Leicestershire Down's Syndrome Group

The Leicestershire Down's Syndrome Group is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting families and individuals affected by Down syndrome in the Leicestershire area. Registered as a charity under number 1098024, the group operates primarily through the efforts of unpaid volunteers, many of whom are parents or carers of people with Down syndrome.

Mission and Activities

The group's key aims focus on:

• Supporting families with a member who has Down syndrome through various social activities that involve the entire family.
• Creating opportunities and providing financial support to foster friendships and offer enjoyable experiences for individuals with Down syndrome within their peer group.
• Fundraising to sustain and expand the opportunities and support they provide.

To fulfill these aims, the Leicestershire Down's Syndrome Group offers a range of services including health and wellbeing advice, leisure and recreational activities, and educational support such as grants. They organise regular social events for families and individuals, support participation in hobbies, and facilitate training sessions and speech therapy assistance when needed.

Community Engagement

The charity serves multiple areas within Leicestershire, such as Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Leicester, Melton, North West Leicestershire, and Oadby and Wigston. One notable regular activity is a monthly Craft Club for individuals aged over 16, which typically meets on the second Monday of each month.

Structure and Affiliations

The group is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are closely connected to the Down syndrome community through personal experience. While independent, the group is part of a wider network of local support groups across England, some of which choose to affiliate with the national Down’s Syndrome Association. This affiliation provides benefits such as access to resources, insurance, and organizational support, although the Leicestershire Down's Syndrome Group maintains its own governance and funding.

Summary

The Leicestershire Down's Syndrome Group plays a vital role in the local community by offering social, educational, and financial support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Its volunteer-led model and broad range of activities aim to enhance quality of life and foster inclusive opportunities across Leicestershire.

Charity number: 1098024

[1] https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/popular-now/directories/information-and-support-directory/leicestershire-downs-syndrome-group [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4000439 [3] https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/downs-syndrome-pathway/ [4] https://mychoice.leicester.gov.uk/Services/2259 [5] https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/about-dsa/our-network/local-support-groups/