Rochdale schools rock their socks for World Down’s Syndrome Day

Date published: 26 March 2023

Funky, mismatched socks were the must-have accessory for Rochdale pupils this week as several schools across the borough celebrated World Down’s Syndrome Day, with some helping raise awareness and funds for newly founded support group, Rochdale DS All Stars.

As well as donning their colourful footwear, schools including Shawclough Community Primary School and Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, in Littleborough, also showed a special assembly presentation from the group, which helped explain the condition to the children.

Colourful and stripy socks have become a worldwide symbol for Down’s syndrome due to their resemblance to chromosomes when viewed under the microscope, while World Down’s Syndrome Day is held on 21 March to represent the fact that individuals with the condition have three copies of chromosome 21.

Claire Minett, chair of Rochdale DS All Stars, a group dedicated to offering friendship and support to individuals with Down’s syndrome and their families, commented: “World Down’s Syndrome Day brings a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community, while helping raise positive awareness about the condition.”

She continues: “We are so grateful to the schools that have taken part – not only for the valuable funds that they have helped us raise, but also for helping their pupils understand that while people with Down’s syndrome, such as myself, may have a few extra challenges along the way, we are much more alike our friends than different.”

Rochdale DS All Stars was founded last year. The group offers monthly baby and toddler sessions, a monthly coffee morning for parents to swap advice and experiences, and quarterly family fun days, which allow the whole family to socialise in a safe and fun environment.

For further information or to join one of the sessions, please find Rochdale DS All Stars on Facebook or email Emma at emma@rdsallstars.co.uk.