Down Syndrome Charity Invited to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day at No.10
On Thursday 21st March, members of the charity Down Syndrome Cheshire, based in Northwich, Cheshire took a journey down to No.10 Downing Street in London to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Alongside this, the event was also in commemoration of the Down Syndrome Act 2022.
Many members of the charity, and the Down syndrome community attended No.10 Downing Steet. While celebrating the special day, members also discussed issues they continue to face and how they could make improvements to the Down Syndrome Act to combat these issues.
What Happened At Downing Steet?
Maria Caulfield, Minister for Mental Health and Woman’s Health Strategy, hosted the reception at Downing Street for the celebration of WDSD and the Down Syndrome Act. The event welcomed many, including Sir Liam Fox, the original creator of the bill that got passed to make the Down Syndrome Act 2022. Other notable attendees include Ken Ross who is the secretariat to the APPG for Down Syndrome. Tommy Jessop, who was the first actor with Down syndrome to star in a primetime BBC drama. As well as Ruben Reuter, an actor and reporter for Chanel 4, best known for his coverage of challenges people with disabilities face.
Down Syndrome Cheshire at No.10 Downing Street celebrating World Syndrome Day 2024 (Images: Northwich Guardian)
What Is WDSD & The Down Syndrome Act?
World Down Syndrome Day falls on March 21st of each year. Decided by The General Assembly, it was declared in December 2011 that March 21st would be observed as World Down Syndrome Day. The choice of day resonates with people with Down syndrome, “March 21st is a really important date for us as it represents the three copies of chromosome 21, which is unique to people with Down syndrome” said Julie Duff, chair of Down Syndrome Cheshire.
The Down Syndrome Act is aimed at making provisions for meeting the needs of individuals with Down syndrome. It addresses how relevant authorities should approach their functions concerning individuals with Down syndrome. Overall this act is to help improve quality of life for people with Down syndrome, and was finalised on the 28th April 2022.
After the passing of the Down Syndrome Act, the charity, Down Syndrome Cheshire undertook a consultation of more than 200 people in the region, who provided contributions as a call for evidence for the bill. “Our members have played a key part in the consultation process by contributing their lived experience to the guidance that will help shape the Down Syndrome Act.”
Although the act has been passed as of April 2022, it is still subject to being updated and revised. Down Syndrome Cheshire attended downing street not only to celebrate but to discuss issues that people with disabilities, especially those with Down syndrome, face on a day to day business. Their goal is to shape the future of the legislation and cover issues that people with Down syndrome still face.
Extra Support From Cheshire
Back in Cheshire, hundreds of supporters helped to raise money for the charity, on the 21st March. Members of the charity that didn’t attend Downing Street still helped the cause by baking plenty of sock shaped cookies and biscuits, as well as donning their craziest socks. Why socks you may ask? Socks are symbolic for people with Down syndrome, this is because chromosomes look like socks. Crazy socks have since become a staple of Down syndrome awareness.
Sock shaped cookies being sold back in Cheshire (Images: Northwich Guardian)
Julie Duff, the chair of Down Syndrome Cheshire concluded the the celebration by saying: “A huge heartfelt thank you once again to all of our supporters who make this such a special and colourful day across the region fundraising for and celebrating with our community”
