Supporting people who have Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.
London, UK
Joined June 2009
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Unlocking Child Trust Funds: a Welcome Commitment for SEND Families
We welcome Andy Burnham’s commitment to help families of young people with special educational needs and disabilities access their Child Trust Funds.
Why change is needed -
This issue has been overlooked for too long. Young people who lack the capacity to manage their funds can be locked out of their savings, leaving their parents to obtain a deputyship order – an expensive and time-consuming process.
Child Trust Funds were created to give young people greater independence at 18. It is unfair that some cannot access their money because the system has failed to provide a practical solution.
What needs to happen -
We hope this commitment leads to a straightforward, streamlined process that removes unnecessary barriers, protects young people’s rights and allows families to access the funds without costly fees.
ALT Image of a piggy bank that has been smashed, with money inside of it.
Common Health Conditions in Children who have Down Syndrome
A Webinar with Dr Elizabeth Herrieven and Dr Richard Harrison of the UK and Ireland Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG)
Wednesday 11 November 2026 | 12 noon to 1.15pm | FREE
In this webinar for parents and family carers Drs Herrieven and Harrison will talk about:
•common health conditions
•accessing healthcare
•the work of DSMIG.
There will be time for Q&A at the end of the webinar.
This webinar is a collaboration between Down’s Syndrome Association, Down’s Syndrome Scotland and DSMIG.
If you'd like to attend, please sign up here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-wo…
Every Wednesday, this 30-minute well-being session for parents includes a meditation/relaxation exercise or some gentle movement which you can do in the comfort of your own home.
If you'd like to attend, please click here to sign up: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-wo…
We tend to not think about our well-being until we don’t feel good, but this booklet for parents is about how we can increase our own well-being to support ourselves as best we can.
Click here for the resource: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-con…
ALT Images of pages from our online parent and carer wellbeing resource.
Brothers in Business: Young Chocolatier Puts Inclusion at the Heart of His Growing Chocolate Business 🍫
When Arjun Singh founded The Tiny Chocolatier at just 11 years old, he wanted to turn his love of chocolate and being in the kitchen into something of his own.
But behind his growing Buckinghamshire chocolate business, there has been another important person in Arjun’s plans - his younger brother, Saajan.
Saajan has Down’s syndrome and is, according to his big brother, ‘one of the kindest and most caring people you could ever meet.’
Saajan already has his own role. He spends time gardening with his grandparents, helping to grow fresh herbs that can be used in some of The Tiny Chocolatier’s truffles. With support from his mum, he also helps with jobs such as labelling and packing customer orders.
Click here to read the full blog, kindly sent to us by Harpreet, mum to Arjun and Saajan: loom.ly/NmEdgZE
ALT Young brother - Arjun and Sajaan. Sajaan has Down's syndrome. They are pictured with stands showcasing their chcolate businesses.
London Winter Walk - Looking for a way to get moving after Christmas? ❄️
The London Winter Walk is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, burn off some of those festive treats and enjoy some of London’s most famous sights!
Taking place on the 30th and 31st January 2027, there are four distances to choose from: 5km, 10km, half marathon or full marathon, so there’s something for everyone.
Why not make your New Year’s resolution count by taking part! Sign up link: ultrachallenge.com/london-wi…
Depression is something that can affect anyone, however it may look a little different in people who have Down syndrome. This resource also explores factors that may contribute to depression and what might help.
You can find our resource here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-con…
#DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth
ALT Images of pages from our online depression resource.
DSEngage LIVE | Evening Disco 🪩
Share some great music and your favourite dance moves! Switch on your disco lights, wear your favourite disco outfit and lets get dancing!
Next Session: Tuesday (tomorrow) 13 October 2026. Time: 7.00 – 8.00pm.
If you'd like to attend this online and free disco, book here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-wo…
ALT Image of a teenage girl with headphones - she is dancing. The girl has Down's syndrome.
Families share transport experiences with the Law Commission - Why transport matters
The Down’s Syndrome Association recently brought together parents and carers to share their experiences of transport accessibility with the Law Commission. The session was part of the Law Commission’s review of transport accessibility for disabled people and explored how buses, trains, taxis, air travel and other forms of transport support or restrict the lives of disabled people.
We were delighted to be joined by representatives from the #LawCommission, who heard directly from families about the realities of travelling for work, education, volunteering, social activities and everyday life.
One message came through clearly throughout the session: transport is about much more than getting from one place to another.
For our full findings, please head to our website: downs-syndrome.org.uk/news/n…
Have you watched our well-being webinar? It covers issues that may affect people and how we might support positive well-being in people who have Down syndrome.
Click here to register for our on-demand recording:downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-wo…
ALT Image of two young women who are twins. They both have Down's syndrome and are smiling.
DSEngage Live | Get Moving 🤸
Get energized ready for the weekend with a live online session of fun moves and exercise with Marie and friends.
The sessions are led by Marie Nesbit, Founder of Zenergize.
Please note! The next Get Moving session is at 2-2:45pm on Friday 9 October this week.
Book your place here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-wo…
ALT Image of a young woman with Down's syndrome, stretching in a gym class.
Today (5th October) is World Teacher Day.
To mark this, we thought we'd bring your attention to the resource 'International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome' on our website which is a collaborative project, published by Down Syndrome International .
If you're an educator who is teaching/will be teaching an individual who has Down's syndrome, please click here: loom.ly/FcRen4Q
We also have on-demand education training available on our website. These are recordings that you can watch in your own time. These include:
• 'Supporting Early Development From Birth To 4 Years.'
• 'Early Years & Primary Education Training for Learners 4 To 11 Years Old.'
• 'Secondary Education Training For Learners 11 To 16 Years.'
Our on-demand training recordings are FREE. Just register to receive a link and password. Click here: loom.ly/S5LRu4E
ALT Image of a young boy and young girl in secondary school. They are working at their school desk. They are both in school unfiorm. The girl has Down's syndrome.
This guide is to help supporters and parents promote positive emotional well-being for people who have Down syndrome. It contains lots of ideas and strategies covering all aspects of life.
Please access the online guide on our website: downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-con…
ALT Image of the front cover of our online well-being resource. Image of a man who has Down's syndrome in a field of sunflowers.
A small tick can make a BIG difference.
Today is Gift Aid Awareness Day.
Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows charities to reclaim the tax you have already paid on your donations. This means that we can receive an extra 25p for every eligible £1 donated, at no additional cost to you.
If you're a UK taxpayer and have supported the DSA, but haven't completed a Gift Aid declaration, email [email protected] and we'll update your records.
Donating today? If you're eligible, please tick the Gift Aid box and help your support go further. Donate today: downssyndrome.enthuse.com/DS…
Final reminder to book onto this webinar taking place tomorrow morning!
Understanding Behaviour Part One: An introduction
Thursday 1 October 2026 | 10.30 to 11.45am | FREE
In this webinar we will talk about what we mean by behaviour and what might influence it. We will explore some behaviours that are common and why they might be helpful. Topics covered include self-talk, imagination, sameness and repetition and the concept of time.
Please register here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-wo…
ALT Image of a young girl who has Down's syndrome, pictured on our 'Understanding Behaviour' webinar poster.
The 29th Sep (today) is World Heart Day.
About half of all children who have Down's syndrome are born with a heart condition, with heart conditions also occurring for some people later in life. People who have Down's syndrome should be checked regularly for signs of acquired heart disease as they get older, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise.
For more information, resources and support on heart issues and healthy lifestyles see the 'heart and circulation' pages on the DSA website: downs-syndrome.org.uk/about-…
ALT Image of a young man with Down's syndrome at the doctor's. The male doctor is listening to his heart.
Keep an eye out for Autumn/Winter edition of the Journal, full of fabulous stories!
The Autumn/Winter Journal is currently available to members only. If you'd like to become a member, please sign up here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/get-in…
Remember, if you would like to contribute to a future issue, please submit your stories to [email protected]
ALT Image of the front cover of our autumn/winter journal 2026. Image of a person who has Down's syndrome at their job role in a warehouse.
Emily has settled brilliantly into her new H&M site! 💚
Now working in the children’s department, Emily loves the variety of her role and is proud to be part of the team.
After more than two years with H&M, Emily recently moved to a new site following the closure of her previous store. She’s embraced the change and is enjoying every minute.
As Emily says: ‘I feel so proud of myself. I feel happy to be part of the team. I want to show others that people with Down’s syndrome can work.’
We’re so proud to see Emily continuing to thrive at H&M! 👏
ALT Image of Emily, a woman who has Down's syndrome. She is pictured smiling with her thumbs up as she is pictured standing by the clothes in H & M where she works.