Our aim

Helping people with Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.

Who we are

We are the only organisation in this country focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down's syndrome. Since 1970, we have grown from being a local parent support group to a national charity with over 20,000 members, a national office in Teddington Middlesex, offices in Northern Ireland and Wales. Despite this, the organisation is run by a total staff of only 38 (many of them part time), and a network of around 100 regional volunteer-led support groups.

Our mission

• We provide information and support for people with Down's syndrome, their families and carers, and the professionals who work with them.
• We strive to improve knowledge of the condition.
• We champion the rights of people with Down's syndrome.

What we do

Our organisation is divided into various teams, including:

• Information - run the helpline; provide info about all aspects of living with Down's syndrome including specialist advisers on social security benefits, education and health; advise new parents or anyone experiencing difficulties
• Fundraising - responsible for raising money for the association through events, sponsorship and trusts
• Communications - give key messages to the media, public and professionals; influence policy making; responsible for external publications
• Training - run courses throughout the UK for members, professionals and carers
• Membership - responsible for all administration surrounding new members, existing members and affiliated groups

In January 2004 we moved to new premises at the Langdon Down Centre, the former home of pioneering Victorian physician, Dr John Langdon Down, after whom Down's syndrome was named. View the Langdon Down Centre Trust website for more information about the history of Dr Langdon Down and his work.