New charity shop opens in Sturminster Newton

On 25 February 2010, following the success of its Stalbridge store, children’s charity Brainwave will open a new shop in Sturminster Newton at 4 Station Road, DT10 1BA. The shops help support the valuable work Brainwave does with children who have disabilities and other issues such as Cerebral Palsy, Down’s syndrome, Autism and Developmental Delay. The charity uses its team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and teachers to transform these children’s lives by working with their families to deliver individual home based therapy and exercise programmes which help the children achieve their potential. Founded in the South West, Brainwave has its head office in Bridgwater, Somerset. Christine Cryne, Brainwave’s Chief Executive Officer, said “Enquiries to Brainwave about our services have been growing at 30% a year and we have almost doubled the number of families on our Programmes in five years. We receive no funding from Government and so our shops are a really important source of income that helps us to provide our Programmes to hundreds of children. We are certain that the people of Sturminster Newton will support our traditional charity shop both by shopping there and by donating goods to us. We like our shops to be part of the local community and it provides an additional service as it’s a great way of recycling for a good cause!” Brainwave stores are traditional charity stores, ensuring all profits are fed straight back to the children who need the support, and to do this Brainwave relies on dedicated teams of volunteers and public donations. Anyone who would like to be part of a team who make such a difference to these children's lives by sparing a few hours a week to help in the new store or by making a donation of goods for the store please contact: Debbie Bond on 01308 867984 / 07515586164. Places on the programme are available for children at the South West Centre. For more information see www.brainwave.org.uk ; email: enquiries@brainwave.org.uk or phone: 01278 429089. For shop enquiries contact: Tracey Chick Tel: O7856984634. Press information: Jane Adkins, Tel: 01935 813114 or email: jane@aheadforpr.co.uk 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, retuning to the Centre every 4-6 months when the exercises are adjusted. 3. Brainwave currently has 470 families on Programme and the enquiries are growing at 30%. 4. See the charity’s video at http://uk.youtube.com/BrainwaveCentre . 5. Brainwave uses mainstream neuroplasticity techniques in its programmes. Its Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists are NHS trained.