Visit to PSDS

15th July 2024 | Lieutenancy News

On Thursday 11^th July, The Lord-Lieutenant visited PSDS, 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, they provide a range of specialist services for babies, toddlers, children, teenagers and young adults.

Through their “see potential, celebrate success” approach they encourage parents, professionals and society as a whole to see beyond a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

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

The Lord-Lieutenant met with co-founder Helen Shires and was shown around by Sam and Thea who represented PSDS and told him all about college life and the clubs and activities they enjoy with their PSDS friends.