The Dumfries and Galloway branch of Down’s Syndrome Scotland enjoyed a get-together at the weekend.
Children under the age of eight played with air dried clay whilst the older ones made and decorated plates at Clayworks at the Crichton Estate on Saturday.
The event also gave parents the chance to talk about their experiences and to socialise.
Ann Butler, Dumfries and Galloway branch chairwoman of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, said: “We were very cautious during Covid because there was a certain amount of vulnerability for people with Down’s Syndrome.
“Besides our Christmas party this was our first activity in a few years. It made us really appreciate the value of face-to-face interaction after not seeing much of each other since 2020. It was lovely to talk through our experiences and for the young people to see each other.”
Ann added: “Our branch covers the whole of Dumfries and Galloway so Dumfries is a good central point for us, although we hope to run more events across the region.
“We find that families who have a member with Down’s Syndrome often have common experiences to chat about and useful advice to exchange.
“The pottery workshop was a lovely activity and really engrossing. With everybody sitting around a table you get a great level of interaction going on. The youngest person was 10-month-old Quinn and the eldest was a lady called Francis who is in her sixties. There was a lovely cross section of people with Down’s Syndrome and they and their families appreciated getting together to see each other and interact.”
The local branch was set up in February 2018 and holds regular events.
At the next event the group will have support from Down’s Syndrome Scotland with two language therapists and a family support officer coming down to run workshops for the young ones whilst the older ones get to do some more pottery.
Ann was keen to praise the leadership and hard work of those who work for the charity. She added: “Down’s Syndrome Scotland responded to the challenges of Covid in the most amazing way.
“They put everything online, almost overnight, and offered a variety of support including ways in which people could interact on Zoom through lockdown.
“From online pet shows to fashion shows to cooking classes, our daughter, Georgie, made more friends with Down’s Syndrome than ever before.”
There are still free places in an ABC workshop on Saturday, March 4 for anyone under 10 with Down’s Syndrome.
This Achieving Better Communication workshop will be the first one to be run in the region and is a rare opportunity to get a free, professionally-led, face-to-face communication workshop.
Please get in touch with Ann as soon as possible to secure a place.
To get more details of upcoming activities and more details on the group please contact Ann Butler ann.butler14@hotmail.com.
