Our Journey: 1952 to today

Beginnings

1952: We are founded as the ‘Southampton and District Spastics Association’ by a group of parents fed up with getting no services or education for their disabled children. They started to run activities for a small group of young people from their own homes.

1954: A purpose built day centre opened. Local community fundraising played a key role in our growth. This included 'penny drops' - collections from the crews of ships using the Port of Southampton including the Queen Mary. Celebrities played their part with stars ranging from the Saints footballers, Norman Wisdom and even 'Mr. Pastry', Charlie Knott from Speedway was a key champion.

Rose Road days

1959: We survived a relocation and devastating fire in 1959 and over the next 10 years the numbers increased to 160. A purpose built school (part funded by the Spastics Society now Scope) for 40 children was built in Rose Road, Southampton, giving us our modern name.

1968: A Family Help Unit providing short-term respite care for children was opened and we started to get a little support from Southampton City Council.
We helped to fund and support houses at Maryfield in St. Mary's and at No's 5 and 7 Rose Road for disabled people to live independently, we also funded holidays on the coast.

The Rose Road Appeal and move to the Bradbury Centre

1990s: The school and respite service were full and cramped and an appeal was launched in 1996 to raise £5 million to build a new state-of-the-art Centre. Thanks to the efforts of a number of amazing fundraisers including Martin Jay, Paul Murray and Janice Viveash, plus many, many more, construction of the Bradbury Centre in Aldermoor Road commenced in 2002, marking our 50th birthday.

2003: A devastating fire one week before completion delayed the move by 9 months. Despite this setback, staff, supporters and the local community ensured we could continue services until we moved in in Christmas 2003. HRH The Earl of Wessex officially opened the Bradbury Centre in January 2004.

The new centre transformed the way that "Rose Road" (yes we kept the name) worked. The residential respite centre was named "The Oaks and Acorns" by the young people, and provided a separate childen’s and adults’ service. It meant we could continue beyond 18, an age at which many families struggle.

Rosewood School could offer more places in spacious classrooms and therapy rooms, and the magnificent facilities of hydrotherapy pool, soft play, sensory room and gardens enhanced everyone's experiences at Rose Road.

2000s: Rose Road started to expand its services into the community and the home including one to one support, weekend breaks with families, outreach services and after school activity clubs.

2009: The government's Aiming High programme in 2008 really helped to fund a big expansion of short breaks and emphasised the importance of information and advice for families, and we started providing this through Parent Voice in 2009 across Hampshire.

Transfer of Rosewood School

2012: We supported a successful application for the school to become Rosewood Free School. It became a stand-alone school which enabled it to expand its pupil numbers and facilities and increase its financial security. "Rose Road" and "Rosewood Free School" still share the same site and work with many of the same children and families.

Now: challenging barriers to disability

Rose Road now provides individual services to nearly 400 young people and their families, helping each one towards an independent, fulfilling life and challenging the barriers that disabled people face.

From the beginning to the current day, our support has been described as a vital lifeline for parents and families, as well as offering wonderful opportunities for young people with complex health conditions to meet with friends, relax, achieve goals and enjoy a range of activities and experiences.

The demand for Rose Road services continues to increase, which is why fundraising is so important and we need your help. Now is the perfect time to get involved, take on a new challenge or experience such as skydive or run, take part in one of our team events or simply bake a cake or have a collection box at work. Every single penny raised will make a difference to a disabled child or family in your local community.

Come and visit us and see the difference that your support can make, meet and speak to the staff and children who make Rose Road such a special place. We look forward to seeing you soon!