Training Sessions for Midwives & Health Visitors

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We offer teaching sessions for maternity and neonatal services to help raise awareness of Down’s syndrome and advice when sharing the news with parents.

These sessions are free for health professionals and are currently delivered virtually by our Family Support team, along with parent speakers.

All of our training is CPD accredited.

Current Teaching Sessions

Sharing news with parents that their baby may have or has Down’s syndrome, either prenatally or at birth is such an important experience. We are here to support you to gain an understanding of the lived experience of having Down’s syndrome and the importance of your language and the environment along with providing accurate and balanced information to ensure that expectant and new parents have a positive experience. Whether you are an experienced professional or newly qualified looking to build up your knowledge, this session can provide strategies and best practice tips!

After our training course, you will have:

  • Increased your understanding about Down’s syndrome
  • Understood the importance of providing accurate and balanced information
  • Gained an understanding from a parent’s perspective about receiving the news
  • Considered strategies for sharing news with parents – including the importance of language and the environment
  • Heard parents’ views of what life is like with a child with Down’s syndrome

This teaching session can be delivered online via Zoom or Teams at a time to suit you. The session will run for one hour, which includes time for questions.

To discuss booking the above training course, phone Varshali Swadi on 07590 047 471 or email Varshali@dsscotland.org.uk. Certificates of attendance are provided upon request.


After this teaching session, you will have:

  • Increased your awareness and understanding of Down’s syndrome
  • Gained an understanding from a parent’s perspective about receiving the news
  • Considered supportive strategies for sharing the news to parents
  • Heard parents’ views of what life is like raising a child with Down’s syndrome
  • Confidence that you can adapt your practice to create a positive experience for parents

Sessions can last from 1 to 2 hours and can be tailored to suit the audience preference. We can tailor the session to be bespoke to you and the needs of your staff.

If you would like more information about these sessions or to book please phone Varshali Swadi on 07590 047 471 or email Varshali@dsscotland.org.uk.


This session will help you increase your understanding about Down’s syndrome and support and services that are available for families.


After this teaching session, you will have:

  • Increased knowledge about Down’s syndrome and associated health issues, characteristics and learning profile of someone with Down’s syndrome
  • Increased knowledge of caring for infant at birth and in the immediate neonatal period
  • Increased knowledge and understanding around supporting families with an unexpected diagnosis during pregnancy and in the postnatal period
  • Improved awareness of the information, services and support Down’s Syndrome Scotland offer to families
  • A greater insight of Down’s syndrome from a parent of a child with Down’s syndrome and lived experience of a young person with Down’s syndrome

Sessions can last from 1 to 2 hours and can be tailored to suit the audience preference. We can tailor the session to be bespoke to you and the needs of your staff.

If you would like more information about these sessions or to book please phone Varshali Swadi on 07590 047 471 or email Varshali@dsscotland.org.uk.


Upcoming Training Sessions

We are running webinars with NES, these sessions are available to book via the links below.

  • Tuesday 24th September – 1.30 -3.30pm – Supporting Midwifery and Neonatal Colleagues to Support Families with a Diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome During Pregnancy or at Birth – Book here

You can book a training session for you and your team on a date to suit you by contacting Varshali Swadi on 07590 047 471 or email Varshali@dsscotland.org.uk.