Set Brainwave’s star a twinkle

Whether it’s the fairy, tree, tinsel or bauble that you have decided won’t do again for next Christmas; the jumper that aunty gave you that simply doesn’t fit, the book that you will never read or the set of glasses that clash with your kitchen decor, Brainwave the South West children’s charity would like to hear from you. Paul Evans, who heads up Brainwave’s shops, said “We all know that we get presents we don’t want or have to make room in our wardrobe for the new ones we received. We are asking everyone to drop in their unwanted goods, particularly clothes and books, to our shops in Devon. These are situated in Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Chudleigh, Colyton, Honiton, Moretonhampstead and Seaton. It’s great recycling as well as helping a good cause; we can find them a good home too.” Paul added “We’ll also take Christmas decorations. We all get tired of our decorations no matter how nice they are and want a change. All Brainwave’s shops are offering to take unwanted Christmas decorations off people’s hands this January after they have been taken down on twelfth night. If people think about it now, it will save them storage space during the year; it will allow someone else to enjoy them next Christmas. Unfortunately though we cannot take trees as we have no where to store such big items”. Brainwave receives no government funding and relies totally on donated gifts. It is therefore relying on readers to help the charity so that, in turn, it can help families with disabled children and other issues. Brainwave provides home based therapy and programmes for children with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Autism and Developmental Delay. It works with parents, training them in handling skills and exercises (both physical and cognitive) to enable the child to reach its full potential. Its objective it to complement any NHS programmes. To quote one of our parents “We walked away with a specific and comprehensive exercise regime. We can’t thank Brainwave enough for all the wonderful work they did, not only with our daughter, but also with us as a family. We all left on a high, feeling albeit exhausted”. Places on the programme are available for children at the South West Centre in Bridgwater. For more information see www.brainwave.org.uk or phone 01278 429089. Contact: Paul Evans (Retail Manager) on 07974 252063 Editor’s notes 1. Brainwave’s team of physiotherapists, occupational 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. See the charity’s video at http://uk.youtube.com/BrainwaveCentre. 3. Brainwave is always looking for shop volunteers. If you are interested contact: 01308 867984. The charity currently receives no statutory funding. 4. The Brainwave shops can be found at: • Ashburton: 8 East Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 7AD; telephone 07593 913341 • Buckfastleigh: 37 Fore Street, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0BS; telephone 01364 642010 • Chudleigh: 12 Fore Street, Chudleigh, Devon TQ13 0HX; telephone: 07874 819943 • Colyton: London House, Colyton, Market Place, Devon, EX24 6JS; telephone: 07927 215223 • Honiton: 15 New Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1HA 07593 914268 • Moretonhampstead: New Street, Moretonhampstead, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 8P 07866 309951 • Seaton: 6a Fore Street, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2LA; telephone: 07738 252192 • Beaminster: 23 Hogshill Street, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3AE; telephone 01308 861771 • Stalbridge: Southampton House, Ring Street, Nr. Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2LZ • telephone: 07927 215099 • Bruton: 24 High Street, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0AA; telephone 01749 812995 • Langport, Bow Street, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9PW; telephone: 07927 214407 • Somerton: 1 Lancaster House, Cox's Yard, Somerset, TA11 7PR; telephone: 01458 272772 • South Petherton, Little Thatch, St James Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5BS • Yeovil, 48 Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1EQ; telephone: 01935 410872 • Mere: The Waltons Building, The Square, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6HH; telephone: 01747 863432