Make a real difference to families across the UK
Every donation helps us continue our work in supporting families to understand their diagnosis and help their child with Down syndrome thrive.
"We thank our lucky stars that we came across PADS in the very first few days after receiving
a postnatal diagnosis for our little boy whilst mindlessly searching on the internet for anything and everything about Down Syndrome. We have been welcomed into an online community that is just so supportive and have also been lucky enough to meet a lot of other families in person at the yearly family days both in the North and South of the country. I honestly don’t know where we would be without them!"
The Macdonald Family
Make an immediate positive impact with regular giving
By supporting us with regular donations, you’re helping us to make a real positive difference for countless families with children and young people
with Down syndrome across the UK. In our financial year 203/24, thanks to the generosity of people like you, we were able to achieve remarkable milestones:
Your support makes a real difference!
Toilet Training Programme
Cordelia Mason
"Patrick has started school today in pants and it is totally due to the support that we have had from June and DSUK. We wouldn’t have known where to start without the Pants4School programme and would have been very naive about the amount of time and patience it would take. It also gave us the specialist evidence to back up what we trying to achieve with Patrick’s nursery who have also been really patient (but I am sure would have preferred to have him in nappies). It gave us all the confidence to keep persevering and after 11months he started to self initiate toileting. Thank you!"
Makaton
Margaret McNeil
"I highly recommend this course. It's a great introduction to Makaton, lots of fun and motivated us to learn more. Amanda is a great tutor with a wealth of knowledge about how to help our little ones communicate and learn. Go for it!"
Breastfeeding Groups
@nothing_down_about_rita
"Late on in my pregnancy I attended an online session with PADS on breastfeeding and the most amazing woman Sarah ran the session and shared true information on how it is possible but may need to use different positions. I was filled with hope hearing off other mums and their success stories."
Heart Buddies
Pippa Littlejohn
"Our heart buddies were amazing in helping us before, during & after our sons operation. It was lovely to speak to people who understood & could help you prepare for what to expect after his heart surgery etc. It is great to have someone just a message away when a question came to mind & they were a great support"
Positive About Down Syndrome
Helen Lowe
"I'm so grateful I found PADS. Benji might not have been here if I hadn't. Will be forever grateful for the early and continuing support.
Benji the Brave started reception yesterday!"
Positive About Down Syndrome
@char_eato
"Pregnancy can be a scary time, especially with increased risks, but I was so lucky to find PADS 'Great Expectations' Facebook group, which was just a lovely community full of expectant parents with immense support and advice, to which me and Jamie will be forever grateful. "
Positive Behaviour Bootcamp
Shona Knight
"This course was fab! We did it really early when Riley was tiny and now we can dip in and out of the strategies whenever we need them and have a reason to give to nursery/school as to why we are doing things certain ways because it has been recommended. "
Early Years Development Programme
Owls Nursery
"We at Owls Nursery, have been delighted to receive all the lovely resources from DSUK in relation to the very informative training provided regarding Down Syndrome. We have found the resources to be clear, bright and eye catching. The child we are supporting has found the toileting social story particularly helpful to follow and a great tool for supporting his independence in this area. The sentence strips have been helpful for our child to communicate his choices of activities but also for his friends to communicate and interact with him as well. The feelings and emotions cards, behaviour poster, sound cards and matching activities are all incorporated into daily nursery routines alongside other teaching resources to further support and develop strengths in all areas of the EYFS curriculum"
Speech and Language Therapy Training
Jodie Philpott, Final Year SaLT
"I attended this Information Sharing Session by DSUK/PADS last night and it was fantastic! Super informative, especially for a student like me who has not necessarily had much teaching around this topic. Loved how it focused on not just difficulties but the strengths of those with DS too."
Other ways to support our families...

Turn your passion into impact – join one of our events or create your own fundraiser to help change lives.

Partner with us and show your support – display our resources in your GP surgery, hospital, nursery, or workplace.

Create a lasting legacy – your gift will help future generations of children with Down syndrome thrive.

Be part of the change! Support us with your time and skills in social media, fundraising, admin and more.