IN the final part of our series, we look at what next for Brainwave.

The Birchwood based charity has been our charity of the month for June.

Established five years ago, it has grown to hold a fond place in the heart of the town.

WHEN Brainwave first opened in Warrington in 2009, it was a little known charity in the town.

Now, it has a large presence and is helping dozens of children in the town.

Indeed as Joanne Freeman, community fundraising manager, explains, the majority of the children helped at the centre come from Warrington.

“It is about 40 per cent who come from the town,” she said “We offer a flagship service, there is no other therapy centre offering this in the north of England.”

Parents can take their children, which a variety of conditions and disabilities, to the centre for two days of one-on-one assessment.

They are then given a programme, on DVD, to follow back at home before returning to Brainwave for another meeting with a physio to check on progress.

And with bursaries provided to help fund the programmes, it takes a big fundraising effort to keep the charity going.

A swing and Sparkle Ball takes place at Mere later in the year, with the biggest event the annual Santa Dash in Birchwood in December 9 - an event which has grown in popularity since it launched.

A ladies lunch held at Mere last month raised almost £4,000.

Joanne, from Grappenhall, said: “Our fundraising is crucial.

“It helps us buy equipment for the building and to sponsor the children we help who come on our programme.

“Over the past five years, we are really pleased with the people who have been able to help us and support us - they are so important to the charity.”

If you want to help the charity, or you have a child you think may benefit from a programme, call them on 825547 or e-mail Joannefreeman@brainwave.org.uk NEXT week, we introduce our charity of the month for July, JUMP.