Have you ever thought about volunteering at The Brightwell and making a real difference? Next month, we're holding a series of Oxygen Volunteer Drop-In Sessions for anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering within our oxygen therapy service. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, meet new people, or gain valuable experience, we'd love to meet you. Join us on one of the following dates: 7th September: 2:00pm - 4:00pm 8th September: 11:00am - 2:00pm 9th September: 11:00am - 2:00pm 10th September: 11:00am - 2:00pm Simply drop in during any of these sessions to learn more about the role, meet our team, and ask any questions you may have. If you're unable to attend at these times, please don't worry. We'd still love to speak with you. Get in touch by email or phone and we can arrange an alternative time that suits you. Importance of our Volunteers Our volunteers are the backbone of the centre and play a vital role in helping us deliver our oxygen therapy service. Without their dedication, we simply couldn't provide the level of support our members rely on. The role of an Oxygen Volunteer is varied, rewarding, and incredibly important. Volunteers work together to help run oxygen therapy sessions and ensure everything operates smoothly. Responsibilities include: Preparing for each oxygen therapy session Assisting members with masks and tubing Operating the oxygen chamber during sessions Cleaning masks and equipment afterwards Providing a friendly, supportive, and attentive presence for our members Most importantly, our volunteers help create a welcoming and caring environment where members feel comfortable and supported throughout their visit. Interested? Get in Touch If you'd like to RSVP for one of the drop-in sessions, or if you have any questions about volunteering, we'd be delighted to hear from you. 📧 sally.merriman@thebrightwell.org.uk📞 01454 201686 We look forward to meeting you and sharing more about how you can become part of our wonderful volunteer team.

My name is Sally, and I am delighted to have recently joined the Oxygen department at The Brightwell. I will be running the new evening and weekend oxygen sessions that we are rolling out over the next few months. We already have two later sessions on a Monday and a Tuesday at 5.30 pm, which are proving very popular. My previous job was at Bristol Zoo Gardens from 2003-2015, working in the gift shop. Since 2015, I have been a full-time carer for my son, who has had some serious health issues. He is now much better, and at the start of this year I decided I wanted to get back into paid work. I was very fortunate to come to The Brightwell through a work placement organised by a Charity called Women’s Work Lab, which helps women back into work. I had an amazing time primarily with the fabulous fundraising team, but also across all the departments. After my placement ended, I became a volunteer and then applied for the role of extended hours officer in the oxygen department. I have been through an extensive training programme, including the Oxygen Therapy training, plus internal and external programmes for Manual Handling, First Aid, Fire Officer cover, and Cliniko, which is our new booking system. I have been very supported by all the team here and especially by Angela and the other Oxygen Volunteers. I feel very lucky to be able to work here. I have loved every second so far, especially meeting all our fantastic members. Please come and say hello next time you are in the Centre. Watch this space for more news of additional sessions! Best Wishes Sally

Are you looking for an approachable, effective, and empowering way to boost your energy, build strength, and stay active right from the comfort of your own home? At The Brightwell, we are thrilled to invite you to a special FREE Taster Session of our popular MIIT — Medium Intensity Interval Training class, led by the wonderful Millie Rutherford! Whether you are looking to build functional strength, manage mobility, or simply introduce a supportive fitness routine into your weekly schedule, MIIT is designed with your health and wellbeing in mind. What is MIIT (Medium Intensity Interval Training)? While High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) often gets all the spotlight, it isn't suitable or enjoyable for everyone — and that is completely fine! MIIT offers all the fantastic cardiovascular and strength-building benefits of interval training, but at a balanced, moderate, and safe pace tailored to your capabilities. It is a great way to: Improve Fitness & Strength: Gently challenge your heart and strengthen key muscle groups. Boost Energy & Wellbeing: Enhance your overall vitality, mood, and day-to-day stamina. Stay Active from Home: Connect with a supportive community and exercise live without the hassle of travel. Who is this session for? This session has been crafted to be accessible, safe, and engaging. It is suitable for individuals who: Have moderately good balance Can walk with or without a walking stick Want a routine that is structured, uplifting, and manageable Because the class is hosted live online via Zoom, you can exercise in your favourite comfortable clothes right in your living room or garden! Event Summary: Mark Your Calendar! Date: Tuesday 11 August Time: 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM (A brisk, refreshing 30-minute workout to start your morning!) Format: Live Zoom Class Cost: FREE Taster Session! Instructor: Millie Rutherford How to Reserve Your Spot Spaces for this free live Zoom class are limited so that everyone gets a great experience. You can secure your spot today by choosing one of the following options: Call Reception: 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk In Person: Book directly at reception at The Brightwell. Learn More: Visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio to explore our wide range of therapies, neurological support, and community wellness classes. Grab a glass of water, set up your device, and get ready to move with Millie Rutherford! We look forward to welcoming you on Zoom!

Living with a neurological condition presents unique challenges, but maintaining mobility, building strength, and boosting confidence don't have to be journeys you take alone. At The Brightwell, specialist neurophysiotherapy sits at the heart of their mission. As the Centre’s very popular therapy—enjoyed by over half of its members—physiotherapy is delivered five days a week by qualified therapists who specialise in treating neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stroke recovery and Parkinson’s. Unlike traditional clinical or hospital environments, The Brightwell offers a welcoming community space with no arbitrary time limits on your care. Whether you are newly diagnosed or looking to maintain long-term independence, here is a complete guide to all the different types of physiotherapy sessions and specialist treatments available at The Brightwell. Tailored Session Formats Every member starts with an individual assessment to determine the best path forward. Depending on your personal goals, mobility level, and preferences, physiotherapy is offered in several flexible formats: One-to-One Physiotherapy Duration: 30 minutes Ideal for: Members who require dedicated individual attention for a specific issue or those who aren't yet able to participate in group settings. Focus: Hands-on assessment, individualised targeted movement work, and tailored exercise planning. Focused Group Therapy Duration: 1 hour Group Size: Small groups (maximum 6 people) Focus: Keeps group sizes small so therapists can offer focused individual guidance while allowing members to train alongside peers working on similar challenges. Group Exercise Classes Duration: 1 hour Group Size: Up to 10 people Focus: Energetic, social, and supportive sessions that build physical fitness through structured movement. Many of these sessions wrap up with 10 to 15 minutes of guided relaxation. Online (Zoom) Classes Duration: 30 minutes Ideal for: Members who cannot attend the Centre in person, work from home, or need flexible scheduling. Focus: Convenient, home-based guided exercise sessions led by experienced therapists. Specialist Weekly Focus Classes The Brightwell structures its weekly timetable so members can target different physical goals, from cardiovascular health to flexibility: Specialist Treatments & Advanced Equipment Beyond standard exercises, The Brightwell incorporates specialised technologies designed specifically for neurological rehab: Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) The Brightwell features a dedicated FES team. Functional Electrical Stimulation applies small electrical charges to weakened or paralysed muscles (most commonly used to treat foot drop in MS and other neurological conditions). By stimulating the nerve pathways, FES helps lift the foot at the correct angle during walking, significantly improving safety and gait smoothness. State-of-the-Art Rehab Gym Equipment Members have access to a fully equipped neuro-gym featuring specialist equipment tailored for diverse mobility levels, including: Balance Master: For real-time balance feedback and retrain stability. Saebomas: Hand and arm rehabilitation tools. Tilt Tables & Easy Glides: Assisting members with safe standing, weight-bearing, and transfers. Therabikes & Cardio Walls: Low-impact cardiovascular training for upper and lower limbs. A Support Network Built Around You Whether your goal is reducing muscle spasms, boosting stamina, improving balance, or simply connecting with others who understand your journey, The Brightwell’s physiotherapy department provides a supportive, ongoing environment to help you stay active. Because financial barriers shouldn't get in the way of care, sessions at The Brightwell are heavily subsidised through charity fundraising and voluntary contributions. Click here to view our Suggested Contributions page To learn more about joining or to book an initial assessment, call 01454 201686 or visit The Brightwell's Physiotherapy Page.

On Friday evening and throughout Saturday, The Brightwell was delighted to be part of this fantastic community event at Portishead Marina. From the wonderful atmosphere and inspiring conversations to the unforgettable music, it was a weekend filled with connection, celebration and support. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The 85ers, the talented sea shanty group made up of active RNLI Portishead Lifeboat volunteers, who organised the festival and chose The Brightwell as one of their charity partners. Many people may recognise them from their memorable performance for His Majesty The King at the Coronation Concert, and their passion and dedication were evident throughout the weekend. A huge thank you also goes to everyone who helped make the festival such a success: Portishead Marina for hosting the event and playing a key role in bringing the festival to life. Fred Thomas, better known as ‘Betty’, and Pilchard the Pirate, who spent the weekend enthusiastically fundraising and entertaining visitors. Bristol Beer Factory for generously donating the bar and supplies, helping to keep festival-goers refreshed. Portishead Town Council for providing the grant funding that helped make the event possible. One of the highlights for us was spending time at our stand meeting so many friendly and supportive people. We had the opportunity to share information about the neurological conditions we support and the therapies available at The Brightwell. We were also privileged to hear personal stories from individuals living with MS and other neurological conditions, as well as from their families and friends. These conversations are at the heart of why we value events like this so highly. They help raise awareness of our work, connect us with the local community and remind us of the impact that specialist support can have on people’s lives. Of course, no sea shanty festival would be complete without outstanding music, and the performances throughout the weekend did not disappoint. From start to finish, there was an incredible energy across the marina, with The 85ers and The Monkeyfists delivering a rousing finale on Saturday night that had the crowd singing along. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, shared their stories, donated, sang, supported and helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Portishead, you made us feel incredibly welcome. We had a wonderful time and we’re already looking forward to returning next year! ⚓🎶💙

Image Courtesy of Magnific We all hear standard health advice about sipping eight glasses of water a day. But when you’re navigating life with a neurological condition—such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, Stroke recovery, or Neuropathy—staying hydrated moves from general wellness advice to a critical everyday tool for symptom management. The brain is roughly 75% water. When your nervous system is already working harder to send signal pulses throughout the body, even mild dehydration—losing as little as 1% to 2% of your body weight in fluid—can throw a wrench in the works. Here’s a look at why water plays such a massive role in neurological health, alongside practical, low-friction strategies to keep your fluids up. Why Hydration Matters for Neurological Health Sharpens Cognitive Function & Reduces Brain Fog "Brain fog," executive dysfunction, and memory lapses are frequent challenges across many neurological conditions. Water facilitates fluid circulation and oxygen delivery across the blood-brain barrier. Dehydration directly impairs attention, short-term memory, and spatial processing, making already tricky "foggy" days noticeably worse. Supports Nerve Signal Transmission Nerve impulses rely heavily on electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and magnesium) dissolved in water. Proper hydration helps maintain the delicate balance required for electrical signals to travel efficiently along nerve pathways, which can help mitigate tremors, spasms, or sudden fatigue spikes. Helps Regulate Body Temperature Conditions like MS often come with severe heat sensitivity (known as Uhthoff's phenomenon), where a tiny bump in core body temperature temporarily worsens symptoms. Hydration supports your body's natural cooling mechanisms—primarily sweating—and keeps temperature fluctuations in check. Keeps the Gut and Bladder Happy Many people living with neurological conditions experience autonomic nervous system changes that lead to slow bowel motility (constipation) or neurogenic bladder issues. Constipation: Water softens stool and keeps digestive systems moving. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Dehydration creates concentrated urine that breeds bacteria. UTIs are notorious for causing temporary, severe spikes in neurological symptoms (frequently mistaken for condition disease progression). Why Is Staying Hydrated Harder with a Neurological Condition? It's important to acknowledge that staying hydrated isn't always as simple as "just drink more." Common hurdles include: Mobility Friction: Getting up to refill a glass or walking to the restroom takes significant physical energy. Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties): Thin liquids can be difficult to swallow safely without choking or aspiration risk. Bladder Anxiety: Intentionally limiting liquid intake out of fear of incontinence or frequent, urgent bathroom trips. Dulled Thirst Cues: Neurological shifts can alter the brain signals that tell you when you're actually thirsty. Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated If drinking plain water feels daunting or inconvenient, try adapting these practical techniques to fit your routine: Eat Your Water: Incorporate fluid-rich foods like cucumber (96% water), watermelon, strawberries, soups,and smoothies. They hydrate without requiring endless gulps of thin liquid. Upgrade Your Gear Use lightweight bottles with built-in straws or hands-free hydration packs (like a desktop camelbak) to reduce hand strain and tremor frustration. Front-Load Fluids Drink the majority of your water during the morning and early afternoon. This gives your body what it needs while reducing late-night bathroom trips. Use Visual Cues or Apps Set gentle phone timers or use water bottles with time markings to bridge the gap if your internal thirst cues aren't firing. Flavour It Up If plain water feels uninspiring, add citrus slices, cucumber, mint, or an electrolyte tablet (if approved by your care team) to make it more appealing. Finding Your Personal Balance Hydration isn't a one-size-fits-all target. Medications (like diuretics or anti-seizure drugs), mobility levels, and climate all shift your daily needs. The goal isn't to force gallons of water down, but to build small, predictable habits that support your nervous system every single day. Always check in with your neurologist or healthcare provider to establish fluid goals tailored specifically to your medical history and medications. Keeping Hydrated at The Brightwell There is a great choice of hot and cold drinks available from our Café. There is a free chilled water dispenser opposite Reception available at all times.

We would like to thank Sophia for this heartfelt and honest story of her journey living with Functional Neurological Disorder and how she is finding the strength to live with this condition. Chapter One: The Day Everything Changed People often think disability begins with a single moment. For me, it began with questions. Why wouldn't my legs do what I was asking them to do? Why was my body behaving in ways I couldn't control? Why did every test seem to come back without the answers I desperately needed? I never imagined that one day I would rely on a wheelchair, hoists, carers, or physiotherapy just to do things I once took for granted. Before Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), life looked very different. I was independent. I had dreams, plans, and a future that seemed predictable. Like most people, I assumed tomorrow would be much like today. I was wrong. When FND entered my life, it didn't arrive quietly. It challenged everything I thought I knew about myself. Suddenly, my body and my brain no longer communicated in the way they once had. My legs could stop working. My speech could disappear. Fatigue could overwhelm me without warning. Some days I experienced non-epileptic seizures that left me exhausted and frightened. The hardest part wasn't always the physical symptoms. It was grieving the life I thought I had lost. I mourned my independence. I mourned the simple things, standing to make a cup of tea, walking without thinking, making spontaneous plans, believing my body would always support me. There were moments when fear whispered that this was all my life would ever be. But fear doesn't get to write my story. Hope does. Hope looked like I was attending physiotherapy at the Brightwell even when I was exhausted. Hope looked like I was celebrating standing for a few more seconds than the week before. Hope looked like learning that progress isn't measured by perfection; it's measured by perseverance. Every transfer. Every exercise. Every deep breath. Every small achievement became another brick in rebuilding my confidence. Along the way, I discovered something unexpected. Strength isn't about never falling. Strength is deciding to keep getting back up, even when the journey feels impossible. My diagnosis changed my life, but it didn't change my heart. It didn't take away my compassion. It didn't take away my determination. Instead, it gave me a new purpose. I wanted people to understand that FND is real. That invisible illnesses deserve to be believed. That behind every wheelchair, every walking aid, every seizure, and every smile is a person who is fighting battles most people never see. That purpose led me to become involved with FND Friends, helping create opportunities for others living with FND to feel seen, supported, and understood. If my story helps just one person feel less alone… If one family understands FND a little better… If one newly diagnosed person reads these pages and thinks, "Someone finally understands"… Then every difficult chapter will have been worth writing. This isn't a story about giving up. It's a story about adapting. It's a story about courage. It's a story about finding light, even on the darkest days. Most of all… It's a story about never letting a diagnosis decide who you are. Because although FND changed my life… It never took away the person I was always meant to become. Sophia Garland

On Saturday, we were delighted to hold our 2026 Summer Fair, and what a wonderful success it was. From 11am until 2pm, we welcomed members of our community to the centre for an enjoyable afternoon filled with fun, refreshments, games, and plenty of opportunities to browse our fantastic range of stall holders. It was wonderful to see so many people come together and enjoy everything the fair had to offer. There was plenty to keep our younger visitors entertained too. Children enjoyed taking part in classic fairground games, including Hook a Duck and the ever-popular Lucky Dip, while our glitter tattoos added a touch of sparkle and excitement to the day. The success of the Summer Fair would not have been possible without our incredible team of volunteers. From setting up before the event, to running stalls, the café and activities throughout the day, to staying behind afterwards to clear everything away, their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication shone through. They gave their time so generously and helped create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the day so special. We are incredibly grateful for everything they do, quite simply, we couldn't do it without them. We are also thrilled to share that the event raised just over £1,400, an incredible achievement that will help support the centre. This fantastic total would not have been possible without the generosity of everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported our stall holders throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who helped make the Summer Fair such a memorable occasion. It was a wonderful day from start to finish, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our amazing community. We can't wait to do it all again next year! ☀️🍰💛

We were delighted to welcome a lovely group of Corporate Volunteers on 13 July from Lloyds Banking Group to help us with planting the Woodstock Homes Multiple Sclerosis pocket garden that was brought to the Centre following the RHS Badminton Flower Show. The team got stuck in with digging and planting, under direction of one of the garden’s designers, Micheal Leech, who also did an epic job of loading and transporting two van loads of flowers, furniture and sculptures from Badminton to the Centre. The team were also assisted on the day by our own brilliant Brightwell Garden volunteers Dave and Sylv, and Jen, along with her colleague Jenny, who also did a tremendous job. Other helpers on the day were Martin and Callum Blake-Symes, and Rosie and Paul Howell who did a great job of pruning and tidying up the garden border hedges and patio areas. The whole team did fantastic work digging and planting, including planting a beautiful new tree, and watering all the new additions. As well as planting the seating space that represented the original RHS garden design, they also planted in other areas of the grounds with additional plants. They worked like absolute stars, and we couldn’t be more pleased! It was hard work – the ground was dry and rocky, and spaces for the beautiful neurone sculptures from the RHS garden also had to be dug out in the main flower border, which proved to be quite a challenge! We are also extremely grateful to the Lloyds team for generously donating and collecting additional compost bags for the plants on the day. The Lloyds team, along with the fabulous extra helpers did a tremendous job on the day. We look forward to welcoming the group back again soon!

Doro’s story of the RHS garden starting from September 2025 to this week….. What a few weeks it has been! From the final push to get the Woodstock Homes Multiple Sclerosis Pocket Garden ready for the RHS Badminton Flower Show, to opening day and a Silver Medal, to the relocation on Monday 13 July to the Brightwell garden, with the help of an army of wonderful volunteers. It has genuinely been a whirlwind, and one I will never forget. I keep coming back to the same thought: none of it would have been possible without community. Not in an abstract, "we're all in this together" way, but in the very real, hands-in-the-soil, turning-up-when-it's-hot, staying-late-when-it-matters kind of way. So please indulge me while I say a proper thank you: To James Hutchinson and Woodstock Homes, for believing in this garden from the start and sponsoring it into existence. To Michael Leech (The Somerset Gardener) and Gavin Moth, whose design, hard work and heart made a first-time RHS collaboration into a Silver Medal-winning garden. To Sarah Watson, for your help along the way. To Martin and Linda Newman, and to Caz and family, for being there through it all. To our incredible volunteers from Lloyds Banking Group and Aviva, and to Erica and the team at Kellaway Building Supplies, and P Phillips and Sons, thank you for your time and generosity. To Lara and Victoria for taking on the heat to raise Brightwell awareness, to Dave and Sylv, Jen and Jenny, our wonderful garden volunteers, to Sharon Lou who made sure everyone was fed and watered, and Helen and Monique who welcomed and looked after volunteers on the day, I am so grateful. To Ross and Kevin at BBC News Points West, and Joe Sims at BBC Radio Bristol, thank you for telling this story with such care, and for giving it your time and airspace. To every member of Brightwell staff and volunteers who kept things running while we all got swept up in garden fever. To everyone who visited us at Badminton, everyone who voted for the garden, and every gardening influencer who shared our story, thank you for carrying it further than we ever could alone. It underlines something we already know: when a community pulls together, extraordinary things happen. We see it in the volunteers who helped prep the Therapy Garden path for resurfacing, so every member can have access. We see it in the local Bradley Stoke community, who show up time after time. We see it every day in members who support each other through living with a neurological condition, and in a team of staff, volunteers and supporters who always go the extra mile. Where there is a will, there really is a way, and we have never felt that more than we do right now, looking at a garden that began as a sketch, and now sits, replanted, in our own Therapy Garden for members to enjoy for years to come. Check out our previous Blogs for the background story. Thank you to everyone, and please forgive me if I have left anyone out, it is only by name, not intention. This one belongs to the whole community. We would like to invite you all to our Summer Fair this coming Saturday, 18 July, from 11 am- 3 pm, when the gardens will be open for everyone to enjoy. #GardeningwithMS #SomersetGardener #RHSBadminton #WoodstockHomes #BBCRadioBristol #BBCPointsWest #TheBrightwell