Local group "Get on Downs"

So who won the funding at the Community funding event we went to on Thursday evening, out of four pitches from different organisations?

Get On Downs - the group Coraline and I go to on a Wednesday morning.

Why “Get on Down’s” is so awesome!

1. It’s the result of one woman’s vision, it shows us all the difference we can make!
2. Lu, the one woman vision, sets the feel: relaxed, expert knowledge, quirky, funny, togetherness!
3. Lu trusted her instinct, and set it up six years ago. She has two sons, Nathan and Billy, and Billy has Down’s syndrome
4. Weekly coffee, cake and chat for parents of children with Down’s syndrome (with or without their children, as some are in school). It is the powerful simplicity of this idea which makes it so amazing: expertise shared between generations of parents, important incidental chats, support, guest speakers and laughs.
5. “Congratulations” packs for new parents to be given in hospital, with gorgeous things inside. The title of these packs says it all!
6. It’s the best play space for Coraline; tons of toys, books and sensory areas. Pam from Playwise gives the space for free. See photo!
7. The other parents love Coraline, play with her and pass on things she might like e.g. sensory bubble tubes.
8. You know there’s a bank of experts in the 30 or so families on Lu’s mailing list; when it comes to form filling or what to look out for
9. Lu spends time advocating in her calm way across the borough. You’ll find her popping up at meetings, as she just seems to know what’s going on.
10. What more could we ask for?

This is the first time “Get on Downs” has received funding. There were shouts, cheers and tears at the event when it won. She and Claire (member of the group) gave the pitch and it was exquisitely personal and engaging. Congratulations!