Tesco Stronger Starts brings joy to children and young people with Down Syndrome
The North Down and Ards Down Syndrome Support Group has received a £2,500 grant from Tesco as part of the Stronger Starts scheme, helping them provide support and fun activities for people of all ages with Down Syndrome, their parents and carers.
Founded in 2019, the charity benefits 40 children and young people with additional needs in the Ards and North Down area.
The activities offered by the group include yoga to help develop muscle tone, soft play and pool sessions, families’ days out and parties to give parents a chance to get together and support each other.
Last December, with the funding from Stronger Starts, the kids enjoyed a magical Christmas party, with complete with DJ disco, bouncy castle, yummy treats and a special visit from the Big Man himself.
The junior members also enjoyed a trip to see “Shrek!” pantomime at the Stranmillis University College Theatre, in Belfast, while senior members watched “The Adventures of Pinocchio” show at the Grand Opera House.
Parent and member of the charity Kathryn Watson said: “The donation from Tesco was crucial in allowing us to give our children and young people something truly special during the festive season.
“These experiences bring so much joy and confidence to our members, while also giving parents the chance to connect.”
The North Down and Ards Down Syndrome Support Group also offers information sessions and support for new parents.
“Having a child with Down Syndrome presents physical, mental and developmental challenges, and we feel there is a lack of support for parents and families, especially for older children and teenagers with Down Syndrome, as planning for the future can be very daunting”, Kathryn added.
“We provide information on hospitals and what to expect from daily life, so they know they are not alone and that the future can very bright.”
The Stronger Starts scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, aims to support many Northern Ireland community projects and good causes in the coming years, with thousands of pounds to give away.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help charities like the North Down and Ards Down Syndrome Support Group.
“Stronger Starts invites our customers to use their blue tokens to vote for local schemes they feel will benefit people of all ages and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding makes.”
NI shoppers can support their local schools and charities by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.
For further information on how to make a difference at Tesco stores across NI, please go to:
