James' story: A Lifetime of Joy, Friendship and Independence
Donate to our Christmas Appeal to help more young people like James and his family.
James, 32, has been attending Rose Road for almost half his lifetime since finishing college. His mum, Helen, talks about Rose Road's importance as their family's only support network and the huge difference it's made:
"James is very social. He loves a café, cinema, local places of interest, walks along the seafront. We go out on dog walks and everyone says hello, James just loves to be out and involved!
Until he was 19, James was at college, although he sadly missed a lot because of medical issues prior to and after his much-needed scoliosis surgery. Then, when college finished, we were left in limbo without any support.
But all that changed when we were put in touch with Rose Road’s outreach service. And it came at such a needed time for James, as he was just missing that piece of the puzzle that gave him his own independent life.
Renewed opportunities
With Rose Road, James can feel part of something, with a close friendship group and with support workers he genuinely connects and gels with because they take the time to know him. He gets very vocal and excited and there’s always a clear ‘yes’ to going to Rose Road. He absolutely loves it.
It’s lovely to see him as he is now. Despite his complex health needs, James can go out, socialise and feel part of society. He’s a grown man and I feel reassured knowing he's doing everything you'd want a young adult to do.
It’s everything we want for him. It’s just been absolutely amazing.
Expert care for James, support for the whole family
As James is very susceptible to infections, I often keep him off and monitor him. I need to do everything in my power to keep him out of hospital as they can’t cope with James’ needs – it’s not their fault, but I struggle to have confidence in their care. Every hospital visit is a stressful time for us all.
But I have every confidence in Rose Road. They’ve learned James’ individual needs and preferences, and how to communicate with him, and if they’re concerned in the slightest they let me know or help me. They’re very well informed.
And they have supported me too when I’ve been going through challenging times with his brother who is autistic. Feeling that extended support when it was really needed was tremendous.
Care for a lifetime, with your support
I don’t know where James would be mentally or physically without his life with Rose Road. We are a happy home, but would he still be at home without this support? Could we meet all his needs alone?
Having Rose Road is the perfect balance for him and us, we feel so happy and know he’s so well looked after. Rose Road is such a lovely service to have so close to home.
Rose Road is our family’s only support network, and I want it to be there for James’ lifetime. It’s vital Rose Road has a secure future and can expand to support even more young adults like James in the way they need it, just like they do for us".
We need to ensure families can rely on us for a lifetime. Please donate online here to support our Christmas Appeal and help more young people like James' have a lifetime of trusted, caring support, friendship and independence.
Find out more about our Christmas Appeal here, where your donation will be matched and doubled, to double the difference we can make for families now, and for the long term.
