As children grow, new questions and opportunities

Get On Downs is beginning to grow more support for older children, with activities, practical guidance and local connections that help families feel included, informed and more confident about the years ahead.

Helpful resources
A girl in a blue dress making peace signs and beaming at the camera

For the years that follow

As children get older, family life can bring a different set of questions, from finding inclusive activities to thinking about school, independence and what comes next. This page brings together the ideas, opportunities and local help that feel most relevant at this stage.

This part of Get On Downs is still growing, but it already reflects an important need. Families may be looking for more chances to join in, more guidance around next steps, and more spaces where older children feel welcomed, included and able to take part.

Helpful resources
A girl playing in a garden

What can help as children grow

As children get older, families may be looking for more inclusive activities, more practical guidance and more opportunities to build confidence, independence and connection. That is the space this part of Get On Downs is beginning to grow into.

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

    Inclusive activities

    From craft sessions to local activities, families can find more ways for older children to join in, feel included and have something to look forward to.

    Ask about Weekly meet-up
  • A young boy in a football kit kicking a ball at a Sutton United coaching session

    Saturday football and group sessions

    Partnerships like Sutton United open up more chances for children to take part in regular activities in a welcoming and supportive setting.

    Ask about Speech & language sessions
  • A young boy proudly showing his artwork on an electronic drawing tablet

    School and next steps

    Help with forms, school systems and the next stages of family life can make things feel more manageable as children grow older.

    Ask about Wellbeing sessions
  • A young boy carefully painting a pine cone at a classroom craft table

    Growing independence

    Ideas like cooking sessions can help children build confidence and independence through simple, everyday skills.

    Ask about form support

Helpful resources and trusted support

We know there can be a lot to take in, especially around diagnosis and the early years. Our resources page brings together trusted organisations, useful guidance and support services in one place.

From local groups to national charities and practical information, we want to make it easier for families to find the right support at the right time.

Helpful resources
A girl playing in a garden

Events, community and positive stories

There is always something happening at Get On Downs, from local meet-ups and community events to positive updates that celebrate the people and families in our community.

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

Weekly Support Group: A regular space to meet, talk and feel supported

Our weekly support group brings together people with Down's syndrome, parents, carers and families from across Sutton and the surrounding area. Come along, meet others and find a little bit of breathing space.

Events
A teenage boy in a smart grey suit and blue tie smiling confidently

Autumn sponsored walk for Get On Downs

A gentle community walk through Sutton to raise funds for the weekly support group and the wider work we do for families across the area.

Fundraising Sunday 18th October