Childrens charity, Brainwave celebrates 40 year milestone

Fourty years ago “ET phone home” was heard for the first time in our living rooms and songs such as I Love Rock n Roll, Don’t You Want Me and Come on Eileen were played across the land.  But what is less known is that 40 years ago Brainwave started their incredible journey to support children with disabilities across the UK to reach their potential.

Since 1982, Brainwave has supported more than 13,000 children and families with a range of conditions including autism, cerebal palsy and Downs syndrome nationwide.  They have delivered over 95,000 hours of therapy and loaned out 26,000 pieces of equipment for children to use whilst carrying out their individualised programme at home including therapy wedges, peanut balls and communication development aids.

Brainwave is also grateful to a whole host of well known figures who have helped spread the news about Brainwave’s great work over the 40 years including HRH The  Countess of Wessex, Olly Murs, Downton Abbey’s Lord Fellowes and his wife Lady Emma, Fay Brookes, Rowetta, Bez, Cath Tyldesley, , Simon Rimer and Jack P Shepherd to name just a few.

The charity that is headquartered in Somerset  takes a multi-dosciplinary approach to supporting children with a combination of physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and learning development.

Keith Sinclair, CEO of Brainwave said: “I am delighted to launch the celebrations and we are looking forward to sharing all our incredible memories, throughout the year, whilst continuing our awareness raising and  fundraising efforts with a variety of initiatives including, Challenge 40, Wear ruby red day and Brainwave lottery.  We’re pulling together an interactive “40 Years of Memories” online wall for past and present families, volunteers, supporters and staff to share their amazing stories. With the help of our kind supporters we’re hoping to raise £40,000 in 2022 to fund a new full time therapist, which will enable us to support more children who need our help.”