As a mother to a boy with Down syndrome and ADHD I know all too well how support and services from professionals are so hard to come by. There is nothing better than the support, championing and advocacy of the Down syndrome community and it is charitable organisations that form the pillars of this community. 

Those that know me well know that running is my me-time and my sanity saver so when I was very kindly invited by the DSUK to participate in the Cardiff Half Marathon in October 2023 I had little reason to say no, I just need to treble that comfortable 4 mile run i take for granted! The real challenge however is to reach that £300 fundraising target!  

Being part of the DS community it is wonderful to have access to the support they provide and I'm honoured to be able to give something back.  Here is a little bit about the charity in their own words:

“Down Syndrome UK is a registered charity empowering people who have Down syndrome and their families. We have an amazing online community to support our families and we know how important it is for them to also have access to accurate contemporary information.

We believe every parent should receive the best possible care and support. We believe the arrival of every baby with Down syndrome should be celebrated. We believe every child with Down syndrome should be given every opportunity to flourish and thrive!

We couldn’t do the work we are so passionate about without you! We are incredibly grateful for your support. We are a small team but we have a huge reach and an enormous impact, every pound you raise will help us reach and support more families”.

Here are just some of the services we provide:

Online support

Providing access to other parents at the same stages for support and guidance, as well as experts on hand to advise, exclusive online training sessions including Makaton and access to counselling.

Training & resources

To maternity units

Working with maternity units to address the outdated language and attitudes that all too

often prevail towards those with Down syndrome.

Resources and training for early years settings and Primary schools

We provide online training sessions to education professionals. We also have a bank of resources provided to both nursery and Primary school settings to promote inclusion and educate staff for our little ones to be able to thrive and flourish.

Here are just of the wonderful things that happen thanks to the kind donations of others:

£15 pays for a Positivity pack sent to expectant and new parents to celebrate

their little ones arrival.

£20 Resources pays for resources to a maternity unit ensuring we reach expectant and new parents when they need us.

£50 Makaton pays for a Makaton course for a family member to promote communication. 

£80 Counselling pays for an independent counsellor to provide support to a family who maybe struggling in the early days.

£100 Therapist pays for a therapist to facilitate early developmental sessions for a little one to learn key skills and reach milestones.

Organisations like this change the futures of many and couldn’t survive without the kind donations of others, so if you are able to donate whatever you can afford DSUK and myself would be so grateful xxx