We support families
What we do
Home visits
For a new or expectant parent of a child with Down’s syndrome things can seem very daunting and uncertain. As a group we have a team of people happy to meet with either expectant or new parents, at a place of their choice, to share their experiences. Please contact us at admin@cdssgroup.org.uk to arrange a meeting. You can also download our brochure that outlines what we do and who we help.
Friendship Groups
Making friends and taking part in new activities is very important for the children and young people that we support. We run regular activity groups like Cheeky Monkey playgroup, DS football training, DS dance and forest friends. For more information and to book onto one of our groups, see our interactive calendar of events.
Peer Support Activities
Our calendar of events provides fun family days out and training for the whole family. Whether it’s a day at Chester zoo, trip to a soft play centre or a pizza plus night out for our teenage members we aim to provide a range of experiences in a supportive environment. To see what’s on offer and book your place see our events calendar.
Training
As a support group CDSSG recognise how important it is for parents to feel like they are doing the ‘right thing’ for their child. We aim to provide parents/carers with up to date information to give them the confidence support their child.
The group offers evening workshops in our Northwich office on a variety of topics such as Encouraging Speech & Language through Play, Introduction to Numeracy & Literacy for Children with DS & many more.
As speech is an area of difficulty for our children, the group has Makaton trainers who run courses throughout the year. Makaton is a programme in which signs and symbols are used with speech to support spoken language.
Parents are also welcome to attend our training days which are primarily aimed at best practice in education. For more information see our calendar of events.
The group offers evening workshops in our Northwich office on a variety of topics such as Encouraging Speech & Language through Play, Introduction to Numeracy & Literacy for Children with DS & many more.
As speech is an area of difficulty for our children, the group has Makaton trainers who run courses throughout the year. Makaton is a programme in which signs and symbols are used with speech to support spoken language.
Parents are also welcome to attend our training days which are primarily aimed at best practice in education. For more information see our calendar of events.
Parent support
We recognise that it’s important for parents to talk and share their experiences to support one another. Whilst our activity days are great fun they can get busy and hectic so we aim to provide parents with an opportunity to meet away from the children, enjoy some tasty food in great company and have a catch up.
Please remember that we are here to support you and your family through the current coronavirus pandemic.
Contact us to get in touch. For information about additional ongoing support services please see the resources below.
One of the main reasons the group was started back in 2007 was because we, as parents, realised how important it was to have other people to share experiences with. We aim to provide opportunities for parents, carers, sibling & extended family networks to have fun in a fully inclusive environment where the child with Down’s syndrome is one of many rather than one of a few. Research has shown providing this type of social environment improves children’s self-esteem.
CDSSG run regular support activities for people with Down’s syndrome and their family members. For more information or to book onto a course, see our interactive calendar of events or contact admin@cdssgroup.org.uk
Using the correct language: one mum’s journey to say it right from the start.
The DSA offers a number of resources and advice tools for families. You can access this here
Resources to support your family through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO Coping With Stress During COVID-19
Disabled Children’s Partnership coronavirus
Gov.uk guidance for those who provide care
Further recommended resources include:
The DSA offers a number of resources and advice tools for families. To access this please click here
Can I access help before my child with Down’s syndrome is born?
Yes, you can. We are always happy to meet with expectant parents to discuss any questions you may have. We will also signpost you to services and resources that can help you on your journey.
How will down’s syndrome affect my child’s development?
Your child is unique so they will develop in their own time. Children with Down’s syndrome may all have a third copy of chromosome 21 but each will walk, talk, eat, potty train and learn to live independently at different times. All children with Down’s syndrome experience some degree of learning disability and will make progress in most areas - in their own time.
What are the characteristic strengths of people with Down’s syndrome?
Reading ability, gesture and mime, visual learning and social interaction are all characteristic strengths. When learning is tailored to these strengths then the potential of children with Down’s syndrome can be unlocked.
How can I help my child with Down’s syndrome to make friends?
Depending on your child’s own unique personality they could show you the way when it comes to making friends! However, not all children feel comfortable making new friendships and there are ways you can help. Providing opportunities for social interaction based on their likes and interests, providing choices about what they would like to do and who they would like to spend time with as well as modelling appropriate social behaviour will all help.
How does physical activity benefit people with Down’s syndrome?
As with everyone who takes part in sport the benefits include health, fitness, friendships and the satisfaction that comes from learning a new skill. DSActive carried out research and found that, since joining one of their sessions 27% of participants had lost weight, 68% improved their fitness, 78% improved their physical ability and 91% improved their social skills. They also found evidence that social interactions, team work, non-verbal and verbal communications skills all improved.
How can peer support events help my family?
Peer support events and days out are a chance for people with Down’s syndrome and their parents/ carers, siblings and grandparents to catch up with other families who have shared experiences to enjoy themselves together. Friendships grow through these events and families are able to enjoy experiences in a risk free environment. This means that if the day doesn’t go entirely to plan then there are supportive, like-minded individuals there to support one another. We find that these events are valuable for the whole family.
What does the future hold for my child with Down’s syndrome?
Generally, people with Down’s syndrome are living longer and achieving more than ever before. With the right support, people with Down’s syndrome are living independently, forming relationships, becoming role models and gaining employment.