Our services
Our specialist services offer support and community for all ages, at every stage of your journey. We can help you access professional advice and support or connect with other families.
We run nearly 100 events each year, for members of all ages, families, and professionals. We are member-led, so we design our programme of events based on the needs and feedback of our community. Join us, there is something for everyone.
Our main services include:
Pre-school
Our monthly pre-school 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.
Social events
We run social groups for members across all age ranges from 5-9 years, 10-17 years, over 18 years, over 25 years, and for parents/carers.
Book now for:
Holiday club
We offer a few days of holiday club each year for our members to enjoy. We know how valuable it is for parents to have trusted and specialist SEND childcare provision during school holidays. We offer a holiday club service for members to enjoy.
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.
Speak up – Our 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.
Training
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.
Learn and Thrive: Learning for Life programme
Learn & thrive: Learning for Life sessions is a Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) resource designed specifically for young people with Down’s syndrome and other special educational needs. Created with specialist teachers and speech and language therapists, it covers essential topics such as personal health, emotions, growth, caring friendships, puberty, and appropriate behaviour—delivered in a clear, accessible way tailored to individual learning needs.
WorkFit
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 on the support of our community. Here are some ways you can show your support:
