Down's Syndrome Association

DSEngage Live | Dance Class 💃🕺 Wake up and dance with DanceSyndrome via Zoom! Next Session: Thursday 29 October 2026. Time: 9.30-10.30am. The sessions will be led by a Dance Leader from DanceSyndrome. Who's joining us this week?! Please sign up here: https://loom.ly/fEn2yVs

What are your tips for well-being? We have put together our top ten tips based on research and health guidance. You can check it out here: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/2021/04/04.09.2020_Top-Tips-EWB_kp_v1-v1vpr9.pdf

Finding out About Research into the Effects of Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Health 🧘 Wednesday 13 January 2027 | 12 noon to 1.15pm | FREE Please book onto this webinar if you'd like to hear more about this research from Professor Gordon. Click here to register: https://loom.ly/2uo5mPk

Unlocking Child Trust Funds: a Welcome Commitment for SEND Families We welcome Andy Burnham’s commitment to help families of young people with special educational needs and disabilities access their Child Trust Funds. Please read the full article over on our website: https://loom.ly/fbZWG58

Common Health Conditions in Children who have Down Syndrome A Webinar with Dr Elizabeth Herrieven and Dr Richard Harrison of the UK and Ireland Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) Wednesday 11 November 2026 | 12 noon to 1.15pm | FREE Please sign up here: https://loom.ly/Iymq7KM

We tend to not think about our well-being until we don’t feel good, but this booklet for parents is about how we can increase our own well-being to support ourselves as best we can. Click here for the resource: https://loom.ly/N1v3DQk

Today (18 October) is Menopause Awareness Day. Women who have Down’s syndrome can have all the same symptoms of perimenopause as everyone else. The DSA Menopause and Down’s syndrome resource talks through symptoms to look out for with helpful information and links: https://loom.ly/wG2x4sM

DSEngage Disco – Musicals, Films and TV Programmes 🎵 Thursday 22 October 2026 | 6pm to 7pm The disco is online and is free to join. We are looking forward to seeing all the fabulous songs you choose. Register to join here: https://loom.ly/jSiZul8

Depression is something that can affect anyone, however it may look a little different in people who have Down syndrome. This resource also explores factors that may contribute to depression and what might help. You can find our resource here: https://loom.ly/M8_tBLM

DSEngage LIVE | Evening Disco 🪩 Share some great music and your favourite dance moves! Switch on your disco lights, wear your favourite disco outfit and lets get dancing! Next Session: Tuesday 13 October 2026. Time: 7.00 – 8.00pm. If you'd like to attend, book here: https://loom.ly/wFaWeos

Today (10th October) is World Mental Health Day. People who have Down syndrome may need support around understanding their own feelings and those of others. Check out our Easy Read - 'let's talk about feelings' resource here: https://loom.ly/Pnc1v7o

Families share transport experiences with the Law Commission - Why transport matters The DSA recently brought together parents and carers to share their experiences of transport accessibility with the Law Commission. For our full findings, please head to our website: https://loom.ly/xAiu3ik

Disability Living Allowance and the Timms Review – Reassurance for families Read the full piece on our website to find out more: https://loom.ly/f-XRyVw

Have you watched our well-being webinar? It covers issues that may affect people and how we might support positive well-being in people who have Down syndrome. Click here to register for our on-demand recording: https://loom.ly/BGVObrM

Do you care for someone with Down syndrome who has had at least one paediatric intensive care (PICU) admission since turning 14? Survey for Parents, Family Members & Carers Web link: https://loom.ly/qoD-31c Survey for Teenagers and Young Adults Web link: https://loom.ly/CvWwYck 

Today (5th October) is World Teacher Day. To mark this, we thought we'd bring your attention to the resource 'International Guidelines for the Education of Learners with Down Syndrome' - published by DSi. If you're an educator, please click here to read the resource: https://loom.ly/FcRen4Q

DSEngage LIVE | 4pm Disco🪩 Join people who have Down’s syndrome from all over the country for our 4pm Disco. Pick your favourite song, turn on your disco lights, and have a dance around your living room. Next Session: 6 October 2026. Time: 4 – 5pm. Please sign up here: https://loom.ly/HOSfvY8

This guide is to help supporters and parents promote positive emotional well-being for people who have Down syndrome. It contains lots of ideas and strategies covering all aspects of life. Please access the online guide on our website: https://loom.ly/C_Emm74

Help Shape the Future of Adult Social Care: Thousands of households across England are now being invited to take part in the Public Panel on Care, a key part of Baroness Louise Casey’s Independent Commission on Adult Social Care. Head to our website for the full article: https://loom.ly/xew5jV0

Families Share School Transport Experiences to Inform Law Commission Review: The DSA recently brought together parents and carers to share their experiences of school and post16 transport. To find out more about the findings, please read the full article on our website: https://loom.ly/5yNDWQg

The 29 Sep (today) is World Heart Day. About half of all children who have Down's syndrome are born with a heart condition, with heart conditions also occurring for some people later in life. For more info, resources and support on heart issues/healthy lifestyles, see here: https://loom.ly/3idpAMs

Your baby’s communication development begins at birth and your Speech and Language Therapist can help you to support your baby’s development. Our resource guides you through the early stages of speech development and the role of the Speech and Language Therapist. See here: https://loom.ly/WgofaWA

Caring for a baby who has Down’s syndrome is the same as caring for any newborn. 👶 As with all babies, enjoy them while they are little as they will grow up fast! Click on the link to read some stories from mums and dads about their new babies: https://loom.ly/KL6XEvw

Eye Health Week: Sept 21–27. 👓 This awareness week highlights the importance of regular eye tests and vision care. People who have Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight. Our eye webpage has resources and information available: https://loom.ly/3RVnk8k

We’re so close to an incredible milestone—our lottery has now raised over £45,000! For just £4.34 a month, you could be in with the chance of winning £25, £1,000 or even £25,000! Could you help us reach £50,000? Please join today: https://loom.ly/xLL-xTc *Must be aged 18 or over. T's + c's apply.

On Wednesday 23rd September, we will be exhibiting information and delivering a presentation to midwives at the South Wales Maternity Festival, being held at the Cardiff City Football Stadium. If you are attending, do come along and chat with Kate and Julian on the DSA stand!

The DSA New Parent pack contains resources to help you to get to know your new baby. Please get in touch by e-mailing info@downs-syndrome.org.uk if you would like a copy sent to you in the post. Click here for the online resource: https://loom.ly/DuRXgGY

DSEngage LIVE | Five Year Celebration Disco 🪩🥳 Wednesday 16 September 2026. 6-7pm. Join us tomorrow to celebrate five years of DSEngage! This special DSEngage Disco session celebrates 5 years of weekly sessions and 5 years of you. Sign up on our website: https://loom.ly/wmXBCWk

Help shape the future of adult social care. The Casey Commission is carrying out the biggest public conversation on adult social care for a generation and wants to hear directly from disabled people and their families. You have until the 23 September to take part: https://loom.ly/xQFQEC4

A free online support group for parents/professionals on Early Reading Strategies to support Speech and Language Development. We recommend that you attend all three sessions. Click here to find out more/sign up: https://loom.ly/d-ES6Ws

Want to keep up to date with care of people with Down Syndrome? Come join us in #Edinburgh on the 20th of November for our Winter Meeting Tickets at dsmig.org.uk, join DSMIG at the same time and get a discounted ticket - making membership essentially free ❤️ @dsa-uk.bsky.social

Are you are having a baby? If so, congratulations! 👶 If you know your baby will be born with Down’s syndrome or has a high chance of this, our ‘Looking Forward to your New Baby’ resource can help with questions you may have. Click on the link to access the resource: https://loom.ly/Corgvog

Q&A Session: Common Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Issues in Children who have Down Syndrome Friday 6 November 2026 | 12 noon to 1.15pm | FREE In this webinar, Patrick Sheehan (ENT Consultant) will answer your questions about ENT issues. Please sign up here: https://loom.ly/MbfPMIw

Shape the Law Commission’s Review of Transport Accessibility School transport focus group (including post-16 and post-19 transport) 16 September | 6.00pm-7.30pm Wider Transport Accessibility (excluding school/college transport) 22 September | 6.00pm-7.30pm Register here: https://loom.ly/OyXpq1A

DSEngage Live | Dance Class 💃🕺 Join people who have Down’s syndrome from all over the country to Wake up and dance with DanceSyndrome via Zoom! The next session is tomorrow and it's back to its normal time: Thursday 3 September 2026. Time: 9.30-10.15am. Sign up here: https://loom.ly/fEn2yVs

The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.🎗️ Leukaemia is a cancer of the body's blood forming tissues that affects white blood cells. We have a Health Series resource on leukaemia in children who have Down's syndrome that you can find here: https://loom.ly/ZjEN1I0

Final reminder for this research webinar taking place this week! 'Finding out About Research into Alzheimer’s Disease' Friday 4 September 2026 | 12 noon – 1pm | FREE To find out more information and sign up, click here: https://loom.ly/h1gpdwc

The Casey Commission is carrying out the biggest public conversation on adult social care for a generation and wants to hear directly from disabled people and their families. You can take part by sharing your own proposal for change/or vote for proposals submitted by others: https://loom.ly/xQFQEC4

This comprehensive guide contains information on how to best manage change and help people cope with transitions in their life. Click here to read it: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11.11.2020_Emotional-Well-being-Supporters-Resource_SM_2023.pdf

Behind every person who has Down’s syndrome, there is often a whole circle of people who care. Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunties, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues can all help support us by becoming members. Join today. 💚 Click here: https://bit.ly/4y0vjyM

Friday 4 September 2026 | 12 noon – 1pm | FREE Researchers at the University of Plymouth have carried out research into making new cognitive assessments, which can find early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease in people who have Down syndrome. Please sign up here: https://loom.ly/h1gpdwc

This easy read booklet explains what transition means as you get older and how to plan for the future. You can read it here: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/6-Listen-To-Me-Series.-13-Transition-Easy-Read-1.pdf

Have you got an interesting story you'd like to share with us? 🤩 If so, we'd love to hear it and feature you in our Journal! 📝 Send in your stories here: https://loom.ly/OMQ15eo If you're not already a member, you can sign up here too: https://loom.ly/mt2nfgw

The Government's is inviting disabled people & people with long-term health conditions to help shape its recommendations for the future of PIP. People who have Down's syndrome and their families should be part of this conversation. Find out more: https://loom.ly/EX5xwQs Reg closes 5pm, 21 August

We welcome today's news that disabled bus pass holders in England will be able to travel free on local buses at any time of day from April 2027. Removing restrictions will help many people who have Down's syndrome live life more independently. https://loom.ly/1hs26Po #AccessibleTransport #WorkFit

The DSA has submitted evidence to the DWP's call for evidence on Carer’s Allowance, drawing on our extensive experience supporting people who have Down’s syndrome and their families. Read the full response over on our website: https://loom.ly/rCMGYPM

Millions reminded to get £150 off energy bills this winter. Households eligible for the Warm Home Discount must be named on their energy bill by 23 August to receive it automatically this winter. Please head to the GovUK website to find out more: https://loom.ly/WcjCobc

DSEngage LIVE | 4pm Disco 🪩 Join people who have Down’s syndrome from all over the country for our 4pm Disco. Just to highlight - there is no disco on Tuesday 11 August but the disco is back with 4pm Disco on Tuesday 18 August. Please find the sign-up form here: https://loom.ly/HOSfvY8

Our guide to Social Care in England contains key advice about transition assessments and why they are helpful. Click this link for the resource: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Social-Care-and-Support-Factsheet.pdf

It can be tricky transitioning from child to adult services. Our England guide simplifies the process, sets out key timescales and links to other useful resources and organisations. You can find it here: https://loom.ly/OhCFyMU