For Families and Carers
We are here for you every step of the way.
Read more about the services and support we offer you and your family from early years to adulthood
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We’re here to support you and our dedicated Support Team is available to answer any questions you may have and for any support you may need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email at familysupportservice@dsscotland.org.uk or by calling 0300 030 2121.
As a family, we can support you through every stage of your child’s life, from birth to adulthood. We have developed our services in response to need, and our family support team can support and advise you every step of the way.
We also provide programmes and activities for individuals with Down’s syndrome of all ages that are fun and engaging, as well as supporting development and promoting mental health and wellbeing. With a mixture of face-to-face and online support, we have something for everyone.
Support for Families and Carers
Family Support Service
Our Family Support Team are here to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome and their families and carers at every age and stage of life across Scotland.
We provide remote support to people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and professionals across Scotland. Our regionally-based Family Support Team, some of whom have lived experience, are available to answer any questions you may have either by phone, email or video chat.
Communication Support
We provide communication support to babies, children and young adults with Down’s syndrome, through our Achieving Better Communication (ABC) programme and our Makaton sessions.
Achieving Better Communication (ABC) Programme
Our online Achieving Better Communication sessions provide information and support to parents and activities for children to develop communication skills that can be continued in the home, community, and nursery/school environment.
Makaton Sessions and Training
We deliver interactive and fun communication sessions teaching and developing the use of Makaton signing, including sessions for parents of babies and young children and teaching sessions for education professionals and club volunteers.
Your Local Branch
We have 10 volunteer-led local branches across Scotland which run activities and groups for people with Down’s syndrome and their families.
Programmes for individuals with Down’s syndrome
FriendZ Space
FriendZ Space is our online programme of sessions for adults with Down’s syndrome. The sessions are aimed at bringing people together to have some fun, friendly chat, and share their experiences. These sessions are a mixture of craft and wellbeing activities and informal social sessions.
TeenZ Space
TeenZ Space is our online programme of sessions for teenagers with Down’s syndrome. It is open to all household and life members of Down’s Syndrome Scotland. It’s a great way for teens to meet new people, have fun and make new friends from all over Scotland!
Friendz Meet ups
Our new monthly meet ups programme for adults with Down’s syndrome. It’s a chance to get out and about more, meet, make friends and try something new!
Become a member
Our members are at the centre of our work. By becoming a member you’ll join a vibrant and growing community and gain access to our exclusive membership benefits.
We now offer free membership to all households/families as well as adults with Down’s syndrome.
