Congratulations on the birth of your baby and welcome to the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group! Within the Group you will find a wealth of knowledge, experience and an abundance of new friends.
Receiving a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome can be a worrying time and lead to a lot of ‘What ifs’. We understand your fears and concerns and are always on hand to provide support. We aim to provide you with up-to-date information, answer questions and where appropriate share our own experiences.
A diagnosis of Down’s syndrome can lead to confusion for many new parents. Misinformation and preconceptions can cause worry and upset, and you may feel a wide range of emotions at this time. It’s ok to be worried for the future or not feel connected to your baby straight away. Many parents have previously said ‘initially all I could see was Down’s syndrome’. Take the time to enjoy your new baby and see their personality shine through.
Every child with Down’s syndrome will have some level of learning disability, however, there is a vast range of resources, information and support to help you to help them to reach their potential. The most important thing to remember is that everyone with Down’s syndrome is an individual, with their own strengths and weaknesses and personality traits that make them who they are.
Some babies born with Down’s syndrome may have some additional health needs. We understand it is easy to become overwhelmed with the information given regarding these, but once again our parents and other family members are on hand to provide support, from personal experiences to signposting you to appropriate healthcare professionals.
Here at the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, you are never alone. You will be invited to join our dedicated WhatsApp group for parents with children under 5, where you can ask questions, share concerns or just have a chat. We strongly believe in parents supporting parents and being united in our goal for supporting one another and advocating for our children.
We have monthly stay and play sessions for our children where all are welcome to join in with playing or just have a catch up. We also hold fundraising events, family events, discos and sports activities.
Each council works towards providing specialist early years interventions such as Portage, play therapy, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Initially your little one will be under the care of a paediatric consultant at the hospital and then will be transferred to the care of a community consultant.
The Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group provides resource packs for different stages of your child’s development, which can include information leaflets, toys and weaning advice.
As your child grows the group will continue to provide you with a wealth of support, we have many parents of older members within the group who will be happy to guide and support you at every stage.
The Swindon Downs Group covers Swindon and surrounding areas including, Fairford, Malmesbury, Hungerford, Pewsey, Marlborough, Hullavington, Chippenham, Devizes, Calne, Ashton Keynes, Cirencester, Aldbourne, Bromham, Melksham and Cheltenham.
If you require any further information and support, please don’t hesitate to contact our New Parent contacts, Jodie and Victoria they are more than happy to meet with you prior to joining the group
New Parent Contact - Swindon
Hello, I’m Jodie and this is my son Kylo who was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome at birth. We made contact with the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group a few days after he was born and have had so much support and made some great friendships. Jump ahead a few years and I am now a new parent contact, supporting parents going through the same journey.
New Parent Contact - Wiltshire
Hello, I’m Cherylin and this is my amazing son Milo who was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome at birth. Milo is now 15. Yes, there have been challenges there have also been lots of fun and adventures. I am now one of the new parent contacts and happy to talk to any families with a new baby who may have questions or just want to talk. I am are here to support you and offer help where I can.
