Independent Information about Down Syndrome as a condition:
From years of experience both parental and professional, and from literature available for loan as well as reference.
Understanding and empathy, emotional support and guidance:
Being a parent led organisation we are able to provide the understanding and empathy vital to open, honest, constructive supportive relationships with families.
Advice and information on Early Intervention Strategies:
Examples of tried and tested ideas, exercises and practical interventions and support to use with young children who have Down Syndrome.
Home Visits:
By family support workers who are also parents of a child with Down Syndrome, to be able to talk over any issues or concerns parents may have or be struggling with.
Assistance with accessing benefits :
Help with filling in the dreaded Disability Living Allowance forms, Invalid Care Allowance forms, accessing grants/funds from the Family Fund
Independent Support at meetings with any organisation or agency:
Attendance with parents at meetings with Health, Social Services or Education, accessing an appropriate Statement of special educational needs, support at meetings with Schools, Tribunals if necessary, and help with preparation for meetings and/or letters which need to be written.
Telephone support and information Line
Support, information and advice available all the year round from our office base outside Bridgwater, Somerset. Telephone line manned by experienced family support workers Sharon and Mandy, and Wendy the Charity's CEO.
Static and Mobile Library Service
We have a resource base at our offices in Westonzoyland housing an extremely comprehensive collection of resources and information for both parents and professionals.
A Ford Transit Connect Van is used to provide a mobile library service lending books, resources, journals, DVDs, toys and specialist learning aids to families and schools right across the Southwest.
Independent Schools Advisory Service
Parents can request our Schools Advisory Service to approach their childs school or pre-school. Our Specialist Advisory Teacher David, provides training, support and advice to both mainstream and special schools from pre-school right through to starting college. We provide information and training around the specific learning profile of children who have Down Syndrome, the enormous variation in abilities and difficulties encountered with these children and up to date ideas and strategies to successfully support them.
Training events and Conferences
Annual conferences and training events at various locations. These are designed for and delivered to, both parents and professionals, all those involved with the care and support of children who have Down Syndrome.
Family Days
At least three large family day events a year for large numbers of families to get together and exchange notes, experiences and mutual support while the children play and have fun.
Pre-school play mornings
Monthly Littlies group meetings for parents with babies and pre-schoolers, to get together and exchange information while providing each other with mutual support and encouragement. The CEO, and Family Support Workers are on hand to help out and answer any questions parents may have - and we often have a local Educational Psychologist present on the day to be available to parents should they wish to seek advice.
Youth Clubs
We run fortnightly youth clubs for 11-18 yr olds in both Bridgwater and Yeovil, Somerset - with one starting up in Frome in September 2011. It is intended that the Yeovil one be accessible by young people in Dorset as well as Somerset and the one in Frome to be accessed by young people from both Somerset and BANES. Basically - if you can get to us - we'll be very pleased to see you!
Ears and Shoulders
Our ears are always ready and able to listen, and our shoulders are now completely waterproof so you can cry on them whenever you like for as long as you like!! (- Though don't think it's all doom and gloom however - sometimes all these children make me smile so much and for so long my face hurts! Wendy)
