0-3’s group-fortnightly on Mondays - this group is for children from birth to around 3 years. It is a gentle group and very welcoming to new families. There is a variety of things going on such as singing, signing, movement toys, occasional speakers and an opportunity to share and gain advice from other parents and staff. There are 3 sessional workers employed to run the group plus volunteers who will fulfil a variety of roles to ensure the group runs smoothly. 3-5’s group-fortnightly on Wednesdays - this group is for children of pre school age who will benefit from a slightly more structured session. Families meet and eat lunch together then spend time together doing an activity. In the past this has included mini movers dance and socotots football skills. It's is hoped to offer a range of sessions for people to try such as dance, sport, creative etc so children can experience new activities in a safe and supportive environment. 4-9’s group-2 out of every 3months on a Saturday - this new group is for school age children and will offer a range of activities for children to experience. Plans for this term include a visit from staff from Skelton grange environment centre and a workshop at Northern Ballet. 9+ The Smilers group-monthly on a Thursday evening - this group is for young people aged 9 and over. Activities so far have included a drumming workshop, street dance, trip to the Climbing Wall and a Jackrabbits pottery painting session. Young people can come without their parents/carers and some come with support workers or siblings. Speech and Language Groups - we run 9 Speech and Language sessions each month. These small groups offer focussed Speech and Language support to children, young people and their parents or carers. The sessions provide practical skills and advice that can be continued in the home environment. The groups are structured but relaxed and focussed on celebrating success. Family Sessions-every 3 months on a Saturday or Sunday - these brilliant sessions bring together all the families who come to Sunshine and Smiles. In the past we have run from our base at Stainbeck Hall but found this a little small to accommodate everyone so future sessions will be in a variety of venues. This term we have a session with the brilliant Shabang in October and our Christmas Party in December. Trips/Other events - as well as the regular groups we also run trips and other special events. In the past this has included theatre trips and over the summer we went to Skelton grange, Go Cycling in York, had a picnic at Stainbeck Hall and a family session at Jackrabbits pottery. We also had a subsidised group trip to Disability Rocks in Ilkley which despite the dreadful weather was a great day out.

All of the children and young people that we support have Down syndrome with learning, physical and communication delays. In order to aid communication it is so important that the children have the opportunity to learn in a visual way through Makaton signing. As a result of this delay it is often more difficult for the children and young people to integrate in social settings, leading to a level of social isolation. These issues needs to be addressed through training delivered to different settings and schools. Support for the families is also essential. It is important that they are given the opportunity to meet other families and have access to information and other services available. Families can also face discrimination and it is very important for them to be able to share experiences and support. Siblings of children with additional needs can also feel isolated and the group also offers an opportunity for them to meet and make friends with other young people in similar situations.

Our aims are to improve the lives and opportunities of children and young people with Down Syndrome in Leeds by offering regular groups and activities, individual support and advocacy for families, raising awareness and challenging preconceptions in the wider community.