News Release

Fundraising Bollywood Ball will raise money for children's charity Brainwave

Businesses and individuals are being urged to support a fundraising Bollywood Dinner which is being held at the Hotel Russell, London on 10 October and will include the auction of an Albert Square plaque signed by the cast of Eastenders! The event is being held in aid of children's charity Brainwave.

The fundraising evening marks Brainwave's 30^thanniversary in real style with an evening filled with authentic Indian delights. Guests will be invited to stroll through the Indian Street Market with henna artists and Indian drummers whilst enjoying a starter and welcome drink. Then they can sit back, relax and indulge in an Indian curry as the Bollywood dancers take to the floor.

Taking place at one of central London's most famous hotels, this will be a fantastic evening out with friends and family, or perfect for client entertaining. Brainwave is inviting you to reserve your table for this great event. It is just £750 for a table of ten people. This includes a three course meal and Cava on arrival. People will also be able to buy individual tickets at £80 each, contactrachelfarrow@brainwave.org.ukor call 07872548449.

All funds raised will directly support Brainwave's invaluable work with disabled children as the charity celebrates 30 years of helping children reach their full potential. The dinner is being supported by nationwide solicitors, Shoosmiths.

Brainwave works with families to deliver home based individual therapies and exercises to help children with disabilities and Developmental Delay reach their full potential. That potential might be anything from a child sitting or walking to feeding themselves or counting. The children on the programme have a range of conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, genetic conditions including Down's Syndrome, as well as Autism or General Development Delay.

Families are invited to attend an Initial Assessment where the whole family is assessed and a Programme tailor made for that child developed. The parents are then shown how to deliver that Programme, which they undertake at home, returning to the Centre every 4-6 months for it to be adjusted as the child progresses.

Contact Rachel Farrow on 07872 548 449 orrachelfarrow@brainwave.org.ukto reserve your table.

The Brainwave Centre in Somerset was set up in 1982 and Brainwave has also two further Centres in Witham, Essex and in Birchwood, Warrington as well as satellite clinics in Ireland and Scotland so that families can access Brainwave wherever they are based in the UK.

Photo Caption L-R: Brainwave's Gerry Gould with Cheryl Fergison (Heather Trott in Eastenders) and Steve Whale (and family) from the Eastenders Production Team who presented the plaque to Brainwave.

Press information: Jane Adkins, Tel: 01935 813114 or email:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk.

Places on the Programme are available for children at all three Centres. For more information

Check out:www.brainwave.org.uk; email:enquiries@brainwave.org.ukor phone: 01278 429089.

Editor's notes

1. Brainwave's team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists development therapists and teachers seek to transform the lives of children with disabilities. By working with parents, giving them relevant therapy equipment and teaching them correct handling skills, they are empowered to actively participate in their child's development.

2. Families are invited to the Centre for a two day Initial Assessment where the child is assessed and a Programme designed for the child. On the second day the family are shown how to undertake the exercises, which they then carry out at home, returning to the Centre every 4-6 months when the exercises are adjusted.

3. Brainwave was set up in 1982 and moved into the Centre in Huntworth Gate, Bridgwater in 1986. This Centre operates as the Charity's head office.

4. Brainwave currently has over 530 families on Programme nationally.

5. See the charity's videos athttp://uk.youtube.com/BrainwaveCentre.

6. Brainwave uses mainstream neuroplasticity techniques in its Programmes. Most of its therapists are NHS trained.

7. Brainwave's President is HRH The Countess of WessexGCVOand the Vice Presidents include Lady Gass, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Somerset.

Aug 2012 (BW 85)