News Release

Children's Charity Brainwave receives £10,000 from Taunton Round Table

Somerset-based charity Brainwave was delighted to play host to some of the members of Taunton Round Table on Friday 22 March when the organisation visited the charity to hand over a huge cheque for £10,000.

Taunton Round Table raised the £10,000 by holding a dinner in Taunton in November 2012. Over 400 people attended and the speaker was Peter Shilton ex-England International who gave a witty speech about his days playing for England and his many clubs including Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough when they won the European Cup twice. There was a raffle and an auction and Peter also supplied copies of his autobiography and other signed items to help raise the money.

The money has been spent on refurbishing the IT suite at Brainwave with a new touch screen computer, Internet and wifi connection, new software and as well as iPads. The centre piece is a six foot interactive Whiteboard that can be used by the children either "by touch" or using a special pen to write on the board.

Phil Edge, Chief Executive at Brainwave said, "We are delighted that Taunton Round Table chose to support Brainwave as the beneficiary of their 2012 Speaker's evening. Their donation has allowed us to completely refurbish the IT suite we use with the children with brand new equipment. However, the highlight is a six foot interactive Whiteboard as this is the first time we have had this facility and both staff and children are looking forward to using it. We are extremely grateful to Clive Thorne, Rob Chedzoy and everyone else at Taunton Round Table for their fantastic support."

Three year old Mia and her mother Emma Connor from Bridgend, Wales were both at the Centre during Taunton Round Table's visit. Mia, who has Developmental Delay, was visiting the Centre for the third time.

The children on programme have a range of conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, genetic conditions including Down's syndrome, as well as Autism or General Development Delay. The 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.

Places on the programme are available for children at all three centres. For more information seewww.brainwave.org.uk; email:enquiries@brainwave.org.ukor phone: 01278 429089.

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

Photo Caption: Rebecca Crump (far left), Rob Chedzoy (next to Rebecca), Clive Thorne and kneeling is Mike Bellamy with three year old Mia from South Wales who attends the Brainwave Centre in Somerset.

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 550 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.

Mar 2013 (BW 94)