York Down Syndrome Support Group

18/07/2026

Yesterday our “DigIt” history and archaeology club started their first excavation of an old blacksmith’s forge. They are already processing finds and have discovered the floor of the structure.

17/07/2026

Last chance to sign up for our team for the York 10K. We still have charity places available! Please get in touch asap!

12/07/2026

Three weeks today a group of Team YDSSG runners will be embarking on the York 10K to raise funds for our group and all the work that we do. In addition to this a YDSSG marshalling team featuring 3 of our young adults with Down Syndrome will be supporting the York 10K.
We still have discounted charity places available for the run so please get in touch asap if you might be interested in joining team YDSSG! ([email protected])
We’d be so grateful for any sponsorship for the team, which is this years big annual fundraiser, and the last year that we’ll be an official partner charity for the race. Any small amount would be gratefully received. Thank you to all who have already made a donation. We’re very grateful for your support.

On 2nd August our group will be cheering on our fabulous runners as they take on the York 10K. Our group provides support for all those with Down Syndrome, including their families, friends and carers who live in and around York. We also provide resources and support to those in other organisations....

04/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who came along to our training session yesterday. Especially as it was a Friday after school. Really lovely feedback too 🤩🤩 we'll run the session again in September/October time for any professionals who missed it.

04/07/2026

A big thank you to everyone who came along to our training session yesterday. Especially as it was a Friday after school. Really lovely feedback too 🥰 we'll run the session again in September/October time for any professionals who missed it. X

29/06/2026

The results of our June 2026 lottery are:
There were 47 numbers in the draw.
The results are:
1st prize: £18.80 won by number 141
2nd prize: £9.40 was won by number 17
3rd prize: £4.70 won by number 161
Congratulations to the winners and thank you for your support.

18/06/2026

Earlier this week one of our group members attended training on Welfare benefits advice for families of young disabled people transitioning from Child to Adult benefits. It's actually very complicated and difficult to navigate benefit transitions when a person is aged 16-20. Every benefit has it's own rules/definitions... (e.g. Did you know there are at least 5 different operational definitions for the term "full time education" in the UK benefit system)
Having a trained up member of the group will facilitate knowledgeable peer support to help group members navigate through this tricky part of transition. We'd love to get more training to support members navigate other parts of the benefits system.

09/06/2026

YDSSG are proud to support children and adults with Down syndrome of all ages in many ways. Our experienced education team provide free bespoke support sessions addressing the individual needs of the child/person with Down Syndrome for educational settings throughout the course of education, in addition to providing a free “Introduction to Down Syndrome” course online twice during the academic year.
Our next introduction session is by zoom on July 3rd from 3.30pm is led by Laura Swales.

Our education team comprises of Laura Swales (YDSSG Trustee) and Jo Bryenton (YDSSG co-ordinator). Laura’s “day job” is that of a local primary school Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). As such she has a detailed working knowledge of EHCPs, needs assessments, and the primary school curriculum. Jo’s “day job” (in addition to helping to run this group) is that of a Makaton Tutor. Jo has a detailed working knowledge of communication approaches, especially those supported by sign.
Importantly, in addition to being parents of children with Down syndrome, both have undertaken a further training about the specific educational profile of those with Down syndrome and presented training at SENCO forums across the city.

Feedback about our team's input includes…
"..how absolutely brilliantly you both came across, genuinely informative and interesting, thank you"
"Very informative."
"Strategies for working practically with students with Down’s syndrome was really helpful."

If you are the parent of a child or young person with Down Syndrome, or an educational setting which could use our support please get in touch!

31/05/2026

The results of our May lottery are:
1st prize: £18.80 won by number 8
2nd prize: £9.40 was won by number 64
3rd prize: £4.70 won by number 141
Congratulations to the winners and thank you for your support.