Little Lotto is a fantastic way to help us and you might WIN as well.
Ups and Downs Southwest is a Down Syndrome support charity serving children and young people, their parents/carers and all linked professionals dealing with the health and education of children and young people who have Down Syndrome.
Somerset Office
Our head office is based in Somerset and from here we cover, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, North Somerset and Wiltshire.
Bristol Office
For families and professionals in the Bristol area, we have a dedicated team based at The Park Centre, Knowle.

Peppermint Creams and Valentine Cards
A Sweet and Creative Valentine's Evening at Sherborne Youth Club! At Sherborne Youth Club, we celebrated Valentine’s Day with a fun-filled evening of creativity and sweet treats! Our members rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on, making delicious peppermint creams...

Casting Call
Exciting Casting Opportunity: Lead Role in a BFI-Backed Feature Film Are you ready to step into the spotlight? Des Hamilton Casting, the BAFTA-winning casting company behind Top Boy, This is England, and Jojo Rabbit, is searching for an exciting new talent to star in...

Multi-sports and Snacks
A Fun-Filled Evening at Sherborne Youth Club! At Sherborne Youth Club, the young people came together for an action-packed session filled with energy, creativity, and teamwork. The evening was a perfect mix of physical activity and hands-on fun, leaving everyone with...

Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking Magic: Crafting Connections and Creativity At our Weston-super-Mare Youth Club, we kicked off the new term with a creative and exciting activity that had everyone buzzing with energy! The young people spent the evening designing and personalizing their...

Sherborne Youth Club Christmas Party
The Christmas party was truly magical, overflowing with joy and celebration. The evening started with lively music that quickly drew everyone to the dance floor. Laughter echoed throughout the venue as people showed off their best dance moves, creating an electric and...

Little Lotto Winners November 2024
Congratulations to our Little Lotto Winners November 2024 Well done to our latest winners in the Ups and Downs Southwest Little Lotto 50/50 Club. You could be in for a chance of winning in the next draw by signing up below.

Christmas Party with DJ
Magical Christmas Party with Weston-super-Mare Youth Club! What a fabulous time we had at this year’s Christmas party with DJ Joshy! it was packed with fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments that captured the festive spirit. DJ Joshy Took the StageThe incredible DJ...

Christmas Card Making
At Sherbourne Youth Club, the air was filled with excitement and festive cheer as we kicked off our Christmas card-making activity session. Our young crafters dived into the holiday spirit, enthusiastically designing beautiful, personalized Christmas cards that...

Go Fly a Kite
At Sherbourne Youth Club, we recently had an exhilarating session focused on kite-making. It was a wonderful blend of creativity, teamwork, and fun. Our theme for the evening was “Go Fly a Kite,” and it truly captured the excitement of the event! As our young...

Fun at Hollywood Bowl
On our recent trip we truly had fun at Hollywood Bowl! The evening was a vibrant mix of laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable moments. As we arrived, the excitement in the air was palpable; everyone couldn’t wait to lace up their bowling shoes and hit the...

Little Lotto Winners October 2024
Congratulations to our Little Lotto Winners October 2024 Well done to our latest winners in the Ups and Downs Southwest Little Lotto 50/50 Club. You could be in for a chance of winning in the next draw by signing up below.

Gillian’s Festive Fundraiser
At Ups and Downs Southwest, we are always inspired by the creativity and dedication of our supporters. It’s particularly heartwarming when extended families rally together for a shared cause. Gillian Miles-Smith, grandparent to one of the children we support, recently...

Christmas Cracker Making
Let the Festivities BeginWe had a creative and festive time preparing for Christmas at Youth Club. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the young people eagerly dove into creating their very own Christmas crackers. With a variety of pre-cut and prepared...

Little Lotto Winners September 2024
Congratulations to our Little Lotto Winners September 2024 Well done to our latest winners in the Ups and Downs Southwest Little Lotto 50/50 Club. You could be in for a chance of winning in the next draw by signing up below.

Raising Awareness and Giving Back
At Ups and Downs Southwest, we are continually inspired by the incredible efforts of the families we support. This October, Kelly McDaid, mum to Tomás, organized a fantastic fundraiser to mark Down Syndrome Awareness Month and show her appreciation for the help and...
Events What’s On

Fun Football Session
Bristol Youth Club
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Football Adventure at Bristol Youth Club!
Hey there, future football stars! Are you ready to kick off an amazing day filled with laughter, teamwork, and of course, plenty of football? Join us for an action-packed session with your favourite coaches, who can’t wait to share their skills and knowledge to help you elevate your game!
What’s in Store?
- Super Fun Drills: Experience exciting drills that will not only improve your technique but will also have you giggling in between!
- Friendly Matches: Put your skills to the test in exhilarating friendly matches. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, everyone is welcome to join the fun!
- Team Spirit Games: Enjoy some creative team-building activities that will strengthen friendships and build teamwork on and off the pitch!
- Join us for a fantastic session where you can make new friends, learn from the best, and enjoy the beautiful game in a safe, supportive environment. Whether you’re dribbling, shooting, or just having fun, there’s a spot for everyone at Bristol Youth Club!
Bring your enthusiasm and your favourite sports gear. Let’s make some unforgettable memories together! We can’t wait to see you there!

"*" indicates required fields

Music and Singing Night
Weston-super-Mare Youth Club
Weston-Super-Mare Youth Club – Music & Singing Night!
Date: Tuesday 20th May 2025
Time: 6:00–8:00 pm
Location: YMCA, 2 Bristol Road Lower, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 2PN
Calling all young people aged 10–25 – get ready for a fun-filled, feel-good evening at Weston-Super-Mare Youth Club!
This time, it’s all about music, singing, and signing – and we’ve got a brilliant line-up to help you find your rhythm and raise your voice!
Gemma will be running an interactive voice and percussion session – a great way to experiment with sound, express yourself, and make music together.
Nikki, our fabulous Makaton tutor, will lead a singing and sign-along session, teaching some uplifting songs using Makaton signing.
And if you’re feeling brave, grab the mic for a bit of karaoke fun – solo, duet or group… It’s your time to shine!
No experience needed – bring your energy and enthusiasm. Let your voices be heard – we can’t wait to sing and sign with you!

"*" indicates required fields

Coffee, Cake and Chat!
The Silver Otter, Devon
New to Devon: Coffee, Cake, and Chat!
We are absolutely delighted to invite you to our new **bi-monthly Coffee, Cake, and Chat sessions in the heart of Devon**! Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for a friendly space to connect, these informal gatherings are the perfect way to meet other families, enjoy a delicious treat, and access advice from our dedicated family support team—all in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Where:
The Silver Otter Café, 15 Silver Street, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1DB
When:
these are to be held on the following dates at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 18th September 2024
- 27th November 2024
- 29th January 2025
- 26th March 2025
- 21st May 2025
- 16th July 2025
(Our family support team will be available until 2:00 PM for additional advice, guidance, or a one-to-one chat.)
Who’s Invited?
Everyone! Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who just loves a good cup of coffee and conversation, you’re welcome to join. It’s a family-friendly event, and we encourage people of all ages to attend.
Why Attend?
These sessions are designed to offer a warm and supportive space where you can:
- Meet and connect with other families in the area
- Relax** over a cup of coffee or tea, and sample some delicious cake
- Share your experiences, challenges, or simply enjoy a chat
- Access support from our family support worker, who can provide advice on a range of topics including family life, education, and community resources
Venue:
The Silver Otter Café is part of the Able2achieve Trust, a wonderful local initiative that supports individuals with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and other associated needs. With its cozy atmosphere and community-minded mission, it’s the perfect setting for our gatherings. Whether you’re here to unwind or seek advice, you’ll feel right at home.
Parking:
Convenient on-street parking is available nearby, and there’s a public car park just a short walk away on Brook Street, making it easy for you to pop in and join us.
How to Reserve Your Spot:
To help us prepare for a fantastic morning, we kindly ask that you complete the simple booking form below to let us know you’re coming. This ensures we have enough coffee, cake, and comfy seats for everyone!
We can’t wait to welcome you—come along, bring a friend, and make yourself at home. We’re here to listen, chat, and offer a helping hand where needed. See you at the next Coffee, Cake, and Chat!
"*" indicates required fields

Bowling Trip
We’re heading out for a memorable Youth Club trip to the Hollywood Bowl in Yeovil!
Join us for a fun evening where we’ll enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling, followed by time to sit together and enjoy a snack and a drink. It’s the perfect chance to have fun, relax, and socialise with friends in a different setting!
Important: Spaces must be booked in advance!
Parents/carers need to:
- Complete the booking form
- Pay the £5 subs online
- Booking deadline: Thursday, 15th May
Don’t miss out – secure your space early and get ready for a fantastic night of bowling fun!

"*" indicates required fields

Bingo and Baking
Bristol Youth Club
Get ready for an epic day filled with laughter, creativity, and memories! How about gathering your buddies for an absolutely thrilling baking session? Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through the air as you dive into making a scrumptious batch Roll up those sleeves, grab your mixing bowls, and let the fun begin!
But wait, the excitement doesn’t stop there! Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, it’s time to crank up the adrenaline with an exhilarating round of Bingo! Who knows, you could be the lucky one walking away with some fabulous prizes!
And the fun keeps rolling! After the games, there’ll be plenty of time to chill with your friends, swap stories, and dive into even more games. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy each other’s company!
This is not just any ordinary get-together; it’s a session packed with delicious treats, thrilling games, and unforgettable moments.
Don’t miss out on this amazing adventure—join in on the fun and make it an evening to remember!

"*" indicates required fields