A CHARITY will be able to buy "essential" equipment after receiving a grant from the Daily Echo's parent company.

The Rose Road Association have been working with children and adults with complex disabilities and health needs since 1952.

The Southampton based charity will be purchasing three new hoists after receiving £5,861 from The Gannett Foundation.

The foundation is run by Gannett, the owners of Echo publishers Newsquest.

Juno Hollyhock who has been the CEO at the charity since May 2017 said: "It's amazing we have received the money from Gannett.

"We received the grant a few years ago in 2004 for the running costs for our Hydro-pool.

"We didn't think we would get the funding again so its absolutely amazing."

The charity which compromises of 140 members of staff provides help to young people with disabilities and their families.

Juno said: "The hoists are invaluable for providing respite care."

"Families need time to rest and recuperate.

"We allow them time to have a break."

Up to 15 children plus adults can stay at the charity's overnight accommodation.

Winchester Street Reach and The Romsey Men's Shed also received a cash boost from Gannett.

The Romsey Men's Shed is set to receive £2,000 to extend a workshop which will provide the charity with additional storage space.

The charity aims to tackle social isolation among older men.

Winchester Street Reach, a charity that works with young disadvantaged people will also receive £5,740 to go towards a three day residential camping trip for disadvantaged people between the ages of 11 and 18.

All three organisations were selected to received grants after they applied earlier this year through the Echo.

Simon Westrop, chairman of the trustees for the Gannett Foundation, said: “Amid all the political and economic turmoil, real life goes on of course.

"And it is a privilege for the trustees to be able to do a little something to help where we can.

“If your application did not succeed this time, please don’t be discouraged, but look at the applications that have won grants and think how you can come up with even better ideas next year.

“Often we think the best applications are not the headline-grabbers but the small ones that meet a particular need and instantly improve daily life.

"For instance, the new kettle the community centre has been wanting for ages.

"So think practically.”

Applications to apply for next years grant can be made through applying to the Daily Echo.

Residents can submit applications from July and a notice will be given in the paper and online.