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We’ve got some amazing prizes in this Summer Draw. Not long to wait either, the draw is on 11 August! Don’t miss out! Prizes Include 🎉 Summer Prize Draw! 🌞 Just £2 per entry for your chance to WIN: 🏡 2-night accessible cottage stay (for 6)💪 1-week Nuffield Health family pass🍷 Wine tasting set for 2🍫 Box of chocolates🏊 Riverside Leisure Club pass for 2🥃 Bottle of Baileys! Winners drawn  Monday 11th August  - don’t miss out! Enter now and treat yourself this summer! ☀️✨ BUY TICKETS HERE!

Are you living with multiple sclerosis? Do you want to enhance your resilience through these difficult times, rediscover strengths and increase your ability to cope? Hope For the Community CIC, is running a free online group self-management course called the Hope Programme. This is a: •            Free 6-week course •            Facilitated by a trained community of volunteers with lived experience of MS. Limited places are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One of our Trustees, Caz Blake-Symes, was a participant in this course last year and her feedback was incredibly positive, this is what she had to say… “I was very impressed with this course and gained a lot from it. Although there are optional group sessions at specific times, most of the course can be done in your own time at your own pace. There are weekly topics well supported by great online material. There are online facilitators for queries too. You can set your own goals and targets for each module, and these are regularly reviewed and feedback is offered. I would thoroughly recommend taking part in this programme The course can be done using a phone, but I found it better to do the course on my pc, although I used the excellent app on my phone too”. For further information and to book your place, please visit. https://www.h4c.org.uk/courses-all/ms-240925

World Self-Care Day 2025 is just around the corner, celebrated annually on 24  July, It's a fantastic opportunity to pause and consider how we can all better prioritise our well-being. What is Self-Care? Self-care isn't about being selfish; it's about recognising that we can't pour from an empty cup. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at maintaining and improving our physical, mental, and emotional health. This could be anything from ensuring you get enough sleep and eat nutritious food to taking a relaxing bath, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. It's about consciously taking steps to protect your overall health. Why is Self-Care Important? In our increasingly fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in daily demands and neglect our own needs. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in both physical and mental health. Prioritising self-care can: Reduce stress and anxiety: Taking time for yourself can help you de-stress and re-centre. Improve mood and energy levels: When you're well-rested and looking after yourself, you'll naturally feel more positive and energised. Enhance productivity: A well-cared-for mind and body are more efficient and focused. Boost resilience: Regularly practising self-care builds your capacity to cope with life's challenges. Strengthen relationships: When you're taking care of yourself, you're better equipped to support others. How to Celebrate World Self-Care Day 2025 July 24 is the perfect day to kickstart or reinforce your self-care routine. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Mindful Moments: Dedicate a few minutes to meditation, deep breathing, or simply sitting in silence and enjoying the present moment Move Your Body: Go for a walk, do some gentle stretching, practice yoga, or engage in any physical activity you enjoy. Nourish Yourself: Prepare a healthy and delicious meal, and take your time to savour it. Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, whether it's in a park, garden, or by the sea. Prioritise Rest: Aim for a good night's sleep, or take a short nap if you need one. Engage in Hobbies: Revisit a favourite hobby or try something new that brings you joy. Disconnect Digitally: Take a break from screens and social media to truly unwind. Connect with Others: Spend quality time with friends or family who uplift you. Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the things you are thankful for. Remember, self-care isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find what truly recharges you. So, mark your calendars for July 24, 2025, and use World Self-Care Day as a reminder to make your well-being a priority, not just for one day, but every day. What small act of self-care will you commit to this year? Self-Care at The Brightwell Whether you are a Member, Carer, Volunteer or part of the Staff Team, we advocate Self-Care here at The Brightwell. So, whether you are just looking for a chat and a coffee, looking to enjoy some outdoor space, booking a therapy session or taking part in an exercise class, we are the place to be. The Brightwell offers a friendly, supportive and caring environment, and a warm welcome always awaits any visitor. So, make sure you give yourself time to think about your own well-being, physical and mental health. not just on 24 July, but every day. We look forward to seeing you soon!

We recently welcomed another lovely team from Lloyds Banking Group who volunteered at the Centre on Thursday, 10 July.    It was an extremely hot day, and sunscreen and cold drinks were flowing! The team did a fabulous job in the grounds – helping to clear the paths and patio areas of weeds, cutting back shrubs and re-varnishing our raised beds.   They also planted a lovely selection of flowers and shrubs that they had kindly donated to the Centre.   The group had never been to The Brightwell before but were very interested to hear about the work that we do here.    They enjoyed a tour of the facilities and chatting with some of our regular members. They also enjoyed a lovely lunch from our café and were kind enough to contribute to our 40K for 40 years campaign.   We are very grateful for all their efforts and thank them all for their hard work, especially on such a scorching hot day!   To find out more about volunteering at The Brightwell, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/volunteer

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 personalised 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.

We were delighted that Keith Taylor, BEM, was invited to be interviewed by Radio Bristol. Keith was invited to discuss his recently awarded honour and to find out more about his work at the Brightwell. The interview was with Joe Lemer from BBC Bristol Radio (standing in for John Darvall). Here is the link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002dytd Slide the marker along to 2hours 8 minutes into the programme to hear the full interview. Well done Keith!

Adapted from an MS-UK blog, published: 27 June 2025 A look at how this complementary therapy may help with the symptoms of a long-term chronic condition like MS. Reflexology works around the theory that all the systems and organs of the body and mapped in smaller areas – specifically in the hands and feet. Reflexologists use gentle pressure to stimulate these areas, and believe this encourages natural healing in the corresponding body areas. Reflexology may help individuals with neurological conditions by providing gentle symptom relief and enhancing overall well-being. Despite there not being much research around the use of reflexology for neurological conditions, it is a popular and safe treatment that many enjoy. Some benefits of reflexology: 1. Relieves stress and promotes relaxation. Symptoms can be worsened by stress. Reflexology encourages deep relaxation, which may help calm the nervous system and improve how someone feels day-to-day. 2. May reduce pain and muscle tension. Some people report less pain, fewer muscle spasms, and reduced tension after reflexology sessions. The therapy involves pressure points believed to correspond to areas like the spine, legs, and nerves. 3. May improve circulation. While not medically proven, reflexologists believe the practice can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which might help with circulation problems. 4. Supports better sleep. By promoting relaxation and easing discomfort, reflexology might help improve sleep quality, which can make a big difference for people living with fatigue from a chronic condition. 5. Encourages body awareness and emotional support Taking time for self-care and having someone focus on your well-being can help build a better mind-body connection. Reflexology sessions may also offer emotional comfort and a sense of support. Reflexology at The Brightwell. We have two therapists who offer Reflexology. Claire and Andrew are fully qualified therapists. Both have years of experience in working with those living with neurological conditions. To find out more about Reflexology and all the other Specialist Clinics we offer, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/therapies/specialist-clinics To book, please call 01454 201686

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new brochure. This new brochure provides all the information you need to learn more about our wonderful Centre. To view or download your copy, please download below. Each page is packed full of information, photos and links to the different web pages for more detailed information. The QR code on the back cover takes you directly to our website www.thebrightwell.org.uk . What is included? About The Brightwell What Our Members Say. About Oxygen Therapy About Neuro Physiotherapy Our Specialist Clinics The Brightwell Café How to Support Us Volunteering at The Brightwell How to Contact Us Hard copy brochures are available from the Centre to take and share Please pass a copy to a friend who might benefit from the therapies we offer, a medical or health care professional, a family member or anyone who might like to  join or be part of our fantastic Brightwell Community Thank you.

Adapted from a MS-UK blog, published: 18 June 2025, by Ian Cook Is it time to look again at HBO? When I was diagnosed, some 30 years ago, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) was the go-to therapy for those open to radical new approaches to treating multiple sclerosis (MS). HBO had a dedicated group of followers and I once wrote a story about a man with MS who had a personal HBO chamber or ‘tank’ built in his back garden at a cost of many thousands of pounds. There was also a certain amount of evidence suggesting that HBO could work wonders in MS. And there was a network of more than 50 HBO centres dotted around the country. Twenty years ago, I visited my local centre in Coventry to meet some people using HBO. I discovered they were mainly older and more disabled MSers there. They all seemed to get something from it, I wasn’t quite sure what, although clearly HBO wasn’t a cure. Oxygen therapy So what exactly is HBO, and why am I talking about it today? Well, HBO is basically the medical use of pure oxygen (usually greater than 99 per cent) administered in a sealed chamber with a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure. And I’m talking about it today because a recent academic paper has shown HBO brings dramatic improvements in a model of MS. There are plans for more research. HBO was developed decades ago as a treatment for ‘the bends’ or ‘decompression sickness’. This happens when divers come up from the deep too quickly. A quickly ascending diver has nitrogen bubbles released into their blood (air is 80 per cent nitrogen and just 20 per cent oxygen). An HBO chamber with pure oxygen at an increased pressure helps a diver with ‘the bends’ to ‘re-compress’ and then ‘de-compress’ safely, reducing the volume and number of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream. HBO has saved countless divers’ lives. About 40 years ago it was proposed as a treatment for MS. After this, and very quickly, a network of around 50 MS therapy centres was set up around the UK to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These centres were independent charitable organisations, each with quite a large local following. Many people still attend these centres for oxygen therapy and report noticeable improvements in their symptoms, particularly fatigue. There is strong anecdotal evidence for HBO as an MS treatment. The science In terms of scientific evidence, the case is less clear cut. A review of HBO in 2004 – the Cochrane report – looked at nine clinical trials into HBO. Two trials produced generally positive results, while the remaining seven reported generally no evidence of a positive effect. The conclusion of the Cochrane report was that HBO was not a recommended treatment for MS. However, despite the Cochrane report, there have been one or two interesting recent studies about how HBO might, after all, benefit MS patients. There have been some recent pathology studies showing a lack of oxygen in the tissues of MS lesions. Another interesting discovery is that animal models have shown oxygen reduces demyelination and loss of oligodendrocytes – the cells that produce myelin. HBO has also been suggested as a stem cell stimulator by increasing the mobilisation of bone marrow-derived stem cells in animal models of MS. Perhaps the most interesting new research is a recently published paper which showed a reversal of quite profound neurological deficits in animals with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) a model of the type of acute inflammation that causes MS relapses. This paper – Oxygen treatment reduces neurological deficits and demyelination in two animal models of multiple sclerosis – was written by researchers at the Department of Neuroinflammation, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London University. It concludes, “Severe neurological deficits in both active and passive EAE can be caused by hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and be reduced by oxygen treatment. Oxygen treatment also reduces demyelination in active EAE, despite the autoimmune origin of the disease.” Exactly what one should make of this paper is unclear. First, while EAE is an animal model of MS, it is not MS, and hundreds of papers have shown a ‘cure’ for EAE only to fail when trialled in humans. That said, there is clearly something worth looking at, a point made by Prof. Gavin Giovannoni in his MS-Selfie post on Medium. He says: “I am a big supporter of the need for more research in this area. . . I was helping write a grant to test HBO in acute optic neuritis when COVID-19 came along, and, like many other projects, it was abandoned. Maybe we should revisit it.” Given that most of the research into HBO is decades old perhaps Prof. Giovannoni is right – this subject should be re-visited. So, could the UK’s 50 or so HBO centres that are still operating get together and start the process of getting a new trial into HBO and MS? This suggestion comes not from me but from Prof. Giovannoni. Evidence needed   Responding to the new research he says, “My response to this issue has been to suggest all of the MS Centres get together to do a properly designed and powered randomised controlled trial. NICE’s position is meant to be evidence-based, but the evidence base, in my opinion, is not robust enough. Hence the need for further research.” When I put Prof. Giovannoni’s suggestion to the Neuro Therapy Network, the umbrella group for 42 of these HBO centres, a spokesperson said, “Funding a clinical trial is likely to be beyond the reach of most of our members as they vary in size and finances differ greatly.” So, will other funders come forward to fund this research, or will the efficacy of HBO in MS remain one of those many unanswered questions surrounding the condition? If anyone has a spare £2.5M stuffed down the back of the sofa, that’s Prof. Giovannoni’s estimate of the cost of the study using the existing infrastructure of the MS Centres, please get in touch with him – his email is g.giovannoni@qmul.ac.uk . Comment from The Brightwell We offer thousands of sessions per year in our Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, with hundreds of users benefiting from this therapy We agree that research is desperately needed, and the funding for it, in these economically challenging times, is difficult to access. To find out more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at The Brightwell, please visit https://www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy

We are very excited to offer a FREE TASTER DANCE CLASS! Meet Your Instructor: Audrey Lam Audrey Lam, one of our expert Physiotherapists, is also an accomplished Street Dancer. Audrey and the Physio team have put together an exciting new Exercise Class to include some Street Dance! and cardio fitness. What to Expect:  This class promises to be lively, fun, as well as a great chance to exercise at the same time! This class is suitable for all our Brightwell Community. So whether you are a wheelchair user, use a walking aid or can stand, this class is for you No dance experience needed, Audrey will help you through the whole class! Taster session details:  This taster session will take place in the Physio Department, here at  The Brightwell on Monday 21 July and will start at 3.30 pm. We hope that lots of people will be interested in taking this class. Future Classes:  We will therefore be offering these sessions at £9 per person or a discounted rate of £60 for a block booking of 10 sessions paid in advance. Places are limited to 15 people, so please book at Reception as soon as possible. Call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

A Month of Identity, Awareness, and Action July marks Disability Pride Month, a significant time in the UK and across the globe where we celebrate the diverse identities, rich culture, and invaluable contributions of disabled people. It's a month dedicated to shifting narratives, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a society where disability is embraced as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. What is Disability Pride Month? Originating in the US in 1990, coinciding with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Disability Pride Month has been celebrated in the UK since 2015. It's a movement born from the Disability Rights movement, rooted in the social model of disability, which asserts that people are disabled by societal barriers, not by their impairments. Unlike the traditional medical model that views disability as something to be "fixed," Disability Pride promotes self-acceptance, empowerment, and rejects the notion of disability as a deficit or tragedy. It’s a powerful counteraction against ableism – the discrimination and social prejudice against disabled people. The Disability Pride Flag, redesigned in 2021 for greater accessibility, features diagonal stripes representing different types of disabilities: Red:  Physical impairments and conditions. Gold:  Neurodiversity. White:  Non-visible and undiagnosed impairments and conditions. Blue:  Emotional and psychiatric conditions, including mental health, anxiety, and depression. Green:  Hearing impaired, vision impaired, audio processing, and all other sensory impairments and conditions. The Charcoal background  represents those in the community who have experienced ableism and serves as a protest against it. Why is Disability Pride Month Important in the UK? With approximately 16 million disabled people in the UK, Disability Pride Month provides a crucial platform to: Celebrate Identity:  It's a time for disabled individuals to come together, embrace who they are, and celebrate their resilience, creativity, and achievements. Raise Awareness:  The month encourages positive conversations about disability, highlighting the ongoing fight for accessibility, equality, and the dismantling of ableism. It educates non-disabled individuals on the lived experiences of disabled people. Challenge Stigma:  Despite progress, many disabled people still face negative attitudes and discrimination. Disability Pride Month actively works to combat these stereotypes and change the conversation. Promote Inclusion:  It encourages organisations, communities, and individuals to reflect on how they can become more inclusive and develop a deeper understanding of how everyone experiences the world differently. Amplify Voices:  For too long, discussions about disability have excluded disabled voices. This month is about centring those with lived experience, recognising that disabled voices are a vibrant chorus of diverse perspectives. How Can You Get Involved? Disability Pride Month is a call to action for everyone. Here are some ways you can participate and show your allyship: Educate Yourself: Be more aware of disability and the challenges faced by disabled individuals. Learn about the organisations and support available and explore resources from organisations like Scope AccessAble and the Neurological Alliance,     Amplify Disabled Voices:  Seek out and share content created by disabled individuals. Listen to their experiences and perspectives without speaking over them. Challenge Ableism:  Be aware of ableist language and assumptions. Challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices when you encounter them. Support Disabled-Led Organisations: Donate to or volunteer with charities and groups that support disabled individuals. Review Accessibility:  If you're a business or organisation, take this month to review your accessibility practices – from physical spaces to digital content and employment policies. Celebrate!  Attend local Disability Pride events, parades (like those held in Brighton and Belfast), or simply gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate disabled identity and culture. Share Your Story:  If you are disabled and feel comfortable, sharing your story can be a powerful act of empowerment and education Disability Pride Month is more than just a celebration; it's a vital reminder of the ongoing journey towards a truly inclusive and equitable society. Let's use this July to learn, reflect, and act, ensuring that every disabled person in the UK can live with pride, dignity, and full participation. The Brightwell supports and recognises all forms of disability and is a safe, inclusive space and community.