Newsletter Issue 2
We’re back for the second issue of our newsletter. Bringing you updates about our community and projects, keep reading to see what we’ve been up to since the Winter 2023 newsletter!
Don’t forget to subscribe to get regular updates!
Teach Me Too's New Home
It was time to give Teach Me Too some TLC…
While we haven’t released any new content in Teach Me Too for a while, we do want to keep the project as up-to-date and easy to use as possible. So we’ve moved it over to the Learn and Thrive website, and given it a bit of a make over. This means that when you’re signed up to both projects, you’ll have access all on one website!
And, all the downloadable resources which were once in our shop are now all free to download!
If you’re a Teach Me Too member on the old website (teachmetoo.org.uk), then you can check your emails, or the old website for details on how to keep your access.
“We have found the resources to be so useful and have implemented them within our practice in school.”
Our ambassadors
Our ambassador programme is expanding! Click on each image to visit their introductory blog, and you can email Laura to be a part of the programme at comms@learnandthrive.org.uk.
The Learning for Life series you've all been waiting for...
‘The Changing Adolescent Body’
Covering puberty, growing up, and personal hygiene, we’ve been receiving requests for this series since Learning for Life was launched!
Taught by specialists from Inclusively Down, this series has been endorsed by DS Scotland, Widgit, and Georgina Durrant from the SEN Resources Blog. You can learn more about the series itself in our range of blogs during it’s launch, including the series breakdown.
Sign up to Learning for Life for free to access this series and all the rest of the project.
We’ve also been busy filming for another series to be released in a few months time - we can’t wait for you to see it!
“The children have latched into the language and really enjoy the videos and then hands on activities.”
Spotlight!
Down Right Brilliant
Down Right Brilliant is a Down’s syndrome support group, based in the Newry and Mourne area of Northern Ireland. The have over 60 families registered, and are led by parents, a small staff team, and 20 dedicated volunteers.
They are committed to improving the lives of people who have Down’s syndrome and their families and to enable children and young adults with Down’s syndrome to reach their full potential, feel included on a full and equal basis with others, valued and respected. This is why we are spotlighting Down Right Brilliant in this newsletter; our values align immensely!
Annually around 21st March they host a celebration for World Down’s Syndrome Day with all their members and families; this year they’re holding a Gala Ball! Their activities offer learning opportunities for growth and development in many areas, enabling children and young adults with Down syndrome to discover their interests, talents and joys. They have some very impressive musicians, dancers, actors, sports stars and artists in their group!
Our CEO Jo was a speaker at one of Down Right Brilliant’s monthly meetings, where they invite speakers to discuss relevant topics related to Down’s syndrome. They also provide wellbeing activities and host wellbeing days for parents where we’ve had talks from life coaches, nutritionists and stylists.
For further information about Down Right Brilliant, check out their Facebook page Down Right Brilliant | Newry | Facebook.
“[The] visual aides and resources are extremely helpful as reminders so that my son has more independence but also has an understanding of concepts/social situations that are hard to explain or teach”
Our New Trustees
Welcoming the newest members of our Board
We are pleased to share that we have two new trustees on the Learn and Thrive board. Maja (second from the right) and Clair (first on the left) will bring a range of expertise to support our charity’s growth and development. You can read more about them on their trustee pages: Maja’s page and Clair’s page. We also say a fond farewell to Shilpa, who was on our board and has stepped down this March.
Donor
We recently received a generous new grant from the Kent Community Foundation, which will help us in producing another series!
Without grants and trusts we wouldn’t be able to provide our resources to the same standard for free, so we are very pleased to have been selected for this grant.
Fundraiser
21 for T21: Give It Up for Down’s Syndrome
For World Down’s Syndrome Day, Learn and Thrive and our supporters took on the 21 for T21 Challenge! By giving something up or taking something up for 21 days, members of the Learn and Thrive community raised £288! Such an incredible achievement, and thank you to everyone who participated!
“[The students have] a better understanding of their bodies and safety around keeping themselves safe.”