15th July 2024 More spaces for summer activity clubs!

Thanks to additional funding, we are pleased to be able to invite more families in Southampton to apply for places on our summer holiday activities clubs - a vital service that helps families stay in work, as Josh's dad Tony explains:

Josh, who turns 16 this year, has been coming to the Rose Road summer holiday activity club for 10 years.

His Dad Tony explains: “Josh has autism and a learning disability. My wife and I both work and we thought we could manage everything ourselves as we obviously enjoy his company and he is a big part of our family. But regularly finding people who could commit to staying with him became difficult".

The Rose Road summer holiday Activities club runs daily between 10am - 3pm during school holidays, which Tony says is "what makes it possible for Josh's mum and I to stay in work".

"There are no other options for childcare for him in the city. You're the only organisation that provides for his needs, and it gives us the time and flexibility to go into the office or out to visit our clients, then we can work from home around this".

He continues, "Josh sometimes attends the Saturday club too, which gives us quality time with his sister Abigail. We usually have to meet Joshua’s needs first, so she does sometimes miss out, but thanks to the Saturday club, she gets mum and dad to herself and can do what she enjoys".

Not only has our holiday club helped Josh's parents with essential childcare while they work, it's helped Josh too. Tony explains,

"Joshua loves routine, and over the years it’s become a really consistent and stable feature in his life. We prepare a visual timeline for him every week so he knows what he’s doing each day. He’s non verbal but gets very excited, always pointing at his Rose Road days; he absolutely loves going."

"He really appreciates the 1:1 time, he loves the big bean bags, he enjoys the support workers giving him sensory massage on his arms and legs. They’re willing to tailor the day to what he enjoys. You’re obviously understanding of his needs too. Once, when Joshua had to use another entrance to the club due to building works, he got very distressed, but the team made a visual story board to show him why and where he was going, which helped him manage the change".

"You’re his favourite experience where he knows you and you get him, you’re there for him".

"If it wasn’t for you he’d go stir crazy. It gives us flexibility while giving Joshua the structure and routine that he needs. Thank you for all the support you give to Joshua and by extension to us.”

To apply for a place on our summer holiday activity club, find out more information here.. Additional funding provided by Southampton City Council have opened more spaces for Soutampton families to attend.