Wakefield & District Down’s Syndrome Support Group

August 2008 Newsletter

NEW WEBSITE SPECIAL FRIENDS WORTH A VISIT ANfr A BROWSE

Is a new website launched in June for people with

learning disabilities, their parents, carers and

volunteers.

The website includes portfolios of people who have

achieved outstanding things, "Meet Our Heros" eg a

young man with Down syndrome who sings in a band.

There is a video of this and it is brilliant.

There are also many links to other websites on Down

syndrome, opportunities to chat with friends, share

stories and send in your own pictures.

Who we are

Stars in the Sky Yorkshire is a project being run in Leeds,

Wakefield and surrounding areas. We are committed to

people with learning disabilities, having the opportunity to:

develop and sustain friendships and relationships

attend social events/ take part in leisure activities

To join you have to:

Have a learning disability/difficulty

Be over the age of 18

What we do

As a member you will be invited to all events. Some events

will be free and some will cost money.

We can help you to meet new people on a

one to one basis or in a group.

Stars in the Sky Yorkshire will support you on your

first one to one meeting.

Social events include:

Theatre & music nights Picnics & restaurant meals

Club outings Sport activities

Stars in the Sky Yorkshire is all about

having fun in a safe environment.

Safe doesn't mean you can't do things.

You just have to think how you do things.

Stars in the Sky Yorkshire do not provide transport.

We will try and support people to get to events

where possible.

To contact Stars in the Sky Yorkshire

please call 01924 229120 or 01924 242700

email

PARENT CARER GROUP

Are you caring for a child under 18yrs who has any special needs? Come and meet with other parents at our newly formed support group.

Drop-in or stay - anytime from

10.00am to 12.00 noon

to our office at 25 King Street

Tuesday 16 September

Wednesday 22 October

Tuesday 18 November

Wednesday 10 December

Please telephone Di on (01924) 305544

If you need further information

new website

Built right into INCHworm shoes is the iFit technology. The iFit technology allows you to GROW the size of the shoe with a simple push of the button. So eliminate unnecessary trips to the shoe store and provide your children with better fitting shoes that last up to three sizes longer. Inchworm shoes grow in half size increments. Just push the button on the side, and pull the toe of the shoe to adjust into the next size.

There are already a number of items that you can download free from the Makaton website. E.g. stories, vocabulary lists and other translated reference materials. You can now download, free of charge, the story Dick Whittington and the song Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat. These two resources have been translated and are available in both Makaton symbols and signs.

Saturday Club

Our next Saturday club will be on 6th September. Jean Quinn Speech & Language therapist will be coming to talk to parents of young children about the possibility of setting up early development groups. We will have playdough as well as some new outdoor games. These include cricket, golf and basketball.

CELEBRATION CORNER

Nina Allen has just got her 10m swimming certificate and badge.

She was also involved in a youth games gymnastic competition at Carnegie Hall Headingley Campus along with Harry Amy and Tia. They represented their school and came 4th – they were competing against high school children so they did very well.

Nina, Harry and Amy were again involved with the youth games and did a multi sport demonstration as part of the opening ceremony, for the youth games at Galpharm stadium in Huddersfield.They represented their gym club with other children from across Kirklees.

WELL DONE TO YOU ALL!!!

SUMMER SPORTS DAY

Martin our fully qualified sports coach is putting on a summer sports day for all of our children. It will take place on Thursday 28th August, 11am-1pm, at MinsthorpeCommunity College. Come and join the fun and bring a packed lunch. If the weather is bad, don’t worry it will be held indoors. EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

The sports club will start again in September, for more information or to book a place, contact Alicia on 0780 5792021

Contact me on 07956 869952 or e-mail