Testimonials
Romsey Opportunity Group has touched the lives of so many children, families, and members of the community since it opened. We are proud to know that we are making a difference to the lives of others in so many ways. Here you can read about some of the positive impacts that ROG has made to people’s lives.
“I have been volunteering at ROG since 2021 and love being part of the team. My son previously attended ROG and the support and kindness we received helped me so much in his development. I have wanted to volunteer at ROG ever since then.”
Sarah
Parent and Volunteer
“Thanks to Romsey Opportunity Group, I was able to express myself without prejudice and felt a part of the special community. The staff were caring, and I enjoyed my time there. I attended the group in 1991. Now my daughter attends the group and some of the amazing volunteers are still the same.”
George
Past Attendee
“My son is now 4 years old. He is a very caring, sweet, clever little boy who has autism and a developmental impairment. He attended ROG from February 2023-July 2024. Throughout this time he thoroughly enjoyed attending, seeing the other children and the amazing and nurturing staff. The staff and parents are all so lovely, caring, supporting to both the children and families. They were like my second family and at times I would be lost without them! Timothy adores water play, climbing, musical light toys, sensory play and singing in his own little way. He now attends Shepherds Down Special School where he is thriving. Thank you for everything you did for him, myself and nanny!”
Beverley
Parent
“I found ROG in 1977 as a parent of a 10-month-old son. After being a part of ROG for 21 years, and serving as Chairman for almost 20 years, I resigned from ROG in 1998 as I was by now working part-time, raising three teenagers, and studying part-time for a degree at the University of Winchester. Something had to give and as I couldn’t afford to give up my paid job, it was Opportunity Group that had to go. I could hardly see the screen for tears as I typed my resignation letter. Opportunity Group still holds a very special place in my heart – it always will. One of my proudest achievements in life is what we went on to build on the foundation laid by Joan Thomas and Isobel Clark in 1971. The fact that Romsey Opportunity Group continues, 54 years on, to offer love, support and such very practical help to families at a time when they so desperately need it, is testament to the dedication of so many amazing, selfless people. What a legacy!”
Claire Topp
Parent and ex Chairperson
“ROG saved me when I was drowning. I gave birth to a medically complex child at the tail end of the pandemic. I met friends whilst in the Neonatal, but after months home and endless hospital appointments I felt lost. At 8 months old my child started ROG. And they started to blossom in confidence. The volunteers really care for each child and make great efforts to get them to interact. My child made developments they wouldn’t have made as early, without this group. I started to open up as well and found a group of mums that I trusted and who often understood our battles as a family. ROG feels like family to us. It’s brought me into a community I was new to. Then it’s loved my child and accepted them for just who they are, rather than what they can do.”
Yvie
Parent
“As a SEN parent, you always feel a different kind of nervousness to leave your child in a childcare setting, but with ROG I don’t. I don’t ever feel like I have to worry, all the ladies know what they’re doing and knowing that some of these ladies understand you and your child from personal experience just makes it feel like we’re a team facing it all together. Sarah is absolutely incredible. My child never warms to people easily, but with Sarah it’s like he just knows he can trust her. The progress Sarah has made with him in such a short amount of time is incredible. I’m so grateful to of found this lifeline.”
Annabel
Parent
“Our Health Visitor referred us to ROG, at a time where I felt very isolated: both physically because of the Covid restrictions that were in place at that time, but also mentally as I didn’t know anyone else with children with additional needs. ROG changed our lives! I met mums who were dealing with similar challenges, and my son was able to play and make friends. Without ROG, my son and I would not have gained the confidence to take on the world as we do now. We still have a long way to go, but with the friends we have made at ROG, we will not do this alone.”
Becky
Parent
Do you know a child who would benefit from a place at the Romsey Opportunity Group?
Anyone can refer a child to us using our online referral form. Simply click the button below.
Refer a Child