16th June 2025 Cal's story: "I know he’s not just cared for, but truly seen and loved"
It's Learning Disability Week and the theme this year is "Do you see me?" which is all about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued.
Callum, or Cal, is 28. He is a happy, affectionate and caring character, and for two decades has been supported by Rose Road. His mum Diane, tells their story:
When Cal was younger, he initially did well in mainstream school, with teachers who supported his needs, but life at that time was difficult. Cal’s epilepsy was uncontrolled and he faced many challenges. He would often be sent home sick, though he wasn’t unwell—just sensitive to smells.
Our first contact with Rose Road came when Cal was five; their Outreach Workers supported Cal and his teachers in his primary school, and eventually facilitated a transition to Rosewood School when he was seven. They made the whole process very easy; he was accepted by his peers and made friends, which meant a lot to me.
Rose Road has had a profound impact on Cal’s life ever since.
He met his best friend, Keiran, at seven, and they’ve been inseparable ever since, both attending Rose Road’s day services together since leaving school. It’s incredible how Rose Road fosters lasting friendships through the adventures they get to share with Rose Road.
Whether it’s arranging outings, like days out to Bournemouth beach or zip lining at QE2 Activity Centre, to simple activities like going to the park, having fun at the Bradbury Centre during music therapy or in the soft play, cinema room and hydropool, they encourage Cal to try new things while ensuring his safety. He gets to do so much, and with friends who mean so much to him.
Rose Road’s support has also been invaluable for me, highlighted during Cal's hospital admission last year.
Being Cal’s sole carer, I was really struggling because we had been in hospital 48 hours and I hadn’t left his side. I needed to go home and get supplies and unwind for 5 minutes, so without hesitation Rose Road organised for staff to come and relieve me. I was reassured knowing I could reset while Cal was being supported by staff he knew and trusted.
I will always be grateful to them for this.
It also gives me time with his sister Tash, to take her to her music lessons or just enjoy valuable mother and daughter time as I’m a single parent. And they offered unwavering support when I fought for more hours for Cal so I could transport him to and from Rose Road around my working hours.
They are a true support network, understanding when I’m stressed and provide consistent, compassionate support.
Cal will always be Cal in his own happy way and he continues to benefit from Rose Road’s exceptional care.
Although Cal is non-verbal, he can communicate his needs through movement and eye contact, and the staff are always there for him. They’ve adapted his feeding plan for his sensory needs, puréeing meals to ensure he eats regularly and so on. I still call in after dinner to check on him, but Rose Road is always ahead, adjusting their care as needed to Cal's needs. The ethos at Rose Road has always been warm, comfortable, and caring, which reassures me.
Everything they do comes from a place of love. The staff aren’t just doing their jobs—they genuinely care. In fact, the people at Rose Road are an extension of our family.
They’ve always taken the time to understand Cal’s unique needs, and I know he’s not just cared for, but truly seen and loved.
