THE PARTY spirit was in full swing as Solihull Down Syndrome Support Group (SDSSG) marked its 20th anniversary.
A whopping 66 members came together at Newlands Bishop Farm to celebrate with entertainment, food and drink, bouncy castles and magic.
The part celebrated 20 years since SDSSG a registered charity.
It is a parent-led charity that supports families and carers with children and young people with Down syndrome in and around the borough.
The charity also offers support and advice to professionals who work alongside their children and young people.
Tracey Hill, parent and vice chair of the Solihull Down Syndrome Support Group, said: “This is an amazing milestone that speaks volumes about the strength and importance of our parent-led charity and the community it brings together.
“Twenty years ago a small group of parents came together with no budget or backing, but with a shared vision and great determination to create something for their children and young people with Down syndrome.
“Over the past 20 years our charity has grown and supported hundreds of families. It has been a source of support and information, but most importantly friendship, for children and young people with Down syndrome, siblings, parents and carers. These friendships carry us through the highs and the lows, celebrate achievements big and small, and stand with us helping us navigating the world of Down syndrome.
“We also wouldn’t be here without the support of our local community. Every raffle, cake sale, sponsored event and donation makes a difference. So here’s to 20 years of connection and community, and let’s continue to build, celebrate and support our charity to secure its future for the next 20 years and beyond, and all those who live this amazing journey.”
Founded in 2000, this small charity has gone from strength to strength, from its first few members to today with 66 members, all with a common purpose of raising awareness of Down syndrome, and creating a support organisation for parents, carers, siblings, and their extended family networks.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, also joined members and their families at the anniversary event.
She said: “I was honoured to be invited to celebrate Solihull Down Syndrome Support Group’s 20th anniversary as a registered charity.
“Over the last two decades the group has offered a hand to hold, a voice of understanding and a community of support to families in Solihull and the surrounding area that has helped so many children and young people with Down syndrome to flourish.
“Having served on the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board, and worked as a childminder for almost 30 years, I have long been dedicated to making sure that our children and young people have access to care that best supports their individual needs.
“It was wonderful to meet all the incredible co-ordinators, volunteers, parents, and service users, and to see first-hand the difference they have made to people’s lives. I would once again like to thank Solihull Down Syndrome Support Group for inviting me to celebrate 20 brilliant years, here’s to many more ahead.”
