Grace is 21 and was born with Williams Syndrome. She has been coming to Rowan for two years now. When the pandemic hit, Grace found the transition to staying at home very hard as she loves to socialise and keep busy getting creative with her friends. However, Rowans online Zoom sessions helped her stay in touch and stay connected until she could return to the building this year.

Hetti from Rowan spoke to Grace and her mum Sam about how Rowan has supported them and their family through the crisis.

Hetti: 'Grace, why do you love coming to Rowan?'

Grace: To make me happy, to make me feel relaxed, to me feel safe, see my friends, spend time with them, its nice. I enjoy doing my lessons because they make me feel safe and I do not have to be anxious or worried...It is so much fun!

Hetti: 'How has Rowans remote working made a difference during the COVID-19 crisis?'

Sam: For Grace it has given her a sense of normality in a world that is far from normal, so she has been able to access something that she loves. She really enjoys being with her friends, seeing staff, all be it remotely, but it has filled a bit of a gap which has been amazing.

'I just think its the most amazing place. Grace has settled in since day one, every single person, staff, students are so welcoming and there is a real kind of atmosphere. It is hard to put into words what it feels like to go into Rowan and experience the Rowan life...it is amazing, and we feel really, really lucky to be able to access what you offer. Thank you, I know it has been a really tough time for the staff, to work things out so thank you to everybody as I do not think for a second that that was an easy thing to do for anybody.