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  • The Brightwell | Multiple Sclerosis | The Brightwell, Bradbury House Clinic, Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 9DB

    Find out more At The Brightwell, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With over 40 years of unwavering commitment, we strive to empower our members by providing access to a warm and friendly, non-clinical environment that fosters independence, symptom management, and overall well-being. Our aim is to offer a diverse range of specialised therapies, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Neuro-physiotherapy , all delivered by a dedicated team of experts. We embrace innovation with our in-house Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and a self-generated oxygen supply, ensuring top-tier quality and availability. We believe in inclusivity, offering one-on-one physiotherapy sessions, group activities, and online classes. Our subsidies for Brightwell Members, as well as our open doors to individuals in various stages of recovery, showcase our commitment to accessible care. At the Brightwell, we stand alongside those living with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorders, Long Covid, and Cancer, amongst many others. Our services extend to Specialist Clinics and therapies including our own Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) assessment clinic, counselling, acupuncture, reflexology, remedial massage and aromatherapy, foot health and bladder & bowel clinics. We have members from the Greater Bristol area, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath, Wiltshire, South Wales and from all across the South West and the M4 corridor. There are always lots of social events taking place and a huge and varied number of ways to be involved in fundraising and volunteering. We not only welcome new members but also provide a wide array of volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. What is a neurological condition? A neurological condition is defined as a disorder that affects the brain, nervous system or spinal cord and, as these control every single part of your body, problems with them often cause serious consequences. Conditions can appear suddenly, for example a stroke or a brain injury; some, like epilepsy, you are born with; and others develop over time, like multiple sclerosis. They can affect anyone, at any age, of any ethnicity, and at any time in life. Some conditions are incurable, some last a lifetime and, sadly, some are life-threatening, but all of them will impact on a persons quality of life. What causes them? Sadly, no one really knows what triggers or causes most conditions. Some, especially ones that occur suddenly, can be linked to genes, the environment, accidents, injuries or infections. Although research is continuing there is yet to be any consensus on causes and, for most people, there is absolutely nothing they, or their family, could have done to stop them. Becoming a member at The Brightwell By becoming a member of the Centre you will be able to access all the therapies and services we currently offer. Membership is via self-referral and is available to those affected by MS, or any other neurological condition, at £35 annually. If you are recovering from an injury, long Covid, cancer or any other health condition that you feel would benefit from the therapies we offer you can also self-refer and become a member, this is £50 for a 12 month membership. Your next step is to call us on 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk to arrange for a membership pack to be sent to you, When we've received your completed forms we will contact you to arrange an induction to the Centre during which we will begin to build a therapy plan with you. Members' Pack for those with Neurological Conditions We very much look forward to welcoming new members to the Brightwell community. For new members with neurological conditions Please click here or on the image to download our Members Pack. If you have any queries regarding this pack or would like assystance completing it, please call reception on 01454 201686 Further useful information For new members with non-neurological conditions Please click here for a registration form For those with sports injuries Please click here for a sports registration form. Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell View or download our guide Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell Sign up to our blog Click here or on the logo fo keep upto date with all our latest news and events on our blog Brightwell Newsletters Visit our Newsletter page for most recent and past newsletter.

  • The Brightwell | Physiotherapy

    Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is our most popular therapy, with over half of our members enjoying the benefits. It is offered five days a week in our well- equipped gym area by qualified and experienced therapists, who have specialist knowledge in treating neurological conditions. Whether you have been newly or recently diagnosed, we offer specialist neurophysiotherapy that will benefit you. Our Physio Team We pride ourselves on offering a friendly yet professional environment where supporting you as an individual is of the utmost importance. Unlike a hospital or clinical situation there is no time limit to the number of sessions you can attend. Many of our physio users have been with us, attending weekly sessions, for many years. What is neurophysiotherapy? Neurophysiotherapy treats people with neurological conditions. These are conditions associated with the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and nerves. People with neurological conditions can often have complex problems including: Muscle weakness Stiffness Balance problems Sensory changes. These conditions can have a huge impact on the body’s function, and on day-to-day activities. Neurological disorders and diseases Our physiotherapists see a huge range of disorders and diseases. Some of the more common disorders we see include: Multiple Sclerosis Stroke Guillain barre syndrome Parkinson’s disease Polyneuropathies Motor Neurone Disease Muscular Dystrophy Functional Neurological Disorders What are the benefits of having physio at The Brightwell? We very much focus on you as an individual with your own personal needs being met. These requirements might include maintaining mobility, it is crucial that you remain as active as possible, we understand that this can be a challenge for people with neurological problems, especially when their muscle strength and movement is affected. Through regular physiotherapy, muscles can be exercised in the correct way and so, where possible, mobility is maintained, and the issues associated with a lack of movement can be prevented or addressed. Many of our members have some or all of the following aims: Receiving general advice to them and their support network Maintaining/improving joint mobility Preventing/reducing muscle spasms Maintaining/improving muscle power Maintaining/improving normal patterns of movement Improving/maintaining balance and coordination Reducing/preventing ataxia Maintaining/improving general fitness In addition, physiotherapy can be combined with the other therapies on offer to help ease pain, which can be one of the most difficult symptoms to treat effectively. Our therapists and Centre staff can speak to you about whether a combination of therapies might be right for you. The physiotherapy offered to you will be based on your specific ability. Activities vary from one-to-one or group sessions to exercise classes, gym equipment can also be used, under a therapist’s supervision. All new members to the Centre have a general assessment with a physiotherapist and, if physiotherapy is requested, a discussion will take place between the individual and the therapist as to the most suitable format. What types of sessions do we offer? One to One Sessions One -to- one physiotherapy sessions last 30 minutes and are available for people who have a specific issue that cannot be addressed in a group class, or who do not have the ability to join a group class. Group Exercise Classes Group exercise classes (maximum 7 people) last an hour, with some classes ending with 10-15 minutes of relaxation. These classes are led by our therapists and encourage people to exercise in a way that will be effective for them, as well as providing a fun, sociable environment. Group Therapy Sessions Group therapy (maximum 5 people) also lasts an hour, with smaller groups allowing for more focused attention on specific issues. Both types of exercise classes are tailored to varying ability and mobility levels, so that there is something for everyone. Monday Group 12pm-1pm Balance & stability focused - Improves mobility and upper and lower limb strength. First half of session - upper limb strengthening Second half of session - standing balance + lower limb strengthening Help reduce fatigue and improve flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Wednesday 09:30am-10:30am Class Cardiovascular training – muscle endurance and fatigue focused. Moderate intensity aerobic exercises to help reduce fatigue and improve cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. Finishes class with relaxation. Wednesday 12-12.30pm Seated Zoom Class suitable for upper limb strengthening Strength & power training with the use of dumbbells to increase blood circulation to release endorphins and develop muscle tone and strength. Helps improve balance to avoid injuries. Wednesday Zoom 12.30-1pm Standing Zoom Class for standing balance + lower limb strengthening/stretching. Endurance, strength and balance focused. Great class for those who are unable to commute to the centre but want to stay active and increase their fitness. Thursday Group 10:15am-11:15am Flexibility training & seated leg and trunk stretches to increase range of motion and reduce spasms and fatigue. Use of rehab equipment to help with fitness and balance. Friday Neuro Yoga/Pilates 10:30am-11:30am Class Low impact stretches to help increase strength, endurance and flexibility, done in seating, lying and standing. Finish class with relaxation If you would like to find out more details about any of our therapies, please call 01454 201686. We can then arrange for you to have a personal assessment to ascertain the best option to suit your specific needs. Outstanding Equipment and Facilities We are very fortunate to have an extensive range of specialist equipment in our physio department. This specialist equipment enables our members to receive the best possible solutions from the team at The Brightwell. Take a look at some of the pieces of equipment regulary used by members Outdoor Exercise class Isamar on the Balance Master Jeremy using a Therabike headshot Ruth on a Tilt Table & Saebo Mass Roger using one of the Therabike Mary using the Saebo Mass Liane on theEasy Glide Mark using the Tilt Table Michael using the Saebo Mas How can I get physiotherapy at The Brightwell? For further information please call us today on 01454 201686 to book in your General Assessment with a physio specialist. More information... For further inforation about other therapies at The Brightwell, please click on the following links Therapies Information Oxygen Therapy FES Clinic Specialist Clinics Click on the logo to sign up to our blog including the Health & Wellbeing Section

  • The Brightwell | FES Clinic

    Functional ElectrIcal Stimulation (FES) Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment that applies small electrical charges to a muscle that has become paralysed or weakened, due to damage in your brain or spinal cord. The electrical charge stimulates the muscle to make its usual movement. In MS and other neurological conditions, it is mostly used as a treatment for foot drop, where disruptions in the nerve pathways between the legs and brain mean the front of your foot cannot be lifted to the correct angle when walking. Histor y FES was first developed in the United States in the 1960s, where it was initially tested in stroke patients. Although early results were promising, it wasn't used regularly in clinical practice until much later, as it was very much seen as an experimental treatment. Research on its use in stroke for both foot drop and to assist finger movements, was first published in the late 1970s. In the mid-1980s, a group based in Salisbury in the UK started to look at using FES. Originally their work was in people with spinal cord injuries; from this initial work they went on to develop devices for people with MS in the early 1990s and it continues to be used today. FES is currently being investigated to see if the technique can help with swallowing, hand and arm function, and even breathing problems for pulmonary disease patients and for stroke patients. It has several potential future uses in MS. How does FES work? A FES device consists of a control box, about the size of a pack of cards, with a battery and electrodes. For foot drop, the device is usually worn in a cuff below the knee. This is where the electrodes can stimulate the nerve that goes to the muscle that would normally lift the front of your foot. At the right moment in your gait, when your foot is about to lift up to be swung forwards, the FES device stimulates the nerve and lifts the foot. The stimulation stops when the foot hits the ground again. It may take some time to adjust the timing specifically for you and your gait. Some FES devices have a sensor that is worn in the heel area, to help with the timing, but in modern devices that is optional. This means that the FES device can be worn with bare feet or sandals. What are the benefits of FES? Research and experience has shown that treatment with FES produces a more normal walking pattern, enabling people to walk faster, further and with less effort. It can also help build confidence in walking and increase independence as well as reducing the risk of trips and falls. As well as being a treatment for foot drop FES can also be used in rehabilitation, complementing physiotherapy techniques, often to assist with movements in muscles that have become weak. This allows you to build up strength and range of movement. This may also help with reducing spasticity and sometimes in reducing swelling, depending on the cause. What side effects could I get with FES? The electrical stimulation causes a tingling 'pins and needles' or buzzing sensation on the skin, much like a TENS machine. Ensuring that wires and pads are in the correct position can help minimise some of these sensations. For most people this is not a problem. FES may take a little bit of getting used to. Your physiotherapist may need to help you relearn a comfortable gait, as old habits that helped you manage your foot drop are no longer needed. You may have some soreness in your legs, hips or torso as you learn to use different muscles to walk. Very occasionally people find that the stimulation or the electrodes causes irritation of their skin. Using hypoallergenic electrode patches or asking your Brightwell physiotherapist about changing the type of stimulation that is used can often solve these problems. You will be provided with your personal set of pads and electrodes at your first consultation. Who can use FES? If you have difficulty with walking due to foot drop, you may benefit from FES. However, as FES stimulates the existing nerves in the legs, it is important that your nerve fibres between the spinal cord and the muscles are not damaged. To be suitable for the treatment, you need to be able to walk, even if only for a few metres with a stick or other walking aid. Typically, you will have an initial assessment that lasts for about an hour to see if you are suitable for treatment and if you respond to the FES stimulation. If you do respond, then you can start the treatment process. One of our physiotherapists will set up the device with you and teach you how to use it. At first you may find it difficult and time consuming to put the device on and position the pads correctly, but this becomes easier with practice. Once one of our trained physiotherapists and you have agreed that a FES device is beneficial and suitable, we will give you a clinical referral to a recommended supplier. That supplier, will discuss cost and options with you, as well as delivery timescales. Follow up sessions at The Brightwell will be necessary to adjust the electrode position and the strength of the electrical stimulation. This can change as your muscles strengthen and your nerves get used to the level of stimulation. How do I get an appointment at The Brightwell FES Clinic? If you are an existing member and/or come to The Brightwell for therapy, your physiotherapist will be able to recommend your suitability to be booked into an assessment session. If you are not an existing service user, please call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk to be booked in. The assessments work as follows: Initial assessment with a fully trained FES physiotherapist Approximately one hour, cost £60 plus a one-off fee of £18 for personal pads and electrodes. Follow up sessions. You will usually only require one or two follow up sessions. Cost £60 each. Annual reassessment We recommend an annual review to look at continued correct use, gait, posture, and any physical changes. Equipment Please note that we will refer you to a reliable and approved supplier, The Brightwell does not offer any warranty for the equipment or recommend any funding options. The supplier will discuss costs with you. We will gladly supply a letter of clinical support if required. We would like to thank Woodstock Homes for their ongoing support and for funding to set up The Brightwell FES Clinic. More information... For further inforation about other therapies at The Brightwell, please click on the following links Oxygen Therapy Physiotherapy Specialist Clinics Click on the logo to sign up to our blog including the Health & Wellbeing Section

  • The Brightwell | Oxygen Therapy

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

  • The Brightwell | Physio Consent

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

  • The Brightwell | Brightwell 100

    The Brightwell 100 The Brightwell 100 is a network of businesses and corporate donors, who all have the shared aim of supporting the work carried out at The Brightwell, through fundraising, by donated goods & services, and volunteering. The Brightwell 100 initiative was launched in February 2022. Since that time, Brightwell 100 members have supported us with the following projects. Major Projects Oxygen Generation plant Outdoor LED lighting upgrade New Café New terrace and gazebo area In-house Brightwell Shop New Oxygen area kitchen IT Equipment PCs, monitors for staff and volunteers. Projector for Conference room Event Sponsorship and participation Colour Run Abseil Water Park events Corporate Volunteering days Sponsorship and Marketing Physio Team Uniforms Event materials and merchandising. Donated expertise and goods Garden landscaping Emergency repairs Gardening equipment Café equipment Furniture for the lounge area Professional Video/Photographic services Service User enhancements Oxygen masks and storage Physiotherapy equipment. FES Clinic set up and equipment. Ongoing fundraising support Donated Items and experiences for raflfes and draw prizes How does the Brightwell 100 work? There are a number of ways the businesses can be involved. The Brightwell Wishlist One aspect of joining this unique network is by sponsoring or donating to something specific from our Wishlist. Many of our sponsors really like the fact that they can choose exactly where their money is spent and where it will be used. The items on our Wishlist range from a contribution to one of our major projects, through to paying for Counselling Sessions , or purchasing items that will enhance our Service Users experience and therapies. Please click here to view or download our latest Brightwell Wishlist Regular Contributions by Standing Order You can also make a regular donation, again for a specific purpose, via a Standing Order . If applicable you can add 25% to your donation via GiftAid. Donate via our JustGiving page Please make a donation via our Brightwell 100 JustGiving page, by clicking on the Logo above Our Latest Wishlist -October 2024 What are the benefits for The Brightwell 100 members? Supporting a worthwhile charity where your support has a positive impact. Enabling the supporting businesses to fulfil their charitable aims and objectives Being associated with a long-standing and reputable charity (we will provide you guidelines about the use of our name and logo) Being part of a professional network with a shared interest. Knowledge that 100% of your donation will be used for charitable purposes Tax-efficient way to donate with receipts and letters of thanks will be provided Publicity via our website and social media outlets for the supporting businesses Promotional opportunities with visits to the Centre, photos with staff and Centre members (with usual permissions and safeguarding in place) Use of the Brightwell's café, lounge area and outdoor garden/terrace. Regular updates and stewardship of your donation Brightwell 100 members These members are listed in their approximate date of joining. Many of our Brightwell 100 members have made contact and developed mutually beneficial business relationships. Howards Motor Group Woodstock..Homes Shiptheory.. MBS Land & New Homes Blackfriars.Auto Services Intoheat Bristol Mortgages Online CWT Landscapingt Services AJH Governerance RH Hall Food Services Classeq Rugged Interactive Welcome to our new members... Solarsence Total Access Scaffolding City Electrical Facrors Bristol B&Q Cribbs Causeway Babcock Inyernational Ashton Alteriors Design & Build County Contractors Delta Marriott Bristol Wain Homes Ben Hutcheson Music Refresh Video Productions The Block Bakehouse ben-hutcheson-logo Event Hosts and Prize Donors West Country Water Park Village Hotel Bristol Aztec Hotel & Spa Lovell Place Care Home Willow Brook Centre Black Sheep Kitchen & Bar Puxton Park Hollow Tree Pub The Kendleshire Tall Pines Golf Club What to do next For further information please contact Caz Blake-Symes, Trustee and Brightwell 1 00 co-ordinator, caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk Thank you for your interest in The Brightwell 100. We would very much like to invite you and your team for a visit and you can find out more about us and the services we provide, plus you can decide which areas of The Brightwell 100, you wish to be involved with, that fits in with your Company’s values and philosophies. Ways to keep in touch with updates regarding The Brightwell 100 The Brightwell Blog Follow us on LinkedIn You can also download our guide about Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell.

  • The Brightwell | Thank You Page

    Thank you, Donor Name We are so grateful for your generous donation of £0. Your donation number is #1000. You’ll receive a confirmation email soon.

  • The Brightwell | Accessibility Statement

    Accessibility Statement Accessibility statement for www.thebrightwell.org.uk This accessibility statement applies to www.thebrightwell.org.uk This website is run by The West of England MS Therapy Centre Ltd. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website so we aim to make it as usable as possible for all our visitors, regardless of ability. For example, that means that you should be able to; change colours, contrast levels and fonts increase the font size zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen navigate most of the website with just a keyboard navigate most of the website using speech recognition software listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver) We've also made the website text as simple as possible to understand. My Computer My Wa y provides free online resources that can help you customise your device and make it easier to use. These include: how to adjust your computers visual settings how to navigate a site using a keyboard how to make a device talk to you How accessible this website is Our website is developed using valid HTML5, CSS and JavaScript and where possible to the standards laid out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ( WCAG 2.1 ). Our site is responsive to mobile devices and has been tested across a range of browsers. Whilst we strive for our website to achieve WCAG 2.1, level A and AA compliance, there are some known limitations. Here are some potential problems that we are working hard to improve: we aim to provide captions and/or transcripts for all our videos but these may not be available for all videos PDFs and documents across our site are not always accessible some images do not contain text alternatives some parts of the website may not, yet, be accessible using a keyboard some of our online forms are difficult to navigate using just a keyboard some colours used on the website do not conform with WCAG 2.1 level AA Feedback and contact information If you need information on this website in a different format, please contact us via: email: community@thebrightwell.org.uk call us on: 01454 201 686 We will consider your request and get back to you in five working days Reporting accessibility problems with this website If you encounter any issues that prevent you from using our site, please let us know. Your information will help us improve the website for all our visitors. Please provide as much detail as possible in your feedback. You can contact us via: email: community@thebrightwell.org.uk call us on: 01454 201 686 Complaints Accessibility regulations are enforced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) . If you've made a complaint to us and you're not happy wit how we responded, please contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) . Non-accessible content Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations Video and audio content We aim for all our video/audio content to have at least one of the following: subtitles captioning a transcript We know that some of our video, or audio, content - particularly older videos - does not consistently have subtitles. We are working on this. Downloadable content Our website features downloadable resources, mainly Word documents and PDFs. We will work toward making sure that all downloadable resources are accessible and will investigate moving away from the PDF documents in the future. Colour contrast We have tested the accessibility of the website's colour palette. The majority of the website conforms with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. We are in the process of changing the colours that do not. Third party content Our site includes Third Party Content and functionality. Whilst we strive to make sure any Third party is accessible, we cannot always guarantee it. What we're doing to improve accesibility Our site will be regularly reviewed with manual audits by our content team and by scans with automated testing tools. Preparation of this accessibility statement This statement was prepared in August 2022. It will be reviewed on a six monthly basis. This statement was reviewed in February 2023 and will be again in August 2023

  • The Brightwell | Find out more about The Brightwell

    About The Brightwell At The Brightwell, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With 40 years of unwavering commitment, we strive to empower our members by providing access to a warm and friendly, non-clinical environment that fosters independence, symptom management, and overall well-being. Our Mis sion To build a dedicated and compassionate community, committed to the care and wellbeing of individuals living with neurological conditions, their families and carers. Our Goal Is to provide a range of therapies and services to support and enrich the lives of those living with neurological conditions. The Brightw e ll is... A relaxed, happy and caring space, where people can share their experiences, build friendships and access support when it is needed. An accessible building providing therapies and support services by qualified professionals. A place where the members, volunteers and staff are the cornerstones of a thriving and vibrant community. A hub for self-help and positivity. What we do ... Our therapies are provided in a warm, friendly non-clinical environment all with the aim to help reduce the physical, emotional and psychological effects of life with a neurological condition. We have a state of the art physiotherapy gym, oxygen therapy suite and a variety of individual treatment rooms, housing the wide range of therapies and clinics on offer. We are delighted to have recently opened our Brightwell Café, offering a selection of drinks, hot beverages, and snacks, members can relax and catch up with friends in our comfortable lounge In the summer we have a beautiful terrace, large gazebo and garden area for all our visitors to enjoy. Under 1% of the Centre's funding is statutory, we therefore rely on donations from the public, organisations and community groups to continue our vital work. What our members,volunteers and supporters have to say.... Click on the logos to see what others are saying about us on Google and Facebook Our History Following the introduction of Centres elsewhere in the country, a local group of people living with Multiple Sclerosis, their families and friends were brought together by Jackie and Ray Brightwell. With the support of ARMS (Action for Research into Multiple Sclerosis) a national organisation, they set up the first MS Therapy Centre to support people in the Bristol area. The Centre was opened in Nailsea in 1985 and at that time only offered oxygen therapy. Over time physiotherapy, exercise and yoga were introduced. We soon realised how important access to on-going physiotherapy was for people living with long-term conditions and the nucleus of our now well-equipped and well-staffed physiotherapy unit was established. As the Centre continued to grow counselling, reflexology and acupuncture were added to the therapies available. We also started to host various NHS clinics at the Nailsea Centre, these included an MS specialist nurse, a continence clinic and a speech therapist. The Centre in Nailsea had been expanded to take in three industrial units but planning restrictions, the nature of the buildings and the cramped car parking facilities made improving our facilities and further expansion impractical. On the 20th February 2012 we opened the doors at our brand new, purpose built Centre in Bradley Stoke. The Centre was officially opened by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne on the 31st October 2012. Research into the benefits of Oxygen therapy has been on-going with many agreeing that it can help many conditions, not just Multiple Sclerosis. From the beginning of 2012 we opened our doors to anyone with a neurological condition, as well as to others through our trading arm with all proceeds going back to the Charity. In 2016 discussions began with the members to formalise this expansion. At the Cente's AGM in 2017 it was agreed that renaming the Centre in memory of Jackie Brightwell would not only be a fitting tribute to a lady who gave so much to help so many but, was also a way of reaching out to those living with neurological issues. In 2019, we began the transition to The Brightwell - a Centre for neurological wellbeing and physical recovery. Our aims, strengths and core values remain the same as they were way back in the Nailsea days and we hope to continue to provide timely and effective help for the people who need us, well into the future. Our Sustainability Pledge For many years The Brightwell has been committed to its Sustainability Pledge, as well as fostering and encouraging a “green approach” to all it does. Over the years a number of sustainable projects were undertaken with a major step forward in 2019 when a corporate supporter Solarsense generously installed 114, 250 kWh solar panels, that had been donated to them for Charitable purposes and we were fortunate to be one of the recipients. Thanks to the power generated by these panels, this has saved the Charity thousands of pounds, which has been vital during the period of rapidly increasing energy bills. It has been a long term aim to raise funds to install our own batteries to store any excess power generated. Other green projects have included the conversion of the outside lighting to LED, again paid for by a corporate donor, and the gradual replacement of internal lighting to low energy use, although this is still work in progress. In the summer of 2023, Woodstock Homes, who are a major donor to The Brightwell, offered us a large amount of solar panels which were on buildings they had purchased for redevelopment. After much investigation, led by Steve Cocks, one of The Brightwell’s Trustees, with an in-depth knowledge of the Charity’s sustainability aims and plans, it was realised that due to the age of the panels being offered, plus cost of removing and then installing them, it was not a viable proposition. Steve was supported all the way through his investigations by the expert team at Solarsense who came up with a proposal to supply us with brand new panels, and it made sense to look at the battery situation at the same time. However, The Brightwell did not have allocated funds to pay for this major capital expense. Incredibly, Solarsense supported by Total Access Scaffolding and CEF Electrical offered to provide their services at cost and supplied the equipment at a heavily discounted price. This generous subsidy represents a substantial contribution to The Brightwell, as part of Solarsence’s Charitable targets. enabling us to have an additional 40 x 400 kWh panels and a new inverter, this now brings the Centre’s potential generation 46kWh. As well as this incredible support, Solarsense were also able to offer the 3 x 14kWh Tesla batteries as part of this project. Doro Pasantes, CEO of The Brightwell, explains the benefits and impact of all this new equipment “With energy costs rising for commercial properties such as Bradbury House, the costs would have been extremely high without these steps having been taken. This means when the sun is out and even just on a bright day, we will generate enough power to run the centre, even the oxygen generation plant. On days when the sunlight is particularly bright nothing will go to waste as we have such good storage capacity. We are exceptionally grateful to all the businesses involved for their generosity and commitment to The Brightwell.” Further useful information about The Brightwell.... We very much look forward to welcoming new members to the Brightwell community. For new members with neurological conditions Please download our Members Pack. For new members with non-neurological conditions Please click here for a registration form For those with sports injuries Please click here for a sports registration form. Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell View or download our guide Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell

  • The Brightwell | Events

    Project01 Project02 Project03 Project04 Project05 Upcoming Events MOVE4MS Wed, 01 Jan MOVE4MS 01 Jan 2025, 08:00 – 31 Jan 2025, 20:00 01 Jan 2025, 08:00 – 31 Jan 2025, 20:00 You set the goal, you fundraise and you move! Share Details January Jumble Sun, 26 Jan Bradley Stoke 26 Jan 2025, 11:00 – 14:00 26 Jan 2025, 11:00 – 14:00 Join us for a 3 hour Jumble Sale in January Share Register here London Landmarks Half Marathon Sun, 06 Apr London 06 Apr 2025, 08:00 – 15:00 06 Apr 2025, 08:00 – 15:00 Run for The Brightwell Share Details Great Bristol Half Marathon Sun, 11 May Bristol 11 May 2025, 08:00 – 16:00 11 May 2025, 08:00 – 16:00 Run for The Brightwell! Share Details Charity Abseil Fri, 16 May Filton 16 May 2025, 09:00 – 17:00 16 May 2025, 09:00 – 17:00 It's back and better than ever before! Share Tickets Events Gallery Halloween Party 26 October 2024 Colour Run 9 June 2024 Corporate Abseil 10 May 2024 Pink Moon Swim 19 April 2024 Winter Solstice Sunrise Swim 22 December 2023 Christmas Market 3 December 2023 Abseil 13 September 2023 Colour Run 11 June 2023

  • The Brightwell | Work for The Brightwell

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

  • The Brightwell | Donate NEW

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

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