The Mayor's Charities

The Chair of Council/Mayor of Bradley Stoke, Councillor Natalie Field has chosen the following organisations/groups as her Mayor's Charities for 2024/25, Diabetes UK, The Brightwell Centre and Mamas Bristol. All money raised during Town Council community events that take place in the town during the year are donated to the Mayor's Charity.

Diabetes UK

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. Without the support to manage it well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke. 

Diabetes affects more people than any other serious health condition in the UK - more than dementia and cancer combined. There is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes, but with the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long, full and healthy life.

Diabetes UK's aim is creating a world where diabetes can do no harm. The charity is working to tackle the diabetes crisis, prevent type 2, campaign for and support everyone affected by the condition, and fund research that will one day lead to a cure. In Gloucestershire and across the south west, the charity works with local people, organisations and healthcare professionals to raise awareness, improve care in the area and provide support and information to local people living with, and affected by, diabetes.

Keep up to date with local activity by following the south west and south central team's social media channels:

Instagram: @DiabetesUKSouthWestandCentral

Facebook: @DiabetesUKSouthWestSouthCentral

X: @SWSCDiabetesUK

Website: www.diabetes.org.uk

Photo of Diabetes Support Worker Steph at the Fisherman's Mission event

Photo of Diabetes UK local team and volunteers at community event

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The Brightwell Centre

The Brightwell is a home from home for anyone living with a neurological condition. We provide therapies, support and friendship in our purpose built fully accessible Centre on Wheatfield Drive. We look after over 300 families from the local area, and our Community of inspirational Members are always welcoming, non-judgemental and fun to be around. The Brightwell also offers social activities and fundraising events which the local Community are always warmly invited to take part in and get to know us better.

Oxygen Therapy

We are the only provider of oxygen therapy in the region. We have a hyperbaric tank and therapy can take place either inside our chamber or outside. Inside therapy means breathing in a higher concentration of oxygen whilst under increased atmospheric pressure (hyperbaric). Members find that it helps them cope with the many varying symptoms of their conditions.

Specialist Neurological Physiotherapy

We have an amazing team of qualified physiotherapists, rehab specialists and physiotherapy assistants. Neurological physical therapy is aimed at retaining or restoring functional mobility, strength, balance, and coordination in people with neurological conditions. Whilst not a cure, our Members find that regular physiotherapy either one to one or as a group class, helps to keep them as independent and mobile as possible.

Also, in the physiotherapy department we have a gym, with adaptive equipment suitable for people of all levels of mobility. We also have various clinics, advice and informal sessions, as well as holistic therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology.

We also have a wonderful social space with café and a gorgeous garden in which to relax and enjoy the company of others.

Website: thebrightwell.org.uk

Photo of patients receiving Oxygen Therapy at The Brightwell Centre

Photo of patients receiving Physiotherapy at The Brightwell Centre

Photo of patients in the café at The Brightwell Centre

Aerial photo of The Brightwell Centre and the surrounding gardens

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Mamas Bristol

Mamas Bristol founded in 2018, helps create opportunities to reduce the costs of caring for dependants. We do this through a 3 pronged approach. Reuse, Reduce and Community.

Mamas Swaps and Freebies Bristol is an easily accessed online platform that supports people in our communities with dependants. It's a portal for families to offer free items to other families so that they can reuse and benefit from the donation. By members using our platform to donate perfectly reusable items to other families, we are saving items from being disposed of to landfill, reducing waste & our environmental impact.

As our members grew, a need for social inclusion and reduction of isolation became apparent. In April 2021 in the midst of the pandemic, we opened a supportive communal space for Mamas and invited hundreds of families across a year through varied sessions, and other planned events. We now have a brilliant home in Bradley Stoke, in woodlands business park – you can find us on google maps just search for “The Mamas Hub”.

For example, every week we host stay and play sessions to support parents, reduce isolation and create opportunity for babies/children to develop social skills. Our set up has attracted weekly regular visitors, children of SEN abilities, blind children, and families who come for a hot drink & chat infrequently to seek support.

At our communal space, we store items required for emergency aid such as long life goods, baby feeding & changing equipment, hygiene & sanitary products and signposting documentations, most recently our “Mamas Family Larder” has recently opened and we are developing this resource to work for families across the local community. We have lots of upcoming events where we encourage and invite all to join us!

Facebook: Mamas Bristol CIC: Swaps & Freebies | Facebook

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Introducing Puppy Jack – Dogs For Good Puppy Sponsorship – one of Councillor Michael Hill's Mayor's Charities for 2021/22

I am delighted to introduce Jack, a very cute and lively Black Labrador, born on the 27th March 2022. Jack is currently living with puppy socialiser Shirley in the West Midlands and has an exciting time ahead with lots to learn and experience before returning to Banbury at around the age of fourteen months to meet his trainer.

Jack is a special puppy as his mum, Vista, is one of the Charity's own brood bitches. We currently have 15 brood bitches that live in volunteers homes and are cared for according to the highest welfare and breeding standards. Each brood bitch will have a maximum of four litters before retiring. Once they've retired they will continue to live with their volunteer family.

With guidance and love from Shirley and her family, together with the technical support from our puppy and training teams, Jack will develop the skills he needs for his important future role of providing the gift of independence to someone. Of course, none of this would be possible without your help. I hope you will enjoy following his progress.

For further information, please download the following documents:

Placement update - March 2024

Jack went to his new client a couple of weeks ago and has been busy settling in. His personality and cheekiness is starting to show and he's been really well behaved in the home and on walks.

His client loves him to bits, and they have been working very hard together on developing the partnership.

Now that Jack has had some time to settle into his new home, I am introducing taskwork this week. Eventually, Jack will be helping with many tasks around the home like emptying the washing machine, retrieving items from another room and opening doors.

So far everything has gone really well, and Jack has found a very loving home where he's doted on!

Jane, Dogs for Good Instructor

Jack's 16 week training update

Photo of Jack after 16 weeks of training

I am delighted to bring you this latest training update on Jack from his trainer. Jack has passed his early training and so we are now looking for a suitable match for him on our physical disability scheme.

Click the link below to access the videos of Jack demonstrating his task work skills by clicking on the Sway button below. Thank you so much for your support of Jack, which has brought him to this exciting stage in his life, we will bring you a further update on him when he has been matched and has qualified as a life transforming assistance dog.

See the full update here with more photos and video.

An Update on Jack's First Week of Training - October 2023

Photo of Jack during his First Week of Training

Oh the lovely Jack, what an absolute sweetheart!! He has taken the transition into training well and his boarders have commented on what a real joy he is to have around.

The goal of the first week of training is to start to build a solid relationship and safe to say we have had no issues with this at all. From day 1 we were certainly best pals. His fun, tactile and affectionate nature and willingness to learn makes every training session a real joy! He has spent most of the week engaging in toy sessions, free runs and lots of cuddles!

See the full update here with more photos and video.

An update on Jack - 13 Months, April 2023

Jack has settled in well over the past 7 months; he shares his home with another dog and a cat. Having never lived with other animals he has learnt the pecking order and, although he still finds it fun to bark at the cat, the cat stands his ground! They have grown a friendship over the months which has been lovely to see.

Teaching Jack discipline with other animals has been important. He loves his food and to watch the other animals have a bowl of food can be torture. Jack has learnt to show great respect and restraint especially when the other dog eats his food, Jack will sit, wait, and watch and if he is lucky a few bits of kibble may be left for him. I have never known a dog eat food so quickly and anything else he may find on the floor!! He has now learnt the cue 'leave it' and we can walk outside with him responding to this cue, most of the time.

Jack has had a few holidays in Cornwall. He loves running on the beach and into the sea and enjoys the coastal footpaths. He is also partial to a little Cornish pasty, very pleasing!! He travels well by car and public transport; he shows no signs of being worried, just happy to go with you.

Jack can easily work his way through soft toys - those soft cuddly ones he prefers to chew and loves pulling out the stuffing! We have limited these and turned to the sturdier toy! He likes to greet people at home with a toy which is great and something we have encouraged.

Jack enjoys his walks, running free in the fields or lead walking around the streets, through town and into the shops. He is good on the lead and doesn't pull. He is learning not to say hello to every person or dog that walks past him, having a treat under his nose is a great distraction. Most days on a free run he will offer good recall, particularly when using the whistle. There are occasions however, when he has his own agenda and would rather say hello to every dog in the park first. This can be a little frustrating when you just want to get his attention, but it is also part of his adolescence and development.

Out in town and visiting coffee shops he will take a while to settle, this is work in progress and he is slowly improving.

Jack is growing into a loving, confident, and a good 'all round' dog. We are so proud of all he has achieved so far and glad that we have been helping him on this journey.

Helen, Socialiser

An update on Jack - 9 Months, December 2022

Jack is now almost nine months old and officially a 'teenager'. From the age of six months onwards, the focus for socialiser Helen shifted to transferring the training they have completed at home or in online puppy classes to 'real-life' situations and environments; ensuring Jack returns when called if walking in the park and helping him learn to settle in busy places, such as cafes and restaurants.

“Jack came to us when he was 5 months old. Initially we had planned to be his boarder family but as he became more settled and familiar with our family unit, we chose to become his socialisers. We were quickly persuaded with his cuteness. He has now been with us for 3+ months.

He came to us with some very good discipline and training already instilled and we have continued to maintain this as best as we can, particularly now as he has reached the more challenging teenager stage!!

Jack has settled in well and shares his home with another dog and a cat. Having never lived with other animals he has learnt the pecking order and although he still finds it fun to bark at the cat, the cat stands his ground!

He shows great respect and restraint especially when the other dog eats his food! Jack will sit, wait, and watch and if he is lucky a few bits of kibble may be left for him. I have never known a dog eat food so quickly and anything else he may find on the floor!! He has now learnt the command 'leave it' and we can walk outside with him responding to this command, most of the time.

Jack had his first visit to Cornwall in November. He loved running on the beach and saying hello to lots and lots of other dogs. He was initially cautious of the waves but soon grew in confidence and ran into the sea. On one occasion we were walking on Perranporth beach which is a haven for surfers. We saw what we thought was some driftwood in the distance; Jack went up to it had a good sniff and dutifully marked it with a quick wee before moving on. Only when we approached it did we realise it was not driftwood but a surfer's pair of flip flops!! We looked out into the sea and saw the owner staring; we apologised and quickly moved on. We also discovered Jack is partial to a little Cornish pasty - very pleasing!

Jack doesn't appear to be worried or phased most of the time. We decided to introduce him to trains and his first trip was a short journey and uneventful. So, we decided to 'go big' and take him to London to visit our daughter for a day. Armed with lots of treats, chew bones, food and anything else that we may need to help him settle, off we went. We have discovered that he loves primula cheese which is now his favourite! The first train journey was an hour and a half; he sniffed everything and received a lot of attention, which he seemed very happy about. He did find the strap of someone's backpack and we soon removed it before he started to chew it - thankfully the owner of the bag saw the funny side. During the day he experienced the underground, a tram, and a bus, all of which he was great with and constantly had lots of attention. Our daughter commented that on the underground people don't talk but with Jack endless people asked what he was training for and of course whether they could stroke him. One of our worries that day was whether he would settle in a restaurant so we could enjoy an evening meal before heading back home. He did not disappoint, he munched through a couple of chew bones quite happily and he did settle - thank you Jack! Settling has always been a challenge for him, we think he gets bored very quickly but maybe the adventurous day had worn him out. On the final train journey home, he fell asleep, we couldn't wake him; people were laughing and just stepped over him to get off the train not wanting to wake him. Clearly an exhausting day for the boy!

Jack has had a few toys, the soft cuddly ones he prefers to chew and loves pulling out the stuffing! We have limited these and turned to the sturdier toy! He likes to greet people at home with a toy which is great and something we have encouraged.

Jack enjoys his walks, running free in the fields or lead walking around the streets, through town and into the shops. He is great on the lead and doesn't pull. He is learning not to say hello to every person or dog that walks past him - having a treat under his nose is a great distraction.

Helping Jack to settle in an evening can take a little time but he is getting there – he's a work in progress. He does enjoy a small bone treat with peanut butter! When settled he enjoys an evening cuddle and a tummy rub. We don't allow him on the furniture, we usually sit on the floor and have some quality quiet time with him.”

Helen, Socialiser

I look forward to keeping you updated on Jack's progress and will be in touch again around the time that he is approximately thirteen months old.

An update on Jack - 5 Months, August 2022

For the first six months the focus for his socialiser, Shirley, is to make sure that Jack has a consistent routine. This helps him to develop in areas such as house training, learning to be left alone, and basic obedience. Shirley will spend time socialising Jack around lots of people and animals, and together they will visit as many different places as possible.

“Jack can now go out having had all his inoculations. We have continued to practise lead work on the local road just for short distances. It has also given him exposure to passing traffic as well. We then progressed to other areas on our way to a free running area. Jack has made good progress at walking nicely on a loose lead. He enjoys his free run; the first was in a very quiet field to check that he would recall OK. He passed this trial with flying colours so we progressed to Sutton Park where he has been able to meet other dogs and people. His greeting of other dogs has been very positive; fortunately most of the dogs have not wanted to play so it has been a calm experience for him. Jack has come away well when I've moved on. Regarding greeting people there is some work to do here as Jack is inclined to rush up and jump. Jack has stayed quite close to me and recalled very well. He enjoys the freedom of these runs and finding all the new smells. We have done a short walk with the young girl who lives next door. I was pleased to find that Jack was already prepared to play ball with her.

Jack loves all his large soft toys, they get dragged out into the garden on a regular basis. However, he is not so good at bringing them back inside again!

At four months we had a couple of short visits to the local supermarket. I have kept the visits short as Jack is inclined to be vocal so I don't want to give him the chance to be bored. He behaved very well in the shop. He was also unfazed by a visit to the local train station. He wasn't bothered by the two trains we saw and he sat nicely while waiting for them. Again I kept the visit short.

Jack has stayed with some temporary boarders on two occasions. He was quite happy and settled in well. They were very pleased with him and are happy to have him again if needed.

In spite of having two or three beds around the downstairs of our house Jack, like so many of our previous pups, has found the bottom step to lie on.

I was quite nervous about his first cafe visit as he is vocal when stationary. So I took a kong filled with frozen food to keep him occupied. I have never had to do this with any of the previous pups but it proved to be a good move. Jack was fully occupied and lay quietly beside me while I enjoyed a cup of tea; this was a good positive outcome which is what is needed. A later visit with our puppy coordinator for a coffee exceeded my expectations. Jack took a while to lie down but he sat quietly, watching what was going on around him. He is definitely one that does best when things are taken slowly.

The two hot spells of weather this summer has meant that training has had to be curtailed as it was too hot to be out during the day. It was limited to playing in water in the garden. Free runs were undertaken at 6 am. A very pleasant start to my day!

In the last couple of weeks Jack has been blackberrying on his walks with me. He has become very adept at picking the berries off the low hanging branches. Unfortunately he does not add them to my bag but eats them all!

Now 5 months old he is a very handsome boy. He enjoys playing ball in the garden and is a good traveller in the car. I hope he will do well in the future but he is still young and there is still work to be done on some aspects of his behaviour.”

Shirley, Socialiser

I look forward to keeping you updated on Jack's progress around the time when he is 9-10 months old.

An update on Jack - 14th June 2022

We just wanted to send you some recent photos on Jack. He really is very cute and his puppy socialiser Shirley has sent the following settling in update on him:

“Since arriving with us Jack has had a few visitors and I'm starting as I mean to go on, Jack is learning that he'll only get a fuss if he has all four paws on the ground and sitting down is even better! Our puppy coordinator, Helen came to visit and both she and I were surprised at how calm Jack was, the lure of a bit of chicken was greater than her!!!

Within two days Jack was responding to a recall, even if I'm half way down the garden he will come rushing when called. He is very much of a foodie so this will make training much easier. We will continue with the recall and he is making good progress even coming when he can't see me and I'm out of sight in another room.

He seems to like soft toys and although to start with he didn't have a clue about retrieving he is now enthusiastically running off to get a soft toy or squeaky object and bringing it back. The next thing to work on is for him to give up the toy when asked but it is early days yet.

As Jack has only just his second injection he has not been off the premises yet. He is far too heavy to carry any distance, but using the front drive he has watched cars going past and has seen a motorbike. He has learnt to walk nicely at my side on a loose lead, (started this in the back garden without a lead). He has become used to being in the boot of the car while I drive round the drive (the neighbours must think me mad!)

All in all Jack has the makings of a lovely puppy. He listens, loves his food and cuddles but is also quite calm and happy to be left. Not bad for only 2 weeks with us!!!”

Shirley, Puppy Socialiser

Thank you again for all the support of the Town Council which is allowing us to support Jack on his journey to becoming a life changing assistance dog.