Laura Ashley donates fashion & home ware to Brainwave

Shoppers have been able to snap up some chic bargains at Brainwave charity stores following Laura Ashley’s donation of some of its stylish fashion and home lines to the charity. Brainwave was extremely grateful for the donation. Chief executive Christine Cryne said: “This very generous donation of Laura Ashley stock, both home and fashion, has brought a whole new glamour and vitality to our shops!” Laura Ashley’s chief operating officer, Nick Kaloyirou, said: “Brainwave is a good cause and we are delighted to have helped out in this way.” Mr Kaloyirou and Laura Ashley’s facilities manager Donna Campbell were introduced to the charity by Sarah Drake, Brainwave’s London Fundraiser. Brainwave was established in 1982 in Bridgwater, Somerset but over the last few years it has expanded to include two additional Centres (Witham, Essex and Warrington, Cheshire) and to run outreach clinics in Ireland and Scotland. It chose to open new Centres so as to bring its services closer to a wider range of families, reducing the amount of travelling they have to do. The Charity works with families to deliver individual, home based therapy and exercises for children with disabilities and Development Delay to reach their full potential. This can be anything from walking to recognising numbers. The charity looks after a whole range of children with conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Down’s syndrome and Autism. Brainwave, as part of its trading operation, has 17 charity shops in the South West of UK, and Laura Ashley stock is on sale there now. Editor’s notes 1. Places on the programme are available for children at the South West Centre (Marsh Lane, Huntworth Gate, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6LQ). For more information see www.brainwave.org.uk ; email: enquiries@brainwave.org.uk or phone: 01278 429089. 2. 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. 3. 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, retuning to the Centre every 4-6 months when the exercises are adjusted. 4. Brainwave currently has over 480 families on Programme and the enquiries are growing at 30%. See the charity’s video at http://uk.youtube.com/BrainwaveCentre. 5. Brainwave uses mainstream neuroplasticity techniques in its programmes. Most of its therapists are NHS trained.