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We run friendship groups

Cheeky Monkeys

CDSSG runs a regular playgroup in Crewe called Cheeky Monkeys. It is aimed at children from birth to pre-school age. The sessions are very informal, providing parents and carers the opportunity to share experiences and exchange ideas. Each session ends with the group singing and signing their favourite songs, so why not pop along!
Dates & times: The session time is 10 am to 12 noon and falls on the 1st Friday of the month.
Venue: Hopes and Beams, Broad Street, Crewe, CW1 3UD.

Football Training

Cheshire has an active Down’s syndrome football group affiliated to the national DSActive sports programme. The group is run as part of Egerton Football Club in Knutsford and sessions are open to anyone with Down’s syndrome aged five upwards.
Training takes place inside the sport hall every Sunday during school term time from 10 am – 11 am at:
Egerton Football Club
Mereheath Lane
Knutsford
Cheshire
WA16 6SL
Players will take part in fun football sessions delivered by FA qualified coaching staff focusing on dribbling, passing and shooting whilst playing plenty of games. We invite you to come along and tell your friends!
The sessions are priced at £2 each week and those interested in attending are asked to turn up on the day or contact admin@cdssgroup.org.uk for more information.

DS Dance

Our term time DS Dance sessions regularly take place at two venues: Winsford library every Tuesday between 5.30pm - 6.30pm and now every Thursday between 5 pm - 6 pm at Mollington & Backford Village Hall, Chester. Led by Cheshire Dance, they encourage fun, fitness and friendship. All ages are welcome at these free sessions and there is no need to book - just turn up and join in! Attendees will need to complete a Cheshire Dance registration form which can be requested by emailing us here.

Forest Friends

During the summer months we like to get out and about at Marbury Park with the local forest ranger. Activities include fire lighting, den building and bug catching. Siblings are welcome to come along to this group. Fore more information please see our interactive calendar of events.

Pizza Plus

We recognise the importance of age appropriate activities for people with Down’s syndrome. Our pizza plus nights out are a chance for members age 12+ to get together and enjoy a meal and a chat independently whilst their parents and carers are sent to the other side of the restaurant!

Please note that many of our friendship groups have moved online during the recent coronavirus pandemic. A full timetable is here

Enjoying activities with friends is an important part of life and we strive to provide opportunities for social interaction and friendship for children and young people with Down’s syndrome. This includes learning new skills such as football or dance, getting out in the fresh air or enjoying a night out with pals at a restaurant.

Resources

CDSSG run regular activities for people with Down’s syndrome and their family members. For more information or to book onto an activity for free, see our interactive calendar of events or contact admin@cdssgroup.org.uk

DSActive website

CURRENT STATUS CONCERNING PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS:

Please note that due to the current lockdown restrictions our face to face family support events have either been postponed or will be made available as an online service. DS Football is currently postponed and will recommence as soon as government guidence allows, and our DS Dance sessions are being hosted online by Cheshire Dance and will return to face-to-face just as soon as it is safe to do so. Please contact us here for more details

FAQs

Will my child with Down’s syndrome struggle to make friends?

This very much depends on your child’s personality. Sometimes your son or daughter may find it very easy to make new friends, their peers will want to hang out with them and like them for who they are. Sometimes you might need to give them a little more support.

How can I help my child with Down’s syndrome to make friends?

Providing opportunities for friendships to develop and grow is important for all children. Shared interests can be a great basis for making new friends so encourage participation in hobbies and activities that interest your child. Regular group activities will help friendships to flourish and grow.

What can I do if my child doesn’t want to make friends?

Joining a group activity is not favoured by everyone! Try narrowing the field if your child feels overwhelmed in large groups and model social skills to them. For example show them how to take turns, share and greet others appropriately.
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