New respite support service for Newbury

Donna Boddington-Morley set up Independence With Dignity Support Services to address a gap in the market, after her two godsons were born with rare syndromes, Goldenhar syndrome and 22q deletion syndrome with autism, causing them to require specialist care.
“I wanted to branch out and work specifically with learning disabilities, there were very limited resources to provide support and respite that could help the family,” said Mrs Boddington-Morley, aged 36.
“West Berkshire is definitely missing that sort of service, there are so many other companies that cater for Dementia and mental health.”
Independence With Dignity, based in Ringway House, Kelvin Road, assists in and around the family home, offering support and respite to parents juggling their caring responsibilities with domestic duties and often allowing time to be spent with other children.
“It’s much needed support not only for the individuals that have needs, but also for the families,” she added. “It’s hard when you have got more than one child. You do have to put aside extra support to the child with a disability so by going in to support that person it will give families quality time together.”
Her previous employers, Bee Friends, a support agency that focuses on elderly clients, helped to get the business up and running, funding the office and phone lines for Independence With Dignity Support Services.
Mrs Bodington-Morley extended her thanks to the firm. “Bee Friends have really helped me, they have literally set me up,” she said.
Plans are on the table to employ a team of “enablers” to help provide respite services to West Berkshire. She also hopes to engage local businesses in running events and activities specifically catered to children and adults with learning disabilities.