Last year, dozens of young people took part in beautiful, one-off experiences with our incredible team of Inspiration Guides — individuals, professionals and organisations who gave their time, passion or skill to create moments of magic. This year, we’re doing it all again… and we’re inviting you to help us make it even bigger, bolder and more impactful.

💛 What Is The October Experience Exchange?

Throughout October, Ups and Downs Southwest pairs young people with Down Syndrome with volunteers (Inspiration Guides) who offer personal experiences that light up lives — from paddleboarding to painting, gardening to gaming, baking to broadcasting. Each experience is unique, memorable and built around joy, confidence and connection.

And this year, we’re adding something new:

Every participant has the opportunity to raise funds for Ups and Downs Southwest by sharing their story through their own personal fundraising page – right here on JustGiving.

🤝 Why Fundraise?

Because behind every joyful experience is a network of family support, specialist advice, education liaison, post-16 services, youth clubs, speech and language therapy, and more — all offered by our small, dedicated charity across the South West.

Every pound raised helps us reach more families, respond more quickly, and continue to make a difference where it’s needed most.

✨ How You Can Help

Are you taking part in an experience? Create your own page by clicking ‘Start fundraising’ and tell the world what you’re doing and why. Add photos, videos, updates and invite others to support you.

Want to make a difference? Sponsor someone’s experience. Scroll through the individual fundraisers and donate to the story that moves you most.

Not taking part but still want to help? You can donate directly to the main campaign using the Give Now button above.

Let’s #DiscoverTogether just how powerful one experience can be.

Let’s build joy, break barriers, and celebrate every young person’s unique journey.

Thank you for being part of it. 💛