Down Syndrome Training & Support Service Ltd

A charity run by and for parents and carers of children who have Down Syndrome. They provide training, support and activities for families and professionals working with them.

Check out our Newsletters with useful information by viewing the online version here 

Training courses on Down syndrome

A full range of courses run throughout the year at our centre in Bingley and also available online.  Please check our website for a full list, prices and details on how to book a place.

In house training and assemblies also available

FULL DETAILS AND BOOKING AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE www.downsyndromebradford.com/training/

Our charity was formed in September 2000 with the aim of providing an opportunity for families to meet  informally and share their needs and experiences. Now based in Bingley, the charity provides many services and training courses aimed at supporting both families and professionals.

Training courses

Courses are delivered at The Pamela Sunter Centre (and online) and can also be delivered in the child’s setting. They include: an introduction to Down syndrome, training in signing, basic number skills, using the written word to develop language skills, behaviour, teaching children how to tell the time and use money, toilet training and sexuality relationships education.  We also deliver assemblies to  introduce Down syndrome to schools.

A leaflet with more details is available.

Newsletter

A newsletter is produced to keep you updated on events and developments. If  you  would like to contribute an article or go on our  mailing list please contact our office.

Early Development Groups

Early Development Groups run every fortnight at the Centre. Sessions are for children with Down syndrome aged 10 months  to 6 years and their parent/carer. Learning support staff are welcome to attend these sessions. For dates and times please contact the Office.

Library

There is a selection of relevant books and resources available for you to borrow on a monthly basis. A booklet outlining the contents of our library is available.

Saturday sessions

We offer many events and activities throughout the year including a monthly Saturday session for families with children aged birth to around 11 years of age. Siblings are welcome, whatever age. These meetings are usually on the 2nd  Saturday of the month 10.00 until 12.00 at  Bingley Methodist Church Hall, BD16 4JS. During this time we provide learning activities for the children, these include singing, signing, Numicon, magic bag, parachute, instruments and snack time.

Each month we aim to provide either an informal discussion on a relevant topic, a craft session for parents or a  visitor that is both exciting and beneficial for the children.  Helpers are present to play with and mind your child giving you the chance to join in any discussions. If you have problems with getting to our meetings we can provide transport.

Sibz Zone

Our siblings group run monthly at our centre in Bingley for siblings aged 6+. We provide lots of activities and also the chance for children to share thoughts and feelings through inyeractive games.

Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Monthly speech and language, physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions take place at our Centre and need to be booked in advance. We currently have 4 independent therapists running group sessions and one to one sessions.

Dance 21

This is our dance troupe; available to dance at your function. Weekly dance sessions take place for young people with Down syndrome aged 12+, Thursdays  6 to 7pm at Footsteps Theatre School, Idle, BD10 8PY. Dates on the newsletter, term time only. The troupe is also available to perform at external functions

Twirly21s

Weekly dance classes for younger children with Down syndrome aged 5 to 11 years run every Saturday, 2.30 to 3.30pm at Footsteps Theatre School, Westfield Lane, Idle, BD10 8PY with Claire King.

Wish Club 11+  (Weekend is Here)

Our youth club, for young people with Down syndrome ages 11– 13 from 6pm to 8pm and ages 13+, from 6pm to 10pm, every Friday. It is staffed by two paid youth workers plus several volunteers. The WisH Club is full of equipment - pool table, X box, large Connect 4, TV, DVD player, football table, air hockey, chill out area 

Counselling

One to one sessions are available with our highly experienced councellor.

Occupational Therapy

A therapist visits our centre once a month to offer advice,assessments and programmes of activities to help develop fine and gross motor skills and address sensory issues. Appointments are one to one and last 45 minutes.

I can work project

Our project seeks to support young adults into local emploment or supported internships. Their time is spent learning work related skills through "on the job" tasks at our centre.

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01274 561308

office@downsyndromebradford.co.uk