WHO WE ARE

In the summer of 2004 four babies with Down syndrome were born at Warwick Hospital.

A year later one of those mums, Nicola Enoch, started The Ups of Downs, a fortnightly group for babies with Down syndrome. Nicola took the Symbol co-worker course and attended the Down Syndrome Education International’s monthly Early Intervention Groups in Southsea and started putting ‘early intervention’ structure to the local weekly meetings. The group soon flourished as parents valued the importance of sharing information and experiences. The rest, as they say, is history.

We are a registered charity with three Trustees, all parents of a child with Down syndrome. We run weekly sessions for the different age groups; pre-school, primary and secondary school aged. Regular training courses for parents and professionals, termly twilight training for teaching professionals, socials and information sessions for parents and at every gathering parents are able to discuss the high points, issues and any challenges that they are encountering.

OUR TRUSTEES

Nicola Enoch

Mum to Tom born in 2004 who started at his local mainstream secondary school September 2016. Nicola is the driving force behind The Ups of Downs and is also active within the national Down syndrome community. Nicola and her husband John run a property business, enjoy watching sport, eating good food and travelling.

Caroline Warren

Mum to Alex born in 2004 who attends his local High School along with his older brother. Caroline has a background in agricultural and property development and management, she is a Trustee of another small charity and a Director of two South Warwickshire / North Gloucestershire companies.

Jon Lee

Dad to Maisie, Sophie and James. Jon is a primary school teacher of 4 years, having previously worked in sports marketing. Jon is particularly keen to promote inclusion in schools. He is a sports fanatic, enjoying watching and playing football and when his body lets him running marathons! Jon recently joined a band with friends to show it’s never too late to try something new!

Kelly Porcas

Mum to Chloe and Olly, Kelly has worked in disability employment support and training for 14 years. She passionately believes that employment is for all, and that for young people with disabilities this should start with good work experience whilst at school. Outside work Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, walking and reading. She is also an avid Formula 1 fan.

OUR VALUES

Promote inclusion – people with DS are at the heart of everything we do.

Be collaborative – we work in partnership with parents, professionals and experts.

Challenge – we remove barriers to our children’s progress and provide innovative solutions.

Empower – we provide knowledge, resources, training and confidence to ensure sustained results.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Raise awareness.

Change attitudes.

Make a difference here & now.

Support friendships & relationships.

Improve health.

Give children the best start in life.