Su Sayer met Erwin Klinge in 1972.

Su Sayer was a science graduate working at ICI.

Erwin Klinge was a successful businessman. He had set up lots of charities in the 1950's and 1960's.

The early days

Su went to work in Brazil with disadvantaged people in the 1970's.

When Su came back to England, she met Mrs Susan Evershed. Susan had a son with learning disabilities.

Mrs Evershed wanted other people with learning disabilities to live fuller lives.

She had a big house called "the Old Rectory" which had been left to her by her husband when he died.

She donated the value of half of the house.

Back then, most people with learning disabilities or mental health needs lived in institutions.

Many people were a long way away from their families.

Mrs Evershed believed it would be better for people if they were able to be more independent.

She thought the big house could be a new home for local people with learning disabilities.

They could live near to their families.

Susan Evershed thought Su Sayer could turn the big house into a new home for local people with learning disabilities.

Su had not worked with people with learning disabilities before. She spent time with other learning disability charities.

She found out that lots of people with learning disabilities were not allowed to do much for themselves.

She found out that lots of people are prejudiced against people with learning disabilities.

Erwin Klinge gave Su a loan. This was to turn the big house into the first United Response service for local people with learning disabilities.

He still donates money to United Response.

Setting up

There were some problems setting up the first service.

They had to find the right people to manage the home. They had to get planning permission from the council to make changes to the building.

They had to work with people in the area so they could see that the new house was a good idea.

United Response's first home opened in 1973.

12 people lived in the new house and it had 8 staff.

Lots of people helped to turn the Old Rectory into a home.

The new home was run differently than other services for people with learning disabilities.

Allan and Phyllis Redgrave ran the home and they developed a real family spirit.

They made sure everyone was recognised as an individual.

They had birthday parties, festivals and carol singing.

Lots of the events included people from the local neighbourhood.

Today

United Response is now a major charity.

United Response works with more than 1,500 people with learning disabilities or mental health needs.

United Response employs over 2,000 people.

United Response wins lots of awards for its creative and passionate approach.