Resources for Families and Professionals

Resources for Professionals

• Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG): National group offering guidance and training for clinicians.
• DSA - "Tell it Right, Start it Right" Campaign: Training for delivering a T21 diagnosis.
• National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG): Promotes inclusion and policy change.
• Makaton Charity: Training and resources for professionals and families.

Information and Support for Families

National Organisations

• Down's Syndrome Association (DSA): Provides Red Book Down Syndrome inserts and new parent packs.
  • Helpline: 0333 1212 300.
  • Email: info@downs-syndrome.org.uk.
• Down Syndrome UK (DSUK): Online communities and support.
• Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS): Online parent support.
• Down Syndrome International (DSi): Promotes inclusion and WDSD.

Health and Medical Support

• Down's Heart Group: Support for heart conditions.
  • Helpline: 0300 102 1644.
• International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association (IMDSA): Resources for mosaic Down Syndrome.

Financial and Benefits Support

• Mencap - Wills and Trusts Service: Financial planning guidance.
• Family Fund: Grants for families.
• Citizens Advice - Watersure Scheme: Help with water bills.
• Barnet Local Offer: Disability Access Fund (DAF) and Early Years SEND Inclusion Funding (SENIF).

Local Barnet Organisations

• Barnet Local Offer: Local services directory.
• Barnet Mencap: Family support services.
• Barnet Carers: Carer support services.
  • Tel: 0208 343 9698.
• Barnet Parent Carer Forum: Family advocacy group.
  • Tel: 07468 029 705.
  • Email: info@barnetpcf.org.uk.
• Barnet Parents WhatsApp Group: Join via the BUDDS contact page.
• Barnet Leading Edge Group (LEG): Guidance for supporting children with DS in schools.
• The BIG-DS Hub (Barnet Integrated Group for DS): Integrated support for preschool children with DS.

Support Groups (UK and Online Communities)

• Future of Downs (Facebook): Online parent support.
• Downright Excellent: London-based therapy programs for children with DS.
• Up on Downs (Hertfordshire): Parent-run support group.
• DS Achieve (Hertfordshire): Training and support for families.
• Down Syndrome Scotland: Family support services across Scotland.
• Down's South London: Free early intervention therapy for children with DS.
• Wouldn't Change A Thing: Awareness campaign sharing life stories from the DS community.
• Down Syndrome Research Foundation UK (DSRF-UK): Research and evidence-based interventions.

Mental Health Support for Parent Carers

• DSA Parent Carer Mental Health: Resources to support parent carers.
• DSA Listening Service: Free 40-minute Zoom support sessions.
• Well-being Wednesday for Parent Carers: Weekly peer support sessions.

Additional Parent and Carer Resources

• Care for the Family - Positive Parenting Courses: Workshops and online courses.
• SNAP Charity (Special Needs and Parents): Family support and a useful resource directory.
• Cerebra: Supports families of children with brain conditions.
• Newlife Charity: Provides essential equipment for disabled children.
• Caldwell Children: Funds therapies and treatments for children with disabilities.
• Homestart Barnet: Home-visiting volunteer support for families.
• ADDISS (ADHD Information and Support): ADHD resources and parent groups.
• SENDIASS Barnet: Free, impartial advice for parents regarding EHCPs and SEND processes.