A STROUD school has opened a new facility after raising £1.5 million over the past two years.
The St Rose's Big Bounce Campaign, fronted by Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, was launched in the summer of 2019 to start the fundraising for the new facility.
Quentin House is a specially-adapted residential home-from-home for the children of St Rose.
The Rt. Rev. Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton officially opened the new residential facility on Wednesday.
St Rose’s is a registered charity, providing education, therapy and day and residential care for children and students aged 2 to 25, who have a wide range of complex disabilities.
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Many of the students have physical disabilities, as well as sensory, learning and communication difficulties - some also have complex health needs.
"In the nurturing environment of the school and the new residential centre, they learn life skills that enable them to be as independent as they can be," said school principal Sheila Talwar.
"After all, independence is just another word for growing up.
"Not only do these young people need to be in a safe and loving environment, but those environments need to be uniquely adapted to the challenges they face.
"Many struggle with loud, echoey spaces, many have visual impairments which means they find it tricky to work out which room they are in.
"Our lovely Georgian building is cosy, but you could hardly turn today’s wheelchairs around in some rooms.
"This is just one reason why we urgently needed to redesign our residential facilities.
"Quentin House is so much more than just a house.
"It is a place to learn the life skills like cooking, shopping, socialising with friends and yes, even washing up.
"These are skills that will allow the children to be as independent as they can be.
"We are so grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign.
"Our thanks go to the Summerfield Charitable Trust, the Pied Piper Appeal, Ardingly College, Barnwood Trust, our Trustees from the English Dominican Congregation and the Friends of St Rose's who all gave us significant amounts of money.
"Needless to say, our students won the hearts of everyone."
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