I wanted to share some insights about a local charity – Down’s Syndrome Oxford (DSO). Why? Well my family was introduced to the charity two years ago, when our son Samuel was born with Down’s Syndrome. Since then DSO and its members have been an amazing support network as our family winds its way through the journey that is life with Down’s Syndrome.
DSO is holding its biggest fundraising event for nearly a decade – a 21-hour Walkathon and family fun day on Saturday 9th June.
Nineteen teams – that’s over 260 people – will relay walk for 21 hours at Holton Playing Fields near Wheatley, starting at midday on the Saturday and finishing at 9am on the Sunday morning. The number of hours for the walk has been chosen because many people with Down’s syndrome have a third copy of chromosome 21.
As well as the walking, there will be loads of fun-filled activities (such as face painting, balloon modelling) games and stalls, plus live music, a Hog Roast & BBQ, a wide range of refreshments and a raffle with some amazing prizes. The event is open to the public from 11am to 10.30pm on Saturday 9 June, so do come along and say hello. Children’s entertainer Colonel Custard will also be performing at 2.30pm – it’s great entertainment for children of all ages. It’s free to come along. All we ask is for a little support on the day and for people to cheer us on our way, whilst having a great family day out.
All the teams are raising awareness and funds for DSO, which provides essential support for information, training and activities for children and young adults with Down’s Syndrome and their families in Oxfordshire. All the funds DSO receives are generated by fundraising efforts by members and the generosity of supporters. Our members include parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, medical professionals – anyone with a passion for supporting people with Down’s Syndrome.
DSO offers practical assistance with educational and developmental issues via our free, weekly Early Development Groups for pre-schoolers. The aims of the group is to develop communication skills, social interaction skills and prepare children for attending a nursery setting and eventually primary school, through group activities. It also aims to provide parents with the skills and ideas to continue their child’s development themselves at home, with an emphasis on using Makaton sign language to aid communication.
Children over 15 months attend with a parent or carer, but each group is limited to just four children to enable the children to observe and turn-take whilst still holding their attention. DSO also hosts lectures, seminars and workshops, and organise social events for all ages, including a Christmas and Summer Party and outings to theatres and theme parks.
About 750 babies with Down’s syndrome are born in the UK each year and there are around 40,000 people with it living in this country. Each person experiences a level of learning disability, have certain physical characteristics, and are more likely to have certain health problems, including heart disorders and problems with hearing and vision.
To find out more about what we do, visit us at www.dsoxford.org.uk
Come along with your family and join our DSO family for the day – 9th June 11.00am to 10.30pm. We’d love to say “Hello” to fellow Mumblers.
Guest blog written by Jos Smith.
For more info about the fun day visit Oxford Mumbler events calendar here!
June 2018
Oxford Mumbler is your local parenting community – a website packed with information for pregnancy and for families in and around Oxford. Visit oxford.mumbler.co.uk for everything from what’s on, days out, weekly clubs and classes in Oxford, to support groups and services for pregnancy, babies, parents and more. Join the Mumbler community on our friendly Facebook chat group and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.