Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can live the life they choose. Down Syndrome Cheshire is making this vision a reality for many families in Cheshire.
Down Syndrome Cheshire is a small local charity based in Denton House, Northwich, dedicated to supporting children, young adults, and adults with Down syndrome and their families. Established in 2007 by a group of parents who all had babies with Down syndrome, the charity has grown to support over 3,572 individuals, including 352 people with Down syndrome. With a variety of services and an inspiring team, it is making a significant impact in the community.
Meet the Team
At the heart of Down Syndrome Cheshire are its dedicated team members, including Julie (Chair), Lucy (Employment and Enterprise), Michelle (BR & Finance), and Amanda (Speech & Language Therapist). Their passion and commitment drive the charity forward, creating a supportive environment for everyone involved.
Facilities to Foster Growth
Down Syndrome Cheshire boasts wonderful facilities designed to cater to their members’ diverse needs. These include an activity room, training room, resource library, craft room, kitchen, and therapy rooms. Each space is thoughtfully equipped to provide a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can thrive.
Core Values that Guide Them
The core values of Down Syndrome Cheshire are ambitious, supported, trusted, dedicated, and caring. These values permeate every aspect of their work and ensure that they provide the best possible support to the families they serve.
Education Advocacy
One of the key services offered by Down Syndrome Cheshire is education advocacy. Their education advocates work tirelessly with children, parents, carers, and education professionals to unlock the potential of children with Down syndrome. Visiting pupils in school and creating tailored learning targets they help improve communication between schools and parents, fostering a supportive educational environment.
Makaton Training
Communication is essential for social engagement and learning. Down Syndrome Cheshire offers Makaton training to children and adults with Down syndrome, their parents, carers, and health and education professionals. This language program uses signs and symbols to enhance opportunities for social engagement and learning, making a significant difference in the lives of those they support.
Enriching Holiday Clubs
Learning continues outside of school with Down Syndrome Cheshire’s holiday clubs. They offer a range of activities at their community hub, forest school days and residentials. These programs provide valuable opportunities for children, young people, and families to engage in fun and educational experiences.
Family Support
Supporting families is at the core of Down Syndrome Cheshire’s mission. Their family support team offers home visits to expectant or new parents, sharing their experiences and providing invaluable guidance. They also organise friendship groups, peer support activities, and training sessions to help families connect and support one another.
Speech & Language Services
Many families find accessing speech and language services challenging. Down Syndrome Cheshire’s speech and language therapist, Amanda, runs Cheeky Monkeys group sessions for pre-schoolers, offers therapy for specific children, and hosts training, workshops, and drop-ins. These services are crucial for helping children with Down syndrome develop their communication skills.
Building Friendships
Social interaction and friendship are vital for a fulfilling life. Down Syndrome Cheshire offers a range of activities to help individuals with Down syndrome build and maintain friendships. From the Pre School Group’s Stay & Play and SALT Cheeky Monkeys sessions to the 18+ Groups’ life skills and fun activities, there are plenty of opportunities for social engagement.
Sports and Fitness
Physical activity benefits everyone, and Down Syndrome Cheshire provides weekly fitness classes, including yoga, football, and rugby. These classes partner with trained sports practitioners and promote health, fitness, and social interaction.
Performing Arts
Confidence and creativity are nurtured through Down Syndrome Cheshire’s performing arts program. Weekly dance and drama classes offer members the chance to learn new skills, spend time with friends, and boost their confidence. These classes have even led to performances at events like the Kaleidoscope Festival.
Employability & Enterprise
Supporting adults with Down syndrome in finding work experience, paid employment opportunities, and creating independent businesses is a key focus for Down Syndrome Cheshire. Lucy, the head of Employment & Enterprise, liaises with members to understand their skills and interests, matching them with suitable vacancies and helping bring business ideas to life.
The Champions Club for Families
Down Syndrome Cheshire’s 213 Champions Club for Families is an initiative that seeks 213 individuals to become Champions Club Members, making monthly donations of £21.30. This club is named after the unique chromosome 21 that characterises Down syndrome. They aim to create a supportive network of families committed to empowering people with Down syndrome.
The Champions Club for Businesses
21 businesses can also support Down Syndrome Cheshire by joining The Champions Club for Businesses. By donating £2,130 annually, companies can significantly impact the lives of individuals with Down syndrome in Cheshire.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support Down Syndrome Cheshire. Donations can be made through Just Giving, and fundraising events and volunteer opportunities are regularly organised. Corporate partnerships also play a significant role in sustaining the charity’s efforts.
Down Syndrome Cheshire keeps the community engaged with regular events and updates. They recently launched “That Down Syndrome Podcast,” harnessing the power of the podcast to celebrate and empower the Down syndrome community.
Plus, Lucy, the head of Employment & Enterprise, recently talked at TEDxNorthwich. Watch here.
Down Syndrome Cheshire is a beacon of hope and support for families in Cheshire. By offering a wide range of services and fostering a sense of community, it empowers individuals with Down syndrome to live the life they choose. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, friend, advocate, or member of the Down syndrome community, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone.
