A Southampton-based charity is calling on the public to help raise £20,000 this Christmas to safeguard critical respite services for children and young people with complex disabilities — and the families who depend on them.
The Rose Road Association, which has been supporting families across Hampshire and the south since 1952, has launched a match-funded Christmas Appeal with local backers pledging to double donations up to £10,000 until Christmas Eve. The charity, which is often the only trusted support network for many families, warns that rising demand means those lifeline services are at risk without urgent financial help.
Michelle Bowdidge, Head of Fundraising at Rose Road, said: “We are privileged to stand by families — often as their only stable source of support — for years. A third of our families have been with us for over a decade. For these families, we become their extended family and their second home. Their young people feel safe and loved here. But with more and more children referred with increasingly complex needs, and more families left without statutory provision relying on us in emergencies, our services are stretched like never before.”
Bowdidge added: “We need to sustain, grow and adapt so we can continue being there for every individual child and family who needs us, not just in a crisis but over a lifetime.”
For parents like Katy, whose twins Darcey and Eden need specialist care as their disabilities become more complex with age, Rose Road is indispensable. “It’s really overwhelming at times as a mum, knowing what they go through. All you want is for your children to have every opportunity to be happy and to feel safe. The staff at Rose Road have the expertise to handle all of the girls’ medical needs and most importantly, they’re just so happy there. It gives them hope and joy for the week.”
Helen, mum to James, agrees. “Despite James’ complex health needs, he can go out, socialise and feel part of society. He’s a grown man now. Knowing Rose Road is there means he’s doing everything you’d want a young adult to do. That’s everything we want for him as his parents. Rose Road is our family’s only support network. I want it to be there for James’ lifetime.”
Rose Road can only continue to be that anchor for families with the public’s support. Every pound donated to their Christmas Appeal from now until Christmas Eve will be doubled by local match-funders, up to £10,000, helping the charity reach its £20,000 target and extending its reach to more children, young people and families in need.
Donations will enable Rose Road to provide essential therapies, activities and emergency respite care, and help ensure that families are not left to simply ‘cope’, but have the support to thrive in the years to come.
To support the Rose Road Christmas Appeal, and help make a real difference this festive season, visit www.roseroad.org.uk/christmas-appeal.
The Rose Road Association delivers direct respite and outreach care services for children and young adults with complex disabilities and care needs across Hampshire and the south. Founded in 1952 by parents determined to secure a better future for their disabled children, Rose Road remains a vital source of hope, expertise and care for local families. For more information, contact Laura Drake, Communications Lead, at lauradrake@roseroad.org.uk or 023 8072 1201.
