A local community built by families, for families

Get On Downs is a parent-led charity in Sutton, bringing families together through connection, guidance and shared experience. What began with one family’s journey has grown into a welcoming community where parents, children and expectant parents can feel understood, included and less alone.

Five members of the Get On Downs trustee team standing together in front of a charity banner

How Get On Downs began

Get On Downs began with a simple but powerful need: for families to hear something more hopeful, more human and more accurate at the start of their journey. In your notes, the story begins with Billy and the experience his family had when they were given poor, outdated and overly negative information. From that came the idea to create something different — a place where families could meet, talk openly and see that life could still be joyful, connected and full of possibility.

Over time, that local group has grown into a registered charity serving families in Sutton and the surrounding area. Today, Get On Downs brings people together every Wednesday for coffee, cake and chat, while also offering practical help, useful speakers and wider guidance for families at different stages. What has stayed the same throughout is the heart behind it: helping families feel welcomed, informed and part of a community that understands.

A girl playing in a garden

What matters to us

Everything Get On Downs does is shaped by real family experience, local connection and a belief that no one should feel they have to figure things out alone.

  • A mum laughing joyfully while cradling her newborn baby

    Community first

    Creating a welcoming local space where families can meet, connect and feel understood.

  • Parents and children gathered at a Get On Downs weekly meetup session

    Positive guidance

    Sharing information that feels helpful, balanced and more hopeful from the very beginning.

  • A young boy proudly showing his artwork on an electronic drawing tablet

    Real-life help

    Offering practical guidance that reflects everyday family life, not just big milestones.

  • A young boy with glasses carefully watching a painted lady butterfly land on his hand

    Family wellbeing

    Supporting not just one child or one moment, but the health and wellbeing of the family as a whole.

Support shaped around real family life

Get On Downs is here to make sure families feel welcomed, informed and connected. Our support is built around real experiences, with a focus on positive information, practical help and a local community that understands.

That means being there in different ways as family life changes from early support and shared experiences to guidance, wellbeing sessions and opportunities to connect with understand.

  • Supportive information that helps families feel confident and less alone.
  • Support with real-life next steps, from useful sessions to everyday guidance.
  • A space to meet other families, build connections and feel understood.
Donations
A girl playing in a garden

Meet the team

Get On Downs is led by a group of trustees who bring lived experience, care and a real commitment to supporting local families.

  • Five members of the Get On Downs trustee team standing together in front of a charity banner

    Lucienne Davies

    Chair of Trustees and Founder

    Lu set up Get On Downs after experiencing a lack of support and information when her son Billy was born. She now leads the charity while also working with national and local Down syndrome organisations, and is proud of the difference the group is making for families across the local area.

  • Five members of the Get On Downs trustee team standing together in front of a charity banner

    Laura Phillips

    Trustee and Graphic Designer

    Laura has been part of Get On Downs from the very beginning, after designing the group’s first logo. She has since supported the charity with posters, banners, invitations and flyers, and was honoured to become a trustee. She is proud to help the group continue growing and supporting local families.

  • Five members of the Get On Downs trustee team standing together in front of a charity banner

    Beth Johnson

    Treasurer and Accountant

    Donna met Jo when their boys were in the same primary school class. As an accountant, she was honoured to volunteer as treasurer for Get On Downs. She is proud to support the charity and the good work it does for local families.

  • Five members of the Get On Downs trustee team standing together in front of a charity banner

    Joanne Eatenton

    Trustee and Former Paediatric Nurse

    Jo is mum to Stephen, who has Down syndrome. Her family found Get On Downs while fostering him, and the support, information and encouragement they received helped give them the confidence to adopt. She is proud to help other families feel supported, informed and encouraged.

  • Five members of the Get On Downs trustee team standing together in front of a charity banner

    Chloe Stones

    Trustee and Fundraiser

    Chloe is mum to Elsie and Seb, and has been part of the Get On Downs community since Elsie was born. With experience in fundraising, supporter engagement and corporate partnerships, she is proud to help the charity grow its support and positive impact for families.

  • Five members of the Get On Downs trustee team standing together in front of a charity banner

    Donna

    Treasurer and Accountant

    Donna met Jo when their boys were in the same primary school class. As an accountant, she was honoured to volunteer as treasurer for Get On Downs. She is proud to support the charity and the good work it does for local families.