Welcome to the  South West Thames Branch  of  Down's Syndrome Association  Reg. Charity 1061474

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Plans, Projects & Campaigns.. What we offer ..Do participate ! See how

• New !    Attend our Information Day on 10 May Hear experts talk, discuss, meet & chat! Details, Programme
  This AGM will mark our transition, as part of DSA reorganisation, from SouthWest Thames branch of DSA into their Affiliate. Our name changes to downsyndromeOK but we will all carry on with same aims, ideals, vigour and enthusiasm!
  Read our March 2003 Newsletter
   -  See meetings & activities organised in our area,
   -  Help us plan our next Information Day on education matters using DownsEd experts. email us your needs & views } {   Send your news & views for our Summer Newsletter.

• Many thanks to Heston & Isleworth Rotarians for their generosity. Enjoy Gala Musical, 42nd Street, sponsored by them on 19 June in Richmond to benefit us. . .
• See Communication Afternoon, 9 November 2002, Open Day. summary of Speech/therapy, communicating, fun, chat
• Three High School girls are keen to help families & children with Down's Syndrome. Contact
• A new video Growing up with Down's Syndrome...Going to College launched by our branch. Get that video !
• "Just Kids" New colour version ! How to get the printed book !
  
• THREE CHEERS to Stewart Bailey for his successful sponsored ride to benefit our work for local people with DS. Many thanks to all who sponsored Stewart.

• Fundraising children bounce up for Downs
• Our  Open Day 27 April 2002 had informative talks by experts. Read summary
• Study on services in London area. Pilot survey by London branch
• Important research on nutritional supplements.  Help & be helped;
  DSRF website has Targeted nutritional intervention & other topics

• Video project  First target reached with launch of new video in our project. See the outline of project & give us your suggestions, help create a valuable aid for families, carers & professionals.
• See "Health Alert" for medical matters & Learning Disabilities.
• Pooling Local Information Cooperate to tap in help for helpers,  Send your Questions & answers.   more info on local facilities
• Spread the word ! Increase the awareness in local community. Use our poster in schools, clinics, colleges
• Better coverage by promoting local groups in branch area

The Branch aims to be the link between National Office and local groups or families,  professionals and others with an interest in anyone or anything related to Down’s syndrome. During the course of 2002/2003 Downs's Syndrome Association is reorganising the present branches. The branch will remain affiliated to the central DSA but will be managed as a separate charitable entity, enabling more effective action at branch level. This was discussed and agreed by branch members in our AGM on 27 April 2002.
We send a Branch newsletter three times a year  on key issues that affect us all, Information Days with expert and/or experienced guest speakers, a friendly port of call to new parents or others with a need for information or help and various services including the use of DSA banners (see photo) for appropriate events and a mini-library with all kinds of useful publications. We are available to speak (or help you to get an appropriate speaker) at meetings to spread information and also help raise awareness in the wider community on various important issues related to Down's Syndrome.
   In essence, whatever the need, worry or situation, almost always we will know someone who’s been there before or could be of help.
  We also help to set up local support groups in our area where they do not exist and the lack of groups in many parts of the Branch area is a matter of current concern for us. We are launching a drive to address it.
We have various services in place and some new projects & campaigns. Of course we need help from volunteers, fundraisers & sponsors to be successful. Do consider how you can help shape our plans and make them a reality.

Participation & membership
We welcome everybody who shares our aims or wants to find out more about any aspect of Down's syndrome, medical, social or human. You can fully participate in the branch activities and benefit by becoming a member of the Down's Syndrome Association (contact national office). You will receive the national DSA Journal as well as our full Branch Newsletters and access to our Information Days & useful talks.