Stepping Stones DS

08/10/2026

This Global's Make Some Noise week, you might spot two very familiar faces on billboards across the UK … Thomas and his mum, Karolina. 🌟

But behind those billboard photos is a much bigger story.

Karolina has shared very openly with us about those early days after Thomas’s diagnosis. About feeling lost. About finding somewhere she felt understood. And about the people who now celebrate every one of Thomas’s milestones alongside her family.

In her words:

💬 “Stepping Stones DS very quickly became my safe space, and they still are.”

Thomas has come a long way since those early days - and this month Karolina is also doing something to help Stepping Stones DS continue to be there for other families.

We’ll leave her to tell you the rest. 💙

👉 Read Thomas and Karolina’s story, see their billboard photos and find out what Karolina is doing for SSDS this Make Some Noise week: https://www.steppingstonesds.co.uk/family-stories/thomas-karolina/

From finding the Stepping Stones DS family to appearing on UK billboards, discover Thomas and Karolina’s Make Some Noise story.

07/10/2026

🎙️ Did you hear Leo and Lucas on Heart yesterday?

We shared a little of their visit last week, but there was MUCH more to their day at Global HQ than we could fit into one post!

We’ve now put the whole story together, including:

📸 Lots more photos from behind the scenes
🎬 A video of their time in the studio
🎧 Their interview with Jamie Theakston to listen to again
⭐ And a few more familiar faces they met along the way!

From catching the train to London and exploring the Global studios, to meeting Jamie, Amanda Holden and the Capital FM Breakfast team - and, of course, getting behind the microphones themselves. It was such a special day!

👉 Have a look at what Leo and Lucas got up to (and listen to their interview again) here:
https://www.steppingstonesds.co.uk/family-stories/leo-lucas/

Global's Make Some Noise

Stepping Stones DS stars Leo and Lucas visit Heart Radio for interviews with Jamie Theakston!

06/10/2026

We’re delighted to have been chosen as Robert May’s School’s Crown House Charity of the Year once again!

A huge thank you to the students, staff and families at Robert May’s for choosing Stepping Stones DS for another year. Together we will raise awareness, build understanding and create a sense of inclusion within the wider community.

When a school chooses to support us, they help more people understand Down syndrome and the importance of making sure children and young people have the right support and opportunities to fulfil their potential. And for us, partnerships like this are a reminder that we really are a family of families. The support of our local community helps families feel connected, supported and, most importantly, never alone.

We can’t wait to see what the year ahead brings and all the amazing things the Crown House team can achieve for Stepping Stones DS!

Thank you, Robert May’s.

Robert May's School

05/10/2026

📢 Don’t forget to tune in to Heart radio tomorrow (Tuesday 6th October) at 7:10am to hear from Leo and Lucas!

Amanda Holden

30/09/2026

We support children and young people with Down syndrome from birth right through to adulthood, alongside their families. Whether it’s early development, education and school support, specialist advice, physical activities, social opportunities or bringing families together, our support grows and changes with them.

At Stepping Stones DS, every session and every family event happens because of the generosity of our community.

That’s why regular monthly gifts mean so much to us. They help us plan ahead, keep our specialist staff, and be there for families when they need us most. No donation is too small. If just 50 people gave £5 a month, that would raise £3,000 a year, enough for half a term of our Prime Acrobatics classes, that improve strength, coordination, and build self belief.

We know not everyone is in a position to give, and that’s absolutely fine. You can also share this post and help us spread the word.

Could you give £5 a month? https://www.justgiving.com/charity/steppingstonesds

28/09/2026

It's time for another Proud Parent Moment, and this week we're celebrating Sami!

Sami's mum got in touch to tell us she's loving Brownies and enjoying the next stage of her Girlguiding journey.

Seeing our children and young people try new things, join in, make friends and grow in confidence is what Stepping Stones DS is all about.

Well done, Sami, we're so proud of you! 💛

24/09/2026

We want to say a huge thank you to the wonderful team at Church Crookham & Fleet Men’s Shed, who have made us a new tombola drum!

We’re grateful for the time, skill and care that has gone into making this for us so we can use it for upcoming fundraising events.

For anyone who hasn’t come across Men’s Shed before, it’s a larger version of the traditional garden shed, where they welcome people to work on their own projects or get involved in community initiatives. The Shed is a friendly and inclusive space where members can work at their own pace, have a chat, make friends and enjoy being part of the local community.

Thank you, Church Crookham & Fleet Men’s Shed, we love our new tombola drum!

23/09/2026

Thank you to the team at Tesco in Guildford for allowing us to set up our donation station to raise money for our charity. We raised an amazing £436.14!

Every donation helps us continue providing the support, activities and opportunities that enable children and young people with Down syndrome to develop their communication and life skills, build confidence and independence, make friends and, most importantly, fulfil their potential.

From communication support and activities to opportunities to learn, socialise and try something new, your generosity helps make sure families have the support they need at every stage of their journey.

Thank you to everyone who stopped to donate and a special thank you to the Tesco Guildford team for helping us make this fundraising opportunity possible.

Our volunteers on the day were, Zoe, Cris, Tobias, Peter, Bobbie, Brogan, Peter, Aneeta and Nila!

22/09/2026

This week, we’re celebrating Elka and her recent visit to the dentist.

Elka had her yearly check up at a specialist dentist in Bracknell, and was a superstar as always. Elka has lost three teeth so far, and there are plenty of new ones growing through to take their place.

We love hearing about the everyday moments that make our families proud, and Elka’s positive attitude towards visiting the dentist is certainly one of them!

Well done, Elka!

Do you have a Proud Parent Moment you’d like to share with us? We’d love to celebrate it with you!