New charitable group set to help Rochdale’s Down’s syndrome community shine

An exciting circus-themed family fun day held this month has helped formally launch Rochdale DS All Stars, a brand new charitable group aiming to offer friendship and support for individuals with Down’s syndrome and their families.

Amid juggling, plate spinning and diablo whirling, courtesy of The Skylight Circus, the children were able to try their hands at circus skills, while parents were able to unwind, relax and swap advice as they enjoyed some mindfulness painting hosted by The Manchester Creative Society.

The group has been launched by a trio of Rochdale women and was inspired after founding members Claire Minett, who has Mosaic Down’s syndrome, and Lalain Meskyzadeh, a parent to a daughter with Down’s syndrome, were awarded a grant of £500 from Action Together.

An initial event that was held was such a success that it was decided to formalise the group and with help from another fellow parent, Emma Lambert, Rochdale DS All Stars was born.

The team now plans to hold family meet ups every quarter, while baby and toddler sessions will be held on the last Monday of every month at Jolly Josh in Castleton, 10am – 12 noon and parent coffee mornings will be hosted at Hare Hill House, in Littleborough, on the second Thursday of every month, between 10am and 12 noon.

A Facebook group will also be available to help signpost new parents and offer ad hoc advice and support.

 

 

Claire commented: “We are so excited to have launched Rochdale DS All Stars. We had felt for a while that there was a real need locally for such a group and are incredibly grateful to Action Together for giving us the grant to get us started. The circus Fun Day was brilliant fun and we can’t wait to host more events and see the group grow.”

Lalain added: “As parents of children with special needs, we love our children unconditionally and wholeheartedly. As with anything you’re new to, the beginning of the journey can come with unexpected challenges and that’s when you need the help and support of other families who have been where exactly where you are. We are really committed to making sure that families in Rochdale, and our surrounding towns, have that network of friendship and approachable support in place.”

In the future, the group also hopes to be able to facilitate training and guidance to health and educational professionals, who work with those with Down’s syndrome, so that the local offerings can be enhanced.

 

 

Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition whereby individuals are born with an extra chromosome, which can cause a degree of learning disability and may also present some physical challenges in terms of mobility and other associated health conditions.  However, with the right support and opportunities, people with Down’s syndrome will reach their full potential and lead good, fulfilling lives.

For further information about Rochdale DS All Stars, please join the Facebook group at Rochdale DS All Stars or email lalain@rdsallstars.co.uk.