Community directory

Up on Downs (Down’s Syndrome Support Group for families in Hertfordshire)

Up on Downs is a support group run by parents for the families of children with Down’s Syndrome. The group offers:

* Peer support, friendship and information for parents.
* Support for siblings who are often acting as young carers.
* Opportunities for children with Down’s Syndrome to meet and socialise with others like themselves.

Weekend family socials: - Approx once every 6-8 weeks at Walsworth Baptist Church Hall, Hitchin. Saturdays 2.00pm-4.00pm. For the whole family.

Drama Workshops: - Quarterly sessions at Norton Methodist Community Centre, Letchworth. Sundays 3.00pm-4.30pm. For children with Down’s Syndrome and their siblings.

Monthly weekday meetings: - At Leavesden Children’s Centre, Watford. Last Friday of the month 10.00am-12.00pm.

Outings: - Occasional day trips for whole family to relax and socialise together.

Open Houses: - Informal coffee / play sessions which take place during school holidays at members’ houses.

Parties: - Organised for special events such as Christmas and Halloween.

Education / Training Days: - Held approx. once every 6 months. Targeted at parents, teachers & LSAs.

Communications Groups: - Pilot scheme underway offering two small groups of pre-school children, 3x9 week terms of sessions with a qualified Speech & Language Therapist.

Early Development Group: - A more informal weekly group for pre-schoolers, to work on early skills using materials from the Down Syndrome Educational Trust.

New Parent Contact: - Personal support, befriending and signposting, particularly for parents of recently diagnosed babies and families moving into the county.