Lifelong friends
“The therapies, the people, the cake…it’s all fabulous! We’ve made lifelong friends through PSDS. It’s such a special charity and is so close to our hearts.”
We know the joy of having someone with Down syndrome in our lives
We are a parent-led registered charity providing support for children and young people who have Down syndrome living in Surrey and West Sussex. Run by families for families, we provide a range of specialist services for babies, toddlers, children, teenagers and young adults.
Through our “see potential, celebrate success” approach we encourage parents, professionals and society as a whole to see beyond a diagnosis of Down syndrome.
After all, Down syndrome is just part of who a person is, not what they are.
Raising awareness and expectations
No two people are the same, regardless of the number of chromosomes they have! By raising awareness about what a young person who has Down syndrome can achieve – given access to the right support and the same opportunities as their peers – we raise expectations and change lives.
Our vision…
…is for a person who has Down syndrome to be appropriately supported to access all aspects of their community, where their contributions are recognised, respected and rewarded.
Our aims
- To provide a stimulating and caring environment in which our children and young people can have fun and develop self confidence
- To provide a network of support for parents, siblings and children and young people with Down syndrome at each step on their challenging but rewarding journey
- To ensure that our children and young people receive maximum input in all key areas of development
- To assist and support families coming to terms with the news that their child has Down syndrome
- To aid professionals in understanding the more practical issues which need to be addressed when assisting a family which has a child with Down syndrome
What our families and supporters say…
Wonderful potential
“We can’t thank PSDS enough for helping Billy, socially and educationally. With the support of PSDS I know he will reach his full and wonderful potential.”
Safe and accepted
“This is the most relaxed I have seen Ross when joining a new activity. I think he feels very safe and accepted at PSDS. It’s lovely to see his self-confidence developing.”
A great support
“The PSDS drama club gives Annie the opportunity to learn new skills, gain confidence and express herself. It’s the highlight of her week. I find the contact with the other parents a great support too.”
Invaluable
“What Róisín learns at DIGBIES is invaluable. Spending time with her friends is great for her social skills too. It’s also an opportunity for me to have a chat with friends.”
Amazing peers
“Matthew has found an amazing group of peers through his 5Club sessions. He looks forward to them and feels a sense of independence. I can’t thank PSDS enough.”
Forever grateful
“PSDS has provided us with hope, support, understanding and, overall, what Raquel needs and deserves. We are forever grateful to PSDS.”
