If your child's average school day includes lessons in art, music and computers, followed perhaps by PE, you'd probably barely raise an eyebrow. You certainly wouldn't think it unusual if they met up with friends after school to watch television or go out. But imagine if your child had multiple and profound disabilities. How do you ensure your child has the same opportunities for personal development and fulfilment as able-bodied children? The Rose Road Association has helped hundreds of families in this situation over the last 52 years, providing education and therapy for those aged two to 19 with severe physical disabilities and learning difficulties, and respite care and information services for their carers.
Based in Southampton, the charity gives disabled children in central and southern Hampshire the chance to lead active lives. From the morning school bus to overnight slumber parties, it offers a 24-hour network of care and support. But it's not just the children who benefit - the Association is a lifeline for parents in need of a break from the demands of having a severely disabled child in the family. Children can spend time on a one-to-one basis with a carer after school, stay overnight at the centre and go on residential short breaks, allowing them to form new friendships and gain some independence.
The Association is currently settling into its new premises, the Bradbury Centre, which was opened on 21 January 2004 by the Earl of Wessex, following a seven-year campaign, which raised £4.75m. The centre boasts spacious classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a multisensory room, secure play areas, a water garden and separate units for respite breaks.
Over 100 people, from teachers to therapists, make up the team that run the centre. One person who knows first hand the effort involved is Stella Hopkins, Head of Guards, South West Trains. Stella first became aware of the Association when she did work experience at the old centre. "I was full of admiration for the staff for their care and patience," she says.
So when Stella heard about the campaign to raise money for a new centre, she got involved and encouraged her colleagues to do the same. "Supporting the charity is my way of saying thank you for my healthy children and giving others who are not so fortunate the chance to benefit from the facilities of the new Rose Road centre," she explains.
Over the years, South West Trains staff have raised more than £1,000 for the Association in the Three Peaks challenge and the Southampton Airport Parkway Run, and through passenger donations. "South West Trains have played an important part in helping us give the children their new centre," says Rose Road's fundraising manager Louise Sarton.
