Down's Syndrome Association

Just a reminder to give the 'Our Voice' Spotify playlist a listen if you haven't already! 💚 Members of Our Voice selected their favorite songs that celebrate friendship and community for the theme of World Down Syndrome Day - 'Together Against Loneliness.' Make sure to give the playlist a listen. 🎵 Spotify playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/076OI… YouTube playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=… #WorldDownSyndromeDay #WDSD #TogetherAgainstLoneliness

In this journal article we hear from parents who attend our complex needs support group and their children as well as members of Our Voice about what connection means to them and the impact of not having it. Click here to read the full article on 'Experiences of Connection and Well-Being' : downs-syndrome.org.uk/wp-content/upl…

Details for My Perspective 2026 are coming soon! 📷⭐ My Perspective is an international photographic competition for people who have Down’s syndrome. Since 2010, outstanding images by photographers from around the globe have been celebrated in this unique contest that enables people who have Down’s syndrome to show us how they see the world. More information will be available soon, keep an eye out on our socials and website: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/our-v… #MyPerspective #MyPerspective2026

@ScottJonesy @JenKteach @QPRtrust Oh wow! Thank you for your support 💚

@DSAInfo @JenKteach Thanks for all you do. X 16 years! Since I ran the London Marathon for you and @QPRtrust

It's the start of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week 2026! 🧦💚 Make sure to show your support and celebrate from the 16 to 22 March 2026 (World Down Syndrome Day is on the 21 March.) Join with us and with people around the world to stand Together Against Loneliness! Simple, small things – like a smile, a conversation in the queue for the bus, taking time to listen, making simple changes to the way you do an activity – can all make a huge difference. Remember, we'd love to see your photos/videos and hear about how you are spending your time this week. Please send them to comms@downs-syndrome.org.uk if you are happy for them to be used on our social platforms. For all things Awareness Week such as where you can get your socks/badges, fundraising information, colouring sheets and more, click here: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campa… #WorldDownSyndromeDay #TogetherAgainstLoneliness #LotsOfSocks

For World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March 2026, CoorDown launches the international awareness campaign "JUST EVOLVE”. The campaign calls on each of us to take a cultural step forward: to leave behind in the past, those words of disability used to insult, ridicule or degrade. The message of the campaign is simple: leave the R-word and offensive language about disability, in the past. Because we evolve. And our language should too. For the film, an international professional cast was chosen, with 19-year-old Noah Matthews Matofsky, a young English actor with Down's syndrome, as the protagonist. Well done Noah! 🤩 The DSA are so excited to be involved in this important campaign. Please give the campaign a watch below.💚

The Down's Syndrome Association is a member of the Third Sector Additional Needs Alliance (TSANA) in Wales. TSANA has asked member organisations to share the jointly produced Manifesto for babies, children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), which has been published in advance of the Senedd Election 2026. See more here: childreninwales.org.uk/application/fi…

Events and Webinars on the Schools White Paper and SEND Consultation: We are hosting a series of events to help families, practitioners, and sector partners understand the proposals, ask questions, and prepare informed consultation responses. Upcoming events include: 1: Understanding the Schools White Paper Webinar: What Families Need to Know 2: A series of focus groups with DfE representatives to discuss aspects of the proposed SEND reforms 3: SEND Consultation: Twilight event for professionals in education, health and care 4: How to Respond to Consultations with Confidence: The SEND Consultation Webinar Please find out more such as dates/times and how to sign up/register by clicking this link: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campa…

There isn't long to go now until Down's Syndrome Awareness Week (16 - 22 March) and World Down Syndrome Day (21 March) ! 🧦 Have you got an event planned or are wanting to plan one to raise funds for the DSA? Our Awareness Week Packs include a small selection of posters to help you promote your activity, start conversations and raise awareness in your school, workplace or community. Please get yours here: register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Aware… #WDSD #TogetherAgainstLoneliness #LotsOfSocks

Just a reminder to order your socks in time for Down's Syndrome Awareness Week (16 - 22 March) and World Down Syndrome Day! (21 March) The socks are also currently in the sale on our shop! To businesses and schools, as #WDSD falls on a Saturday this year, please remember you can also celebrate this day during the week of 16 - 22 March, as that is still Awareness Week. Come together and show off your #LotsOfSocks to show your support.🧦 Please support WDSD and the DSA by purchasing yours on our website: downs-syndrome.org.uk/product/lots-o… #TogetherAgainstLoneliness

For people who have Down’s syndrome: The Government wants to hear from people who have Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities/genetic conditions. They want to know what you think about the draft Down Syndrome Act guidance. This guidance is about your rights and the support you must and should get. ⭐ Your ideas are important. ⭐ You can say what works well for you and what more help you need. You can read the Easy Read guidance and questions here: loom.ly/2seC-cg You can ask someone you trust to help you answer the questions. You can also use our Easy Read guide to help you take part: loom.ly/_l04kGo #DownSyndromeAct #DownSyndromeGuidance

@Manchester_FA @WorldDSDay Thank you for your support of WDSD and the #LotsOfSocks campaign! 🧦💚

On the 21st March we will be supporting #WorldDownSyndromeDay 🤝 We would like to see our grassroots community support the #LotsOfSocks Campaign by sending in photos of players & volunteers wearing mismatched coloured socks 🧦 @DSAInfo | @WorldDSDay

Introducing our 4th #WDSD26 speaker: Samuel Innes from the UK with @DSAInfo Samuel will share how employment, volunteering, and sports helped him move from the isolation of leaving college to a life full of connection and confidence. ⚽🏨🤝 🗓️ 23 March 📍 UN, NYC

Spaces available now for Royal Parks Half Marathon ! 🏃‍➡️ Come and join Team21 by taking on the Royal Parks. The race takes place on Sunday, 11 October 2026, with the start and finish along South Carriage Drive in Hyde Park. The course covers 13.1 miles (21.1 km) and threads through four of London’s Royal Parks: Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. Sign up here: runforcharity.com/charity-regist…

For the past three years, Josh has been a valued member of the team at Big Yellow Self Storage. His commitment, reliability, and pride in his work shine through every single day. 💛 This video captures just a glimpse of the energy and focus he brings to his role — and why his colleagues say the place wouldn’t be the same without him. At WorkFit, we’re proud to support people who have Down’s syndrome into meaningful, paid employment where they can thrive, grow, and feel truly part of the team. Learn about how you or someone you know can get involved with WorkFit: downs-syndrome.org.uk/WorkFit #WorkFit #InclusiveEmployment #SupportedEmployment

Every person deserves the chance to show what they can do. When employers open the door to inclusive hiring, they discover skills, passion and reliability that enrich any workplace. Let’s keep building a world where people who have Down’s syndrome are valued for their abilities, not limited by assumptions. #WorkFit #InclusiveEmployment #SupportedEmployment #DSAMythBuster

Can you help? If this applies to you, please follow the steps on the poster to take part in this study!

Have you thought about getting involved in Challenge 21 yet? 🏅 Taking place 1–21 March, Challenge 21 is a fun, flexible virtual fundraiser for the Down’s Syndrome Association. Walk, run, jog or cycle a distance that suits you. We have a new target of 2,100km. We are currently at at 1474km! Our fundraising target remains £2,100, and every pound makes a difference - thank you for your support. 💚 We are trying to get as many people to sign up as possible - please share this around with your family and friends that you think might be interested in taking part! Head to our website to find examples of how you can get involved: downs-syndrome.org.uk/get-involved/c…

Professionals across education, health and social care hold valuable knowledge about what works for people who have Down’s syndrome. The Down Syndrome Act statutory guidance consultation is inviting good practice examples, evidence and resources that can strengthen the annex. If you use or recommend approaches in your work that improve support for people who have Down’s syndrome, your input is important. Make sure you respond before 30 March 2026: downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campa…

The Down’s Syndrome Association has responded to the proposed SEND reforms in the Schools White Paper. Please read the full statement on our website: downs-syndrome.org.uk/news/news-rese…