes to all our wonderful volunteers, we will be honouring Keith as one of our Star Volunteers, and we warmly invite his Centre friends to join us for tea and cake on Thursday, 4th June at 2 pm. All members are welcome. Thank you, Keith, for everything. Rest in peace.

On Friday 15 May, The Brightwell’s 4th Annual Charity Abseil Day took place at the fantastic Village Hotel in Filton, and what an unforgettable day it was. For the fourth year running, the incredible Village Hotel team once again planned and delivered an exceptional event. This year, they truly went above and beyond. From providing delicious food and refreshing beverages for participants, to organising a lively DJ and an exciting raffle packed with fantastic prizes, every detail was thoughtfully handled to ensure a memorable and successful day for everyone involved. A special mention also goes to Enchanted Balloons Bristol, who created a beautiful, on brand balloon arch that added a perfect celebratory touch to the day. A huge highlight of the event was, of course, the abseil itself. The expert team at Remote Outdoors proved yet again why they are the very best in their field. Their professionalism, encouragement, and warm approach ensured that every participant felt safe, confident, and supported as they took on the challenge. We were thrilled to see over 30 brave individuals step up, harness in, and descend an impressive 65 feet down the hotel, all in support of our charity. In the lead up to the big day, these amazing abseilers collectively raised over £3,000, showcasing incredible dedication and generosity. Among those taking part were some of our wonderful members, Debbie, Tania and Rachel, whose courage and determination were truly inspiring. We could not be prouder of their achievement. A special shoutout also goes to the Waylands Volvo team, who provided personalised Waylands x Brightwell abseil t-shirts for each of their team members and showed incredible determination by taking on the descent even when the weather turned and the rain set in. The excitement did not stop there. Our on the day raffle featured some incredible prizes, including overnight stays at the Village Hotel, generously donated alongside other fantastic contributions. Thanks to the raffle and additional fundraising during the event, we raised even more on the day. In total, we are delighted to share that an incredible £3,900 was raised to support our work, an achievement that reflects the effort, enthusiasm and kindness of everyone involved. Our Thanks Events like this would not be possible without the support of so many amazing people and organisations. A massive thank you goes to The Village Hotel Team, Remote Outdoors, Waylands Volvo Bristol, The Bristol Pitbulls, DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre, Enchanted Balloons Bristol, Jolly Roger DJ, and of course our brilliant members, especially Debbie, Tania and Rachel. Your support, energy and generosity made this event truly special. We are so grateful to everyone who took part, donated, volunteered and cheered on our abseilers. We cannot wait to do it all again, see you next year! 🎉

On Thursday, 30 April, a large group of volunteers from the Lloyds Banking Group came to undertake several much-needed tasks at the Centre. Over the Years, Lloyds Banking Group has provided several hardworking volunteer groups, and this latest team was no exception! Several housekeeping and maintenance jobs needed attention, including clearing an access path and cleaning windows. However, a major project was to clear an area at the side of the building. This area has become very overgrown over the years, and we needed to clear this space for a significant project we are about to undertake. This major project is to resurface our garden path. Over the past 15 months, this has been a difficult issue with several contractors trying to lay a “hogging” path similar to the original one. However, despite numerous ideas and attempts, this was not a success. The path will shortly be re-laid with a smooth tarmac finish, which will give full access to all our wheelchair users. However, to keep costs as low as possible, we needed to find somewhere to put all the huge amount of hogging that will be replaced. This is how we will use the newly cleared area. Once the hogging has been put there, we can flatten it out so that the area can be used as an additional outdoor storage space. Check out some of our before and after photos… We would like to give a massive thanks to Jo Rapeer and her team, plus our amazing Steve Fitt, who came back to the Centre to oversee the day’s activities. We will update you about the installation date for the new surface, plus there is even more exciting news to follow!

Invitation to our 2026 AGM on 28 May We warmly invite all members, volunteers, and friends to join us for our Annual General Meeting, taking place in person at The Brightwell or on Zoom on Thursday, 28 May, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. At the AGM, the Chair of Trustees, Geoff Mayell, will give his review of 2025 and share our plans and ambitions for 2026 and beyond. Steve Cocks, our Treasurer Trustee, will give an overview of the year's finances and Doro, our CEO, will give a presentation on the therapy numbers, membership and services delivered. It will be a wonderful opportunity to hear how the Centre is growing and to celebrate everything we have achieved together. We will also be taking a moment during the AGM to remember our dear friend and fellow Trustee Mark Whitehouse, who passed away earlier this year. Mark gave so much of his time and expertise to The Brightwell over many years, and we will be holding a two-minute silence in his honour. Anyone who would like to stay and celebrate his memory with us afterwards is very welcome to do so. Please can you call Reception on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk to confirm that you will be attending or to send your apologies. We do hope you can join us.

My name is Charles Edis. I have been a long-term supporter of The Brightwell, I am Company Secretary to the Board and a Trustee. When I fractured my fibula (lower leg) in late October, it was a couple of weeks later that Doro, our CEO, suggested Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) might help with healing. After 13 years involved at The Brightwell, and my mother visiting long before me, I should have thought of it, but I hadn’t! I was sent forms to complete beforehand, explaining HBOT. Angela, the Centre’s Oxygen Coordinator, then went through everything with me and registered me as a member on my first visit. (Do allow plenty of extra time for this). I didn’t give myself enough time before my first visit, so everyone was waiting for me when I arrived. The recommendation is that you arrive 15 minutes ahead of the session start time. Fortunately, I could limp in with my fracture boot. I was given a suitable mask and instructions on how to put it on and adjust it, which takes a bit of fiddling the first time. Some people prefer their own masks, but I used one provided by the centre. The chamber is cosy and comfortable once you’re settled in. I was given a footstool to keep my leg elevated and reduce swelling. Once we were securely locked in, following a safety briefing, communications with the operators were checked. The chamber is then pressurised, which can be quite noisy depending on your seat relative to the inlet valve. It takes about 15 minutes to get to 2ata (atmospheres absolute - P4). Earplugs and headphones are not allowed during pressurisation and depressurisation; however you can use headphones when the chamber is at pressure. Having some reading material handy is helpful because while everyone is friendly, conversation becomes difficult with masks on. Another thing to expect is that the chamber can feel quite warm when pressurised but quickly cold again when de-pressurised. Therefore, an easily removable extra layer is advisable. However, a pullover would require removing your mask, which is attached to tubes on either side, so a cardigan or similar might be better. The other things to be aware of are how to ‘clear’ your ears to prevent discomfort from the pressure, all part of the advance briefing, which is akin to a plane landing (when the chamber is pressurised) and a plane taking off (when de-pressurising). After an hour, the operators will announce the impending depressurisation, which takes 10-15 minutes and is also quite noisy. Afterwards, you might feel cold and sweaty but after getting everyone out of the chamber one at a time, depending on their condition, it does not take very long to re-acclimatise: This might involve a nice cup of tea and a cake from the onsite Brightwell Café. In all, I had five HBOT sessions, fairly quick in succession, as this supposedly improves the chances of injured tissues healing quickly. I couldn’t make one appointment due to an incident on the motorway, but it was easy to re-book. I live over an hour away, and was fortunate that my long-suffering wife drove me everywhere for a couple of months. I certainly believe my broken leg made more than satisfactory progress. However, it’s impossible to measure this precisely without someone else of similar age, gender and stature having exactly the same spiral fracture in the same place at the same time and not receiving HBOT for comparison. I’m still doing physiotherapy several months later on medical advice because that is the standard approach to my particular injury. I would definitely recommend HBOT at Brightwell to anyone in a similar situation. In fact would probably suggest continuing follow-up appointments over an extended period, but do consult the experts on these matters. Unfortunately, I live too far away for regular follow-up appointments to be very convenient. Like many, I always enjoy visiting The Brightwell with the positive atmosphere and diverse range of people I meet there. It’s encouraging to see so many long-standing supporters who regularly attend as well. I hope this piece has been helpful to anyone considering trying HBOT for the first time. If you’re able to help keep the Centre running in these challenging economic and increasingly regulatory times, whether as a volunteer, trustee or donor, or even if you know someone who could benefit from our help and therapies, or if you have any suggestions, please get in touch with any member of our team. Email: hello@thebrightwell.org.uk Tel: 01454 201 686 Further information about Oxygen Therapy can be found at The Brightwell www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy

We are very pleased to be able to offer our members and non-members living with MS the opportunity to receive support from Caroline Langdon. Caroline has expert knowledge in helping people with all aspects of benefit queries. Caroline can assist you with: Eligibility Queries Helping with the completion of forms Availability of benefits ·And much more… For general enquiries, an appointment will last one hour. For help completing forms, a two-hour appointment will be needed. All appointments are completely confidential. The next date will be on Tuesday, 5 May. Appointments need to be booked in advance. Please call Reception on 01454 201 686 For more information about the Specialist Clinics we offer, please visit https://www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/specialist-clinics