Who are we?
We are an inclusive, member-led charity for individuals with Down’s syndrome, parents, caregivers, and professionals, from diagnosis through to adulthood.
Our warm and friendly team is here for every stage of your journey. We can help you find friendships, connect with other families, and access professional support and advice.
“This group was a life saver – it made me and my family feel far less isolated and put us in touch with professional services we couldn’t have done without.”
How we can help
Join our supportive community for answers, information, and access to a wealth of knowledge and understanding.
If you would like to become a member of Down’s Syndrome Manchester, you can sign up below. Membership is free and gives you access to our monthly newsletter as well as details of the support we provide and access to all of our fantastic events.
Have fun with us
Preschool – Our monthly preschool group in Cheadle Hulme runs twice a month and is a chance to get together with other families while the children play and explore the fantastic sensory room. We also have regular visits from a speech therapist, an occupational therapist and portage.
Dates for this term (email claire@dsmanchester.org.uk for full details):
- 7th January
- 28th January
- 11th February
- 25th February
- 11th March
- 25th March
- 8th April
Social events – We run social groups for members across all age ranges from 5-9 years, 10-16 years, over 17 years, over 25 years, and for parents/carers.
Dates for this term (click to sign up):
- 12th January – 10-16s bowling
- 19th January – over 17s bowling
- 7th February – over 17s chocolate making
- 9th February – 10-16s sports session
- 28th February – Mums’ social
- 2nd March – 5-9s soft play
- 9th March – over 17s bowling
- 16th March – 10-16s bowling
- 22nd March – WDSD celebration with Singing Hands
Holiday club – We offer a few days of holiday club each year for our members to enjoy.
Grow with us
Chatterbox – Our monthly flagship event for all members. This is a Saturday morning social event held in Didsbury offering speech therapy, occupational therapy, arts & crafts, sing and sign Makaton sessions and other themed games and activities to enjoy whilst catching up over food and drink with other families.
Dates for this term (email claire@dsmanchester.org.uk for full details):
- 11th January – Keeping Fit and Healthy
- 8th February – Family & Friends
- 8th March – Stories
- 5th April – Spring
User group – We have a monthly user group open to everyone aged 11 years and above. This group is for members with Down’s syndrome to get together to discuss topics that are important to them and effect change wherever needed.
Dates for this term (click to sign up):
Learn with us
We are lucky to work with industry leaders to provide training sessions for parents, carers, and professionals. We cover a variety of topics including literacy, numeracy, behaviour and understanding the learning profile of someone with Down’s syndrome.
Dates for this term:
26th Feb to 9th April – Friendships and relationships
2nd April – Post 16 – what happens next?
Work with us
We have an employability programme in partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association called WorkFit. Our dedicated WorkFit officer supports our members who have Down’s syndrome to find paid employment. Employment allows members to be more independent, learn new skills, meet new people, earn money and increase their self-esteem.
Support us
Down’s Syndrome Manchester is a charity, and we rely solely on donations to keep our services running. By donating to us, you can help our community to thrive and our members to reach their true potential. Every penny donated will go directly to supporting our members.
Useful information
Down’s Syndrome Association
A national organisation committed to improving quality of life for people who have Down’s syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others.
DSUK
A national charity passionate about empowering parents and professionals to improve the lives of those with Down’s syndrome and their families in the UK.
DSE International
DSE works to improve education for children with Down’s syndrome everywhere .
Our partners
We are delighted to be supported by the following funders:
If you are able to support DS Manchester to allow us to continue our work, please email esther@dsmanchester.org.uk.