Spectrum Days is a not-for-profit charity based in Droitwich, Worcestershire, providing day centre services for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities across the county. They are committed to promoting physical and mental wellbeing through a range of inclusive, person-centred activities tailored to members' abilities and interests.
Their members have complex needs and require high levels of support. To meet the needs of the members, they have specialist facilities, including fully adapted bathrooms, ceiling track hoists throughout the building, and a fleet of adapted vehicles to ensure safe and
comfortable transport.
‘’What can I say about Spectrum transport? Well, without them I'd be lost! I'm on my own and struggle to transport my son Jake alone, because of daily seizures. My youngest son works full time, and so getting Jake to and from Spectrum would be a nightmare for me. I also work part-time time and because of that, they always do their best to work around me and my difficult life. Staff communicate well and all of them on the transport are delightful. To the point that they've become friends. If it wasn't for Spectrum transport and the wonderful people, Jake wouldn't be attending, and our lives would be so much more difficult.’’
Quote from Kevin, father of a Spectrum Days member
Challenge
At Spectrum Days, accessible transport is not just a service; it’s a vital support system for the members and their families. Their specialist transport ensures that individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities can travel safely and reliably to our day centre and engage with the wider community through various day trips around the UK.
As demand for services has grown, so too has the need for transport. This increase has placed additional pressure on journey times, resulting in longer travel periods for both members and staff. For individuals with complex needs and highly structured routines,
extended travel times can be particularly challenging. This has naturally raised concerns among families, who rely on consistent, predictable support to maintain stability and wellbeing for their loved ones.
Solution
In response to growing demand and the evolving needs of their members, Spectrum Days has made a significant investment in expanding and upgrading their transport fleet. The purchase of new, fully adapted vehicles has strengthened their ability to provide safe, reliable and dignified transport for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Accessible transport is essential to their service. Many of their members rely on door to door support due to complex mobility and health needs. For them and their families, reliable transport means the difference between isolation and meaningful daily engagement.
As the organisation has grown, so too has the number of members depending on transportation. This placed increasing pressure on the existing fleet, leading to longer travel times and reduced efficiency, especially challenging for individuals who depend on routine, predictability, and minimal disruption.
Adding to their fleet of vehicles has had a positive impact for those using the service, it has reduced travel times, increased capacity, improved experience and given greater flexibility in the service they provide. This investment marks a crucial step in their commitment to removing barriers to access and promoting independence, dignity and inclusion.
Revenue
93% of the charity's income comes from three local authorities, West Midlands, Worcestershire and Shropshire, often through their continuing healthcare (CHC) departments.
This funding allows them to provide a unique day centre that is bespoke and person-centred for their members, as well as allowing them to provide adequate staffing levels and specialist medical equipment.
The remaining 7% of income is generated via grants and donations, which allows the Centre to provide a range of therapy sessions and sensory equipment.
Impact
The recent expansion and upgrade of Spectrum Days’ transport fleet has made a meaningful difference in the lives of their members and their families. With the addition of fully accessible vehicles, they have greatly enhanced the comfort, reliability, and efficiency of their transport service.
This development directly supports their commitment to person-centred care by promoting dignity, independence, and a higher quality of life. The improved fleet ensures that mobility challenges are never a barrier to their service, and that each journey contributes to a smooth and positive start and end to the day.
Without access to their transport service, families would face significant financial strain, such as the cost of adapted vehicles, fuel, and ongoing maintenance. In many cases, parents would need to take time away from work or even leave employment altogether to manage daily transport, putting further pressure on household income and limiting their ability to meet other responsibilities.
Resonance is proud to have worked alongside this Charity for over four years. The specialist support Spectrum Days offers its members with profound and multiple learning difficulties, is incredible. The dedicated team ensure each member has one to one care throughout their entire time at the centre; and there are approximately 30 clients each day benefiting from their services. Spectrum Days have accessed two loans from the Resonance West Midlands SITR Fund. Both investments were specifically focused around improving and expanding the transport services they offer. This has allowed the Charity to expand their much-needed support across three counties. Without social investment Spectrum Days would have struggled to grow their services, as affordable lending is difficult to obtain for charities without large assets.