A PROJECT aimed at increasing inclusion for children with Down’s syndrome through communication support has launched in Northwich.

The Empowered Communication initiative, which also focuses on the children’s health and wellbeing, will include one-to-one speech therapy, group therapy, community training, workshops and parent drop-in sessions.

It will be run by the Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG), based in Witton Street, with £5,609 funding from the Postcode Lottery’s community trust.

CDSSG supports around 150 families in Cheshire, and recent research carried out by the charity into the hopes and fears of parents and carers of children with Down’s syndrome in Cheshire found that 60 percent of families are concerned about the level of speech and language support.

Over the course of a year, Empowered Communication will reach 30 pre-school children every month, and 20 primary-aged children with Down’s syndrome will be assessed by a speech and language therapist.

In addition, Makaton resources will be made available to parents, carers and community groups such as Cubs and Brownies.

Julie Duff CDSSG CEO, said: “We’re so grateful to have received this funding from the Postcode Community Trust. Great communication is fundamental to children’s development and relationships and kids with Down’s syndrome are no different to anyone else.

“With the right support, children with Down’s syndrome can access community groups such as Cubs and Brownies, they can tell their families about their day, share jokes with their friends and answer the teacher’s questions in class. This project is much needed and we’re delighted to be able to deliver it with this generous funding.”

John Robson, community programmes advisor at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The communication sessions and workshops that CDSSG will provide through its Empowered Communication project will no doubt stay with the children, the parents and the carers that it supports as they continue in life. I’m incredibly proud that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting this invaluable project with funding from Postcode Community Trust.”

Visit cheshiredownssyndrome.com or email admin@cdssgroup.org.uk or call 01606 246171