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New Parents

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Congratulations on the birth of your baby!

 

** DOWNLOAD OUR NEW PARENT BOOKLET HERE **

 

Most of our parents find out that their baby has Down Syndrome soon after the birth and the news is a great shock. We understand that your life is no longer following the  expected route, but we want you to know that you are not alone, and we hope we can help you to celebrate your baby’s life.

Before you left our local hospitals (H.R.I & Calderdale) you should have been given one of our ‘new parent’ packs containing  useful information and contact details of local support groups for when you feel ready. If your hospital failed to pass one on and you would like one just contact us at: hdssg1@gmail.com

We have a number of families in the Huddersfield area that would be willing to visit you at your home, in hospital or wherever you choose to offer support and advice on the future. If you would like to be put in contact with a family local to you please e mail us at: hdssg1@gmail.com

Taking positive action in the first years of your baby’s life can greatly shape their future. When you are ready there are lots of useful and exciting opportunities to access.

 
  • You may want to visit the Down’s Syndrome Association website where a PDF booklet is available. This booklet acknowledges the profound feelings experienced by many parents, addresses common questions and concerns, and includes practical tips on feeding and development.
  • Huddersfield* is fortunate to have an excellent centre for Child Development. It is here you can get professional input from an early age from specialists such as Speech and  Language therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Play therapists. The knowledge and skills you will pick up here as a parent are invaluable in helping your child.

( *services have now been relocated to Calderdale )

  • You can also access a service called Portage. Portage is a home visiting educational service for pre-school children with additional support needs and their families. To find out more click here.
  • An exciting opportunity  available only  in Huddersfield is ‘Little Tiddlers’. Run by Shabang! Theatre Adventures, this is accessible to any pre-school child with additional needs and their families. They run 2 weekly sessions, hosted by Captain Barnacle Bill and Old Barmy Bess. Little Tiddlers uses song, signing, music, puppetry, multi sensory techniques and repeated routines to help communication, concentration and general development. The work takes place at The Watershed in Slaithwaite.

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There is lots of support out there for families/carers of children with additional needs. The groups below, like ours, are a great source of information and also offer a wide range of social opportunities. Click on their logo’s to be redirected to their websites for more!

 

 

 

 PCAN

An independent parent led forum for all parents/carers of children with additional needs making a difference in Kirklees.

 

 

YDSGYorkshire Down Syndrome Support Group

Based in Batley, their aim is to bring families who have children with Down Syndrome together through fun and games.

 

Wakefield and district Down’s Syndrome Support Group.

This group was formed  in 2000 and is run by parents/carers of people with Down’s Syndrome.

 

 

 Down Syndrome Training & Support Service Ltd

Based in Bradford, the Down Syndrome Training & Support Service is a registered charity run by and for parents and carers of children who have Down Syndrome.