Individuals with learning disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be abused than their typical peers.
As parents to individuals with Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities, this is a hard pill to swallow. We wanted to make a change and make them less vulnerable to abuse, and give them a more fulfilling life. And we know other parents, educators, and supporters want the same thing.
The best way to do this? Education. Give our community the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe. So how do we do it…?
We make…
Free videos and low-cost printable worksheets and activities
Used by…
Parents, educators, and support groups in sessions and 1-to-1s with children and young people with learning disabilities
To create…
Behavioural change and embed skills in these individuals to grow up safer, more connected, and more independent
Our Charity - Our Projects
Both of our projects offer support for learners with Down’s syndrome and learning difficulties. Learn more about other SEND we support here.
Still unsure which project will work for you?
Find out more, specialised for you.
Making their lives easier
We’re all strapped for time. For the parents and educators we support, their lives can be a whirlwind of appointments, specialist support, and just simply getting ready for the day. Our projects take away some of the strain and worry around education.
Saving them time in planning sessions and making activities
Increasing confidence with specialist content that can be used by non-specialists
Covering much-needed topics to tackle challenges faced by our community
Building networks and creating change
Through our work with other charities, community organisations, and businesses, we bring advice, guidance, and support to our users and partners with:
Our Useful Links page
Life Skills Unfiltered - our podcast, discussing practical advice for real-life problems
Working directly with our partners to create brand new content to directly address the current needs of our community
We want to create a world where every young person with Down’s syndrome or other learning disabilities has the power to dream big, make their own choices, and shape their own future.
How does our work make a difference?
Our content gives children and young people brand new skills. These skills help to keep them safe and lead more fulfilling lives. Here’s just a few examples:
Strategies to regulate emotions - means they can keep jobs because they avoid emotional outbursts
Understanding safe and appropriate types of touch - means they can identify when they are being harassed or abused
How to make balanced meals - means they can become more independent and lead longer, healthier lives
Short Term Impact
Access to trusted, quality content unlike anything else
Education settings and support groups save time in planning sessions
Parents have access at home to help with consistent teaching
Individuals with Down’s syndrome / learning disabilities can access content made for and representative of themselves
Meet Lucy
Employment & Life Skills Coordinator at Down Syndrome Cheshire
“This is what I’ve been looking for everywhere. It’s pitched exactly [our members]. I can’t do our afternoon sessions without you now!”
Medium Term Impact
Behaviour starts to change and knowledge is clearer
More inclusive and consistent support
Better safeguarding understanding, particularly for non-specialists
Educators and parents have better communication and relationships with their young people from open conversations
Meet Suzi
Secondary teacher with SEN experience
“The standard of understanding just raised so much, and the kids started taking autonomy for saying, no, it’s private [the bathroom]. That was just such a breakthrough.”
Long Term Impact
A comprehensive and representative set of resources available to support in a wide range of settings, informed by lived and learned experience
Individuals overcome challenges, build meaningful relationships, and develop the independence and confidence to live a full and rewarding life
Meet Michael
Young person with Down’s syndrome and ADHD
Michael used the Learn and Thrive resources after an issue with exposing himself on a WhatsApp group. Now he’s been able to join back into the group safely, and move to college independently.
What are we funding right now?
Our Learning for Life project provides skills for life. And making your own decisions is a big part of growing up.
We see far too much that those with learning disabilities aren’t able to make these decisions for themselves. The assumption might be this is because they don’t have capacity - but often they just don’t know how.
Our Partners
