Charity of the Month

DOWNS SYNDROME NORTH-EAST

Down’s Syndrome was first identified in 19th Century by Prof John Down who saw that many of the people in his care in an asylum were very similar in appearance. It is a genetic condition caused by an additional chromosome which affects every cell in the body. It is present in about 1 in 1000 new babies and can be recognised by physical features such as oval eyes, shorter jaw and flatter face.

There has been tremendous change in the last 20 years or so, and change is still happening. We are a highly respected source of support and information in the North East with over 30 years experience and we have built a reputation for being able to provide for all age groups in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Co. Durham and Teesside. We maintain contact nationally through affiliation to DSA who readily recognise the expertise that we have here, and with families in Cumbria.

The organisation is run by parents as volunteers and we believe that, through our personal experiences, we give families greater encouragement to help their children to achieve their full potential. We provide information and support, both directly and through conferences, to parents and professionals on education, primary teaching, adolescence & transition to adulthood, health issues, and speech therapy. Since our Big Lottery Fund grant expired we have maintained service through a small determined group of volunteers and Trustees to schools and hospitals, and provided support for families, people with Down’s Syndrome and professionals through regular meetings and our newsletter. Our Christmas Parties and activity breaks, and social gatherings for our adult members are always popular. We have just had another busy summer full of varied activity around the region. Many of our activities are designed to encourage our children to participate in the community and with the right level of support help them to do those things which their peers without disability often take for granted. Our primary aim is to help all people with Down’s Syndrome to achieve their full potential and to be recognised for what they can do, but there is still a lot of work to do in order to remove all discrimination.

Last year we held a conference at which adults with Down’s Syndrome described what they do as volunteers, as paid employees, in their leisure time, their likes and dislikes, and their wishes for the future – comments from the audience included “inspiring, remarkable, courageous, awesome”. Very soon, several will make up teams to take part in the Durham Rotary Club annual Swimathon when they will raise money for charities in the area. This will be their third year and it is hoped that once again they will be cheered on by the noisiest bunch of supporters that Durham Swimming pool has ever experienced. We are first on the list to be invited back! Why not come along and see for yourselves at Freeman’s Quay Durham on Saturday 20th November.

We hope that you will tell people about us so that other children with Down’s Syndrome can benefit from our experience and knowledge and their parents can become more positive and optimistic for the future. Membership costs only £1 per year and introduces parents and professionals to a world of positive thinking, confidence, and optimism.

Catherine Ken & Joan Moore