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.”

Mother with child sat on knee, looking happy and engaged in activity. Mother has thumbs up and child has his hands on her arms.

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.

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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):
• 26th November
• 10th December

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):
24th November – 10-16s bowling
29th November – NQ social
30th November – Over 17s wreath making
6th December – Over 17s karaoke
14th December – 10-16s painting

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):
• 7th December

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):
• 26th November

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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:
4th December – EHCP training

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.

 If you are a person with Down’s syndrome looking for work or an employer who wants to explore being part of the WorkFit programme, please email esther@dsmanchester.org.uk.
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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:

Greggs
Children in need
Community Fund
HCB Solicitors

If you are able to support DS Manchester to allow us to continue our work, please email esther@dsmanchester.org.uk.