ROSY is delivered through a partnership between the Community Children’s Nursing Team and Oxford Health Charity, with the service being made possible through the generosity of fundraisers and supporters. Through the support of Oxford Health Charity, ROSY service continues to make a meaningful difference to families, providing additional respite care delivered by this outstanding team.

The team recently reviewed the respite service model, and the family feedback was they wanted time to meet other families in a similar position. The team jointly hosted a family day with Oxford Health Charity, every member of the team attended – the connection and care are incredible and the joy they bring is profound.

Locality Lead for Children’s Community Nursing Laura Breakwell said:

“Receiving this award was a wonderful surprise and means a great deal to the whole team. It is a real privilege to support the children and young people on our caseload; giving families the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend valuable time with siblings is incredibly important. Respite for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters (ROSY) Respite is such a meaningful service to so many, and I feel very fortunate to work alongside such a caring and dedicated team.”

The nomination

The ROSY team received two nominations from colleagues – Chief Operating Officer for Community Health Services, Dentistry & Primary Care Emma Leaver and Matron of Community Children’s Nursing Team Christina Newbould.

Emma commented:

“The ROSY team care for our most poorly children day in day out. this is taxing and emotional work – and yet they turn up with energy, care and dedication that is hard to match and brilliant to witness. Talking to parents it’s clear they hold these staff in high regard and are completely dependent on their ongoing support and service.

“The team consistently go above and beyond to support care delivery in a manner acceptable to the families they serve. They are thoughtful in every way possible to meet the needs of the children, taking into account their complex needs.

“These staff almost become professional “family” members, they are trusted and develop a confident sounding board for them. I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the connection between them and its palpable.”

Christina added:

“The team’s caring ethos is evident in the relationships built with children and families. Staff provide compassionate, personalised care, listening to individual needs and preferences while recognising the wider impact on family wellbeing. By offering reliable respite, they reduce pressure on families and promote emotional support, trust, and continuity of care. “Safe practice underpins all activity, with staff maintaining robust clinical competencies, adhering to safeguarding standards, and completing thorough risk assessments for each child. Clear care plans, effective communication, and defined escalation pathways ensure children with complex needs are supported safely at home.”

Feedback from parents using the service:

“The care we are given for [our child] is exceptional. We are well informed of any needs and changes that are to be made. The respite care we receive is a godsend to giving me and my family a break when we need it most.”

“ROSY respite was so helpful to us. I always felt safe leaving my daughter with them. I really needed time for self-care, admin etc. so these times ROSY came were invaluable.”