Down Syndrome support for families/carers
Speak to parents and families
It can help to speak to other parents and families who know how you're feeling.
You can do this by:
- getting in touch with people on forums and social media
- going to a support group – ask your midwife or health visitor about local support groups
Down Syndrome UK (DSUK)
Is a national charity passionate about empowering parents and professionals to improve the lives of those with Down syndrome and their families in the UK.
- Down Syndrome UK (DSUK) offers a range of online community groups and have great team of local groups, creating passionate and positive environments for people with Down syndrome and their families.
- Click here for a link to DSUK's Resources Page with a collection of resources and information organised by life stages, health topics, and common enquiries about Down syndrome. Most of their publications and resources are free of charge.
The Down's Syndrome Association
The Down’s Syndrome Association supports people who have Down syndrome, and their parents and carers, throughout their lives. From before birth into older age, the DSA provides services to everyone.
The Down's Syndrome Association also has a list of support groups: The groups come in all shapes and sizes, depending on their numbers, ages and the interest and needs in their local area. The groups aim to provide a local network that provides friendship, support, social events and other events and activitie
Find your local support group here.
Other charities:
Mencap - For people with learning disabilities and their families.
Contact - To support and bring together families with disabled children.
How to get support
You can get support for young people aged 0 to 25 with special education or disability needs on the Hounslow Local Offer website.
Contact
Telephone: 020 8583 2672
Email: sen@hounslow.gov.uk
Further support for Hounslow families with SEND
Families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children can access an improved support service at Hounslow SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS). The website features free and confidential guidance for parents and carers, and children and young people with SEND aged 0-25. As a statutory service, SENDIASS works independently from the local authority.
To get in touch with the team, call the helpline at 020 8583 2607 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm) or email sendiass@hounslow.gov.uk.
The team (pictured) are also available at the Council's monthly SEND surgeries SEND surgeries: Let's talk SEND | London Borough of Hounslow.
Hounslow Parent/Carers Forum
A monthly group of Hounslow-based parents/carers of children and young people (aged 0-25 years) with SEND.
The Forum meets monthly to discuss real issues that affect families such as health, education and employment. Professionals from organisations including the local authority are invited to share their current plans and to hear what parents have to say. It is also a place to share information parent to parent and to ask questions.
Things to do
Things to do | London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow Short Breaks
All children and young people with a disability can access a short break. This includes those with:
- a physical disability
- a learning disability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- or those with challenging behaviour
Short breaks for disabled children | Short breaks for disabled children | London Borough of Hounslow
Please see the latest newsletter for full details
General Support
Contact
If you live anywhere in the London Borough of Hounslow and have a disabled child, or a child with a health condition or additional needs, please get in touch. Contact provides information on a wide range of issues affecting families with disabled children, as well as where to go locally for support.
Have a browse:
A-Z medical directory
Benefits Calculator and Grants Search
Listening Ear support service
Family workshops and events
Helpline (0808 808 3555)
Frequently Asked Questions tool
You can contact them directly or ask a professional to make a referral by emailing: Hounslow.office@contact.org.uk
You can also book an appointment with one of our Family Support Workers.
Listen to Contact's “audio explainers'“ on YouTube
Did you know Contact have a YouTube channel with a playlist of audio explainers?
Listen to expert parent advisers talk you through some of the key topics you need to know about, from claiming benefits to finding a school place and tackling winter illnesses.
Visit our YouTube homepage to find lots more audio and video support from Contact.
Family information service
Family Information Service | Family Information Service | London Borough of Hounslow
Links to: